All academic conferences can be improved by embracing one or more of the following tips:

1. Consult the New York Times "36 hours in {conference city]" article to find out the names of interesting neighborhoods.

2. Find small family owned hotel in neighborhood identified in #1 above.

3. Excuse yourself from the conference for a few hours to visit the local museum.

4. Consult Design Sponge city guide for conference city.