2019 #MACUL Conference Tipsheet #4 - Cobo layout & Getting Around Town

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The MACUL Conference is this week! 

(This is the third in a series of 4 to help you get ready and excited about going to the conference. Tipsheet #1 contains information about hydration, food considerations and special happenings at the conference. Tipsheet #2 contains information about planning for your conference - the conference app, choosing sessions. Tipsheet #3 contains information about registration, getting help, networking, and wearing comfortable shoes!)

Here are some other tidbits that might help you out as you arrive at the conference next week:


  • COBO Layout: COBO is now basically a big “L” with sessions dispersed over 3 or 4 levels on both sides of the L; the left side of the L faces the river.  

      • The end hallway overlooks the river since it has been renovated.
      • They have added escalators and a huge staircase which help with traffic flow. 
      • Long time conference goers should know they dropped the old naming conventions - it's numbered by floor and area, and what used to be the basement is now floor one.
      • The main entrance is now on the river side into what used to be the basement - you enter into a large atrium.

  • Getting Around Town: There are three ways most people attending the conference use to get around town -

    • Walking: Many people walk between their hotels and COBO.  If you are attending by yourself, you should easily be able to find a group to join between popular locations - just let them know you are heading in the same direction and I am sure they will welcome you.  I’m amazed at the number of times I join a group to find out that everyone in the group has just met each other in the last 15 minutes.  You might do some of your best networking during these walks!
    • Detroit People Mover: There is a stop to the People Mover right within COBO (there are signs - it is on an upper floor at the tip of the “L” furthest from the river).  Using the People Mover can get you directly to the Courtyard Marriott or RenCen, and very close to the Holiday Inn and Atheneum.  It also can get you to locations with great food if you are looking for dinner - Greektown and Bricktown for some unique dining experiences, Grand Circus and Broadway for more of the “sporting event” eateries (near the stadiums).
    • Shuttles: Some of the local hotels also offer shuttle service.  Be sure to ask at the front desk when checking in about their hours of operation if this is a service you might plan on using.
  • Parking: Parking will be at a premium with so many people descending on the area at the same time.  I would make sure to plan on some extra time to both secure parking and get to where you need to be in the case you have to cover a little more distance than anticipated.
Additionally, if you haven't yet, make sure to check out special events going on at the conference - 
    • Exhibit Hall - the exhibit hall is where you can find vendors and learn about new products
    • MakerSpace - checkout and participate in an active MakerSpace beginning on Thursday, March 21 at 9:30 and Friday, March 22 at 8:30.
    • Student Technology Showcase - come see projects by student led teams on Thursday, March 21 from 11:00-1:00
    • MACUL Reception - at the Punch Bowl Social beginning on Thursday, March 21 at 7:00pm - come for fun, fellowship, and networking!
    • Poster Sessions -  check out the educator poster sessions in the Atrium on Friday, March 22 from 8:30-10:00
    • Other social events - if you belong to other special groups (such as the DEN) you might watch your email as they often have special events in the evening or day
Looking forward to seeing you!  Hope you have a fantastic time and learn lots.

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