Networking Reception

After the conference, join us for a celebratory evening at The Market at Malcolm Yards, a stunning converted industrial building now home to nine unique food kitchens, a craft cocktail bar, and a 30-tap self-pour beer and wine wall. We recommend opening a Yard Card to streamline your food purchases and ensure they’re tracked with the conference.

• All-access pass holders will receive a complimentary drink ticket—just show your WiADS 2025 name badge at check-in. 

• Virtual attendees are warmly invited to join us in person, though drink tickets are reserved for all-access registrants. 

Getting there is easy: it’s just a 5-minute drive or a 15-minute ride on the Green Line from the conference venue. If taking the Metro, board at East Bank Station, head East to Prospect Park Station, and enjoy a short 5-minute walk (.2 miles) to The Market.

Parking

Reserved (but not prepaid) parking is available for WiADS attendees at the following locations:

• University Ave Ramp

• Washington Ave Ramp

• Maroon Lot (Stadium)

If a lot is marked "by reservation only," inform the attendant you are here for the "WiADS Conference" to access our reserved spaces. Take a ticket and pay upon exit. If no attendant is present, just enter and take a ticket. 

If one lot is full, try the next one on the list. If all options are full, check the McNamara Alumni Center's website to view parking suggestions.

Giveaway

Back again this year, enter to Win: Women in Leadership Course

One lucky attendee will win a seat in the Minnesota Carlson’s Women in Leadership course (May 20–21, 2026), valued at over $3,600! 

How to enter:

• In-person attendees:

  • Stop by the photobooth to drop your name in the giveaway box

  • For a bonus entry: snap a photo of yourself at WiADS next to our UMN backdrop and tag #WiADS2025 on social media

• Virtual attendees:

  • Use the giveaway link shared via email the morning of the event

Recording & Participation Options

We are committed to creating a comfortable and inclusive experience for all attendees. 

• Most sessions will be recorded and shared with attendees after the event—perfect for catching up on anything you missed

• “No photography” zones will be clearly marked in each room

• Optional “no photo” stickers available at check-in for those who prefer not to be photographed

• To facilitate engagement, we’ve implemented Q&A tools in every breakout room, with in-person microphone options to ensure virtual participants can hear all discussions

• For those requiring closed captioning or hearing assistance, you can connect to each room’s Zoom webinar via laptop (just bring your computer and don’t forget your headphones!)

On-Site Facilities

• A private lactation room is available on the 2nd floor, located at the rear of the women’s restroom. If you need help finding it during the event, (ask event staff for directions)

• New this year: A break room available for quiet time, prayer, or informal meetings

Food & Refreshments 

We’ve worked closely with our caterers to provide meals that accommodate a range of dietary preferences and sensitivities. Here’s what you need to know:

• We’ve got you covered throughout the day with morning refreshments, boxed lunch, and all-day coffee, tea, and water service

• Halal Requests: While the caterer’s meat is not halal-certified, vegetarian and fish-free vegan meals are available.

• Nut Allergies: Meals don’t contain nuts, but kitchens do process them—so we can’t guarantee against cross-contact.

• Ingredient Sensitivities: Avoiding specific items? Check ingredient labels at meal stations.

Virtual Attendee Information

• Virtual participants will receive their webinar links the morning of the event 

• You’ll have the flexibility to move between virtual rooms as you please

• Dedicated moderators will share your questions in the room

• Q&A tools will be provided via link

Have any questions or requests? Contact DSIevents@umn.edu—2 weeks of advance notice (Oct 20) helps us serve you better!