Shipping to ISU

Our hosts at Iowa State University have assembled all the guidelines and procedures that will assure your team’s props and sets get to campus safely and reliably, so that you can focus on performing and getting the best possible World Finals experience.

ISU Prop Shipment Guide (PDF) 

Prop Shipment Label (PDF)  Note: This label must be present on each container shipped to ISU

Prop Returns

Teams needing to ship materials home must register their requests at the ISU Prop Information Booth for proper guidance.
All teams are responsible for arranging either PREPAID or COD shipments for any materials that need to be returned.
Returns must be properly packaged, with a prepaid return shipping label and an orange “RETURN” label attached to each carton. The orange “RETURN” label(s) are provided at the Prop Information Booth.
Freight returns – A completed Bill of Lading (BOL) should be attached to all freight cartons or crates.
ALL returning props should be left in the prop storage rooms to allow ISU Central Receiving to pick them up and stage them for carrier collection at the Central Receiving Facility.
Do not schedule carrier pickups at the prop storage area. Return shipments should be scheduled with your carrier after June 1.

Carrier pick up address: Iowa State University
Central Receiving Facility 2105 East Lincoln Way Ames, IA 50010

Note – Shipping hours: 8:00 AM-3:00 PM CST, M-F, full access loading dock. Additional labeling and packaging instructions are available online:
•UPS
•FedEx
•Freight shipments

The deadline to have return shipments registered with the Prop Information Booth and properly packaged/labeled is Noon (12:00 PM CST) on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

Disclaimer: ISU Central Receiving, Odyssey of the Mind and Iowa State University will not be responsible for overages or shortages of payment and/or damage to return shipments.
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Registration will take place at the Scheman Building, in Lobby 2.

1805 Center Dr, Ames, IA 50011 (Google Maps). Find the Scheman building on the ISU Campus Map.

Where can I park at the Scheman building? See nearby parking lots.

All team coaches must complete their OM World Finals registration upon arrival to Ames and Iowa State University.

Registration will be open:

Tuesday, May 26 – 12:00 pm to Midnight
Wednesday, May 27 – 10:00am to Midnight

Beginning on Thursday, Registration will move to the Odyssey Information Desk, in the Memorial Union.

Thursday, May 28 – 9:00 am to Noon

Coaches

Please proceed to the Scheman building to finalize your team’s registration process.

• ● Turn in team contract, medical, media release, and insurance waiver forms.  
• ● Receive your team’s housing assignment.
  •      -If assigned to a residence hall; you will receive your residence hall keys and further details.
  •      -If assigned to a team hotel; you will receive a map and directions and further details.
• ● Buddy Teams will register at this time and location as well.
• ● Receive other important OM materials.

Teams

While coaches finalize the registration process, teams may pin trade, socialize with other Odyssey of the Mind participants, or purchase your 2026 OM apparel and swag at the souvenir/merchandise location in Scheman. Teams are not permitted to join coaches in the registration area.

Late Night Arrivals

We strongly encourage teams to arrive to Ames and Iowa State University during the published registration hours, but understand that this may not be possible due to travel delays, etc. If you are taking an airport shuttle booked through Discover Ames and arrive after 10:00 p.m. to Des Moines International Airport, the Department of Residence team will communicate with the charter bus company which residence hall you are housed in and take you directly to the residence hall (your coach must complete the check in process the next day).   If you are driving into Ames, a 24-hour phone number will be posted on the North doors of Scheman to call for your residence hall assignment.  You will still need to visit Team Registration the following day to complete your registration.

Spontaneous FAQ  for English Speaking Teams [PDF]

Spontaneous FAQ for Non-English Speaking Teams [PDF]

The final Competition Schedule is now available.
Any scheduling changes must be made onsite with the International Problem Captain at the competition site.
Best of luck to all of our Odyssey of the Mind 2026 World Finals teams!

View the full sized PDF

The Prop Information Booth will be available on Tuesday and Wednesday during registration at the Scheman Building.
If your shipment is not in the designated prop storage area, please visit the ISU prop tracking website: https://isu.sclintra.com/OTM OR call 515.230.1308

Prop storage hours are:

Tuesday, May 26: 1:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Wednesday, May 27: 8:00 am- 10:00 pm
Thursday, May 28: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday, May 29: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Saturday, May 30: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm (or 30 minutes following last competition, whichever is later.) All remaining props need to be packed for shipping or removed by 4:00 pm.

Please be aware of the Clear Bag Policy that is in place for the ticketed events (Opening Ceremonies & Awards Ceremony) taking place at the Hilton Coliseum. Teams and visitors should either acquire bags that meet these requirements or plan accordingly to leave bags at their dorm or hotel before attending these events.