The conference begins Thursday afternoon, Oct. 9, and continues through Saturday night, Oct. 11. Thanks to the planning and insight of the “Many Minds, Many Stripes” steering committee, alumni focus groups and Alumni Engagement, there is a full calendar of activities you can shape to match your interests, as well as plenty of networking opportunities and social events. Get the most from your time on campus by starting with these 10 things to know before you go. 

1. Check in. When you arrive on campus, check in at Maclean House to receive your name tag, lanyard and other conference materials. (Open Thursday, 1 to 7 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) Lanyards will be required for attendance at all of the complimentary conference’s events. 

2. Download three must-have apps (through the QR code below). 

• The Princeton Events app is the best way to navigate the conference. Download it from the Apple Store or Google Play store, or use the QR code below. To sign in, use the email you used to register for the conference. Click Agenda to access the full roster of events and to customize your personal schedule. If you pre-registered, the events you selected will be highlighted in the “My agenda” tab. The app includes lists of the conference’s 130+ speakers and all attendees; provides updates through notifications; and gives quick access to social media, maps, campus services, and parking and transportation info.  
• The Campus Map app provides live, turn-by-turn directions to destinations on campus and shows accessible pathways.
• The TigerSafe app gives you tools, including notifications and alerts, for a safe campus visit.

Bonus: The QR code above also provides a link to the Stand Up for Princeton and Higher Education website, where you can join a community of Princeton alumni, students, faculty and friends who are committed to making the case for America’s colleges and universities.  

3. Create your schedule. Use the Princeton Events app or consult the program on the “Many Minds” website to select the events you won’t want to miss. Offerings include alumni panels, faculty lectures by Graduate School alumni and roundtable discussions that cover a wide variety of topical issues including AI, the art of translation, leadership and public service, the health sciences, climate change, ethics, innovation, economic mobility, the arts and cultural heritage, and current campus life at Princeton. Enjoy department gatherings, affinity group receptions, an authors’ roundtable and a book fair, a fun run, Peyton Observatory stargazing, a mixer at the DBar, an exterior tour of the Princeton University Art Museum, a Battle of Princeton walking tour, exhibits at the Princeton University Library, a stone-balancing workshop and so much more. 

Start with some plenary highlights:  

Thursday: Welcome reception (5 p.m.), conference kickoff “Princeton Stories: Journeys of Purpose and Possibility” (6-7:15 p.m.) and “Evening Reception — Hosted by the APGA” (7:30 p.m.) 

Friday: Welcome Back: Welcome remarks with Rodney D. Priestley, dean of the Princeton Graduate School and the Pomeroy and Betty Perry Smith Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering (8:30 a.m.), followed by a conversation with President Christopher L. Eisgruber ’83, interviewed by Ann Kirschner *78 (8:45-9:45 a.m.); “The Current Graduate Student Experience: A Panel Discussion” (10-11 a.m.); “Princeton’s GradFUTURES Advantage: Graduate Alumni Mentorship and Advocacy” (11 a.m.-noon); Luncheon: “From Academic Research to Entrepreneurship: the PumpKin Story” (12:30-2 p.m.); Reception, Dinner and Conversation: “Alumni in Service” (6:30-9:30 p.m.). 

Saturday: Luncheon: “Conversation on the Future of Artificial Intelligence” (12:30-2 p.m.); Reception and dinner: “Celebrating 125 Years of the Graduate School” (6-9 p.m.) followed by a closing party.  

4. Revise your schedule. If you pre-registered for an event but discover a different event you’d prefer to attend, no worries. We do suggest you arrive early at events, however. Certain conference sessions may reach capacity. The University is required to follow the fire-code regulations for each location. If all seats in a session have been taken before you arrive, please refer to the conference program to select an alternative. Pre-registration for a panel, lecture or activity does not guarantee a seat. 

5. Customize the Princeton Events app. You can make your profile more robust by adding a photo and biographical details. The app also has a Chat feature through which you can communicate with other conference attendees. Click on their name in the Attendees icon and they’ll receive a notification. (You can also opt-out of having your name listed in the app.)  

6. Make a plan for parking and transportation. Please register for your required event parking permit at alumni.princeton.edu/mmmsparking if parking on campus. On-campus parking will be limited during the conference, especially on Thursday and Friday before 3 p.m. We encourage you to take mass transit, carpool, use the provided shuttle service and keep your car at your hotel when possible. The parking and transportation guide includes shuttle schedules, parking maps and a map of key conference locations.  

Before 3 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, parking is available in Lot 20 and the Stadium Drive Garage. After 3 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and all day on Saturday, you are welcome to park in the Theater Drive Garage, Lot 20 and Stadium Drive Garage. Overnight parking in these locations is permitted only after 5 p.m. Friday; your vehicle is subject to being towed if left overnight at any other time. 

While on campus, you can also take advantage of Princeton Mobile  via any smartphone, tablet or computer, for a detailed campus map, Tiger Transit information and much more.  

Conference locations are spread throughout the campus, so please be prepared to walk. We suggest you wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers and carry an umbrella in case of rain. Limited transportation will be available for guests with mobility issues who need assistance. 

Finally, since classes are in session with students walking and bicycling on campus, please use caution when driving around the University. 

7. Don’t hesitate to ask. Princeton staff will be at Maclean House and events on campus all weekend to answer your questions and assist with needs.  

8. Get social: While on campus, we hope you take the time to connect virtually with your fellow conference participants by posting on social media outlets such as Instagram, Facebook and X, using the hashtag #ManyMinds and/or #PrincetonAlumni.  

9. Accommodations for dietary restrictions have been prearranged based on information provided through the registration process. However, we ask that you inform your server of your specific restriction at each meal during the conference. 

10. Let us know if you change your plans. We understand that some cancellations are inevitable. If your plans have changed, please email Alumni Engagement at eventmgr@princeton.edu.