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IWLA 2023 Travel and Housing Information
Getting to the Conference & Navigating DMACC Ankeny Campus
First, a little logistical information about how to get to the conference: Here is a DMACC Ankeny Campus map.The linked website also offers you driving directions to Ankeny and to the campus in Ankeny, in case you need those.
Friday: Registration, Breakfast, Workshops and Welcome Reception (Build 7 Atrium) will all be in Building 7.
Saturday: Registration, the Keynote Speaker, Lunch, and Awards will all be in Building 5 (the Student Center) and the sessions will be in Building 2.
Parking Information (FREE!)
Parking is free, no visitor permit is required, and you may park anywhere you find a spot in the parking lots.
When you arrive on campus, we recommend parking in Lot M and entering through the main doors of Building 5 labeled "Student Center". There will be signs inside the building to guide you. The Registration table (to pick up your name tags and conference information) will be located in Building 5.
If Lot M is full, you can also park in Lots L or K and walk through the main campus to enter Building 5 from the other side. There is a large fountain in front of the main entrance to Building 5 on the campus side, so it should be easy to find.
Friday Workshop Schedule & Information
Registration opens at 8AM and the first workshop begins at 9AM. We will feature many local presenters from around Iowa on a variety of topics such as novels, cultural presentations and classroom management and engagement for our interactive 3 hour workshops!
Saturday Conference Schedule & Session Information
Registration opens at 7 am and the first session begins at 8 am. Our conference this year features opportunities to learn with many talented local presenters from around Iowa, as well as a keynote address by famed author A.C. Quintero. At a glance and sessions schedule coming soon!
Wi-Fi Availability
DMACC provides free Wi-Fi access to all campus guests (via the DMACC-Public network), with no additional log-in or password required. Bring your devices to stay connected throughout the conference.
Hotels
There are many affordable hotels in the Ankeny area. We have not reserved a block of rooms, so you are welcome to select your own hotel according to your needs.
Here are some hotels located within a reasonable, 10 minute drive of the conference site (click on each hotel name for a link to their website):
- Residence Inn by Marriott Des Moines Ankeny - 1515 SW Main St in Ankeny - (515)446-7300
- AmericInn by Wyndham, Ankeny/Des Moines - 1610 SE Oralabor Rd in Ankeny - (515) 964-2004
- Courtyard by Marriott Des Moines Ankeny - 2405 SE Creekview Dr. in Ankeny - (515) 422-555
Food & Fun
We will be hosting many opportunities for our members to connect at this year's conference.
Friday afternoon we will host a welcome reception with appetizers and drinks from 4:30PM-6:30PM (Building 7 atrium).
Saturday following the conference we will be gathering for an open social at Firetrucker Brewery 716 SW 3rd Street Ankeny, Iowa 50023.
Additionally during the conference there will be an open room for processing and connecting with other members.
If you would like to explore locally The District at Prairie Trail is a local hub of entertainment, food, drinks, shopping, hotels, the library, and public green space. Enjoy the murals and several patios. See more here.
