The 2005 IUS Biennial International Conference, held at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago on 21-23 October 2005, was an eventful and intellectually stimulating weekend for participants. The largest in IUS history, the 2005 Conference ran for three days, with additional panels on Friday afternoon for the first time. The Conference also boasted several pre- and post-Conference sessions.

The heart of the Conference was the 90-minute-long Paper Sessions in which the intellectual work of the Conference was conducted. Presenters summarized papers, offering a synthesis and critique, while paper authors responded and clarified their thoughts for the audience. Much of the sessions were devoted to lively discussions of the common themes and issues (or differences) raised by Presenters and the critical engagement of the audiences. The Program Committee, ably headed by Chair Sandy Stanley, ensured that the IUS Conference Program represented a diverse body of research from many different fields and scholarly traditions.

The Conference was also a wonderful opportunity for colleagues from around the world to meet and interact on a more social level. Two receptions were held over the course of the weekend, as well as a dinner banquet, luncheon, and breakfast. Vice Admiral Ann E. Rondeau (USN), Director, Navy Staff (pictured left with IUS Executive Director Robert Vitas), was the Conference's Keynote Speaker at Friday's banquet.