We are excited to welcome you to the 2024 UW–Madison Diversity Forum on Nov. 13 & 14. Below are answers to some common questions, whether you plan to attend in person at Union South or participate online. Please email events@cdo.wisc.edu with any questions not covered below.
General Questions
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What time does the conference start?
The conference program will begin at 8:30 a.m. Central Standard Time on Wednesday, Nov. 13, and Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. We will have coffee and light refreshments starting at 7:30 a.m.
Where can I find the schedule?
You can find the schedule with session descriptions, locations, times and speakers on our Agenda page.
My plans have changed; how can I update my registration?
If your plans have changed, especially if you were planning to attend in-person, please update your registration by clicking here! We have the opportunity to contact people on the wait list so they can attend in-person.
I am on the wait list. When is the soonest I will find out if I can attend in-person?
If enough people have canceled their in-person registration to open up the waitlist, we will notify you at least one week in advance by Wednesday, November 6.
Will video recordings be available after the conference?
Yes, video replays will be available for most conference sessions after the Diversity Forum concludes. Please note that sessions hosted in Industry will not be streamed or recorded.
For In-Person Attendees
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Where do I go?
The conference will convene in Varsity Hall on the second floor of Union South, 1308 W. Dayton St., Madison. View a floor map of Union South (PDF).
How do I get to Union South?
Here’s a guide for how to get to Union South and where to find parking. Coming from out of town? Explore our campus and Madison, Wisconsin, while you’re here.
Where do I check in?
Please pick up your name tag at the registration table outside Varsity Hall on the second floor of Union South.
Will there be food at the conference?
Yes, we will provide light refreshments in the morning and a boxed lunch of your choice in the afternoon. If you’ve indicated that you have dietary restrictions, there will be a boxed lunch set aside for you that takes your needs into consideration. Follow the Lunch Greeters directions to the Dietary Restriction Table to pick up the box with your name on it.
Please note that the Union can accommodate dietary restrictions, but it’s not an allergen-free kitchen. Please let us know if you cannot consume foods made in a commercial kitchen.
Will there be live captions for in-person attendees?
Yes, we will display live CART captions on a TV monitor for all sessions in Varsity Hall, Northwoods, and Industry. You can access live captions for breakout sessions in the Marquee Theater on your personal smart device. Links to view CART captions for all sessions will be available on the session pages and in the rooms once the conference begins.
Will Dr. Steve Robbins sign my book?
Yes, our keynote speaker, Dr. Steve Robbins, will greet attendees and sign books from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. We will give away free copies of his book, “What If?” to the first 100 in-person attendees to check in starting at 7:30 a.m.
Will my comments or opinions during sessions be recorded?
Some sessions are being live-streamed. Comments shared during sessions may be recorded by reporters for news stories or other media coverage related to the conference.
Is space available for breastfeeding?
Yes, a private lactation room is available on the 2nd floor behind the Marquee Theater. There is a number on the door you can call and someone will come unlock it for you.
Do I have to register for DDEEA’s 15th-anniversary reception on Wednesday, Nov. 13?
There is no special registration to join the DDEEA 15th-anniversary reception. After the last session, please join us in the Varsity Lounge for light refreshments and meet some new people!
Please note that we will check IDs for anyone wanting a drink at the cashless bar.
Sometimes I get overstimulated around a lot of people. Is there a quiet place I can go?
Yes! You can go to the Quiet Room in Landmark on the third floor if you need a sensory break. The sessions in Varsity will be streamed in this room, but out of respect for anyone else needing a break, please refrain from speaking in this room. If you are the only one in the room, you’re welcome to mute the sound for some extra peace.
Fidget toys will be available on the tables. You’re welcome to take anything helpful to use throughout the conference.
Is there a prayer or reflection room available?
Yes! The Reflection Room is open to all. It’s located on the third floor of Union South.
For Virtual Attendees
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How do I participate in the sessions?
Interactive video players for all streamed sessions will appear on that session’s webpage. The easiest way to find the session’s webpage is to go to the agenda and then click on the session you are interested in. You do not need separate links to participate. The video players will include a Q&A box for sending your questions to the speakers. In-person attendees can also use their personal devices to interact with the Q&A function.
Please note that sessions hosted in Industry will not be streamed.
What are the technology requirements to participate virtually?
To participate in the virtual conference live, please ensure that your device meets the following technical requirements:
- System requirements: Windows 7 or higher, Mac OS X 10.6 or higher
- Supported desktop browsers: Google Chrome 45+, Mozilla Firefox 49+, Safari 10+, Microsoft Edge 15+
- Supported mobile browsers: Chrome 45+, Safari 10+ (iOS)
- Internet connection: Minimum 10 Mbps download speed is recommended. You can check your connection at speedtest.net.