How do I get to and from the airport?
There are several ways to get from the airport. The Concourse Hotel does offer a free shuttle. Taxi fare to downtown is between $15 and $20. A Madison Metro Transit bus runs from the airport to downtown every 30 minutes between 6:00 am and 10:30 pm for $2. Check https://www.cityofmadison.com/metro/ for specific time and routes.
What if I have an A-V issue?
The OHA supports each session room with a digital projector and audio amplification. Participants must bring their own laptops. For the full OHA audio-visual policy, go to: https://oralhistory.org/audio-visual-support-policy/. In case of a problem, contact that registration desk, and the a-v technician on call will be summoned.
When is the authors’ signing event?
Friday from 3:15-3:45 in the Exhibit Hall. Only those authors who have been cleared in advance with the OHA office may participate.
Where is the business office?
On the first floor of the hotel, behind the stairs leading to the lobby.
What are OHA conference check-in and registration times?
You may pick up your registration materials or register onsite from 8:00-5:00 Wednesday through Friday, and from 8:00-4:30 on Saturday. Registration will be on the second floor at the top of the stairs.
When is the community showcase?
The community showcase, featuring oral history projects from Madison and the Upper Midwest, will be held 1:30-4:30 on Saturday, in Capitol Ballroom A.
How do I sign up for the dine-arounds?
There will be sign-up sheets for the dine-around dinner groups near the registration desk. The groups will gather at 5:45 on Friday in the hotel lobby.
What about food?
In addition to the hotel facilities, there are numerous and diverse eating establishments within block of the hotel, on State Street and around Capitol Square.
How will the University of Wisconsin football game effect the meeting?
There will be a home football game against Illinois, time still TBA. Parking may be hard to find, and restaurants may be crowded. You might make a reservation in advance.
When are the interest groups meeting?
The eight interest groups are meeting 4:30-5:30 on Thursday. See the online program for more details.
What is there to do in Madison?
Madison is a very vibrant community. Nearby attractions to the hotel include the state capitol, the Saturday farmer’s market on Capitol Square, the Wisconsin Veteran’s Museum, the Wisconsin Historical Museum, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and the Chazen Art Museum, as well as the renowned Wisconsin Historical Society library and archives. There is also a bike share program. For more information, go to: www.visitmadison.com or www.cityofmadison.com/visit-play.
What if I want to purchase a ticket for a meal?
Additional meal tickets can be purchased at the registration desk.
How do I get to off-site sessions?
There are three off-site sessions. Two events will take place in the University of Wisconsin Memorial Union: the conference kick-off event on Wednesday evening, “Uncivil Disobedience,” an oral history-based performance about the 1970 bombing of the University of Wisconsin’s Sterling Hall; and the Thursday evening presidential reception and the concert afterwards by legendary jazz bassist Richard Davis.
Turn left out of the Madison Concourse and cross Carroll to State Street. Turn right on State and continue walking for about six blocks. When you see Memorial Library on your right, you may cross Library Mall to reach Memorial Union. If you want to stay on the street, walk until State ends at North Park Street. Turn right, pass the Wisconsin Historical Society building, and Memorial Union will be the next building on the right. It is approximately a 15 minute walk.
One event will be held in the Madison Central Library: the Friday evening screening of the film “Private Violence” concerning domestic abuse. To reach the library, turn left out of the Concourse, bear left on Fairchild St., and turn right on Mifflin. It is about a 4 minute walk.
If you have ambulatory issues, please contact the registration desk and a hotel shuttle will be arranged.
Where can I obtain sundries?
Sundries are available next to the hotel front desk. There are numerous retail establishments within a few blocks of the hotel.
How do I refer to the conference on Twitter?
Use #OHA2014. We encourage participants to tweet about the conference, share photographs, and so forth.
What about wifi?
There will be free wifi in all conference session rooms. Select “Madison Concourse” from the available networks on your device. When you reach the connection page, agree to the Terms, then connect. It may look as though you need to enter a password, but you do not. The code will be provided at the registration desk.
