Long story short...(as of 11/4/2025)...
If you are even "most likely / maybe" attending ISLS in Irvine,
you should reserve a hotel room ASAP.
You may need to put a card on file,
but nothing will be charged & reservations can be cancelled until June.
To help keep lodging costs at minimum, we encourage ILSSA members open to splitting hotel booking fees with other ILSSA folks to use our ISLS 2026 Roommate Matching Spreadsheet. Here, people who have booked accommodations can indicate their desire for a roommate and list some preferences (e.g., same gender identity, no alcohol, etc.) that can help prospective roomies find an ideal match.
Hotels/accommodations in Irvine for ISLS 2026 are going to be a pain for a lot of reasons.
AirBnbs / short-term rentals aren't allowed (legally)
Classes will still be in session, so students will be on campus + graduation (this means on-campus housing/dorms aren't an option)
FIFA is happening nearby at the same time as the conference << this one is the biggest issue
With the exception of the Hyatt Regency (the conference hotel), literally NO hotels within the surrounding area are taking any (block) reservations until after December 5th.
Because that is when the official FIFA program is announced. Once announced, ALL hotels in a 2 hour radius will immediately book up at absurdly high prices. That's just how it is. The sooner we fill our hotel block, the quicker we can request an expansion to ensure everyone will have housing.
If you wait until after Dec 5th, it will cost more, as the rate isn't secured. So if you are even consideringattending the conference in-person, just book now.
The conference booking rate ($229.00 +) is considered low/reasonable (compared to 'usual' rates in the area).
ISLS can't guarantee / protect our reservations elsewhere (i.e. ensure they don't get cancelled, rates don't change, we individually aren't liable if something happens, etc).
We have been assured that YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED and YOU CAN CANCEL FOR FREE up until June (although you may need to put a card on file). If you happen to find accommodations elsewhere, you can cancel and adjust your arrangements for free.
Behind the scenes, our organizers are truly HUSTLING to find reasonably priced accommodations that are budget-friendly and don't require such early booking. If/when another housing option is found, we will share with you all ASAP so that you can cancel / change any reservations as needed. But for now, this is what we got.
Please know that we (ILSSA) are on your team. We have lots of feelings about this and are advocating like heck for you. You'll be the first to know if there are any updates. In the meantime, use the #isls2026_irvine channel in the Discord Server for any discussion/questions -- this will allow us to document these concerns so they can be better articulated to organizers!
As you're able, please forward this on to any other potential conference attendees! Thank you! 💚💜