1) Where will the Ken Kennedy AI and Data Science Conference be held?
The main conference, October 25-26, will be virtual with an outdoor networking reception (Tuesday, October 26 from 4:30PM – 6:30PM at Holman Draft Hall).
Wednesday, October 27 will be an in-person add-on day with a technical workshop held at the Rice University BioScience Research Collaborative Building (BRC): 6500 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030.
2) What safety guidelines will there be?
The Ken Kennedy AI and Data Science Conference is committed to the health and well-being of our conference attendees, speakers, and staff. The main conference (October 25-26) will be virtual with an outdoor networking reception (Tuesday, October 26 from 4:30PM – 6:30PM at Holman Draft Hall). The outdoor networking reception will be covered with open sides for continuous airflow.
Wednesday, October 27 will be an in-person add-on day with a technical workshop highlighting deep learning and high-performance computing at the BRC on Rice University campus. Masks are required indoors, the auditorium holds nearly 300 people with registration limited to around 125 for plenty of room to social distance, food provided in boxed and packaged format, and there will be an outdoor open sided tent with seating to allow eating/drinking to occur outside with continuous airflow.
3) Where can I park on Wednesday?
The BRC parking facilities are comprised of a three-level underground garage with approximately 325,000 square feet of space and can hold up to 762 parked vehicles. The rate for the BRC Garage is $1 per 12 minutes, $11 daily maximum.
Parking is not included in the price of registration. The Payment method is by CASH or CREDIT CARD – At the garage entrance, the driver uses his credit card or pulls an entry ticket from the machine to open the gate. The visitor is instructed to park on the first floor (B1). If the visitor pulled a ticket, he or she will carry the entry ticket with them when they exit the car. When ready to leave, the visitor stops at the “pay-on-foot” machine near the elevators. As instructed by the machine, the visitor inserts the ticket into the machine and is shown the amount owed. The visitor may then pay with cash (coins or paper currency) or credit card. The machine issues an exit ticket. The visitor then drives to the exit gate, inserts the exit ticket, and the gate opens. To print a receipt, the visitor can push the button next to the word “Receipt” on the pay-on-foot machines. IMPORTANT – if you are issued a validation, please insert it FIRST into the machine, it will keep the validation. Then, insert the credit card used or ticket pulled at the entry and the gate will open.
4) Is WiFi available at the BRC?
Yes, guests can access the Rice Visitors network by agreeing to the Terms & Conditions when they open their web browser.
5) What hotels are nearby the BRC?
Several hotels are close to Rice University BioScience Research Collaborative. All nearby hotels should offer free shuttles that will drop you off at the Rice University BioScience Research Collaborative. Please arrange shuttle service with the hotel well in advance of when you need it.
Houston Marriott – Medical Center
6580 Fannin St
Houston, TX 77030
Phone: (713) 796-0080
Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center
6633 Travis Street
Houston, TX 77030 USA
Phone: (713) 313-4000 Fax: (713) 313-4660
InterContinental Houston – Medical Center
6750 Main Street
Houston, TX 77030 USA
Phone: (713) 422-2779
Wyndham Houston – Medical Center Hotel and Suites
6800 Main Street
Houston, TX 77030 USA
Phone: (713) 528-7744
Hotel Zaza
5701 Main Street
Houston, TX 77005 USA
Phone: (713) 526-1991 / 888-880-3244 Fax: (713) 526-0359
Wyndham Houston Stadium / Medical Center
8686 Kirby Drive
Houston, TX 77054 USA
Phone: (713) 748-3221 Fax: (713) 796-9371
Residence Inn, Marriott – West University
2939 Westpark Drive
Houston, TX 77005
Phone: (713) 661-4660
4) Houston Visitor Information?
Visit Houston
Houston Metro Rail Information
Ride Metro Information (Bus & Rail)