FAQ

What is the PRI Expo?

The Prairie Research Institute Expo is an event featuring exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on activities related to natural history, archaeology, water, geology, and sustainability.

Who can attend?

The event is family-friendly and open to the public.

Where is the event located?

The event will be held at the Forbes Natural History Building (1816 S Oak St) and the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (1 Hazelwood Dr) in Research Park.

What are the event dates and hours?

May 2, 2025, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. & May 3, 2025, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Is the event free to attend?

Yes.

Do I need to register to attend?

No; however, schools and large groups were encouraged to RSVP by April 11, 2025.

What should I do if I need to change or cancel my RSVP?

Please contact Mary Richardson at 217-300-3479 or mjr@illinois.edu to cancel or change your registration.

What types of activities and exhibits will be available?

We have exhibits on a variety of topics. A full list of exhibits is on our Exhibits page.

Are the exhibits appropriate for all grade levels?

All exhibits are intended for a general audience.

Will attendees have opportunities to interact with scientists?

Yes! All exhibits are led by PRI scientists.

Are there scheduled presentations or guided tours?

No, there are no scheduled presentations or tours; however, visitors will be able to see the Illinois Center for Paleontology and the Illinois Natural History Survey’s Mollusk Collection.

How long should we plan to stay?

We recommend planning to stay for 2 hours.

Is the event indoors or outdoors?

The exhibits will be located indoors and outdoors.

Will food or drinks be available?

Water refill stations will be available. We hope to have food trucks present during the event.

Is there a lost and found?

Visit one of the two Information Stations for lost and found. We will hold items at the Forbes Natural History Building for a week after the event.

Where can I park?

Visit our Locations page for information about how to get to the event and where to park.

What will happen if there is severe weather?

We will try our best to move the exhibits inside, depending on the severity of the weather.

What is the protocol for a lost or missing child at the event?

Please notify event staff at the nearest information booth. A volunteer will bring the found child to one of the information booths, notify authorities, and meet the reporting person and the lost child.

What should I do in the event of a medical emergency?

Call 911.

For non-life-threatening emergencies, please seek assistance from the EMS team in lot E14.

Is the event accessible for individuals with disabilities?

Yes. The event and facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Are there quiet areas available for individuals with sensory sensitivities?

Yes. There will be two quiet areas that will be marked on the event map — one at the Forbes Natural History Building and the other at the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center.

Who should I contact if I need special accommodations?

If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate in this event, please contact Xander Hazel at xhazel@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.

Can we also attend the Illinois Junior Academy of Science State Science Fair?

Yes. More information about the IJAS science fair can be found at https://sites.google.com/ijas.org/ijas/about.

Who should I contact with additional questions?

Contact Xander Hazel at xhazel@illinois.edu for more information.

How can I stay updated on event changes or announcements?

Follow Prairie Research Institute on Facebook for event updates. Additional updates will also be posted here on the Expo site.