Call for Participation
Symposium Theme: On the Union of Wu and Hyder: From Theory to Practice
The Organizing Committee is pleased to invite you to the inaugural Wu-Hyder Symposium (WHS), a single-track event celebrating the union of Cathy Wu and Omar Hyder. The program brings together family and friends for a day of festivities — and a chance to share a bit of their world with the people they love, like what an academic conference is all about! More than anything, we’re grateful for the opportunity to gather so many loved ones in one room. We sincerely hope you will join us.
About the Symposium
General Co-Chairs
Cathy and Omar first met in 2021 in Cambridge, MA. What started as running partners and podcast discussants blossomed into daily adventures together. After five years, they're getting married and couldn't be happier to celebrate with you.
Running Buddies
Meet the Keynote Speakers and Organizing Committee
Key Dates
Conference Schedule
Saturday, August 8, 2026 — 2:30 PM to 9:15 PM
Sunday, August 9, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Note: Schedule is tentative, please check back for the latest information.
MIT Chapel
Guest Arrival
Opening Session: The Ceremony
Commencement of the formal program and presentation of vows.
Short walk to Samberg Conference Center (~20 min) or transportation available
Samberg Conference Center
Registration — 7th floor
Check in and collect your name badge.
Poster Session & Networking Reception
Browse posters and mingle with fellow attendees over light refreshments. Don't forget to vote for your favorite poster!
Conference Banquet & Keynote Presentations
Dinner and remarks from distinguished speakers.
Spotlight Presentations (Toasts)
Contributed speakers share their anecdotal findings.
Cake Cutting Ceremony
Cake cutting followed by dessert service. Best Poster Awards to be announced!
First Dance Data Presentation
The General Co-chairs present their first collaborative demonstration, followed by parent dances.
Open Collaboration Session
All attendees are invited to participate. DJ-moderated dancing and celebration.
Closing Remarks & Farewell
The symposium concludes. Highlights to be published in the family archives.
Submit a Poster!
All attendees are invited to submit a poster for presentation in our poster session. Best Poster Awards will be presented during dessert!
View Poster Guidelines →Return Sunday for a relaxed sendoff in Cambridge.
Our Home in Cambridge
Sunday, August 9, 2026
Farewell Brunch
Join us for one more gathering with a selection of international cuisine and Dance Dance Revolution.
Registration (RSVP)
Attendance is by invitation only.
There is no registration fee —
your presence is all we ask.
We’re most excited about one thing: spending this day with all of you.
RSVP by June 8, 2026 (early RSVPs appreciated)
RSVP Here →
Please indicate any dietary restrictions or childcare needs.
Questions?
See our FAQ
or email
wuhyder@gmail.com
Symposium Highlights
A visual chronicle of Cathy & Omar's adventures
Field work at our favorite site
(Franconia Ridge Trail Loop,
NH)
Traveling far and wide
(Madurodam in Rotterdam, Netherlands)
Chilling on couch with Dino Couch fan art (comic about dinosaurs chilling on couch)
Exploring Shakarparian in Islamabad, Pakistan with the Hyder family
Snax from 99 Ranch Market (Quincy, MA)
We (and the Wu parents) hope to welcome you to MIT soon!
Platinum and Gold Supporters
This symposium would not have been possible without the generous support of our technology partners and organizational tools. The organizing committee gratefully acknowledges:
Obsidian
Markdown Partner
Dropbox
Collaboration Platform
Konami
Nostalgia Sponsor
Disclaimer: These organizations did not actually sponsor our wedding, but they certainly made it easier (and more fun) to plan.