Local Arrangements
Location
Bloomington Campus of Indiana University
ALifeX will be held on the campus of Indiana University, located close to downtown Bloomington, Indiana, about 50 miles south of Indianapolis, Indiana.
To acquaint you with the scenic Bloomington campus, we invite you to take a virtual campus tour at: www.iub.edu/tour
The IU Bloomington campus is a careful blend of traditional and modern architecture within a park-like environment. Made of locally quarried limestone, the University buildings add beauty and charm to the scenic campus. Bloomington offers the charm of a small town and the sophistication of a cultural capital with international caliber performance in opera, music and theater.
Local Time Zone
At the time of the AlifeX, Bloomington will be on Eastern Daylight Time (the same time as New York City and the East Coast of the United States).
Weather
Temperature in south-central Indiana in June can be variable. Typically daytime temperatures are in the mid to upper 80's. The Bloomington area is characterized by a lot of humidity so often temperatures feel considerably warmer than those reflected on the thermometer. Although warm at this time of year, we suggest that you bring layered clothing to adjust to meeting rooms that are air- conditioned and often cool. Local weather information is available through the National Weather Service.
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Lodging
| Host hotel: | Indiana Memorial Union (IMU) 900 East 7th Street Bloomington, IN 47405 |
| Reservations: | Phone: 800.209.8145 or 812.856.6381 Fax: 812.855.3426 E-mail reservation requests: imuhotel@indiana.edu Contact the hotel directly. Inform the reservation staff person that you are attending ALifeX Conference . Unless you identify yourself as a conference participant, you may be unable to obtain a room. We encourage you to make your reservations early as accommodations are often difficult to secure during this busy time of year. ALifeX block of hotel rooms will be released to the general public on May 3rd . Note: Hotel rooms on Friday, June 2nd are limited at the IMU. If you are unable to reserve a room at the Indiana Memorial Union on Friday night, we suggest that you make a reservation at the brand new Hilton Garden Inn (see "Bloomington hotels"). You may elect to stay at the Hilton for the duration of the conference, or you may book a room at the Hilton on Friday only and stay at the Indiana Memorial Union, where the conference will take place, for the remainder of your conference visit. In the event that you have difficulty securing a room at either the Indiana Memorial Union or the Hilton Garden Inn, contact Conference Coordinator who will assist you in finding accommodations. |
| Rates: | Hotel room rates are based on: |
| Internet Access: | Hardwire and wireless internet access is available throughout the IMU. |
Bloomington Hotels
Bloomington has a number of locally owned hotels, bed and breakfasts as well as national and international hotel chains. Most accommodations are within easy driving distance of campus. Three facilities are within walking distance of campus:
- Hilton Garden Inn.
Opening May 1, 2006; 12-15 minute walk from the IMU; ALifeX room rate is $99.00 per night. A block of rooms has been reserved for ALifeX participants beginning Friday, June 2, 2006. You must identify yourself as an ALifeX conference participant in order to secure a room. Hotel rooms in Bloomington on Friday, June 2 are limited.
+1-877.STAYHGI (toll free in the US)
+1-812.331.1335
- Grant Street Inn
Locally owned; charming, 3 minute walk from the IMU; rates are comparable to the IMU.
+1-800.328.4350
+1-812.334.2353 - Courtyard by Marriott
National chain; 12-15 walk from hotel to the IMU; rates are comparable with the IMU.
+1-800.321.2211
+1-812.335.8000
- College Motor Inn
Locally owned motel; rooms are small, but nicely decorated; all rooms have been recently renovated; economical
877.409.5611 (toll free)
812.336.6881
Dormitory accommodations
- Willkie Residence Center
We have secured a block of single room, air-conditioned, economically priced dormitory rooms at Willkie Residence Center with availability beginning Friday, June 2nd through Wednesday night, June 7th. Willkie Center is located on the east side of campus (see campus map). The Center is a pleasant 10-15 walk from the Indiana Memorial Union where most conference activities take place. Willkie offers single room accommodations in a "suite" style setting. Two single rooms are connected by one shared bath. All rooms have internet access. Rooms are air-conditioned, have wall-to-wall carpeting, a bed, dresser and desk with overhead and desk lighting. Linens including 2 sheets, lightweight coverlet, pillow, pillow case and small towel are provided. We recommend that you bring your own bath towel. It is your responsibility to provide your own toiletries. You may select your suite mate or we will assign you a same gender suite mate (see housing reservation form). You can make a reservation online. The cost for housing at Willkie Residence Center is: $49.00/night + 11% tax ($54.39). The following options are available to reserve a single, air-conditioned room at Willkie Center: Online: payment by credit card or purchase order. Mail: payment by check or money order. Send a copy of the pdf housing form, along with your check or money order to: IU Conferences #12-06 801 N. Jordan Ave. Suite 101 Bloomington, IN 47405 Make checks or money orders payable to: IU Conferences #12-06 FAX: Copy the online pdf form and fax to: 812.855.8077 Reservation Deadline: Monday, May 22, 2006. Reservations after May 22nd, including on-site reservations are not available. You may cancel reservations at Willkie Center anytime up to May 22nd by emailing your request to the Conference Registrar. A cancellation charge of one night's lodging will be assessed for any cancellations after May 22nd..
Information about other area accommodations is available at: www.visitbloomington.com
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Meals
Food events included in your registration fee include:
- Opening Reception including beer, wine, soft drinks and heavy hors d'ouerves
- Continental Breakfasts (Sat through Wed)
- Morning and afternoon refreshment breaks
- Banquet (tentatively scheduled for Monday)
- Poster Session Refreshments
There are many pleasant pubs, restaurants and coffee houses located a short walking distance from campus.
- Kirkwood Avenue is a main street leading from campus to downtown Bloomington. Along Kirkwood you will find many casual eating options.
- 4th Street is renowned for its unusual and unusually large selection of ethnic restaurants - Indian Italian, Moroccan, Thai, Burmese, Mexican and Korean. Located between 4th and Kirkwood is one of only two restaurants in the US featuring authentic Tibetan cuisine.
- Downtown Bloomington - in and around the Courthouse Square there are a variety of eating establishments ranging from a California style coffee shop to sports bars to cafes to a long standing Greek restaurant - many offer outdoor seating.
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