Where is the conference located?

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On the campus of the University of Notre Dame. Our main venues are the Morris Inn (for hotel accommodations and some conference activity, including the trade show) and McKenna Hall (Tuesday's conference activity and meals).

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Is there an airport nearby?

Yes. The Fort Wayne International Airport is 9.0 miles from the property. Note, however, that the Morris Inn does not provide shuttle service.

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I'm not sure I can afford to attend. Does GLACS provide financial assistance?

Yes. You can apply for a GLACS Scholarship here.

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How much is parking at the venue?

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Free! GLACS is covering the cost for all attendees. Overnight guests can park in the Morris Inn Premium Lot. Charges will be added to the GLACS Master Bill (no charges should be included on your bill). 

If needed, additional complimentary self-parking is available at Bookstore West Lot, pending availability. Guests coming in for the day need to drive through the Morris Inn entryway to receive a hang tag/code to enter and park in the bookstore lots at no cost. 

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Will there be a GLACS Business Meeting during the event? 

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Yes. The Business Meeting occurs during lunch on Tuesday. This meeting includes a welcome from the GLACS President, an update from the Treasurer, and a short ceremonial swearing-in of the newest members to the Board of Directors.

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GLACS Board nominations and voting details will be available in July 2026. Look for an email at that time. In the meantime, if you want to volunteer for a GLACS committee, please email admin@glacstores.org 

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I'm a vendor exhibiting at the trade show and want to connect with stores prior to the event. Will GLACS share the attendee list? 

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Yes. The list is sent out to all vendors registered for the conference approximately 2-3 weeks before the event.

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As a vendor, can I send my tabletop materials to the event prior to arrival?

Yes.

To arrive on or before Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, send to:

UD Bookstore

AttN: GLACS - Jenny Napier

300 College Park Dr.

Dayton, OH 45469-0700

To arrive Oct. 7, 8, or 9 only, send direct to The Morris Inn:

GLACS Conference (VENDOR NAME)

c/o Alicia Chapman - Box 1 of #

130 Morris Inn

Notre Dame, IN 46556

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Why did GLACS choose a campus with a contract-managed Barnes & Noble store? Shouldn't we be supporting the independent store model?

This was a thoughtful and intentional decision by the GLACS Board, based on the unique learning opportunity The University of Notre Dame offers as a campus and retail environment.

1. First, we want to include as many members as we can, being sure the location is equally drivable from any one state. Notre Dame, Indiana is centrally located for all of the states represented in our membership and it is large enough to accommodate our group with a hotel onsite and conference center across the street.

2. It's the University of Notre Dame! Its culture, scale, and long-standing reputation provides a unique learning and networking space for our event. We are planning activities to embrace some of that culture.

3. While the bookstore is contract-managed, it is widely recognized as a well-run operation within a complex institutional setting. Observing different operating models (independent and contract-managed alike) can help us better understand best practices that can be adapted for members' potential improvement and growth opportunities. 

4. Hosting the GLACS Conference on this campus does not signal an endorsement of one model over another. Our commitment to independent campus stores remains unchanged. This location allows attendees to learn from a high-performing store and gain broader perspective to strengthen their operations.  

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