Call for Participation
The Inaugural Wu-Hyder Symposium (WHS 2026)
Theme: On the Union of Wu and Hyder: From Theory to Practice
The Organizing Committee is pleased to invite you to the Wu-Hyder Symposium, 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 — a chance to share a bit of their world with the people they love, like what an academic conference is all about! Participation is by invitation only. We sincerely hope you will join us.
About the Symposium
Principal Investigators
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.
Research Milestone
Key Dates
Conference Schedule
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, collect your name badge, and enjoy light refreshments while mingling with fellow attendees.
Poster Session & Networking Reception
Poster Hall
Browse posters and mingle with fellow attendees over light refreshments. Don't forget to vote for your favorite poster!
Conference Banquet & Keynote Presentations
Reception Hall
Dinner and remarks from distinguished speakers.
Spotlight Presentations (Toasts)
Reception Hall
Contributed speakers share their anecdotal findings.
Cake Cutting Ceremony
Reception Hall
Cake cutting followed by dessert service. Best Poster Awards to be announced!
First Dance Data Presentation
Dance Floor
The principal investigators present their first collaborative demonstration, followed by parent dances.
Open Collaboration Session
Dance Floor
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 →Keynote Speakers (Wedding Party)
Dalai Lama
Bestie
Will present findings on "Friendship Duration and Embarrassing Story Correlation."
Mother Teresa
Bestie
Will deliver keynote on "A Longitudinal Study of Our Friendship."
The Rock
[Relation/Title]
Marie Curie
[Relation/Title]
Additional speakers to be announced. All presentations will be followed by Q&A.
Registration (RSVP)
Attendance is by invitation only.
There is no registration fee —
your presence is all we ask.
RSVP by June 8, 2026
RSVP Here →
Please indicate any dietary restrictions or accessibility needs.
Questions?
See our FAQ
or email
wuhyder@gmail.com
Proceedings (Proceeds)
There is no gift registry. If you wish to make a contribution in our honor, we invite you to support some of our favorite organizations, creators, and products — each of which has made a meaningful impact on our lives.
These are organizations and people we genuinely admire. Any contribution — large or small — is deeply appreciated but never expected.
Symposium Highlights
A visual chronicle of our collaboration
First Conference
Our first meeting (First Date)
Field Work
Field work at our favorite site (Vacation)
Lab Partners
Daily collaboration and coffee breaks
Publication Success
First joint publication (Moving in together)
Research Team
With our advisors
Memorable Moments
Highlights from our journey
Organizing Committee
This symposium would not be possible without the dedication and support of our organizing committee
Cathy Wu & Omar Hyder
Oversight and coordination of the overall symposium
Parents of the Couple
Founding supporters, principal sponsors, and senior advisors
Claude Code
Website development, publicity, and all symposium communications
Osman Hyder
Visual identity, creative direction, and symposium aesthetics
Joseph Wu
Choreography, music curation, and open collaboration session programming
Wedding Planner (TBD)
Venue logistics, catering, and on-site coordination of all symposium activities
Special Thanks
We extend our deepest gratitude to all family members, friends, and colleagues who have contributed to making this symposium possible. Your encouragement, advice, and love have brought us to this day.
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.
Contact the Organizing Committee
Questions? The organizing committee is here to help.
Email: wuhyder@gmail.com