Venture out of the conference venue and get to know Champaign-Urbana! Home to one of the world’s pre-eminent public research universities, the twin cities, with a population of approximately 150,000 people (when classes are in session), offer a vibrant “micro-urban” environment with considerable cultural diversity, technological innovation, a lively arts scene, and varied dining options.

The city of Champaign’s downtown district, located just minutes away from both the Beckman Institute and the Marriott Towneplace Suites, is home to a variety of fine dining, live music venues, sidewalk cafes, and other attractions.