There is currently enhanced security in place on both campuses, and you will need to pass through security to enter campus.

Please bring along a photo ID (state ID, driver's license, or passport), as this will be required to enter campus buildings.

You should also receive two QR codes by email, which you will need to enter Columbia's campus. One code is for Saturday, and one is for Sunday. The QR code will be requested by the security desk outside of Faculty House, along with your physical photo ID. If you have not yet received these QR codes, please inform your Laidlaw Programme Manager as soon as possible.

Note: Access to Barnard’s campus only requires a photo ID—no QR code is needed.

The dress code is a guideline to help you feel comfortable and confident throughout the event. We want you to feel at ease while representing yourself well, without worrying about being over or underdressed.

For most of the weekend, we recommend a smart, semi-professional style—think of what you might wear to an interview, presentation, or an important work event. Comfortable shoes are key, as you’ll be on your feet a lot.

The gala dinner on Saturday is a semi-formal evening event. This means the dress code falls between black tie and business professional. This is most commonly seen at weddings and office parties. Typical clothes worn for such events are suit pants and jackets, with a shirt, and optional tie or midi/mini dresses, paired with flats or heels, and optional clutch or bag. However, there’s no need to spend money on new outfits—just wear something that makes you feel good!

To get a better idea of what people usually wear, please see the video below. You can also look through the following galleries to view photos from both the main conference events and the gala dinners: 

• 2023 Trinity College Dublin 
• 2023 University of Toronto
• 2022 London School of Economics 

You don’t need to bring much—just yourself and an open mind! We’ll provide you with a sustainable notebook and pen as part of your welcome pack, so you’ll have what you need to take notes throughout the conference. We also recommend bringing a reusable water bottle, comfortable shoes for walking between sessions, and any personal items you may need for the day, such as a charger for your devices.

A dedicated team of support staff will be on-site to assist with any queries. The Columbia and Barnard Conference team includes Laidlaw programme managers Ariella Lang and Stephanie Malak, along with colleagues Cat Wallace, Christine Valenza Shin, and Adam Lutz.

The Laidlaw Foundation team will also be available to support you: Amy Moore, Susanna Kempe, and Hannah Watton.

Additionally, student volunteers as well as Columbia and Barnard Laidlaw Scholars will be present throughout the venue, ready to answer any questions you may have. Don’t hesitate to approach them!

We kindly ask that you avoid using your phone during sessions to maintain focus and respect the speakers and fellow attendees. Please keep your phone on silent and save any texts or calls for breaks between sessions. We encourage you to be fully present and engage with the content and discussions.

We are committed to promoting sustainability throughout the conference. In addition to choosing eco-friendly venues and suppliers with sustainability policies, we have also ensured that the materials used for the event reflect our commitment to reducing waste:

• Giveaway Notebooks and Pens: The eco-friendly notebooks provided are made from apple peel, vegetable fibres, and sustainable pulp, which reduces food waste. They feature sustainably certified ivory-tinted apple paper and are PVC-free. The accompanying pens are made from 40% wheat stalk, reducing waste and fully recyclable after use.
• Name Badges & Lanyards: To minimise waste, our name badges do not use plastic pockets, and lanyards will be collected for recycling after the event.
• Printing & Banners: Wherever possible, all printed materials are done on recycled paper, and our banners are designed to be reusable for future events.

While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the environmental impact of an event of this nature, we have taken significant steps to mitigate it and will continue improving our practices in future events.

Filming and photography will take place on Saturday. If you prefer not to appear in any post-event photos or videos, please let us know. The best person to speak with is Hannah Watton, but you can also inform the photographer or videographer directly. We’ll make every effort to avoid capturing you and ensure you do not appear in any media before it’s published.

If you have any additional access needs that you didn't mention during registration, you can let us know in advance by emailing us at contact@laidlawfoundation.com. Feel free to also let the team know on the day, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

Each campus has WiFi that is open to guests. 

Barnard: Barnard Guest
Columbia: Columbia University

If you prefer to use eduroam, see instructions here.

No. There is no need to return to campus. The welcome registration room (James Room) will be closed at 9:30pm. Please return to your hotels for a good night’s sleep.

While there are no specifically reserved quiet spaces, scholars can find quieter areas on the first floor throughout both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, additional quiet spots are available on the second and third floors. Most activities are organised by floor, so if you need a quiet moment, feel free to visit a floor without scheduled programming.

Scholars are welcome at the Diana Center from 7pm to take photos with the step-and-repeat. Doors for the gala dinner will open at 7:45pm.

We recommend asking your hotel for luggage storage upon check-out. Otherwise, there will be a designated place at Faculty House for you to leave your bags.

Yes. There are water stations available throughout both campuses. Barnard and Columbia Scholars can direct you.