Giant Jamboree/Handbook

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Handbook

Anti-harassment Policy

The iGEM Foundation strictly prohibits harassment of any kind, including but not limited to verbal, physical, and sexual harassment, and will take appropriate and immediate action in response to complaints or knowledge of violations of this policy. This action may include, but is not limited to, the offender’s immediate ejection from the premises and disqualification of their team from the competition.
For purposes of this policy, harassment is any verbal or physical conduct intended to threaten, intimidate, or coerce another individual. Harassment can be verbal or nonverbal, and includes offensive comments, distribution, display, or discussion of offensive material. To report an incident, please visit the iGEM Headquarters Table outside of Hall A on the plaza level or the Information Desk on the third floor. See the maps for the location.

Accessibility

The Hynes Convention Center is fully wheelchair accessible. A limited number of wheelchairs are available free-of-charge through the First Aid Office on the Plaza Level (see map), and there are elevators on both ends of the building near the escalators. Please contact iGEM Headquarters for assistance with other accessibility requests, or locate a volunteer in a light blue sweatshirt for assistance.

Appreciation Station

Even though iGEM is a team activity, there are a lot of people around the team who may have contributed one way or another to your team’s success. Perhaps it’s a friend or loved one who supported you, a mentor or advisor going above and beyond to help, or your team instructors giving significant research time to ensure your success. To help you show your appreciation, we will be providing “Thank You” postcards to send or take back home. Stop by the Appreciation Station at the HQ Table outside of Hall A.

Audio/Visual Check for Team Presentations

Teams will be given the opportunity for a five- minute Audio/Visual (AV) check to test the connections between their computer and the room projection system. AV checks will be scheduled on a first come-first served basis between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM on Wednesday October 24, at the Hynes Convention Center. Each team will only be given five minutes to test AV. AV checks will be scheduled in the following rooms: 207, 208, 302, 304, 306, 309, 310, 311, and 312. Please come prepared with your laptop and cables/adaptors to ensure you make the most of your allotted time. There will be technical staff in the rooms to help with technical difficulties. Remember, this is a quick check. Many other teams will be conducting AV checks as well, so be sure to leave your room on time, and also please leave your room in the condition that you found it!

Award Representatives

The number of Jamboree attendees increases every year. To ensure a smooth program, each team is asked to choose two student team members to serve as Award Representatives. Award Representatives are the only team members permitted on stage to accept award trophies during the Award Ceremony. They are also the only team members allowed to enter the pick up area after the Award Ceremony to collect any materials for their team (certificates, medals, trophy boxes, and banners).
Award Representatives will be identified by a yellow wristband that will be provided inside their Team Leader’s registration packet. Award Representatives must wear their wristbands to the Sunday events and inside the pick up area for team materials. Entry to these areas is not allowed without the wristband.
There will be a designated seating area on the main floor of the Auditorium for Award Representatives during the events on Sunday. The remaining seats on the main floor and third floor balcony are open to all attendees as general seating.

Awards and Medals

Awards and medals will be announced at the Award Ceremony on Sunday October 28. Each team that wins an award will receive one corresponding trophy for the team as well as an award certificate for each team member on the roster. Award certificates are different from the participation certificates that are provided to all teams in the Team Leader packet. Awards and medals are awarded at the judges’ discretion at the Giant Jamboree. After the Award Ceremony, medals, award certificates, and trophy boxes (to safely transport crystal trophies) will be distributed from the registration area of the second floor Boylston Hallway. Only Award Representatives with a yellow wristband are permitted to collect materials on their team’s behalf. Team banners can also be picked up in this area. Award Representatives should note that there are two separate pick-up points on the second floor as follows (Look for directional signs):
1) For teams that have not received a trophy: go to the medal pickup area. (Your team banner will also be here) 2) For teams with trophies: go to the trophy pickup area. All team-related materials will be here. All materials will be filed under the official team name as it appears in the program. If your team is not a medal or award recipient and did not submit a team banner, you do not need to report to a pick-up area.

Business Center and Printing Services

Forget to print your poster? Need copies of your CV or resume for the Career Fair? There are two FedEx stores located near the event - one is on the second floor of the Sheraton Boston Hotel and the other is in the Hynes Convention Center on the first floor. Call for details and pricing, or stop by one of the stores:

Sheraton Hotel Location
39 Dalton Street
Boston, MA 02199
+ 1 - 617 - 587 - 5444
Open Hours:
Wednesday - Friday: 7 AM - 7 PM
Saturday: 8 AM - 5 PM

Hynes Convention Center Location
900 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02215
+1 - 617 - 954 - 2725
Open Hours:
Wednesday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed

For 24/7 service, visit the FedEx store in Copley Square, approximately a 10 minute walk away. 187 Dartmouth Street
Boston, MA 02115
+ 1 - 617 - 262 - 6188

Childcare

Childcare will be provided at the Giant Jamboree by Care.com and is available by advanced registration only. Childcare providers will all be fully trained in all aspects of childcare including CPR, and health and safety. Security of the children will be ensured, and parents/guardians can come and go with their children as often as they need during the event day. Toys and a full agenda of age-appropriate activities will be provided.

Concessions

A concession stand will be open in Hall B if you wish to purchase snacks or beverages during the Giant Jamboree. Each attendee will receive a $5 coupon at Registration, and this can be used at the concession stand. The stand will be open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Please see the “Meals” section for information regarding meals provided at the Jamboree.

Closing Ceremony, Keynote Session, and Award Ceremony

Sunday Auditorium 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
The Sunday events will celebrate the hard work of all iGEM teams. After the kickoff message, six finalists will be announced, and they will be invited to deliver their presentations. The first round of presentations will be followed by the traditional iGEM from Above photograph. After the second round of presentations, we will take a break for lunch in Halls A and B. Teams should remove their posters from the Halls by the end of lunch. The afternoon program will begin with a keynote session and end with the Award Ceremony, during which awards and medal results will be announced. Immediately following the Award Ceremony, the designated Award Representatives from each team are asked to report to the second floor of the Boylston Hallway if there are any team materials to be collected (see Awards and Medals section). Because of space constraints, only Award Representatives wearing yellow wristbands will be allowed in the pick-up area. All materials will be filed under the official team name as it appears in the program. Other team members are asked to stay out of the second floor Boylston Hallway to ease the distribution process and allow safe egress for departing teams.

Contact Information

If you need to get in touch with anyone at iGEM Headquarters (HQ) for an urgent matter, you may contact:
Meagan Lizarazo +1 - 617 - 949 - 6421
Kitwa Ng +1 - 646 - 250 - 1012

Emergency Information - Hynes Convention Center

If there is an emergency (medical emergency, police, etc.) please contact the Hynes Convention Command Center by dialing: +1 - 617 - 954 - 2111 [from a cell phone] or 2111 [from a house phone] This telephone number is a direct line to the Hynes Public Safety Department’s Command Center, which is the emergency communications center for the Hynes Convention Center. All house phones located within all meeting rooms and entrances to the exhibit halls are labeled with this number.
When reporting an emergency, please give the following information:
• The location
• The nature of the emergency
• Number of persons involved
• Nature and extent of injuries, if any
• Any other pertinent information that may be helpful for responding emergency crews

PLEASE DO NOT contact Emergency Service providers by dialing 911 from cellular telephones. This action could significantly delay the response network within the Hynes and is a significant detriment to the safe and efficient response of emergency service providers. Please ALWAYS call the Public Safety Command Center at: +1 617 954 2111 to report all emergency situations while inside the Hynes. When you may safely do so, please notify iGEM HQ of the emergency by visiting the iGEM Headquarters Table outside of Hall A.

Emergency Information - Boston

If you are outside of the Hynes Convention Center, dial 911 for police, medical, or fire emergencies.

Electrical Power

Power outlets are available in multiple locations within the Hynes Convention Center to allow you to charge your devices. Every presentation room has a power strip with multiple sockets in the back of the presentation room, as well as outlets at various locations along the walls. Please note: USA power outlets supply electricity between 110 and 120 volts. This is compatible with most modern devices, such as laptops and cellphones, but we recommend that you confirm the acceptable range for your device before plugging it in. If you need an adapter, these are available for purchase at the Walgreens convenience store at 841 Boylston Street, across the street from the Hynes Convention Center.

Event App

Be sure to download the Giant Jamboree event app! It includes all the information found in the program booklet, such as schedules, maps, and presentation descriptions, as well as any last minute additions. The app allows users to create a customized schedule and share photos. You can also link it to your Twitter account.

iOS and Android users:
• Download the Guidebook app from iTunes or the Play Store
• Type “Giant Jamboree” in the search box • Click on “Get this Guide”
• The guide will download on your phone and can be used offline

Tablet and other devices:
• Go to guidebook.com/browse/ on your browser
• Type “Giant Jamboree” in the search box
• Click on “Get this Guide”
• The guide will download on your device and can be used offline

Exhibition Space

Make sure to stop by the exhibition space in Zone 6 located in Hall B where teams will be showcasing their work! The exhibition space will be open throughout the Giant Jamboree.

First Aid

There is an EMT on staff for the entire event. At the First Aid Office on the 1st floor of the Hynes Convention Center. If needed, ask at the Customer Service desk or talk to a volunteer in a light blue sweatshirt.

Follow us on Social Media!

We’ll be posting news, updates, and answering questions on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram:

#iGEM2018
#GiantJamboree

Twitter: @iGEM
Facebook: @iGEMFoundation
Instagram: @igem_hq

Gender-Neutral Bathrooms

Attendees of any gender or gender identity are welcome to use the gender-neutral bathrooms. Two fully-accessible single occupancy bathrooms are available on the third floor of the Hynes Convention Center. See the maps for the location.

General Release Form

The iGEM 2018 Giant Jamboree will be a multimedia event. We will be uploading photos and videos from the entire event so others can see what iGEM and the Jamboree are like. In order to comply with the law, all participants attending the Giant Jamboree must agree to the terms of the general release form on the registration website. If you choose not to sign the release form, you will be responsible for staying out of event photos and videos. Note: If you did not agree to the terms of the general release form on your online registration and would now like to agree, blank copies will be available in the registration area on the second floor Boylston Hallway. If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask an iGEM staff member or volunteer in a light blue sweatshirt.

Graffiti Kiosks

Teams can express their artistic sides through the iGEM graffiti kiosks! Boards are in Hall A and Hall B. Please return the markers to the holder at each kiosk so that other teams can use them after you. Remember to be respectful of all teams in your work.

Hubs

Hall A and Hall B are the Hubs of the Giant Jamboree. Hubs are the main activity area in the Hynes Convention Center and will have the following:

• Team posters
• Exhibition space
• Food stations
• Exhibitor booths
• Seating
• iGEM timeline
• Graffiti kiosks

IDT Suite

Need a break to relax and recharge from the Giant Jamboree activities? Join us at the IDT suite! We are excited to again support iGEM teams as you reshape the future of science. Stop by the lounge to enjoy:

- Comfortable furniture
- Charging stations
- Refreshments and snacks served during breaks (while supplies last!)
Stop by Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and check it out! The IDT Suite is in rooms 108 and 109 across from Hall A.

iGEM HQ Table & Information Desk

Want to know which room a presentation will be in? Have questions about the special events? If you have a question or need help at any point during the Jamboree, you can visit the iGEM Headquarters Table outside of Hall A on the plaza level or the Information Desk on the third floor. See the maps for detailed locations.

iGEMers’ Prize

Vote for your favorite iGEM team! This year we are continuing the tradition of the iGEMers’ Prize. One ballot will be provided to the Team Leader of each team at registration. Completed ballots can be dropped off at the iGEM HQ Table outside of Hall A. Be on the lookout for your prize ballot and be sure to vote by Saturday night at 8:15 PM, at the end of the Poster Session. Questions? Ask a volunteer in a light blue sweatshirt.

Internet

Wireless internet is provided by the Hynes Convention Center. To join the Hynes Wireless Network:

• Go to “settings” on your mobile device
• Select the Wi-Fi option
• Select “Hynes Wireless Network” - no password is required

Meals and Snacks

A light lunch is provided on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Halls A and B. Light refreshments including snacks and beverages are provided in the Hubs during the poster sessions on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Refreshments will also be provided at the social event at Jillian’s Boston on Sunday evening.

Dietary Restrictions If you indicated a dietary restriction (gluten- free, Kosher/Halal) on your registration, please do not take lunch from the general buffet selections. Your lunch will be available at the dietary restriction table in Hall B. Lunch tickets indicating your restriction are included with your badge and should be exchanged for your lunch. Vegetarian options will be available at all buffet stations. To plan ahead, below are the daily options available on the buffet stations. Only one lunch per person, please.

Thursday October 25

• Hot and Sour Soup *vegetarian* Mushrooms, bean threads, rice noodles and shaved green onions in spiced broth
• Vegetable Spring Rolls *vegetarian* Soy dipping sauce
• Udon Dragon Noodle Salad *vegetarian* Thai vinaigrette
• Asian Pear Salad *vegan* Curly endive, shaved spinach and radicchio with rice wine vinaigrette topped with sliced pears
• Chicken and Snow Peas Curly endive, shaved spinach and radicchio
• Wok-seared Hoisin Beef and Asparagus Chili and Jasmine rice
• Gingered Tropical Fruit Shortcake *vegetarian* Mango, melon and kiwi in coconut syrup with angel food cake

Friday October 26

• Macaroni and Cheese selection Buffalo Chicken with Jack and Blue Cheese Classic Macaroni and Cheese *vegetarian*
• Fennel Salad *vegan* Apples, arugula, roasted fennel salad

Saturday October 27

• Ramen Noodle Bar (self-serve) Selection of broths (Mole, Shanghai Soy Pork, and Thai Vegan)
Selection of vegetables *vegetarian* (snap peas, sliced carrot, shaved celery, Thai basil, sliced jalapenos, shiitake mushrooms)
Selection of sauces (sweet soy sauce, Sriracha, sweet chili, chili garlic)
• Ramen noodles *vegetarian*
• Ramen chicken
• Almond cookie *vegetarian*
• Vegetable Cobb salad *vegan* Grilled yellow squash, bell peppers, asparagus, eggplant, charred corn, white beans and red wine vinaigrette

Sunday October 28

• Individual Lunches (each includes whole fruit, a bag of potato chips, and a cookie)
• Chipotle Turkey and Avocado on Ciabatta (guacamole, pepper-jack cheese, roasted tomatoes, arugula, chipotle mayo and turkey)
• Corned Beef on Rye (Swiss cheese and Louie dressing)
• Fire-roasted Vegetable Wrap *vegan* (sun-dried tomato hummus, wilted spinach, and red wine vinaigrette in a spinach wrap)
• Greek Salad *vegetarian* (Romaine lettuce, vine-ripened tomatoes, feta cheese, pepperoncini, red onions, kalamata olives, and Greek dressing)

Lactation Room for Nursing Mothers

We are offering a private lactation room for nursing mothers in Room 201 at the following times:

Wednesday 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday and Saturday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM


The room will have plenty of seating and electrical power (120 V, 60 Hz), as well as a refrigerator for use. A key for the room will be available at the Customer Service booth on the second floor Boylston Hallway during registration hours. After registration hours, please pick up a key from the iGEM HQ Table. When you are finished using the room, please lock the door and return the key.

Participation Certificates

Every approved team member listed on the official team roster will receive a participation certificate. These certificates will be provided to the Team Leader in the registration packet they receive at check in. It is the Team Leader’s responsibility to distribute the certificates to team members.

Presentations

At the Giant Jamboree, there will be nine presentation rooms throughout the Hynes Convention Center. Your team’s scheduled presentation session, time slot, and room have all been randomly assigned. Please see the schedule for information on when and where your team will be presenting.

Presentations will take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The schedule for presentations is divided into sessions based on track. Each team has 20 minutes of presentation time, 5 minutes for questions and answers, and 5 minutes to switch with the next presenters. Judges will be monitoring time and will give warnings at the 2- and 1-minute remaining mark.

Note: Please be sure to bring the necessary equipment for your presentation, such as your laptop, cables/adaptors, and power supply, as iGEM will not provide these. If you are attending a presentation, please be courteous–stay for the whole session, and only leave the room during the scheduled breaks.

Poster Sessions

Each team is required to present a poster at the Giant Jamboree to judges and Jamboree attendees. Poster locations have been randomly assigned between the poster areas. Please see the poster information pages in the program booklet for your team’s specific poster location. Remember that the poster must not be larger than 1.219m x 1.219m (4ft x 4ft). Each team may only put up ONE poster. All teams should set up their posters on Thursday morning by 11:00 AM.
Each team is assigned to present their poster at ONE of the six poster sessions. Your team must be present during your assigned time. Teams presenting in the first and second presentation sessions (9:00 AM-10:30 AM, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM) will present their poster in the first poster session of that day (12:45 PM-2:15 PM). Teams presenting in the third and fourth presentation sessions (2:15 PM-3:45 PM, 4:15 PM-5:45 PM) will present their poster in the second poster session of that day (6:45 PM-8:15 PM). See the schedule to the right.
All teams must remove their posters by Sunday afternoon at 1:30 PM. Any remaining posters will not be saved. Note: Teams are not allowed to move any furniture, including tables and chairs, to their poster location. Power is not available for use at your poster location. Please only use designated areas to charge your devices. For safety reasons, no extension cords are allowed within the Hubs or presentation rooms, nor are power cords allowed to be positioned across walkways or in any manner which creates a safety hazard.

Prayer / Quiet Room

Room 308 will be set aside as a prayer / quiet room during the Giant Jamboree. Small tables and open floor space will be available in this room for our attendees to use for prayer. Please be respectful of others and keep conversation and other sounds to a minimum when you are in this room.

Registration

Registration will be located on the second floor Boylston Hallway during the hours below. See map for details.

Wednesday 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Pre-registered attendees must pick up their materials in the registration area. Registration check-in is on an individual basis and your materials will be filed by the last name (family name) on your registration record. If you have a balance due on your registration, your materials will be held at the Customer Service/Unpaid booth.

Social Events

After a full weekend of presentations and workshops, there are social events on Saturday and Sunday evenings so attendees can relax!

Instructor Social
Saturday Hynes Convention Center - Third Floor 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

An instructor social event will take place on Saturday evening on the third floor of the Hynes Convention Center. Hors d’oeuvres will be served and each instructor will receive two free drink tickets.

Celebration Social Event
Sunday Jillian’s Boston (145 Ipswich St Boston, MA 02215) 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM

This event is open to all of our attendees! Jillian’s Boston is an entertainment venue in Boston that has a dance floor, arcade games, pool tables, bowling lanes, and lounge areas. With so many options to choose from, there is something for everyone. Beverage and snack refreshments will be provided. You will need your iGEM badge. A cash bar will be available on the third floor for attendees (21+) who wish to order alcoholic beverages. Attendees under the age of 21 cannot order alcoholic drinks, and cannot have another person order for them. You will need to be 21+ in order to access the third floor, and alcoholic drinks cannot be transported from the third floor. The second floor will only serve soft drinks and water. Please note: the legal drinking age in the United States is 21. Attendees interested in ordering alcoholic beverages will need to bring a passport (international or U.S.) or a driver’s license (U.S. only) to be able to order an alcoholic drink. Shuttle buses will run from the Boylston Street entrance of the Hynes Convention Center to Jillian’s between 6:45 PM and 12:00 AM. Jillian’s is approximately a 15-minute walk (0.7 miles) from the Hynes Convention Center. From the entrance of the Hynes, turn left onto Boylston Street and turn right onto Ipswich Street. It is also a 15-minute trip by MBTA subway. From Hynes Station on the Green Line, take the B-Line, C-Line, or D-Line trolley outbound to Kenmore Station. Jillian’s is approximately a 5-minute walk from Kenmore Station. For trip planning information, visit http://www.mbta.com/

T-Shirts

Remember to collect your free iGEM T-Shirt after you register! T-shirts can be picked up outside of Room 206 during registration hours (Wednesday through Sunday while supplies last!).

Team Banners

If your team submitted a banner for print and display, you can take it home after the event. Please have your Awards Representative pick up your banner at the Registration area (Second floor Boylston Hallway) after the Closing Ceremony.

Team Leader

Each team will have a designated Team Leader, who will be responsible for picking up the Team Leader Packet. This packet will include the team certificates of participation, the ballot for the iGEMer’s prize, and two bracelets for the team member who will serve as Award Representatives during the Sunday events. The default Team Leader will be the Primary PI. If the Primary PI cannot attend, we will contact another team member to be the Team Leader prior to the Giant Jamboree. If you do not know who your designated Team Leader is, please check the list at the Customer Service/Unpaid Booth or New Badge Pickup Booth. Note that the team leader is not necessarily the same as your team’s student leader.

Transportation

Transportation to the Sunday social event will be provided from the Hynes Convention Center. For details, please see the Social Events section of the handbook. The city of Boston and the surrounding suburbs have a public transportation system that is comprised of buses and subways. It is a convenient and inexpensive way to travel around the city. There are one-way fare options and day passes are available. Boston is also rather small and is an easy city to walk around. You can find more information about the MBTA at http://www.mbta.com/. The Giant Jamboree will be held at the Hynes Convention Center, located at the Hynes Convention Center subway station on the MBTA Green Line. It is accessible via the B, C, and D branches of the Green Line.

Volunteers

Have questions throughout the event? Look for help from an iGEM volunteer in the light blue sweatshirts.

Water Bottles and Stations

At registration, every attendee will be provided with a reusable iGEM water bottle. Be sure to remove the instruction slip and carabiner ring inside, and rinse the bottle before use. You can refill your water bottle at multiple water stations within the Hynes Convention Center. Each presentation room has a water station in the back of the room, and water stations can also be found outside of the bathrooms, which are near the escalators on both sides of the building. See the maps for details.

iGEM Foundation

The International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of synthetic biology, education and competition, and the development of an open community and collaboration. Visit us at igem.org


hq AT igem DOT org


One Kendall Square, Suite B6104
Cambridge, MA 02139


+1.617.500.3106