Conference Information

For those traveling by air, we recommend flying into Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). This airport is about 90 minutes from campus.

You should plan to fly in on the first day of your session and fly out on the last day. For example, a person attending Session 1, June 18-22, would fly in on the 18^th and fly out on the 22^nd.

To minimize wait times for the shuttle or check-in at campus, we suggest arriving at the airport after 12:00 p.m. When departing, please schedule your flight no earlier than 8:00 a.m. if you plan to use our shuttle service.

We are pleased to be able to offer attendees complimentary shuttles to/from the Detroit Airport on arrival and departure days.

• On arrival days, shuttles will depart from DTW for Hillsdale at 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. On departure days, shuttles will depart Hillsdale for DTW at 5:00 a.m., 6:00 a.m., 7:30 a.m., and 9:00 a.m.
• Shuttle seat reservations will be made during registration. As such, you should have your flight planned prior to registering for the conference.
• Assume it will take you 30 minutes from the time your flight lands to get to the Westin Hotel (especially if you are not flying Delta)
• If your flight plans do not allow you to take our shuttles, please make alternate arrangements.
  • Please note that Hillsdale County does not reliably offer rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft. 

As you await your shuttle, please sit, relax, and enjoy a light snack in a reserved space at The Westin. This is also where the shuttle will pick up guests.

One of our K-12 Education team members will be there to greet you and check you in for the shuttle.  

To get to The Westin:

If flying into McNamara Terminal (Delta)

• The Westin entrance is on the same level as Departures/Ticketing, on the south end of the terminal.  
• Once inside, walk down the ramp until you see our K-12 Education sign.

If flying into Evans (North) Terminal (most non-Delta):

• Take the terminal-to-terminal shuttle from the Ground Transportation Center. It will make a stop at The Westin.  
• After getting off the shuttle and entering The Westin, walk straight down the ramp and hallway until you see our K-12 Education sign.

We will have light snacks available at The Westin for you while you wait for your shuttle. If you need something more substantial, we recommend eating before leaving your terminal. If you arrive to campus early, we are offering dinner in the dining hall 5:00-6:30 p.m. If you don’t make it in time for dinner or are unable to get dinner before boarding the shuttle, we will have substantial appetizers at our Welcome Reception which will be held from 6:00-10:00 p.m. in the Searle Center. 

Upon arrival, guests will be greeted in the Searle Center Lower Lobby by our K-12 staff members who will assist with the check-in process. Guests will receive their name tag and room assignment at this time. Check-in begins at 5:00 p.m. on each arrival day.

Check-out will be done in the Searle Center Lower Lobby beginning at 5:00 a.m. on each departure day. Guests will turn in their room keys and check-in for their shuttle. All guests are asked to check out by 9:00 a.m.

If you have unique travel circumstances, please tell us on your registration form. Complimentary services and amenities, including shuttle transportation, meals, and lodging, are only available to registered conference attendees during their designated sessions.

Due to the size of the conference, we are unable to accommodate outside guests for this conference including spouses and children.

The K-12 Education Office is pleased to offer attendees from Hillsdale Member Schools the hospitality of Hillsdale College facilities. While we are proud of our facilities, we remind our guests that these were designed for college students. As such, we can only offer single, twin-sized beds. In most cases, bathrooms will be shared with others. Because of our numbers, we cannot guarantee attendees their own room. All room assignments have been made based on information provided on the registration form. Room assignments will be given when you check in. Those who are arranging their own housing are encouraged to check-in on the arrival day or before the first plenary.

Provided in dorms:

• Bed and bath linens
• Blanket by request as supply allows
• Fan by request as supply allows
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Housekeeping service for those staying multiple sessions

Guests should bring their own hairstyling appliances (in particular, hair dryers). Irons and ironing boards will be available in the laundry room of each residence hall.
All residence halls are equipped with air conditioning. You will not be able to control the temperature in your room, however box fans and extra blankets are available.

For those who will use alternate lodging, please check in at the Searle Center on your arrival day after 5:00 p.m. We will also have a registration table outside the opening plenary on the first full day of the conference.

All breakfasts and lunches will be offered in Knorr Dining Hall. Those with dietary restrictions will find the menu signage helpful. For severe allergies, individual meals may be available.

Our college dining service, Metz, can meet most dietary requirements provided they’re declared in advance.

There will be light refreshments available during mid-morning breaks and throughout the evening. Additionally, there are vending machines located in the residence halls. Feel free to bring snacks of your own. Bottled water will be available at breaks, but we recommend you bring your own water bottle. Those on 5:00 a.m. or 6:00 a.m. departure shuttles will have a light continental breakfast available in the Searle Center prior to leaving.