|
Where will the conference be held?
AILA 2005 will be held in Madison, Wisconsin, a progressive, cosmopolitan city of 220,000. Madison is home to the world-class University of Wisconsin, the seat of state government, and an eclectic atmosphere that energizes any visitor’s stay. Madison offers small-town charm and a range of cultural and recreational opportunities usually found in much larger cities. With four lakes, many beautiful parks, and miles of bike paths, this is one of the nation’s most scenic cities. A host of picturesque communities, many retaining their strong ethnic heritage, surrounds the city. Learn more about Madison by touring www.visitmadison.com.
The conference will be held at two sites in the city of Madison: The Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center and The Pyle Center, the University of Wisconsin Extension’s distance education and conference center. The distance between the two conference sites is about one mile (1.6 kilometers), and shuttle buses will run between the two sites on the days of the conference.
top of page>
What are some good websites for general information about the Madison area?
- The Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
- The Pyle Center
- The official Madison visitors’ guide from the Convention and Visitors Bureau
- The University of Wisconsin–Madison site
-
The recreation and tourism site for the city of Madison
top of page>
Where can I find maps of the UW–Madison campus and the city of Madison?
- Simplified map of the UW –Madison campus (pdf format)
- City of Madison overview map (pdf format)
-
MAPQUEST street map for the greater Madison area
top of page>
What is the weather like in Madison in July?
The average high temperature in Madison in July is 83 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius) with an average low of 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius). However, record highs have soared near 104 (40) and lows near freezing, so don’t discount a potential adventure!
July is the wettest month of the year in Madison, with an average rainfall of 4 inches, so you can expect some sun and some partly cloudy skies during the AILA 2005 week.
A good website for current Madison-area forecasts and radar is www.channel3000.com/weather.
top of page>
When will the conference registration be open? And where is it located?
Conference registration is open all day (9 am–5 pm) Sunday, July 24, through Friday, July 29, in the Monona Terrace Convention Center.
top of page>
What can you tell me about Madison’s airport?
Madison is served by the Dane County Regional Airport. The airport is on Madison’s northeast side, taking 15–30 minutes by car from downtown, depending on traffic. Airlines serving Madison include Northwest, United, Midwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Continental, and American Trans Air. If coming by air, you may also consider flying to Milwaukee or Chicago, and then taking the bus to Madison.
top of page>
What long-distance bus service is available?
Daily bus service is offered between Madison and Milwaukee and between Madison and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. These buses stop on Langdon Street between the Memorial Union and The Pyle Center.
Badger Bus runs up to eight round trips daily between Madison and Milwaukee. Service begins at 7 am in Madison with the last return trip at 9:30 pm at the Memorial Union. More information is at www.badgerbus.com.
Van Galder Bus serves Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway Airports and downtown Chicago. It’s about a 3 1/2 hour bus trip to O’Hare from Madison. More information is at www.vangalderbus.com/index.asp.
Greyhound Bus Lines also serves Madison. The depot is located at 2 S. Bedford Street on the corner of S. Bedford and W. Washington Avenue. It is about 10 blocks from The Pyle Center. More information is at www.greyhound.com.
top of page>
Where can I get directions for arriving by car?
- Location and directions for the Monona Terrace
- Location and directions for the Pyle Center
top of page>
How do I get around in Madison?
Downtown Madison is pedestrian friendly. The conference sites are about one mile (1.6 km) apart and the main route between them is the pedestrian State Street mall, lined with a variety of ethnic restaurants, coffee houses, and shopping boutiques. City buses are also conveniently available for a nominal fee.
Madison is a biking city. Traversing the city on a bicycle is easy, beautiful, and safe thanks to the extensive system of bike paths throughout Madison. Additional information about how and where to rent bikes can be provided by lodging facilities or on-site registration personnel.
top of page>
How can I get between the Monona Terrace and the Pyle Center?
For gentle exercise in good weather, you can walk between the two conference sites. The total distance is about one mile (1.6km). Shuttle buses will run between the two sites on the days of the conference.
top of page>
Do I need a visa to enter the United States?
Currently, 27 countries participate in The Visa Waiver Program, which enables citizens of these countries to travel to the US for tourism or business for 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. More information is at travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_novisa_waiver.html.
All other international participants are required to obtain a non-immigrant visa for business (B-1) or pleasure (B-2). To apply for either kind of visa at an American embassy or consulate in your home country, there are generally several requirements:
- A letter of invitation
- A round-trip air ticket
- Evidence of finite plans, like hotel reservations
- Evidence of a continuing domicile in your home country
AILA 2005 will be happy to provide a letter of invitation upon request. Inquiries should be sent to:
AILA 2005
ATTN: Patricia Martin
The Pyle Center
702 Langdon Street
Madison, WI 53706, USA
Email:
Phone: +1 608-265-0404
top of page>
How long does it take to get a visa?
As soon as you contemplate travel to the United States, and after identifying that a visa is needed, you should contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for information about current visa processing time estimates and processes. Visa applications are now subject to a greater degree of scrutiny than in the past. For many applicants, a personal appearance interview is required as a standard part of visa processing. Additionally, applicants affected by these procedures are informed of the need for additional screening at the time they submit their applications and are being advised to expect delays. The time needed for adjudication of individual cases will continue to be difficult to predict. For travelers, the need for an interview will mean additional coordination with the embassy or consulate is needed to schedule an interview appointment. We recommend that individuals build in ample time before their planned travel date when seeking to obtain a visa.
top of page>
Where is the nearest currency exchange?
One downtown bank offers currency exchange services:
M&I Bank
1 W. Main (on the Capitol Square)
+1 608-252-5800
Non-members must use cash, and pay a service fee.
Another option is Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs), which take most major credit cards, but not all, and the fees may be high. There are ATMs in Memorial Union and at various locations along State Street.
For the latest exchange rates, check out the universal currency converter website at www.xe.com/ucc.
top of page>
|
