A Few More Questions About LP Answered:

Is there any room left?

We have 151 pre-registered for LauraPalooza. This is quite a jump from my original vision! I have since upgraded the space we’ll use for most events to a larger area–the ballroom–in the Centennial Student Union. This has allowed us to offer more slots on a first-come, first-served basis during the conference. Day passes will be sold until they run out–there are about 80 slots each day available–starting at 7:30 a.m. each day. Cost is $30. Saturday’s pass includes activities at the Betsy-Tacy houses in downtown Mankato. Day passes include admission to all presentations.

We regret there are no more tickets available for either the Recognition Banquet or the Tin Pail lunch, nor is there space available in the dorms.

What about parking at Minnesota State University, Mankato?

If you view the campus map available here,  you will see all the campus parking lots noted on the second page. The Green and Purple lots hold free parking during the summer. While there is a new freshman orientation occurring simultaneously with LauraPalooza on Thursday, there should be ample parking available in Lots 16 or 13, which are closest to the Centennial Student Union, Sears Hall, and the Carkoski Commons dining area. Optionally, there is a visitor’s pay lot directly across the street from the CSU, which might be a better option for some who are simply coming for the day.

I’m staying at the dorms; do I need to bring linens?

No. Sheets, towels, and pillows are provided. There is no daily housekeeping service, such as you would find in a hotel, but you can get fresh towels at the front desk if you’d like them.

I need special accommodations for a disability. What’s available?

All three spaces are in full compliance with accessibility standards. Those staying in the dorms will be on the second floor; there is handicapped-accessible parking right at the side entrance of Sears. There are also elevators for those who can’t take stairs. Handicapped-accessible parking at the CSU and Carkoski also is available. The ballroom, which is where all LP events will take place in the CSU, is on the second floor, but again, there are elevators–in this case, two banks on either end of the ballroom area.

What about technical needs?

The campus is wireless with guest access available. In the dorms, you will need an ethernet cord for your laptop computer to access the MSU network as a guest.

I can’t go this year! Will you do this again?

Let’s see how this goes! But based on excitement and enthusiasm, it’s certainly possible. Right now, we’re focusing on getting this first LauraPalooza off the ground and running.