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
Extended by
popular demand
to July 15, 2026
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
Dinner, keynote speeches, and the moment poster presenters have been waiting for — the awards ceremony. Come hungry. Come ready to cheer.
Office hours
No agenda, no appointments necessary. Linger, catch up, and find the Co-Chairs — they're finally available for walk-ins.
Closing Remarks & Farewell
The symposium concludes. Highlights to be published in the family archives.
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.
You are Invited to Submit a Poster!
Poster sessions are Cathy’s favorite part of a conference because they add just the right amount of structure to the chit-chat. Our hope is to give all of our guests that experience.
We encourage you to participate in this fun opportunity to offer a toast in poster form, teach us something, or share something you love.
Instructions: To get started, please download the PowerPoint poster template linked below. The template includes two examples to give you a sense of what we have in mind, but we also welcome creativity and variety, so please feel free to make it your own.
The annotated template explains the different components. Most importantly, each poster includes a timeline showing when your life began to intersect with ours. The final page is a blank template you can use for your own poster.
These will be displayed as electronic posters, so you are welcome to include multiple slides, videos, or other creative elements.
Please submit your poster by July 15.
And yes, there will be awards!
Start With This Poster Template Submit PosterRegistration (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 22, 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.