Attendee Policies

The BIO International Convention (Convention) is hosted by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).

Attendee Code of Conduct

The BIO International Convention aims to be a respectful, inclusive, professional, and safe environment for business, discussion, and ideas. BIO reserves the right to take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including immediate removal from the BIO International Convention and official Convention-related events and activities without warning or refund in response to any incident of disrespectful, aggressive, discriminatory, or otherwise disruptive behavior. BIO reserves the right to prohibit attendance at any future BIO meetings or events. Removal from the BIO International Convention and official Convention-related events by BIO due to disrespectful, aggressive, discriminatory, or otherwise disruptive behavior may not entitle an attendee to a refund on registrations paid. BIO may communicate about its response to specific incidents under this policy as required or advisable.

Registration and Attendance Policies

• All event registrations or any registration type, whether completed by the registering individual or on another individual’s behalf, are subject to our written acceptance via confirmation. BIO may refuse to accept an individual’s registration at its sole discretion.
• For the purposes of registration for any BIO event, conference or meeting, the classification of a registrant as a research and development company, an industry service provider, an academic & technology licensing officer or a qualifying investor is subject to review by BIO. In its sole discretion, BIO reserves the right to make the determination of the proper classification of a registrant. Depending on this classification, an additional registration fee may be required, and BIO reserves the right to charge any additional fees. BIO reserves the right to publish materials and restrict conference and/or partnering system access consistent with these determinations.
• BIO requires all event attendees to be 21 years of age or older in order to receive your badge and participate in all official Convention-related events and receptions. To request a waiver of this policy, please contact BIO Customer Care at customercare@bio.org.
• By registering for or speaking at the BIO International Convention, attendees, exhibitors, and speakers are agreeing that photographs, audio and or videotape may be taken on-site during the conference, convention, event, or meeting for use in future program promotions by BIO. By registering, any and all photographs, audio and or videotape produced by BIO may also be included in future promotional materials.
• BIO is committed to promoting and protecting a healthy environment for all attendees while onsite in San Diego, CA. The BIO International Convention will follow local and state guidelines as well as the CDC recommendations in place at the time of the event, and will communicate any specific requirements or restrictions to registered attendees in advance as able.  Please reach out to eventsafety@bio.org for any questions.

Registration Cancellations & Substitutions

• Cancellation: Requests must be submitted in writing on or before Thursday, May 7, 2026, (11:59 PM United States Eastern Time) to receive a refund. Cancellation requests received after May 7, 2026 will not be honored. To request a refund, please sign into your Maritz registration record and follow the prompts.
  • A $600 administrative fee will be deducted from all cancellation refunds. Approved refunds will be processed as soon as possible, but BIO reserves the right to process after the convention. BIO regrets that refunds will not be given for no-shows/non-participation.
  • Basic Access registrations or additional Exhibitor Booth Staff registrations cannot be canceled and are non-refundable.
  • Refunds will be processed as soon as possible, but BIO reserves the right to refund after the convention is concluded if necessary.
• Substitution: A registration can be transferred to another individual from your company. Registrations can only be substituted once. We will only accept substitutions for new registrations or registrations that have not been completed.
• All questions regarding registration cancellation and substitution policies should be directed to BIO Customer Care at customercare@bio.org.

Onsite Badging Policies

• Upon check-in at the 2026 BIO International Convention, all confirmed registrants must receive proper credentials in order to attend the event.
• A government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) is required at check-in. Business cards and work IDs are not accepted. Badges cannot be issued without the proper identification of the attendee. Badges are unable to be printed and issued to anyone other than the registrant.
• Attendees will be required to purchase a replacement badge for $700 USD if they misplace or lose their original name badge while onsite.

Photography and Videography

• Any photography, videography, screen capture, taping, recording, or reproduction in any medium, including but not limited to capture or recording via the use of tripod-based equipment or screen