About

CWPA 2026 Conference Site: Join us at the University of Wyoming!

The University of Wyoming is a picturesque campus founded in 1886 with both state-of-the-art facilities and historic 19th century buildings. We are the state’s land grant and only 4-year university, and our stunning Rocky Mountain location attracts those who love exploring the outdoors. Join us, and you can enjoy our campus and amazing location along the way.

Our conference will be held in the University of Wyoming College of Business, which is just steps from dorm housing options and a 1-mile flat walk to our featured hotels (due east of UW) or downtown (due west of UW). While on campus, take time to visit the heart of the university, Prexy’s Pasture, and the adjacent Geological Dinosaur Museum. We also recommend the UW Art Museum and American Heritage Center, filled with great exhibits and one of the largest non-governmental archives in the US. Also, don’t miss historic downtown Laramie, where you can find fun honkytonks and great local dining options. Find out more at VisitLaramie.org.

Conference Transportation

DIA and LAR Airports: The closest major airport is Denver International Airport (DIA), which serves all major cities and carriers. You may also fly directly to Laramie (LAR) via United Airlines. There are typically two LAR flights daily, and as of April 1, this will add about $150 to the price of your ticket.

Shuttle Van Service: If you prefer to fly to and from Denver to save money, we are organizing University of Wyoming shuttle vans to and from DIA, with a roundtrip shuttle price of $75.00. Travel time to Laramie is approximately 2 hours and we will have limited shuttle availability on Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday (July 19, 22, 25, 26) only, so schedule your flights early so we can organize your shuttle service no later than May 30. If you don’t register for the shuttle service by the deadline, you will either need to rent a car from DIA or fly into Laramie.

Conference Housing

University Dorm Housing: UW has brand new, state-of-the-art dorms at super low prices (just $85 per day) that include the cost of three meals and bedding. Dorm reservations are required by May 30th, 2026. Register early to ensure a single room; double rooms will also be available. All dorm rooms have a sink in the room, with one-person, private bathrooms in the common area that include a shower and toilet. The dorms are three-star hotel grade, though again, one-person bathrooms with shower and toilet outside the dorm room itself.

Local Hotel Room Blocks: We have secured discounted blocks at two hotels for single or double occupancy. Register for your hotel no later than May 30th, 2026 to guarantee the block rate, which is expected to be $204 per night plus taxes. Call the hotel and reserve the CWPA rate today.

  • Hilton Garden Inn Laramie: 2229 Grand Ave. Laramie, WY, 82070. Direct Hotel Phone: 307-745-5500. The hotel is .9 miles from College of Business conference site on the corner of 15th and Ivinson. Free parking and a free shuttle from Laramie Airport, and limited shuttle availability to and from campus conference site. Limited dining on site and several restaurants adjacent. Ridley’s Supermarket .5 miles away. Direct Hotel Phone: 307-399-5500. Remember to ask for the CWPA rate!
  • Holiday Inn Laramie: 204 30th Street, Laramie, WY, US, 82070. 1.3 miles from College of Business conference site on the corner of 15th and Ivinson. Free parking but no Laramie Airport shuttle or campus shuttle service. Limited dining on site and several restaurants adjacent. Ridley’s Supermarket .3 miles away. Direct Hotel Phone: 307-721-9000. Remember to ask for the CWPA rate!

Other Housing Options: There are a range of other hotel and home rental options throughout Laramie, though they sell out fast and may be a distance from the conference site.

Conference Social Events

We’re still ironing out details for our social events, but here’s a preview of what’s in store. All events are part of registration costs, with complementary food included.

  • Thursday Night Welcome Reception: Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Wyoming Resolution at the historic Cooper House (a vacation spot for Ernest Hemingway) on campus at 1411 Grand Avenue in Laramie. Light refreshments and limited drinks while they last. Hosted by University of Wyoming Department of English, Honors College, and the Bridge/Learning Resource Network.
  • Friday Evening Hike and Pizza Party: We’ll have free transportation to take a hike in the beautiful Snowy Range—this is a classic Rocky Mountain beginner’s hike. We may see moose, so bring your hiking shoes and join us! After, there will be great pizza at a local establishment. Food is included in registration, but drinks are on your own.
  • Saturday Afternoon Excursion: After the conference ends, travel to nearby and gorgeous Vedauwoo Recreation Area as part of your conference registration. There is an extended hike that is moderate, or a short one for beginners. Enjoy this breathtaking 1.4-billion-year-old Sherman Granite formation with otherworldly rocks sculpted by natural forces—including an ancient ocean—over eons of time.

About Laramie . . . in summer, we call it Laradise

Those of us who live in our small, cowboy-hippie town know that summers are a beautiful time of year, with average highs between 80-85 degrees and lows 50-55 degrees. Bring your jacket and your sunscreen: we’re in a high plains desert with low humidity but hot, hot sun. Also, note that we are at 7,200 feet, which is a half mile higher than Denver! You will need to stay hydrated prior to and during your stay, and if you are elevation sensitive you may feel winded or lightheaded while here.

While the University of Wyoming may dominate Laramie culture, we have an amazing historic downtown area with offbeat shops, Mom and Pop eateries, and swinging honkytonks—attractions that often get us ranked as one of the Best Small College Towns in the US. Questions? Contact local host Kelly Kinney at <kkinney3@uwyo.edu>.