What is the Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy and Research Association?
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy and Research Association is a singular nonprofit organization with a worldwide membership dedicated to the preservation and encouragement of research surrounding Laura Ingalls Wilder, Rose Wilder Lane, the Little House home sites/museums, and their legacies. The LIWLRA acts as a major sponsor for academic conferences and helps support the work of the homesites and of independent researchers.
What is LauraPalooza?
LauraPalooza is the only academic and fan gathering of its kind, celebrating the literary, cultural, and historical impact of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her Little House series of books. It was first held in 2010 in Mankato, Minnesota, then again two years later, also in Mankato. The third LauraPalooza conference was held in Brookings, South Dakota in 2015.
LauraPalooza 2017, Little Houses, Mighty Legacy: 150 Years of Laura Ingalls Wilder was the fourth conference of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy and Research Association. It was held July 12-14, 2017 at University Plaza Hotel in Springfield, Missouri.
Our upcoming LauraPalooza 2019, All Roads Lead to Laura, will be our fifth conference. It will be held 7-10 July 2019 at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center in Onalaska, Wisconsin.
Who else does conferences like this?
Nobody. That’s why we started.
Who runs the conference?
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy and Research Association and volunteers therein.
Is the conference always in the same place?
No. The first two (2010, 2012) were in Mankato, Minnesota, and the third (2015) was in Brookings, South Dakota. The fourth (2017) was held in Springfield, Missouri, and our fifth (2019) will be at Onalaska, Wisconsin. Where will we be for LauraPalooza 2021? LIWLRA Members will hear first!
How often does LauraPalooza happen?
There was a three-year gap between the second and third conferences, but it’s now on an every-other-year schedule.
What’s with that weird name?
Don’t you love it? Some people don’t, actually, and we get that. The conference combines academic and research-oriented topics with hands-on activities and sociables. The name “LauraPalooza” captures the festive atmosphere of this group of scholars and enthusiasts.
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The following questions pertain to LauraPalooza 2019 specifically.
What’s the deadline to register?
Registration hasn’t opened yet, but LIWLRA Members will have the news and details first!
Once registration is open, the deadline for registration will be June 20, 2019. However, we recommend registering by June 5 to ensure you have all printed conference materials and a reservation for the catered lunches. After June 5, registration materials and meals will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
What is the cancellation policy?
Here’s the cancellation policy for LauraPalooza 2019: All registration fees are non-refundable. However, in the event that you cannot attend, you may transfer your registration to another potential attendee. Register by June 5 to be guaranteed meals and receipt of conference materials.
What is the registration fee for LauraPalooza 2019?
You will find all of the detailed pricing on the Registration page when registration opens. Current LIWLRA Members will have the earliest opportunity, and the best pricing, to register for the conference.
Keep an eye out for a special LIWLRA registration announcement in your email if you are a current (2019) member. If you aren’t a member, what are you waiting for? Become a member here.
I can’t make both days. Are day passes available?
Yes, day passes will be available. You’ll find pricing on the Registration page when registration opens.
What is the Authors’ and Artists’ reception?
The Authors’ and Artists’ Reception is an event that takes place on the evening of the first day of the conference. Conference attendees can get books signed by authors or visit with the authors and artists featured at the conference. Some may have their books available for purchase on site, but of course, please feel free to bring copies that you have purchased in advance!
Do you offer group discounts?
Group discounts are not offered.
What is included in the bus trip to Pepin?
When the information is available you will find it on the Pepin Trip page.
I have a spouse who wants to come but not attend the conference. What are the options?
Spouses can purchase tickets for conference lunches and/or field trip to Pepin separately.
What do I do if I need a ride?
We encourage you to join the Beyond Little House Facebook page and the LauraPalooza (next conference 2019) Facebook page to look for ride sharing and carpooling candidates. Otherwise, rental cars from the airport will be the best option to get from the airport to the conference site. Plan ahead!
What is the address of the conference location?
Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center
3060 S. Kinney Coulee Road
Onalaska, Wisconsin 54650
(800) 659-2220
What’s included in the registration fee?
The registration fee includes the Sunday-evening opening reception, all panels and presentations, two lunches, and admission to the Authors’ and Artists’ Reception.
Do you have to be approved to attend the conference?
LauraPalooza is open to anyone who wants to attend, from teens on up.
Do you have to be a certain age to attend the conference?
There is no official age minimum, though the academic nature dictates that it is not suitable for kids. Still, mature teenagers who are ardent fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder will probably enjoy it.
Are young children allowed at LauraPalooza?
We are no longer able to have Camp Laura as we did in 2012. Teens with a sincere interest in Laura Ingalls Wilder are welcome to register and attend the conference.
Do you offer vendor tables at the conference?
Yes, we offer vendor tables for $50. More details are on the Vendors page.
Is there a special rate for children?
We welcome children to come, but we do expect those children who do come to be regular attendees of the conference, so normal rates apply. No special programs or track for children are offered this time. Any children attendees also get full privileges that a regular attendee would have (place to sit, full meals, etc.). Parents planning for their children to attend the Special Event in Pepin with them will need to purchase a ticket for each child. Anyone attending LauraPalooza may bring a guest to the special event in Pepin, but, again, each attendee must have a paid ticket for admission.