Medieval Congress free to local residents registering now

KALAMAZOO--Kalamazoo County residents and members of the Western Michigan University community may attend the 47th International Congress on Medieval Studies for free if they register online or in person by the Wednesday, April 25, deadline for early registration.

WMU's congress is the world's largest annual gathering of people interested in the Middle Ages. This year's event will take place Thursday through Sunday, May 10-13, primarily at venues on the WMU campus in Kalamazoo. It is hosted by the University's Medieval Institute.

Organizers expect some 3,000 people to register for the 2012 congress, and those interested in attending for free are encouraged to register by the early registration deadline.

The event will include more than 550 sessions featuring the presentation of scholarly papers, panel discussions, roundtables, workshops and performances.

In addition, the exhibits hall will be filled with nearly 70 publishers, used book dealers, purveyors of medieval sundries and other vendors. There also will be some 90 business meetings and receptions sponsored by learned societies, associations and institutions.

County residents and WMU community members may register online or in person at the Miller Auditorium ticket office through April 25 at no charge. They also may register through that date by mail or fax for a nominal handling fee.

Those who do not take advantage of the free or nominal-cost registration options may register after April 25, but they will be assessed a $50 late fee.

Visit wmich.edu/medieval/congress to register online or obtain more information about the International Congress on Medieval Studies. For information about registering by mail or fax, call (269) 387-8745.