May 28-31, 2026

Conference FAQ

Questions about our conference? Find our list of Frequently Asked Questions below! Is your question not on this list? Reach out to AAAE staff: [email protected]

How do I use Whova?

Whova is this year’s conference app, and it is where AAAE Conference Organizers will be announcing important information, where our conference schedule lives, and where you can connect with other #AAAE26 attendees. You can access Whova via a mobile app (recommended) or via a web browser. Any announcements sent through Whova will show up as a push notification (if you download the mobile app) as well as an email sent to the email address we have on file.

There are several helpful guides to understand the features Whova has to offer. Please view the links below for some helpful tips.

Any questions? Please feel free to reach out to Dani Wyatt ([email protected]) if you need technical assistance.

 

Download the Whova app!

Visit the Whova webpage here!

Where are conference sessions located?

Most conference sessions will be located at 43 Hawes Street in Brookline. See below for a location breakdown:

MAY 28, 2026
  • Arts & Cultural Session: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (meet at the museum)
  • Arts & Cultural Session: Midway Studios (meet at the Midway Studios)
  • Arts & Cultural Session: Walking Tour of Boston (meet at the historic Blackstone Block (at Green Tavern))
  • Writing Workshop: Classroom in the College of Fine Arts (room 254)
  • Pecha Kucha Sessions: Stone Gallery in the College of Fine Arts
  • Opening Keynote Speaker: Booth Theatre on Boston University campus
  • Opening Reception: Booth Theatre on Boston University campus
MAY 29, 2026
MAY 30, 2026
  • All conference sessions, including the Closing Keynote Speaker and the Closing Reception, will be held in 43 Hawes Street.
MAY 31, 2026
  • Our post-conference trip will be to the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA. Travel details to be announced!

How do I get around in Boston?

Boston has a great public transportation system, including their subway (known as The T). This is a cheap way to get around the city as a ticket is only $2.40. Subway trains run from 5:00am – 1:00am. You’ll need a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket to ride the T, which can be purchased at most subway station vending machines.

Most of our conference sessions will be located at 43 Hawes Street, which is just a few blocks from the Hawes Street stop of the Green Line.

Learn more about Boston public transportation here!

Where should I eat during the lunch break?

Suggested lunch options (under 15-minute walk from 43 Hawes Street):

What are dine arounds?

Dine arounds are a chance to meet new people, re-connect with old colleagues, and enjoy a wonderful meal! AAAE will set up reservations for 8-10 people at various restaurants around Boston. We will have a sign up sheet at the check-in desk on Thursday and Friday for conference attendees to sign up. These reservations are first-come, first-serve!

2026 Dine Around Locations:

Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks $$$

Row 34 – Kenmore $$

Jumbo Seafood Brookline $20-30

Guy-Kaku Japanese BBQ $$ (lively atmosphere as there is an option to self-grill)

MIDA $$

I'm not participating in dine arounds, but I still want to know where to get a good meal in Boston.

Not attending our dine arounds? No worries! We have a list of great dining places below that are both close to our conference home base (43 Hawes Street) and farther into the city of Boston.

Restaurants near 43 Hawes Street (AAAE Conference Home Base)

Bar ‘Cino Brookline $$

Taberna de Haro $$

Blue Ribbon Sushi $$

Restaurants farther away from AAAE Conference Home Base

Atlantic Fish Company $$$

Legal Sea Foods Harborside $$$

Saltie Girl $$$

Union Oyster House $$ (Founded 1826)

Parker’s Restaurant at the Omni Parker House $$

Lucca North End $$$

ReelHouse $$

Where can I park during the conference?

Thursday, May 28 Parking Information
For the pre-conference day (Thursday, May 28), there are two parking lots available after 3pm where conference attendees can self-pay and park for $14. The parking lots are located at:
    • Agganis Arena Garage – located at 925 Commonwealth Ave by way of Buick St.
    • Essex St Garage and Lot – located at 148 Essex St, Brookline
Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30 Parking Information
We will have about 25-30 parking spots available for conference attendees to park at the 43 Hawes Street building (AAAE Conference Home Base) on a first come first serve basis. The conference organizers will cover the parking charges – you will not have to do anything in order to park.

How do I access the wifi at Boston University?

Information coming soon!

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