WHERE WILL I STAY? If it were up to us, EVERYBODY would be staying at the Radisson Hotel Metrodome, located on the campus of the University of Minnesota. We've negotiated a significant discount on their off-the-street price -- and you can get a room that "sleeps two" (see pictures at left) for approximately $115 + tax per night. We like the Radisson because it is centrally located and it is steps from the Gateway Center, where most of the Conference activities will take place. If you are ready to reserve your rooms, please proceed to the Radisson Hotel Metrodome's room reservation site and be sure to type in AOIR as your promotional code. If you choose to make your reservation by telephone, please be sure to specify that you are booking for "Internet Research 2.0." While there are other hotels within walking distance of the Conference, our hope is that most everybody associated with the Internet Research 2.0 will be able to bunk down at the Radisson, thus creating the kind of communal "critical mass" which never exists when Internet Researchers convene online. We have posted a message board for those hoping to find roommates for the duration of the conference. We'll also be encouraging members of the Minnesota community to host international travelers and graduate students, but we anticipate that demand will outpace supply.

WHAT WILL I EAT? On Thursday evening, the Conference will be hosting an opening reception with tasty foodstuffs. On Friday evening, you may opt in for the Conference Banquet for $25, payable when you register. The Conference will also be serving bagels and/or muffins in the mornings and snack foods in the afternoons. We will make sure an array of liquid refreshments are available throughout the conference. We make no guarantees as to the nutritional value of said foodstuffs. We will focus on making sure they are tasty. If you're looking for a more balanced breakfast or lunch, there are DOZENS of options within walking distance of the hotel. As for dinners, the Twin Cities offer plenty of fine eating opportunities. A wealth of information is now available in the Advice for Travelers pages.

WILL THERE BE ANYTHING ELSE TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES? Heavens yes! Walk two blocks from the Radisson and you're at the Weisman Art Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, or walk a block in the other direction and you're at the Oak Street Cinema. If current trends persist, the Minnesota Twins will be closing in on the World Series, and you can walk to the Metrodome (see picture at left) and try to purchase tickets from scalpers. The University of Minnesota Golden Gopher football team will be out of town, but Sunday, immediately after the conference ends, the Minnesota Vikings will play the Detroit Lions. A short cab ride will take you to the Guthrie Theater, and the Walker Art Center. A slightly longer cab ride will take you to the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Downtown Minneapolis's First Avenue is a world-class rock and roll venue. The mammoth Mall of America is less than two miles from the Airport. But don't take our word for it, check out the Minneapolis/St. Paul City Guide, Explore Minnesota, or www.downtownmpls.com.

THIS IS MINNESOTA, RIGHT? WILL IT SNOW? No. Not in mid-October. (Please . . . in the name of all that's holy . . .NOT IN OCTOBER!) The annual average high temperature for the Conference week is 60 degrees fahrenheit. If this sounds chilly to you, do yourself a favor and stay in the Radisson. You can travel to the Gateway Center via an underground tunnel, thus never exposing yourself to the elements.