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2027 Conference on BIPOC Game Studies

🗓 January 14–15, 2027 📍 Coral Gables, FL
Registration will open by September 1 View Lodging Explore Venue Transport Cultural Attractions Art and Nightlife Games
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Conference Venue

University of Miami

The 2027 Conference on BIPOC Game Studies brings our community together in sunny South Florida. We are excited to host researchers, practitioners, and community members for two days of scholarship, critical discussions, game showcases, and community building.

The main conference will take place at the Newman Alumni Center, an elegant and spacious facility located directly on the University of Miami campus.
6200 San Amaro Dr, Coral Gables, FL 33146
University of Miami Campus Area
The University of Miami is a vibrant, walkable campus highly accessible via Metrorail, ride share, and other options. More info...
Where to Stay

Lodging & Accommodations

We recommend staying in Coral Gables or the nearby Brickell neighborhood. Both areas offer great dining, walkability, and direct Metrorail access to the UM campus.

Preferred Hotel

THesis Hotel Miami

1350 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables

Located directly across the street from the University of Miami and the University Metrorail Station, featuring chef-driven restaurants and a rooftop pool.

Book with UM Rate (upon registration)
Affordable / Local

Four Points by Sheraton

3861 SW 40th St, Coral Gables

A straightforward, budget-friendly option located just a mile from the university. Close to the free Coral Gables Trolley route and Douglas Road Metrorail Station.

More info and rates...

Downtown Vibe

citizenM Miami Brickell

955 S Miami Ave, Miami

Experience Miami’s vibrant downtown energy after hours. Located steps from the Brickell Metrorail Station for a direct, 15-minute train ride south to campus. 

More info and rates...

Getting There & Around

Air Travel & Local Transit

Arriving by Air

Miami International Airport (MIA): The closest and most convenient airport. You do not need to rent a car; simply take the MIA Mover to the airport station, and catch the Metrorail Orange Line directly to the University Station.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL): Located about 45–60 minutes north of campus. Take the Tri-Rail train south to the Metrorail Transfer Station, and then ride the Green Line to Coral Gables.

Local Transit Options

Metrorail System
No Rental Car Needed
The Miami-Dade Metrorail (Green and Orange lines) is the most reliable way to navigate the conference footprint. The UM campus, THesis Hotel, and Brickell neighborhood are all positioned directly on the rail line.
Coral Gables Trolley
Free Local Connector
The city offers a free Trolley which connects popular local shopping and dining districts (like Miracle Mile) directly to the university area and nearby hotels.
Explore Miami

Local Cultural Attractions

Miami is a vibrant tapestry of global cultures. While visiting for the conference, we encourage you to explore the rich heritages that shape our city's history, art, and culinary scenes.

Little Havana Calle Ocho
Hispanic Heritage

Little Havana & Calle Ocho

Just a short transit ride from Coral Gables, the heart of Miami’s Cuban and Latin American diaspora offers incredible cuisine, vibrant street art, live music, and the historic Máximo Gómez Domino Park.

Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater
Black & Caribbean Heritage

Historic Overtown & Little Haiti

Discover the deep roots of Miami's Black history at the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater in Overtown, or immerse yourself in Afro-Caribbean culture, art, and authentic food at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex.

Ichimura Miami Japanese Garden
Asian Heritage

Ichimura Miami Japanese Garden

Located on nearby Watson Island, this traditional Japanese garden offers a tranquil cultural retreat. Additionally, the Greater Miami area boasts thriving, authentic Asian culinary and cultural districts in North Miami Beach. Venues like, 1-800-Lucky are close to the city center.

Beyond C-BIPOC

Explore Miami & Miami Beach

Take a break from the panels, papers, and game showcases to experience Miami’s vibrant arts scene, world-class nightlife, and iconic beaches. Here is your guide to making the most of your time off-campus.

Miami Beach Causeway and Skyline
Transportation

Getting to Miami Beach

If you are staying near the University of Miami, take the Metrorail northbound to Government Center, then hop on the Route 100 Express bus across the MacArthur Causeway. Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) typically take 30-45 minutes depending on Miami traffic.

Pérez Art Museum Miami
Arts & Inspiration

Miami Art Museums

Find creative inspiration at the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), featuring modern art from the perspective of the Americas. For cutting-edge contemporary works and diaspora narratives, the Rubell Museum in Allapattah is an absolute must-visit.

Wynwood Arts District Arcade Bar
Evening Networking

Nightlife & Socializing

After a long day of research and networking, head to the high energy Brickell, cozy Cocount Grove, dense downtown or Wynwood Arts District. It boasts some of the city's best craft breweries, street art, and retro arcade bars perfect for developers. Alternatively, hit the historic Art Deco spaces of South Beach for late-night lounges and clubs.

Play & Research

Local Game Studies Attractions

Connect with the local academic gaming community and unwind after the conference. From cutting-edge university research labs to world-class retro arcades, Miami offers unique spaces for game scholars, developers, and enthusiasts.

Students working in the VESL Lab
On-Campus Research

VESL Lab

Explore the Virtual Environments and Simulated Life (VESL) Lab on campus. As a hub for XR (extended reality), VR, and immersive media research, the lab provides an excellent networking opportunity for scholars interested in the intersection of immersive technology, spatial computing, and marginalized narratives.

Game design session at NERDLab
Design & Social Impact

NERDLab

Visit the New Experiences Research and Design Lab (NERDLab). This student-faculty collaborative research group is dedicated to developing games and interactive projects focused on social impact, health, and community building—perfectly aligning with the core themes of the C-BIPOC conference.

Neon lights at Arcade Odyssey
Retro & Imported Games

Arcade Odyssey

Located just south in Kendall, Arcade Odyssey is a must-visit for game historians and fans alike. Voted one of the best arcades in the country, it features a massive, curated collection of rare imported Japanese rhythm games, classic fighting cabinets, retro pinball machines, and a craft beer lounge.