Agenda

This symposium will bring together researchers and practitioners to discuss and deliberate on:

• Effective extension methods at the farmer, organizational, and country/system levels
• Innovative approaches to sustainably reach women farmers and youth
• Using ICTs to empower staff and reach more farmers
• The political economy of agricultural extension
• Extension in post-conflict and post-disaster contexts
• Partnerships to strengthen extension
• Extension for improved nutrition, natural resource management, and sustainable agriculture

Call for Proposals

• We have received well over 50 proposals and are no longer accepting any. Those who have proposed presentations or posters have been notified. Participants are welcome to bring material for sharing.

Logistics

How to get to University of Illinois

By Plane

• There is an airport in Urbana-Champaign (code = CMI) but it is a very small airport served only by United Airlines and American Airlines (and their codshare partners).
• You can fly from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to CMI or from Dallas Fort Worth (DFW).
• If you are booking a flight on One World Alliance (American Airlines and code-share partners) or on Star Alliance (United Airlines and code-share partners), then the cost to fly all the way to CMI (via ORD or DFW) may be very low. However, if you are flying on another airline, adding the leg to CMI may be very expensive.
• While there are other airports within an hours drive (Bloomington, Decator), we don't recommend those airports, unless you are willing to rent a car to drive to Champaign. There are not shuttle busses to those airports. Similarly, if you are willing to rent a car you may consider flying to Indianapolis (2 hours drive), but there are not shuttle busses.

If you fly to Chicago (either ORD or MWD), you can rent a car to drive to Champaign (about 2.5 to 3 hours drive) or take a shuttle bus. We recommend Peoria Charter or Suburban Express. There are several stops in Champaign, and if you are staying at the Illini Union or the Towne Suites it is best to get off at Altgelt Halt. If you are staying at the I-Hotel, then coordinate pick up with that hotel (Altgelt may also be the best option).

• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Midway Airport (MDW)
• University of Illinois Willard Airport (CMI)
• Peoria Charter (3-4 hours)
• Suburban Express (3-4 hours)

By Car (from ORD)

• Take I-190 to I-294 to I-57 until you hit Market Street (2.5 hours)

How to get around

• The campus is very walkable, you can also take the MTD bus all over campus and the twin cities for $1/ride. Use Google Maps and click the public transportation option to figure out the manifold route options.

Where to stay

• Illini Union: Conference rates for self-funded participants: $109/night (plus tax). To reserve, call 217.333.1241, requesting a room from the AgReach block and be ready to provide form of payment information. iu-hotel@illinois.edu
• I-Hotel: Conference rates for self-funded participants: $129/night (plus tax)if booked by March 8. Book at https://reservations.travelclick.com/15044?groupID=2071763#/guestsandrooms or call the Front Desk at 217-819-5000 and mention the code [AGSPONS]. The hotel will arrange for shuttles to/from Willard, Illinois Terminal, and UIUC Campus Buildings for any registered guests. All are by appointment, and can be set up by reaching our @Concierge staff by email or at 217-819-5000
• TownePlace Suites Champaign Urbana/Campustown on Green Street (book online or call 1-888-236-2427; cost is ca. $116 per room (plus tax)
• Hampton Inn: Conference rates for self-funded participants: $99/night (plus tax). Note that the Hampton does not offer any shuttles to/from the airport nor to campus. You will need to take the bus from the airport ($1 per ride) or to get to campus.
• There are also many airbnb hosts in Champaign and Urbana. Find rooms on www.airbnb.com. Rates range from $40 to $150 per night.

What to expect

• Weather: April means Spring in Champaign-Urbana, which can include rain and storms (even snow) or sun and warmth, all in the same week. To that end, pack layers, shoes/boots that can get wet, and a medium-weight waterproof jacket. Average temps (high/low): 58 F/37 F.
• Staying Safe: Campus, downtown Champaign and Urbana are safe areas, low crime and well-lit, but it is always advised to be smart and travel with another person after dark. Buses run all night.

What to wear

• Business casual to the the conference.

What to do

• Conference Agenda forthcoming.

What else to do

• Downtown Champaign: restaurants, bars, cafes, bakery, art movie theater.
• Downtown Urbana: smaller than Champaign, restaurants, grocery stores, cafes, bakery, library.
• University Arboretum and Japan House: walkable nature area with gardens, trees, ponds, and Japan House cultural center.
• Meadowbrook Park: natural prairie area with walking path and park.

How to get in touch

• Email Andrea Bohn at abohn@illinois.edu

This event is hosted by

• AgReach
• INGENAES
• Women and Gender in Global Perspectives
• Office of International Programs, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences