The conference will be held at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana. Ruston does not have a commercial airport; attendees typically reach Ruston via nearby regional airports or ground transportation.
International Travel
International attendees typically arrive in the United States via a major international airport such as Chicago, New York / Newark, or San Francisco. From the international arrival city, continue onward to northern Louisiana using domestic air travel or ground transportation.
Domestic Air Travel
The primary regional airports serving Ruston are:
- Monroe Regional Airport (MLU)
- Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV)
Conference transportation (pick-up and drop-off) will be available for arrivals and departures via these airports. Pick-up is available on the conference start day or one day prior, with drop-off provided on the final day of the conference.
These airports are commonly reached via domestic connections through major U.S. hubs, including Dallas / Fort Worth, New Orleans, and Houston.
Train Travel (Alternative Option)
An alternative travel option is rail travel via Chicago:
- Arrive at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Take Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) public transportation to downtown Chicago
- Board the Amtrak Texas Eagle to Longview, Texas
- Continue by connecting bus to Shreveport
- Use conference transportation from Shreveport to Ruston
From O’Hare Airport, take the CTA Blue Line toward Forest Park, exit at Clinton, and walk approximately 5–10 minutes to Chicago Union Station, where Amtrak trains depart.
This option is longer than flying but may appeal to attendees who enjoy rail travel.
Driving to Ruston
From Dallas, Texas
Distance: ~230 miles
Driving Time: ~4 hours
Route: I-20 East to Exit 84B / LA-151 North toward Ruston
From New Orleans, Louisiana
Distance: ~325 miles
Driving Time: ~5 hours
Route: I-10 West → I-49 North → LA-28 East toward Ruston
From Jackson, Mississippi
Distance: ~190 miles
Driving Time: ~3 hours
Route: I-20 West → Exit toward LA-151 North to Ruston
From Shreveport, Louisiana
Distance: ~70 miles
Driving Time: ~1.25 hours
Route: I-20 East → Exit at LA-151 North
From Monroe, Louisiana
Distance: ~35 miles
Driving Time: ~45 minutes
Route: I-20 West → Exit at LA-151 North
Detailed information on scheduling conference-provided transportation will be shared with registered participants closer to the event.