The Midwest Archives Conference and the Society of Ohio Archivists will hold a joint meeting on May 14-16, 2026 on the campus of The Ohio State University. Conference workshops, sessions, and meetings will be held in the Ohio Union. Hotel accommodations and the reception will be held at the University’s hotel, the Blackwell Inn. The Blackwell is a 10 to 15 minute walk from the Union, and we will provide transportation for anyone who would like to use the service.

From 2015 until 2023, Ohio’s tourism slogan was “Find it Here.” As a slogan, it raised the obvious question “find what here?”; but as an archives motto…well, to “Find it Here” is an archivist’s greatest hope for anyone exploring their collections. Come to Columbus to find information and insights on a wide range of topics central to all archivists. The Education Committee is identifying outstanding workshops, and the Program Committee looks forward to receiving fantastic proposals from members of both MAC and SOA.

We know how important snacks are so we wanted to make sure everyone knows what to expect at this year’s annual meeting. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten and dairy-free food will be available at all times.

**Please note: the Union catering staff labels all food for allergens; however, their kitchen does not have 100% gluten, nut, or dairy-free separate spaces. Please be aware of this if you have any dietary allergies.

Thursday:

Workshop attendees on Thursday morning will enjoy muffins, whole fruit, coffee, and tea.

MAC Pals attendees on Thursday afternoon will enjoy a cut vegetable tray, hummus and olive tapenade, pita chips, and lemonade.

The afternoon snack on Thursday will be a themed break of various chips and dips and include lemonade and iced tea. You’ll find this in the Performance Hall (Union, first floor). Check out our amazing vendors while you’re there!

Thursday evening’s reception at the Blackwell Inn will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts, lemonade and iced tea, and a cash bar. Make sure you grab a buckeye at the reception!

Friday:

Friday’s snacks will include assorted pastries, coffee, and tea in the morning, and a coffee refresh mid-day. In the afternoon we will have assorted cookies and brownies and Coca-Cola beverages. Morning and afternoon snacks will once again be in the Performance Hall (Union, first floor).

Saturday:

Saturday morning we will have a variety of biscuits and toppings along with coffee and tea. You’ll find this comfort food near the MAC registration desk in the Great Hall Art Gallery (Union, first floor)

Need More Coffee?

You’re in luck! Inside the Union is a coffee shop called the Espress-OH. Espress-OH will be open Thursday and Friday from 8:00am–3:30pm and Saturday starting at 10:00am. Check it out!

Don’t want to wait in line? Right across the street from the Union is Starbucks and Gata Magica Café. Heirloom Café is one building away from the Union on campus in the Wexner Center for the Arts. Walk a little further and you’ll find Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea; travel one more block for perhaps the best donuts in Columbus at Buckeye Donut.