FAQ | Eastern Iowa Cosmic

Eastern Iowa Cosmic Conference – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Eastern Iowa Cosmic Conference, and who should attend?
The Eastern Iowa Cosmic Conference is a multi-day event hosted by the Cedar
Amateur Astronomers (CAA) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It brings together astronomy enthusiasts,

students, educators, families, and the public for a weekend of learning, hands-on activities, and community. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or simply curious about the cosmos, there’s something for everyone.

2. How do I register for the conference, and what are the registration options?
You can register online by creating a free account on our conference website or download a registration form to mail in with a payment. Online payment can be made by credit card or PayPal. Mail in payment can be by check or by providing credit card information.

Registration is REQUIRED for Track 1 (NCRAL 2026), Track 2 (Community education), the Banquet and the Sunday Tours. No registration is required for the free public Harlow Shapley Lecture. Please note that registration for Track 1 or Track 2 does not automatically include the Banquet. Banquet tickets can be purchased as a separate item during the registration process. All persons attending the Banquet are entitled to stay for the post-Banquet keynote address; however, Track 1 registrants may attend the keynote address even if they do not attend the Banquet.

Please note that Banquet registrations must be finalized by May 10, 2026, as this is required by the DoubleTree Hotel.

If space permits, walk-up registration for either Track 1 or Track 2 may be available.

Links to all registration forms and instructions are provided on the registration page on the conference website.

3. Can I purchase banquet tickets for guests?
Banquet tickets can be purchased as a separate item during registration for Tracks 1 or 2. You may buy tickets for yourself and for guests. All banquet registrations must be finalized by May 10, 2026.

4. What are the dates, locations, and main events of the conference?
The conference takes place May 15–17, 2026, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The main events include:

Track 1 (NCRAL 2026): A pre-conference event will be held at the Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center Friday evening May 15, 2026, beginning at 5 PM. End time will depend on viewing conditions.

The main Track 1 conference events will take place on Saturday, May 16, from 8 am–10 pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton, downtown Cedar Rapids.

Track 1 participants may also register for any of the free tours offered Sunday May 17, 2026.

Track 2 (Public): The Track 2 events will occur on Saturday, May 16, from 1–4 pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton.

Track 2 participants may also register for the Banquet and/or any of the free tours offered Sunday May 17, 2026.
Free Public Harlow Shapley Lecture: This free lecture is open to everyone. It will be given on Saturday, May 16, at 10:30 am at the DoubleTree by Hilton.

5. What are the differences between Track 1, Track 2, and the free public lecture?

Track 1 will include advanced presentations, networking, and exhibits for experienced astronomers and NCRAL members.
Track 2 will include hands-on activities, demonstrations, and talks appropriate for students of all ages, families, educators, and community members.
Free Public Lecture is open to everyone and will feature a distinguished speaker courtesy of the Harlow Shapley Lecturer Program. The presentation will be appropriate for all age levels. No registration is required, but capacity is limited, so plan to arrive early to ensure seating availability.

6. Who are the speakers, and where can I find information about their
presentations?
Our conference website features a section with biographies, titles, and descriptions of the talks for Track 1 and the free Shapley Lecture. Similar information for Track 2 will be added soon. Please visit the conference website for details.

7. Is there an early-bird registration rate, and what are the deadlines?
Yes! Early-bird registration is available for Track 1 only, with a discounted rate for those who register by March 1, 2026. Regular registration for Tracks 1 and 2 remains open until event capacity is reached, and you may register on the day of the event if space allows.

8. What are the capacity limits for each event, and what happens if an event is full?
Track 1 is limited to 125 participants, Track 2 to 200, and the free public lecture to 120 attendees. If Track 1 or Track 2 reaches capacity, a waitlist may be available. Please register early to secure your spot.

9. Can I change or cancel my registration? Are refunds available?
Changes to registrations can only be made by emailing the conference administrators.

Once registrations are paid, refunds are not available except for extenuating circumstances that will be evaluated by conference administrators on a case-by-case basis.

A registration may be transferred to another attendee by communicating with conference administrators. It is the responsibility of the original registrant to identify the person to whom the registration is to be transferred. Transfer requests will not be accepted after Friday, May 8, 2026.

10. What meal options are available for the banquet, and how do I indicate dietary
restrictions?
Banquet meal choices include pork, fish, and vegan options. You’ll find detailed descriptions of each meal on our conference website. Please indicate any dietary restrictions during registration.

11. Are special accommodations or accessibility arrangements available?
Yes. The main floor of the EIOLC and the DoubleTree by Hilton are ADA-compliant. There may be some accessibility exceptions to some specific areas of the EIOLC. For example, depending on the individual’s limitations, he or she may not be able to participate in the swap meet in the basement of the EIOLC or reach the eyepieces of some or all the telescopes. Please specify any special accommodation needs during registration so we can ensure your experience is as comfortable and accessible as possible.

12. Can children attend the conference? Are there age restrictions?
Children are welcome! For Track 1 and Track 2, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (who does not need to be a family member). The free public lecture is open to all ages. Common etiquette is expected during the conference events so as not to disturb other attendees and the presenters.

13. How do I book a hotel room and are there discounted rates for attendees?
A block of rooms has been reserved at the DoubleTree by Hilton at a special conference rate. Early booking is encouraged, as the special conference room rate availability is limited. A dedicated hotel reservation link will be provided on the conference website as soon as it is made available by the DoubleTree Hotel. Our conference website will also identify other hotels in the area that you may consider.

14. What are the parking and transportation options for attendees?
Parking at the observatory on Friday evening is free. City street parking is free from 5 pm Friday through all day Sunday. Parking garages are available for $18/day (or $15/day if purchased through the DoubleTree Hotel in connection with your room registration). Pay per hour rates ($0.75/hr) are also available at all Cedar Rapids parking ramps.

The DoubleTree Hotel offers a free shuttle service available to and from the airport and within a limited radius on a space and time available basis for other excursions. The airport is about 12 miles from downtown. Taxis, rideshares and rental cars are also options at the airport and for travel around the Cedar Rapids vicinity.

15. What is the dress code for the conference and banquet?
Dress is casual—just avoid excessively worn clothing or attire with controversial content. Come comfortable and ready to enjoy the events at the hotel, the EIOLC and on the tours. Be aware that although May weather is general wonderful in Cedar Rapids, nights may still get chilly and there could be rain.

16. Will there be conference merchandise, and how can I order items like t-shirts?
Yes! T-shirts and possibly other merchandise will be available for purchase through a link on our website (coming soon), connecting you directly to our vendor(s). This will allow you to purchase your merchandise in advance of the conference and pick it up at the conference registration desk upon your arrival. Opportunities to purchase merchandise at the conference may be limited.

17. How can I become a sponsor or donate to support the conference?
We welcome support from individuals and organizations! Monetary donations can be made via the Donate button on our conference website. For sponsorships, goods, or services, please contact the conference administrators at EICC@cedar-astronomers.org.

18. How will I receive important updates or changes about the conference?
Registered attendees will receive updates and important information by email. Major updates and common questions will also be posted on the main pages and/or the FAQ section of the conference website.

19. What COVID-19, health, or safety measures will be in place?
We will follow all applicable health and safety guidelines in effect at the time of the conference. Updates will be provided on the conference website and by email as needed.

20. Who do I contact if I have additional questions or need assistance?
For further questions, please email us at EICC@cedar-astronomers.org.