Registration FAQs
Answers to the most frequently asked questions
What are the dates and times of the convention?
The convention dates are Monday - Thursday, June 18 – 21, 2012. The registration desk will be open at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 16, 2012 and the convention begins on June 18, 2012. For the most current Convention schedule, click here.
What is the address of the convention center?
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, 415 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210. Find out more information about the convention center here.
What are the registration hours and dress code?
Registration opens at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 16, 2012. As of November 9, 2011, final hours have not been decided. This will be updated when hours are finalized.
The dress code for the 2012 BIO International Convention is business casual.
Is there transportation from the hotels to the convention center?
Yes, shuttle buses from all official BIO International Convention hotels will be available. A much more detailed schedule will be posted about 3 weeks before the Convention begins. For more transportation information, click here.
What is the BIO Business Forum and how do I register for it?
The BIO Business Forum offers a unique platform for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, academic research institutions, and investors from around the world to gather and discuss strategic opportunities in one-on-one meetings and company presentations. The BIO Business Forum is included with a Full Convention Access registration and is also available with other registration types. Click here for more information on the BIO Business Forum.
How do I add partnering to my current registration?
To add partnering, access your existing registration or be sure to add it during the registration process.
Is there a government/academic discount?
The government/academic rate is the same as the member rates, which vary. Please review all of the possible registration options here.
Do I need a coupon code to register?
No, you do not. Coupon codes are provided to sponsoring organizations and their guests and attendees. Most attendees will not have a coupon code.
Do you have a guest fee?
No, the BIO International Convention is a business and educational convention and we do not host spouse social events. If you wish to bring your spouse to the exhibit hall or at any other registration level, they would be entitled to receive the same rate you were entitled. We do not have lower or special guest or spouse rates.
Do you have multiple registrations discounts?
No, multiple registration discounts are not offered for the BIO International Convention.
Can I register a group?
No, not exactly. Of course we hope that many persons from your organization will be able to attend but, each person’s registration must be handled individually because of the unique answers to specific demographic questions required and payment processing regulations.
How do I sign up for a session?
Sessions are open. You do not need to reserve your seat or sign up for any of the breakout sessions. You should also be make use of your myBIO in order to plan your way around the event, but you do not need to pre-schedule or sign-up for any individual sessions if they are part of your registration.
How do I register if I am a speaker for a day?
In 2012, approved speakers will be automatically registered. You will be given the opportunity to upgrade your registration if you wish. If you only wish or need to be present the day of your session, then you really do not need to do anything but prepare your presentation.
How do I purchase a reception ticket?
Unlike 2011, there are no longer individual reception tickets. In order to attend the Welcome or Gala Receptions, you will need to have a Convention Access registration. Those holding an Education & Exhibition Access badge or an Exhibition Access badge will not be able to purchase reception tickets in 2012.
How do I buy a ticket to the keynote address?
The Keynote Luncheons are included with Convention Access registrations and Keynote Luncheon seats are not available for purchase as an individual or add-on event. To sign up for Convention Access that gives you access to the Keynote Luncheons, click here.
How to I pay by check?
During the registration process, at the end, you will be able to indicate that you wish to receive an invoice. Follow the instructions on the invoice to complete the payment by check.
How do I pay by wire transfer?
During the registration process, at the end, you will be able to indicate that you wish to receive an invoice. Follow the instructions on the invoice to complete the payment by wire transfer. It is important to include your registration identification number on the wire transfer so that the payment will be properly matched.
What if I become a Member of BIO after I have registered as non-member?
You should contact the BIO International Convention team at reg2012@bio.org and after verification from the BIO Membership department, the proper adjustment will be made to your record and a refund will be issued. However, if you had paid by check or by wire transfer, a W-9 (W-8BEN for International guests) will be required in order to process the refund.
How do I know if my company is a BIO member?
To find out the member status of a company email inquiry to info@bio.org.
How do cancel a registration? Do I get a refund if I cancel my registration?
You may cancel by going back into your registration record and completing the simple form. The deadline to submit a written cancellation request is May 17, 2012 to qualify for a partial refund of the total paid amount. A total of US $295.00 in fees ($200.00 cancellation fee and $95.00 processing fee) will be deducted for all appropriately documented cancellations received on or before May 17, 2012. There will be an additional $50.00 processing fee to cancel either a BIO Business Forum Partnering from a registration or a BIO Business Forum Company Presentation, with a maximum fee of $100.00 if both items need to be removed.
Please note that all Exhibition Access registrations (Exhibit Hall passes) and any additional Exhibitor Booth Personnel (EBP/Exhibitor) paid registrations are not refundable for any reason.
Is it okay to make substitution?
Yes, substitutions are allowed. Please email the changes to reg2012@bio.org.
How do I make a correction or change on my registration?
You many use the appropriate link in your confirmation to make a correction, change or substitution. If you need a confirmation resent to you, you can complete that here
How do I change my email address?
You many use the appropriate link in your confirmation to make a correction, change or substitution. If you need a confirmation resent to you, you can complete that here
How do I get my registration confirmation resent to me?
If you need a confirmation resent to you, you can complete that here
How do I register if I am exhibitor booth personnel?
If you are an exhibitor working in your booth, your “Key Contact” will register you, or will provide you with registration instructions. You should ask the local person who is managing your booth how he or she is handling the process.
If I register for the career fair do I get into the exhibit hall free?
Yes, approved career fair participants will be provided with a coupon code which will allow them access to the BIO International Exhibits for the 4 day event.
Why have I not received a registration confirmation?
All confirmations are HTML (Web) pages at the conclusion of your registration and are printable. Additionally, an email confirmation is sent immediately following the completion of online registration. If you have not received a confirmation, please check your spam or junk mail folder. If you need a confirmation resent to you, you can complete that here