IAC: Information Architecture conference

IAC: Information Architecture conference

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Grace Lau

Experience NOLA

New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA) is home to IAC23 and oh so much more. The official New Orleans Tourism website has curated an incredible amount of useful information that will help you make the most of your time in the city, so be sure to check it out before you arrive and throughout your stay. In addition, here are community-generated lists of things you may want to do and places you may want to go during your visit to NOLA (as well as a list of other online guides to the Big Easy).

Note: all drive/walk times are Google Map estimates starting from the InterContinental New Orleans, our IAC23 venue.

Transportation

Airport Transportation

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is located approximately fifty (50) minutes from the IAC23 venue. There are multiple options for transportation from and to MSY:

  • MSY Airport Shuttle Service: currently $24 one-way, $44 round-trip, and children under 6 ride free; schedule ahead online or call 866-596-2699.
  • Taxis are available at the airport on level 1 and fares run around $36 each way for 1 or 2 people; for 3 or more people the fare is ~$14 each person, each way.
  • KreweCar, Uber, Lyft: choose from 3 ride sharing services to get you from the airport to the hotel and back easily and safely. Note: KreweCar bookings must be made 6 hours in advance.
  • Buses to downtown NOLA are available for $1.50. Note: there are limited departures and all passengers disembark at Elk Place and Canal Street (a 5 min cab ride or 12 min walk to the conference hotel.
  • Learn more about airport transportation options from the NOLA tourism bureau or on the MSY website.

Around the city

From the IAC23 venue, there are numerous options for transportation in and around NOLA:

  • Walking: The Intercontinental hotel is centrally located and within walking distance of many restaurants, cafes, bars, shops and tourist attractions. Bring your most comfortable walking shoes and start counting your steps.
  • Blue Bikes: This bikeshare service is a great way to easily get around town while enjoying the fresh air and getting a bit of exercise. You can pay by the minute or get a monthly pass.
  • GoX Scooters: Similar to the blue bikes, but on scooters. Various pricing options included.
  • Pedicabs: A fun and unique way to get around without having to do any of your own pedal work.
  • New Orleans Regional Transit Authority provides inexpensive buses, streetcars and ferries to get you around town, including the original streetcar line which runs down St Charles Street – right in front of the Intercontinental. Single rides are $1.25 and a selection of Jazzy passes give you multiple rides. Download the app ahead of time for convenient access to a trip planner, mobile payment and real-time information for a seamless ride.
  • City Sightseeing New Orleans Hop On Hop Off City Tour: These bus tours are a great way to get around the city while also learning from knowledgeable tour guides. One-day tickets are $46 with additional multi-day options available and all tickets can be purchased ahead of time or on the same day.
  • KreweCar, Uber, Lyft: Choose from 3 ride sharing services to get you around town easily and safely. Note: KreweCar bookings must be made 6 hours in advance.
  • Taxis
  • Limousines

Eat

  • Cochon: Cajun/Southern, ~4 min drive/~15 min walk
  • Drago’s: Seafood, numerous locations, closest ~4 min drive/~15 min walk; original Metairie (Fat City) location ~15 min drive
  • Camellia Grill: Diner, ~14 min drive
  • Luke: Creole, ~1 minute walk
  • Bearcat CBD: Breakfast/Brunch, ~3 min drive/~10 min walk
  • The Daily Beet: Vegetarian, Breakfast/Brunch, ~3 min drive/~11 min walk
  • Willa Jean: Breakfast/Brunch, Bakery, ~3 min drive/~10 min walk
  • Rouse’s Market: Grocery, ~3 min drive/~9 min walk
  • Jacques-Imo’s: Via streetcar – reservations for large groups – try the Shrimp & Alligator Sausage Cheesecake (it’s like no quiche you’ve tried yet!).
  • Antoine’s Restaurant: Classic New Orleans Restaurant
  • Restaurant guide from the NOLA tourism bureau (duplicates some of the above list)

Drink

Alcohol

  • The Carousel Bar & Lounge: Circus-style merry-go-round bar with live music, ~4 min drive/~8 min walk
  • Bourbon Street: Countless bars & restaurants, ~3 min drive/~8 min walk
  • Cocktail guide from the NOLA tourism bureau (duplicates some of the above list)
  • Ace Hotel: Couple of blocks away. Large, cool lounge and restaurant: Josephine Estelle

Not alcohol

Both

Visit

  • French Quarter: The oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans.
  • Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1 (tour website; must take tour to visit): The oldest in NOLA, many famous graves, ~4 min drive/~8 min walk
  • Southern Food & Beverage Museum: Cooking classes and specialty exhibits including The Museum of the American Cocktail’s New Orleans Collection, La Galerie de l’Absinthe, ~6 min drive/~24 min walk
  • The National WWII Museum: The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that all generations can understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. Through exhibits, multimedia experiences, and thousands of personal accounts, the Museum takes visitors on an immersive tour of World War II in every theater of war.
  • Streetcar ride – St Charles goes through the garden district and past Tulane and Loyola.
  • Red Sash Tours: Cemetery tour guide (Metairie cemetery tour is highly recommended by Carol’s friend)
  • Mardi Gras World: See the floats!
  • NOLA Tour Guy: Self-guided walking tour of the garden district. 
  • St. Louis Cathedral & Jackson Square
  • Preservation Hall
  • New Orleans City Park
  • Audubon Park & Audubon Zoo
  • Steamboat Natchez
  • Things to do from the NOLA tourism bureau (duplicates some of the above list)

Shop

Guides

Sponsor IAC23

Sponsor the world’s leading gathering for academics and practitioners of information architecture, while helping to create a truly unique conference. Reach an engaged community of decision-makers and influencers. Align your brand with socially conscious practitioners and leaders in information architecture, user experience, and digital design.

Be part of the 24th annual gathering of information architects, user experience designers and researchers, content strategists, and engineers. The IA conference – the premier conference to learn about and discuss the intentional design of rich information environments.

Download Sponsorship Brochure

With over 300 expected attendees, an engaged social media following, and over 1 million social media impressions, it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase your product, service, or business. 

The conference includes talks, posters, workshops, and networking opportunities. Attendees pick up timely insights and practical lessons that can be used immediately at work.

Benefits of sponsoring the conference

Audience

Reach diverse group of practitioners and generate leads

  • Content Strategist / Designer
  • Conversation Architect
  • Customer / Digital Experience Manager
  • Data Engineer / Data Scientist
  • Design Lead
  • Digital Strategist
  • Experience / Interaction Designer
  • Founder / CEO / CIO
  • Information Architect
  • Instructional Designer
  • Product Designer / Owner / Manager
  • Researcher / Ethnographer
  • Socio-technical Researcher
  • Students (grad, undergraduate, HS)
  • Taxonomist / Ontologist
  • User Experience Designer
  • UX Manager / Director
  • Visual Designer

Impressions

Increase awareness of your brands

  • ~1,000,000 total impressions on Twitter
  • 328,000+ during the 5 days of the conference
  • 714,000+ in the year leading up to the conference
  • 11,000+ Twitter followers
  • 5,300+ subscribers on mailing list
  • 300 expected attendees

Engagement

Access and engage with the community

  • Recruit top talent
  • Deliver branded talks, workshops, emails, or social media posts
  • Build relationships with attendees through sponsored events and initiatives
  • Create your unique experience with the IAC community

Your sponsorship enables 

Expanded diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programming

Sponsor DEI efforts and enable underrepresented communities to impact the field and practice of IA. Your sponsorship empowers us to include people who otherwise could not afford to attend, such as those whose employment has been affected by COVID-19 or other circumstances.

Student scholarships for traditionally under-represented communities

IAC’s Scholarship Program has offered 30 full scholarships to people of color since 2018. Your sponsorship allows students to continue to participate in the conference. We are reaching out to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to increase student participation.

World-class programming and conversations.

As the premiere conference of information architects and user experience professionals, your sponsorship enables new speakers to join the conversation.

Let’s work together to get the visibility and recognition that works for you. We can design a package that leaves an impression with attendees and supports the creative atmosphere of the conference.

Your backing can support:

  • DEIB Initiatives including Scholarships for student and professional attendees
  • Events, special guests, breaks, and more…
  • Movement: IAC is the home of Polar Bear Yoga, the Polar Bear Run, and the Polar Bear 2k Walk!
  • Attendee programs such as professional headshots, the IAC Career Center, portfolio reviews, mentoring, and more…
  • Provide IAC23 speaker and volunteer gifts, swag, logistics and more…

Do you have a great idea to make the event even better? Do you want to give an open-ended contribution that our volunteer organizers can put to good use? Let’s talk!

Sponsorship Packages

How to sponsor the conference

Let’s collaborate and get creative.

All sponsorship opportunities can be customized to fit your needs and budget. Get in touch and we can help your vision come to life. We also accept in-kind donations such as books, subscriptions, licenses, swag, etc.

Let’s work together to create the visibility and recognition that works for you. See our sponsorship package (PDF) for details.

Download Sponsorship Brochure

How your backing supports the conference:

  • Sponsor an event or series of events
  • Award branded scholarships for student attendees 
  • Fund branded tickets for those whose employment has been affected by COVID
  • Provide captioning, transcription services, and audio/video recording 
  • A virtual lounge or product workshop for attendees with your brand, front-and-center
  • Branded appreciation gifts for volunteers and speakers 
  • All sponsorship opportunities can be customized to fit your needs and budget.

Get in touch so we can help your vision come to life.

Contact us today

Vanessa Foss

Kunverj

6103 Blue Sage Lane

Upper Malboro, MD 20722 USA

Phone: +1 (301) 503-0993

Fax: +1 (301) 542-0049

Sponsor IAC

We’re looking for organizations who share our commitment to building and sustaining programs that drive a more inclusive industry. Please contact us at sponsorships@theiaconference.com for more information.

Present a Poster at IAC23

Share Your Work, Ideas, and Inventions at Poster Night

2019 poster session, Jared Spool and Josh Palay, c Stacy Surla

Poster Night is one of the highlights of the IA Conference experience. Attendees will browse the exhibits and chat with poster creators in a happy hour-like atmosphere, following the Thursday evening keynote on March 30.

Whether you’re a first-time presenter or an experienced practitioner, Poster Night is a fun and rewarding way to present your work and ideas at a major international conference. You’ll get to know the community and share your insights with people interested in your topic, all in a relaxed and engaging setting.

Submit your poster concept before February 10. If your poster is accepted, we’ll send you a how-to packet on preparing your poster and presentation.

Submit poster concept

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Poster Night? What do I do as a presenter?

On Poster Night you’ll present your poster on site at the IAC in New Orleans on Thursday March 30th from 6 to 8 PM. You’ll stand and present to anyone who passes by your space and shows interest.

Am I eligible for a conference discount?

Yes! As a poster presenter, you’ll get a discount code for conference registration, which will reduce your registration cost by $100.  If your poster is a group effort, all presenters are eligible for the discount.

How complete does my poster need to be before I submit a proposal?

You don’t need a finished poster to submit. All you need is a concept. It’s easy to submit your idea. If your idea is accepted, you’ll need to send a draft of your poster for review by March 1.

I’ve never presented a poster before. How should I prepare?

If your concept is accepted, we’ll send you a how-to packet on preparing your poster and presentation.  

What is the format for poster presentations? How big can my poster be?

Each presenter gets an exhibit space in the presentation hall. The area for your poster will be roughly 4 ft wide x 4 ft tall. There will also be room in front of the poster for a table or other furniture if you need it.

Exhibits should include a graphic poster describing an idea, technique, case study, or research. But you could also use your exhibit to showcase a 3D model, engage interactively with attendees, host a puppet show, or lead interpretive dances about information architecture. Your imagination and the space are about the only limits.

What if I need a power outlet or furniture?

If your presentation requires access to a power outlet or a table, chair, or stools, let us know in the submission form. We’ll factor in furniture and wall power requirements when we map the exhibit space.

What if I need other technology?

If you’re planning to do demos, use a robot, or display other tech, you are responsible for bringing all technology and materials with you — monitors, projectors, laptops, arts and crafts materials, all of it.

What if I need a chair or have other accessibility needs?

Please let us know in the submission form and we will accommodate your request.

When do I set up my poster?

Presenters must hang their own work on Thursday, March 30th. This will involve skipping a session or coffee/tea break in the afternoon before the evening keynote.

Will I be listed on the website?

Yes! A list of all poster presenters will be on the website, so you can announce your participation on all your social channels.

How long is Poster Night?

Poster Night runs from 6 to 8 PM. Please plan to stay the whole time. There are usually two waves: the before-dinner crowd and the-returning-from-dinner crowd. Both are worth presenting to! Since you’ll be in front of your poster for the night, plan to ask someone to bring you food and drinks.

What else do I need to know?

Presenters and all attendees are expected to adhere to the conference Code of Conduct, and Poster Night falls under the IAC23 COVID-19 Policy.

Submit your poster concept before February 10, 2023. (Deadline extended from January 27)

Poster Night Testimonials 

Hallway conversations often rank as the best part of any conference, hands down… Poster Night is like ONE BIG HALLWAY CONVERSATION to which you’re allowed to bring your own visual aid… I highly recommend Poster Night to first-timers and conference veterans alike!

— Jason Alderman, Experience Designer at Cloud Chamber

I loved presenting at Poster Night! It was a fun, relaxed environment where I had numerous, insightful conversations and made connections that lasted far beyond the [conference] week.

— Andrea Dulko, Interaction Designer, Google

Poster Night is the ultimate ice-breaker: a casual, low risk way to chat with dozens of [IAs] whose paths you might not otherwise cross – made even easier because there’s a topic right there in front of you.

— Andy Fitzgerald, UX Architecture & Design Consultant

Poster Night allowed me to truly feel like a part of the IA community – speaking to peers and industry experts, I lost my imposter syndrome as my viewpoints and techniques were respected and my frustrations were found to be universal.”

— Paige DuPont, Information Architect at Logic Department

IAC23 for Everyone

IAC has always worked hard to welcome participants with special needs including sign language interpreters for keynotes, audio/video captioning for session recordings, special meal options for those with dietary restrictions, quiet/prayer rooms and lactation rooms, as well as student diversity and professional equity scholarships. 

For IAC23 we’re introducing even more programs to ensure that the 2023 IA conference is the most welcoming, diverse, and inclusive yet:

  • Pilot: ODA Country Pricing
  • Pilot: Non-Native Speaker Support
  • GSA Room Block

Pilot: ODA Country Pricing

In an attempt to engage the information architecture community around the world, and to level the playing field for IAs from poorer countries, IAC23 is piloting a program to provide discounted registration for participants from countries with a lower gross national income (GNI).

The first 50 individuals residing in countries that fall on the current Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipient list will be able to register for IAC23 at our lowest (student) rate; a savings of $525 off a standard registration. 

Learn more on the IAC23 Registration Info page.

Pilot: Non-Native Speaker Support 

While IAC is an English-language conference, we have attendees and speakers from around the world, including from many non-English-speaking countries. For IAC23 we are piloting a program to provide English-language presentation support to speakers and workshop facilitators from Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.

Eligible speakers will be paired with native Spanish and Portuguese speaking mentors that have extensive experience presenting at (and helping organize) IAC, as well as the IA Summit before it.

We are currently unable to offer this same support for the proposal submission process, however you can use the “Anything else we should know?” field in the proposal submission form to let us know that you are not a native English speaker; the curation team will review your proposal accordingly. And if your proposal is accepted, we’ll pair you with a mentor.

Learn more about submitting a proposal for IAC23.

GSA Room Block

Many government (local, state, federal) employees as well as academics have strict allowances (per diems) for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses while traveling on government (or government sponsored/subsidized) business. 

Each year, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) establishes per diem rates for the following year. The 2023 GSA Per Diem rate has now been published and IAC is pleased to announce that we’ve secured a block of 10 rooms at the GSA-established lodging rate.

Additionally, refreshments are provided throughout the day during the main conference and at least one meal is provided (either a banquet lunch or dinner). This is included within the price of registration allowing GSA per diem participants to stretch their daily meal allowance.

If you qualify for the GSA lodging rate, please register for IAC23 then contact meetings@kunverj.com to request a GSA rate room. Our event planning partners at Kunverj will be able to assist you. Please do not book directly through the IAC23 website or the InterContinental New Orleans.

Sponsor Inclusivity

IAC has numerous sponsorship levels and packages, some of which directly map to accessibility, scholarship programs, and speaker support. Our sponsorship team can also work with you to customize a sponsorship focused on our diversity and inclusivity efforts, or any other aspect of the conference. Learn more on the IAC23 Sponsorships page or contact us at info@theiaconference.com for more information.

COVID-19 Policy

(Last updated on January 24, 2023.)

Introduction

Conference organizers, volunteers, speakers, sponsors, and attendees agree to the following COVID-19 policy. Organizers will enforce this policy throughout the event. 

We expect cooperation from all participants to help ensure a safe environment for everybody. We further expect that all participants will acknowledge and respect individual COVID-related boundaries, such as social distancing, no touch greetings and salutations, etc. 

Note: the policy will be updated regularly.

Policy

We look forward to going back together in person for IAC23. As we return from three years of all-remote IACs, we are committed to the health and safety of all participants and are implementing safety protocols that all participants are expected to follow. However, please be advised there is a risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any event or public space, including the conference. 

Keeping our conference audience safe is a shared responsibility and we ask all participants to play their part in making IAC23 as safe as reasonably possible. IAC23 will follow all local, state, and federal COVID-19 guidelines. 

As a condition of entering the conference, you accept those guidelines and acknowledge, understand, and confirm that you will comply with the following guidance:

  • you must bring proof of vaccination showing your COVID-19 vaccines (and boosters if applicable), and present it at registration to receive your lanyard and badge.
    • proof of vaccination includes one of the following: vaccination card, a legible photo of your vaccination card on your phone, or a digital vaccination card. 
    • if you are not fully vaccinated, you must provide a medical exemption written in English by your health provider (details in the Medical Exemption section below). 
  • you must wear a mask covering your nose and mouth while at conference programming, regardless of your vaccination status. Exceptions:
    • while you are actively eating or drinking. 
    • presenters may remove their masks when they are speaking during Pre-Conference and Main Conference sessions, as long as they maintain physical distance from the audience and other attendees.  
  • if you are unable to wear a mask, you must provide a Medical Exemption and provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within the 24 hour period prior to your conference attendance.

Do not attend the conference if you:

  • are exhibiting any cold or flu symptoms (regardless of vaccine status)
  • are showing COVID-19 symptoms such as, but not limited to: fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, or loss of taste or smell (regardless of vaccine status)
  • have come into close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 5 days (regardless of vaccine status)
  • have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 7 days
  • are under any quarantine/isolation orders
  • are unable or unwilling to comply with local, state, federal, and venue COVID-19 guidelines

Please do not enter the conference or the venue if you cannot confirm or comply with all of the above. If at any point during your time at the conference you do not meet all of the above criteria, you will be asked to leave the conference venue, at KUNVERJ’s sole discretion.

If you are exposed to COVID-19 or test positive for COVID-19 in March 2023, and are unable to attend IAC23, your registration is transferable until 48 hours before the first day of the conference. KUNVERJ can also work with you to apply your IAC23 registration fee to EuroIA23, IAC24, or other KUNVERJ-managed events. Exposures or positive tests prior to March 2023 follow the refunds and cancellations policy outlined on the IAC23 Registration Info page.

For your protection

IAC wants to promote a safe environment. The organizers commit to:

  • making disposable masks available at the conference registration desk
  • making hand sanitizer available at the conference registration desk as well as at central locations throughout the conference venue
  • working with the venue staff to optimize for event safety 
  • maximizing opportunities for social-distancing and outdoor activities
  • providing opportunities for conference sponsors to directly support COVID-19 safety measures 

Please contact info@theiaconference.com with questions, requests for additional information, or to discuss sponsoring our COVID-19 safety measures.

Medical Exemption Wording

If you are not fully vaccinated, or unable to wear a mask for medical reasons, you must provide a medical exemption statement written in English by your health provider, at registration to receive your lanyard and badge. The medical exemption statement must be printed on the health provider’s letterhead, and include the following:

Statement

Please do not include any specific diagnosis or other personal medical information.  Select the appropriate exemption rationale.

“I ____________________  (printed full name of medical doctor, registered nurse, or nurse practitioner), hereby confirm that _________________________ (printed full name of person to be exempted)

is unable to be vaccinated due to:

  • a pre-existing condition
  • contraindications
  • an adverse event following immunization
  • another medical condition

is unable to wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth due to:

  • a pre-existing condition
  • contraindications
  • an adverse event following immunization
  • another medical condition

The exemption must also include:

  • full name and designation / certification / license type of the medical professional making the statement (please do not use acronyms – write “Doctor of Medicine” – not MD): ___________________________________________
  • affiliation (full name of Hospital or Practice): ______________
  • business address (Number and Street, City/Town, Province/State/Territory, Country, Postal Code): ___________________________________________
  • signature of medical doctor, registered nurse, or nurse practitioner: ___________________________________________
  • date of exemption:
    Month (name of month)_________ Day (2 digits)___ Year (4 digits): _____

If you will need to complete a formal medical exemption document as part of your transportation to IAC23, you may provide that form to IAC23 as long as it is signed by the medical professional and includes all of the information listed above.

This COVID-19 Policy was last updated on January 24, 2023. It is a living document, and will be updated regularly.

Sponsor IAC