The Entomological Society of America (ESA) is committed to fostering an inclusive environment at its Annual Meeting, ensuring accessibility for all attendees, speakers, and guests.
To enhance this commitment, individuals with specific needs are encouraged to communicate their requirements by contacting Rosina Romano. Attendees who travel with an aide or personal assistant are able to register those individuals as a complimentary guest. Contact Rosina Romano for additional information.
Accessibility Guide to Entomology 2026
Welcome. This is a first-person explanation of what to expect at Entomology 2026 this year.
Getting Ready I can learn about Entomology 2026 and register on the event’s official website. If I need to request an accommodation for a disability or medical condition, I can do that when registering. If I have already registered, I can edit my responses by logging into my ESA Account, where I can update my event registration on the Dashboard. If I need any assistance, I can email meet@entsoc.org. I can learn more about the Greater Columbus Convention Center on their Frequently Asked Questions page.
| Arriving and Leaving I am going to Entomology 2026 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. The Greater Columbus Convention Center address is 400 North High Street Columbus, Ohio 43215. The event runs over four days from November 8-11, 2026. On my first day, I should arrive around an hour prior to my first activity/session so I can pick up my registration badge and start my day. The event finishes around 5:30 PM on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. |
This is what I can expect at Entomology 2026
Entomology 2026 Event App (link coming soon)
I can find all Entomology 2026 information in the event app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
When I have registered for the event, I can access information like the sessions, presenters, wifi information, exhibitors, floorplan, and much more in the app.
Shuttle Information
Entomology 2026 will not have shuttle service. However, ride share services will be able to drop me at the front entrance to minimize walking. There are also bus, bike, and scooter options and I can find out more on Experience Columbus' website.
Accessing Event Venues
I can view accessibility reports for different Entomology 2026 venues here:
I have arrived at Entomology 2026
When I arrive on the first day, I will go to the Greater Columbus Convention Center to pick up my badge. The area may be crowded, and I can ask for support from any staff member if I don’t want to stand or wait in a long line. I can go to the Onsite Registration Desk.
I will pick up my badge
Registration will be held in the Main Concourse/Exhibit Hall A Lobby of the Greater Columbus Convention Center, during the following times:
- Saturday, November 7, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
- Sunday, November 8, 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Monday, November 9, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday, November 10, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday, November 11, 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
If I need accessible badge pickup, I can go to the low-height counters at the Onsite Registration Desk or ask any staff member for help.
I need an alternative program format
ESA is happy to provide braille, large print and/or audio program books by request. I can request by November 1 if I need an alternative program book for the meeting. This will allow ESA enough time to have one prepared for me.
I need an assistive listening device
There will be AI generated closed captioning in the plenary session rooms that will appear on the screens. Assistive Listening Devices to enhance audio speech are available for all plenary and scientific sessions. To request a hearing device to amplify sound, I can contact Rosina Romano. I will need to provide my onsite schedule so that devices can be set up in advance in each of the meeting rooms.
I need accessible seating areas in keynote and breakout rooms
Accessible seating is available for me and anyone who needs it. All sessions, including plenary and session rooms, will have seats prioritized for those needing accommodations. I can ask a staff member for a seat in an accessible area.
Navigating between sessions
I may need to travel long distances during the day, so I need to allow myself plenty of time to get to my destination. Sessions are held in various rooms that could be in different buildings.
I should be prepared for a significant amount of walking or rolling throughout the day. Heavy crowds and congested areas could also slow down my travel.
If it’s too bright or too loud
During the event, there might be big screens, bright lights, loud noises, or music. If it becomes too much, I can go to the Relaxation Retreat to decompress.
I can find the Relaxation Retreat at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in room A123.
KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Facility - GCCC staff are certified to recognize guests with sensory needs and handling sensory-overload situations. Sensory Bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads are available at our Guest Service Centers. I can download the free KultureCity mobile app to view the sensory features available at the GCCC and the social story providing a preview of what one can expect when arriving to the convention center.
Food and drinks
I can find all the scheduled meal information on the Onsite Food Options page.
South Café & Marketplace offers quick-service restaurants. Discovery Café, located by the exhibit halls, operated by Levy, includes Crimson Cup, CBUS Tap Room, Columbus Grille and Homegrown Market. Starbucks is located on the south side of the building near the Hyatt Regency.
Water stations will be placed throughout the venue if I want to fill up my water bottle.
What if I need a restroom?
I can find a restroom on each level in every building. All bathrooms at the Greater Columbus Convention Center have an accessible stall if I need it.
There is signage to help me find the restrooms, and I can also ask any staff member where the closest restroom is. I can view a 3D interactive map here, and a PDF version of the map here.
What if I need an elevator?
As a Public Assembly Facility, the GCCC is responsible for permanent building access accommodations such as wheelchair ramps, automatic doors, elevator standards, door-width standards, parking facilities and restroom accessibility.
Who can I ask for help?
I can ask any staff member for help! They are happy to assist and can answer questions and give directions.
I can also contact the Meetings team via email meet@entsoc.org or call +1 (301) 731-4535 x3503 if I have any questions.
My day is over
I can head back to my hotel room. It might be crowded when I leave, so I should be ready to wait in a large crowd.
Hotel accommodations
Each of the hotels within the ESA hotel block offer a variety of accessible hotel room options to fit my needs. If I need help in securing an accessible room, I can contact Rosina Romano.
Service animals
Service animals are welcome in all facilities for the ESA meeting.
Sign language interpreters
Sign language interpreters can be provided upon advance request. To facilitate a seamless arrangement, I can notify ESA by October 20 if I require an interpreter during the meeting. ESA is happy to collaborate on a schedule tailored to my scientific and social agenda throughout the event. Early notification enables ESA to ensure coverage for all my desired activities. While ESA will make every effort to accommodate requests after October 15, they cannot guarantee availability. On-site interpreter requests without prior notice cannot be guaranteed. If I prefer to bring my own interpreter, I can contact Rosina Romano for assistance in coordinating access to the program.
Scooter and wheelchair rentals
If I need a wheelchair, I can contact GCCC's Public Safety directly at (614) 827-2547. A member of the Public Safety Department will bring the wheelchair to me. They do ask that I exchange a photo ID for the wheelchair, which will be returned to me when I am done using the chair.
They also have electric scooters available to rent through the Pride Ride program. I can reserve a scooter by calling 614-827-2531 and paying by credit card. GCCC staff can also provide a list of companies that rent electric wheelchairs.
Advanced reservations are encouraged for scooters and/or wheelchairs.
We look forward to seeing you in Columbus!
To our guests:
Entomology 2026 networking experiences will take place in multiple locations. It’s important to us to be completely open about the potential barriers for individuals with disabilities or medical needs due to the distance between venues and sessions, as well as the possibility of extensive walking or navigating through crowds.
For individuals with disabilities and/or medical conditions, whether you are recovering from injuries, illnesses, or surgeries, we are dedicated to ensuring your experience is as comfortable and accessible as possible. Please specify any accommodations you may require on the registration form, and a member of our team will personally reach out to gather more details and ensure we can accommodate your needs. We ask that you provide accommodation requests at least two weeks in advance.
If you’re uncertain whether you’ll need support during Entomology 2026, reach out to our Meetings Team at least two weeks prior to the event to chat with a dedicated staff member. We can answer questions, provide information, and assist you in determining if further accommodations are necessary. Questions? Contact meet@entsoc.org or call +1 (301) 731-4535 x3503.