Accessibility at the Berks
Big Berks 2027 · Minneapolis, MN · June 10–13, 2027
The Berkshire Conference of Women Historians (the Berks) is committed to creating a conference environment that is accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to all participants. We understand accessibility as an ongoing practice and a shared responsibility, and we recognize that meaningful access may require different forms of support for different people.
For the 2027 Big Berks, the planning team has incorporated accessibility into conference planning from the outset. All conference meeting and program rooms will be ADA accessible. We have reserved a block of ADA-accessible guest rooms at the conference hotel, captioning will be provided for all keynote addresses and plenary sessions, and gender-neutral restrooms will be available. In advance of the conference, the Berks will also provide accessibility guidelines for presenters, chairs, commentators, and other session participants to support more accessible presentations and concurrent sessions across the program. Attendees who require a personal care attendant or support person to participate fully in the conference may register that individual at no additional cost through the conference registration form.
Participants may also request additional accommodations and scheduling considerations, including assignment to a presentation room near an elevator to reduce travel distance within the conference venue. We will make every effort to incorporate these needs into room assignments and program scheduling. Both the conference submission portal and the registration form include a space for requesting scheduling and room access needs.
As the conference approaches, we will provide additional venue- and location-specific accessibility information for the Hilton Minneapolis and surrounding downtown area. This will include information about accessible dining options, transportation, parking, venue navigation, and other resources that may help participants plan for their time in Minneapolis. We will continue to update this information as details become available.
Please read below for more specifics in each area. Participants are welcome to request accommodations not specifically identified here.
Communication Access
The Berks is committed to supporting communication access across the conference. Captioning will be provided for all keynote addresses and plenary sessions. Additional communication accommodations may include:
- American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation
- Reserved seating near interpreters, captioning screens, or speakers
- Accessible digital or printed conference materials
- Advance access to presentation materials, when available
Participants requesting ASL interpretation or other specialized communication services are encouraged to provide as much advance notice as possible so that the Berks can secure qualified providers and coordinate services effectively.
Mobility and Physical Access
Increasing accessibility was an important consideration in the Berks’ decision to move from a university-based conference model to a conference hotel model. Holding the conference in a single venue allows participants to remain in one building rather than traveling between multiple meeting sites or navigating a large university campus. The venue houses lodging, keynote and plenary sessions, concurrent sessions, meeting spaces, and the exhibit hall. The hotel also offers additional on-site food options, and all meeting spaces, restrooms, and elevators are ADA accessible.
This consolidated model is intended to reduce the distance participants must travel, minimize transitions between buildings and meeting sites, simplify navigation, and create greater flexibility for participants who may need to return to their guest rooms during the conference. It also supports participants who use mobility devices, experience pain or fatigue, have limited stamina, or benefit from reducing the number and complexity of transitions throughout the day.
Participants may request assignment to a presentation room near an elevator or identify other room-location considerations that would reduce travel distance or support physical access. The Berks will make every effort to take these needs into account when assigning sessions to conference rooms.
As the conference approaches, the Berks will provide more detailed information about accessible entrances, elevators, routes through the conference venue, parking, drop-off locations, transportation options, and other features specific to the Hilton Minneapolis.
Accessible Hotel Rooms and Room Location
The Berks has reserved ADA-accessible guest rooms within the conference hotel room block. Participants who require an accessible room are encouraged to identify their needs as early as possible so that we can help support coordination with the hotel.
Lactation and Caregiving Needs
The Berks recognizes that lactation and caregiving needs are an important part of conference access. We have reserved a dedicated space within the conference venue to serve as a private lactation room throughout the conference. Children of attendees are also welcome in conference spaces with adult supervision and can attend conference sessions at no additional cost.
The planning committee will also offer a list of family-friendly venues and activities in the area.
Quiet and Low-Stimulation Space
The Berks recognizes that conferences can be physically, mentally, and sensory intensive. A dedicated quiet room and a separate wellness room will be available within the main conference space throughout the conference.
Gender-Neutral Restrooms
Gender-neutral restrooms will be available during the conference.
As the conference approaches, we will provide more specific information about the locations of gender-neutral restrooms within the conference venue. This information will also be incorporated into conference accessibility and venue-navigation materials.
Accessible Presentations and Concurrent Sessions
The Berks will roll out an accessibility guide for all presenters, commentators, and chairs in fall 2026.
Requesting or Updating an Accommodation
Accessibility needs may change after a proposal is submitted or registration has occurred. Attendees should contact the Berks Executive Director, Stephanie Rytilahti, with questions or to update a request: execadmin@berksconference.org.