Introduction

• Conference sessions will be held indoors in air-conditioned spaces.
• Bus transportation will be used between locations during the conference.
• Microphones will be used for audio amplification, including portable microphones for tours and bus transportation as needed.
• Elevators are available in all buildings where vertical access is necessary.
• Meeting areas will be located near accessible restrooms.

On Sunday, October 4, we will host an tailgate from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. The evening will be held in the LSU AgCenter 4-H Mini Farm, which is air conditioned. Weather permitting, doors will remain open for an indoor/outdoor feel. Please bring an umbrella or raincoat and wear shoes suitable for wet conditions and travel between locations.

• On Monday, October 5, attendees will take a walking tour of the LSU Library. Then, attendees will be given the opportunity to walk from the LSU Library to the Our Lady of the Lake Health Interdisciplinary Science Building, a distance of approximately half a mile, utilizing a route that includes ramps. Bus transportation will be available to transport attendees from the LSU Library to the Interdisciplinary Science Building.
• On the evening of Monday, October 5, participants will be given the opportunity to walk from the LSU Center for River Studies to the Estuary at the Water Campus, a distance of approximately 0.2 miles. This route includes crossing a railroad track and an intersection, as well as using a ramp that has a steep incline. We recommend appropriate footwear for this portion of the program; heels are not advised. Bus transportation will be available.

For all events, we do not recommend wearing shorts or tank tops. As you plan, please keep in mind that conference spaces may vary in temperature. A light jacket, cardigan, or blazer can be a useful layer throughout the program.

The first day includes travel and a tailgate, so choose an outfit that is polished but comfortable enough for moving around indoors and outdoors. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are encouraged. Attendees are also encouraged to wear spirit wear or university colors to the tailgate. Examples include:

• A moisture-wicking polo with khakis or jeans
• A short-sleeved collared shirt with lightweight trousers
• A midi or maxi dress in a breathable fabric
• A casual blouse with ankle-length pants or a comfortable skirt
• Comfortable walking shoes, loafers, or clean and polished sneakers

Plan to wear business attire during the day on Monday and Tuesday. Examples include:

• A collared button-down shirt with tailored trousers, khakis, or dark jeans, with an optional sport coat
• A blouse or knit top with dress pants, dark jeans, or a knee-length skirt, with a blazer or cardigan as an optional layer
• A polished dress with a cardigan or blazer
• Comfortable walking shoes, loafers, or clean and polished sneakers

For dinner, you may remain in your business attire or change into something a little more dressy for the evening. Examples include:

• A smart casual dress or polished midi dress
• A dressy jumpsuit or pantsuit
• A dressy blouse with tailored dress pants, jacket or blazer optional
• A navy, charcoal, or other neutral suit with a dress shirt, tie optional
• A sport coat with a collared shirt, tailored trousers
• Dress shoes, loafers, or other polished footwear
• Heels are not recommended for dinner on day 2

The final day is a half-day, and all sessions will be held at the conference hotel. Attendees should choose business casual attire that is comfortable for the workshop and easy to transition into afternoon travel plans. There is no need to dress as formally as on Days 2 and 3. Examples include:

• A polo or button-down shirt with khakis or chinos
• A blouse or sweater with dress pants, dark jeans, or a knee-length skirt
• A midi or maxi dress
• Comfortable walking shoes, loafers, or clean and polished sneakers

If you arrive before registration opens, explore campus or enjoy lunch nearby. Visit the LSU Dining website for campus dining hours and menus.

Nearby options along or just off Highland Road include The Chimes, Highland Coffees, Chipotle, and the first ever Raising Cane’s location.

Use the LSU Campus Map to find your way around.

 You will need to provide your own credit or debit card for a one-time $50 incidental authorization at check-in.

• Credit card: The hotel advises that the authorization generally clears within 24 through 48 hours after checkout.
• Debit card: The authorization places a hold on available funds and may take five days or longer to release.

Each SEC institution will be billed for the first night’s stay for its liaison, fellows, and applicable event staff. LSU will cover the remaining two nights.

LSU is hosting a sold-out home football game Saturday, and the hotel will be at full capacity. Staff will work to prepare rooms as quickly as possible, but not all rooms are guaranteed to be ready at 3:00 p.m. Standard rooms are expected to be ready sooner; suites may take longer.

If your room is not ready, please store your luggage behind the hotel front desk. We will share room-readiness updates in GroupMe.

All dietary restrictions and allergies submitted during registration will be accommodated. If you reported a dietary restriction or allergy, your registration materials will include cards identifying your needs. Please bring a card to each seated dinner and give it to your waiter.

Attendees with dietary restrictions or allergies will receive a separate email with more specific instructions.

Breakfast is available beginning at 6:00 AM in the hotel lobby. The cost is included in your room rate.

The Bar at the Cook Hotel will remain open until 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday for networking after conference programming.

You will receive three drink tickets, which you may use across the three evenings or together on one evening. Each ticket may be redeemed for one of the following:

• Signature cocktail: Pimm’s Cup
• Signature mocktail: Cucumber Ginger Cup
• House wine
• Bottled beer

Other beverages are available for purchase at the bar.

• Laptop or tablet
• Phone, computer and other device chargers
• Business cards, if desired
• A notebook and pens

• Spirit wear or university colors for Sunday’s tailgate, a comfortable outfit preferably in lightweight, breathable fabric
• Business attire for daytime sessions on Monday and Tuesday
• Optional dressier outfits for Monday and Tuesday evening dinners
• Business casual attire for Wednesday’s workshop and afternoon travel
• A light jacket, cardigan or blazer for temperature variation in air-conditioned conference spaces
• Comfortable walking shoes, loafers or clean, polished sneakers
• Polished shoes appropriate for daytime sessions and dinners
• An extra pair of shoes in case of rain

• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter pain relief, antacids, and mints
• Toiletries

The Sunday tailgate and portions of Monday’s program will have outdoor exposure, weather permitting. Check the forecast before traveling and adjust your packing as needed.

• A compact umbrella, lightweight rain jacket, or poncho
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• A reusable water bottle
• A small handheld fan (optional)

Sunday airport pickups are scheduled for 11:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:45 p.m., and 4:15 p.m. Look for a purple Tiger Trails bus. Denise Crowe and Elizabeth Rice will be onboard with a purple clipboard to check in passengers.

There are two shuttle buses leaving on Wednesday. One at 11:30 AM and one leaving at 11:45 AM.

Flight disruptions or late arrivals: If a flight change affects your assigned shuttle time, please post an update in the conference GroupMe as soon as possible. Attendees arriving after 4:15 p.m. will need to arrange their own transportation from the airport.