iGEM 2018: Pre-Jamboree Newsletter
Message from iGEM Headquarters
Congratulations to all teams for surviving the last deadlines for the season, especially ***THE WIKI FREEZE!!***. With those deadlines now done, it's time to start planning for the Giant Jamboree!
Teams, don't forget that the Giant Jamboree is not just the venue to deliver your final deliverables and collect prizes. It's a chance to celebrate your efforts, to make the most of all iGEM has to offer, and to truly connect with this amazing worldwide community of teams who have shared this experience with you throughout this year.
In this issue, we will outline some Jamboree logistics you'll want to know, like how to find your poster session. We'll also point out some fun things to look forward to during the Jamboree program! If you're not excited enough yet, scroll to the bottom of this newsletter to find a fun preview video from last year's Giant Jamboree!
Lastly, if you're staying at the Sheraton Boston Hotel, we have an important message regarding the current workers' strike. If you have any questions, you can email us at any time HQ [at] igem [dot] org.
Best wishes,
The iGEM Headquarters Team
In This Issue...
- Get the Jamboree Program - Guidebook App for Mobile
- Jamboree Policies and Restricted Items
- Online Registration closed - On-site Registration Available
- Things to get excited about:
- Keynote Session - hear from notable iGEMers
- After iGEM Summit - 35 pre-registration spots left!
- Monday Tours - Sign up for BioBuilder now
- Information for teams - Posters and Presentations
- Important Message regarding the workers strike at Sheraton Boston Hotel
Giant Jamboree - Get The Program!
The full Program Booklet for the 2018 Giant Jamboree is online and available for download now! You can download a PDF here, or visit the links below for a preview:
- Read through the Handbook for what to expect at the event, from info about meals and snacks, to where to pick up your free event T-shirt
- Check out the Schedule to find team presentation and poster times
- Browse the Team Abstracts to find interesting team projects to check out
- There are 22 workshops and a career fair on offer during the Jamboree; Make the most of it and look for a Workshop to attend!
Did you know? Stickers, helium balloons and drones are banned from the Jamboree venue. All attendees should also review the Policies and Restricted Items before coming to the Boston.
Direct Link: http://2018.igem.org/wiki/images/a/a6/Giant_Jamboree_2018_booklet.pdf
GuideBook App
Too many links to keep track of? You can now download the GuideBook App for the event on your mobile device. The App will contain all of the same information found in the program booklet, such as schedules, maps, and presentation descriptions, as well as any last minute additions. You'll also be able to save sessions to create a customized schedule, and set up reminders so you don't miss a thing! Learn more and download the app now:
Direct Link: https://guidebook.com/g/igem2018/
Social Media
Follow iGEM and use our official tags on social media!
#iGEM2018
#GiantJamboree
Twitter: @iGEM, Instagram: @igem_hq, Facebook: @iGEMFoundation
Missed Online Registration for the 2018 Giant Jamboree?
Registration for the Giant Jamboree will be available on-site at the Hynes Convention Center on all days of the event. Day passes and full event passes will be available for team members as well as members of the general public, including friends and family! Learn more.
Sunday October 28: Keynote Session
Have you heard about our stellar lineup for the Sunday keynote session yet? You'll be hearing from some notable iGEMers:
- Ingrid Swanson Pultz, Ph.D. - Co-founded PVP Biologics based on their grand prize-winning iGEM project from 2011
- Jason Kelly, Ph.D. - Co-founded Ginkgo Bioworks with four other iGEMers, now one of the leaders of the synthetic biology industry
- George Church, Ph.D. - A well-known and highly accomplished Geneticist, and lead of Synthetic Biology at they Wyss Institute at Harvard University. Involved with iGEM in its first year
Learn more about what to expect on Sunday:
Direct Link: http://2018.igem.org/Giant_Jamboree/Schedule/Sunday
Monday October 29: After iGEM Summit
Join us for an unforgettable After iGEM experience at the first ever After iGEM Summit. Sign up for one of our limited pre-Jamboree registration spots today - 35 spots remaining! Learn more.
Direct Link: https://afterigemsummit2018.eventbrite.com/
Monday October 29: Tours - BioBuilder
BioBuilder's Learning Lab is a dedicated space where synthetic biology is taught year-round to excited students, teachers, and community members. Tours are available on Monday October 29 at 10:00AM, 1:00PM, and 3:00PM.
Direct Link: http://2018.igem.org/Giant_Jamboree/Schedule/Monday#Tours
Information for Teams
Presentation Requirements
Each team is required to present one (1) 20 minute presentation in front of their judges at their assigned presentation session. Teams should bring their own equipment, including laptops, power supplies, and any special adapters. Each presentation room will be equipped with the following:
4 Microphones (1 podium, 1 hand held, and 2 lapel mics), Projector with HDMI and VGA connectors (no Thunderbolt connection, teams will need to provide adapters).
As a reminder, we do not have full-length slots for presentation practice this year. Each team will be allowed 5 minutes on a first-come, first-served basis to check audiovisual connections on Wednesday October 24 from 4:00 PM-8:00 PM. All presentation rooms will be set up, and an A/V tech will be present in the room to provide technical support. There is no advance sign-up for this A/V check.
Presentation slides should be optimized for 16:9 aspect ratio. See the presentation deliverable page for more information:
Direct Link: http://2018.igem.org/Competition/Deliverables/Presentation
Poster Sessions
Each team is required to present one (1) poster at their assigned poster session. We're doing poster sessions a little differently this year, so if you've done iGEM before you'll want to read this! This year, teams are assigned to the next poster session after their presentation.
e.g. If your presentation is in Presentation Session A or B in the morning, your poster session will be in Poster Session A & B during the lunch time break. If your presentation is in Presentation Session C or D in the afternoon, your poster session will be in Poster Session C & D at the end of the day etc.
Teams must be present at your poster during your assigned poster session so that judges can come see you with any questions. Posters need to remain on display at your assigned poster space for the duration of the Jamboree. See the poster deliverable page for more information:
Direct Link: http://2018.igem.org/Competition/Deliverables/Poster
! Important Message regarding the Sheraton Boston Hotel !
Is your team staying at the Sheraton Boston Hotel? Please be aware that the hotel is a Marriott property and that there are currently 8,000+ Marriott workers on strike around the country. This includes workers at the Sheraton Boston Hotel. iGEM supports fair wages and better working conditions for all workers.
If you have a reservation at the Sheraton Boston Hotel and wish to cancel your reservation, you may now cancel without penalty and with a full refund.
As of today, these are some of the hotels in Boston that have availability over the Jamboree dates: Boston Hotel Buckminster, Boston Park Plaza, DoubleTree Boston-Downtown. Please note that these hotels do not have a special iGEM discount and that we are unable to guarantee availability.
If you have questions or concerns about the strike at the Sheraton Boston Hotel, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. HQ [AT] igem [DOT] org.
