Q: How much does it cost to register for Dream Lab 2026?
Dream Lab charges a registration fee so we can fairly pay the instructors who plan and teach the courses and to arrange for them to be in Philadelphia for the week. We have a slightly discounted fee for students as well as a discount for registering BEFORE 12:am May 1, 2026 (because early registration makes it easier for us to plan). The registration fee for DH Project Maintenance, Care, and Migration II has been reduced to $50 but those interested in participating will need to apply for a seat. See the course information page for details.
The prices for all courses other than DH Project Maintenance, Care, and Migration II are as follows:
Before 12am May 1, 2025:
Early Regular, in person: $350
Early Student, in person: $250
After 12am May 1, 2025:
Regular, in person: $450
Student, in person: $350
Registration is run through Eventbrite. A link to the registration page for each course can be found a the top and bottom of the course description page.
Q: Can I take more than one class this year?
All Dream Lab classes run concurrently so, sadly, you have to choose one.
Q: Will food be provided for participants at Dream Lab 2026?
No. In an effort to reduce the cost of attending Dream Lab, we will not provide catering as we have in the past. When we looked at the numbers, we realized the cost of catering per person was actually quite expensive and that these costs make up a significant chunk of the registration fee. Because there are dozens of dining options at a variety of price points within easy walking distance of Penn’s library (including grocery stores), we decided to let participants manage their own meals. We will provide coffee and snacks in the morning before classes start and mid-afternoon.
Q: What housing options are available for Dream Lab participants?
There are a wide variety of hotels and Airbnb options near campus. We are unfortunately unable to offer on campus housing this year due to scheduling conflicts. If you have questions about specific places you are considering or would be interested in sharing accommodations with other Dream Lab participants, feel free to contact Stewart Varner at svarner@upenn.edu
Q: Any tips for traveling to Dream Lab?
The University of Pennsylvania is very well serviced by SEPTA, Philly’s public transportation system, with multiple buses, trolleys, and regional trains connecting campus to the greater Philadelphia area. Penn is also very close to William H. Gray III 30th Street Station which is a hub for SEPTA, New Jersey Transit, and Amtrak.
If you are driving to campus, there are options for paid visitor parking. All the details are here: https://transportation.upenn.edu/visitor-parking
Q: What is the schedule for Dream Lab 2026?
Tuesday
9am Check in & Coffee
10am Welcome
10:45am – Morning Session
Noon – Break
1:30pm – Afternoon Session 1
3pm – Coffee Break
3:30pm-5pm – Afternoon Session 2
5:00pm – Opening Event
6:30-7:30pm – Reception
Wednesday
9am – Coffee
10am – Morning Session
Noon – Break
1:30pm – Afternoon Session 1
3pm – Coffee Break
3:30pm-5pm – Afternoon Session 2
5:15-7pm Ice Cream Social
Thursday
9am Coffee
10am – Morning Session
Noon – Break
1:30pm – Afternoon Session 1
3pm Coffee Break
3:30pm-5pm – Afternoon Session 2
Friday
9am – Coffee
10am – Morning Session
Noon – Break
1:30pm – Afternoon Session
3pm – Coffee Break
3:30pm – 5pm Show and Tell/Closing
Q: Where are the classes located?
All in-person Dream Lab classes are in Van Pelt Library.
Q: Is there a Code of Conduct for Dream Lab 2026?
Yes, and we take it very seriously. You can read the entire statement here: https://web.sas.upenn.edu/dream-lab/codeofconduct/
Q: Who should I contact if I have a question or problem?
Contact your instructor for all course related questions but you can always contact Stewart Varner via email at svarner@upenn.edu
Q: Will Dream Lab 2026 materials be made available to people who could not attend?
Each instructor will determine what can and cannot be made available. Check back after Dream Lab is over for information abut how to access any materials that are made available.
Q: Will Dream Lab 2026 be in person or remote?
Predicting the future has been particularly tricky lately but, as of now, we are planning on hosting Dream Lab 2026 in person on Penn’s campus in Philadelphia. Dream Lab organizers are paying very close attention to any and all public health situations and our first priority is the health and safety of participants and instructors. We will be following all protocols from the University of Pennsylvania regarding in-person gatherings including guidance on participant masking.
