Giant Jamboree/Handbook
Anti-harassment Policy
iGEM Foundation prohibits harassment of any kind, including 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. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. This includes verbal, sexual, and physical harassment. This also includes harassment over social media as well as in person.
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 Exhibit Hall C or the Information Desk outside Room 308.
Accessibility
The Hynes Convention Center is fully wheelchair accessible. A limited number of wheelchairs are available free-of-charge through the First Aid Station on the first floor (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.
Award Representatives
The number of Jamboree attendees increases every year, so to assist with award presentations, each team should choose two student team members as Award Representatives. Award Representatives have a designated seating area on the main floor and are the only team representatives allowed to retrieve award trophies on stage. The remaining seats on the main floor and the balcony seats on the third floor are open to all attendees for general viewing.
Two yellow wristbands will be given to the designated Team Leader at registration. The Award Representatives from each team should wear these wristbands to the Closing Ceremony on Monday, and to pick up awards, medals, and banners after the ceremony.
Awards and Medals
Awards and medals will be presented at the Closing Ceremony on Monday, November 13. Each team that wins an award will receive one trophy for the team as well as award certificates for each team member. These award certificates are separate from the participation certificates that all teams receive. Awards and medals are awarded at the judges’ discretion at the Giant Jamboree.
Medals, award certificates, and award boxes to safely transport your crystal trophies will be available for pickup after the Closing Ceremony on Monday in the registration area of the 2nd floor Boylston Hallway. If your team has received a medal, please go directly to the medal/banner pickup area. If your team has also received a trophy, all of your materials will be together in the trophy pickup area. Because of space concerns, only your Award Representatives will be allowed in this area. All materials will be filed under the official team name as it appears in the program.
Badges
You will receive your name badge as part of your registration materials. Please wear your badge at all times during the Jamboree and make sure it is clearly visible. Badges will be necessary for entrance into presentation rooms, for access to refreshments, and for iGEM social events. If you do not have a badge, you must register in order to obtain one. Badges may not be shared. Everyone needs to officially register to attend.
Brainstorming Board
Come visit us at the iGEM Headquarters Table outside of Hall C and add your voice to the Brainstorming Board! We will pose a new question every day during the Giant Jamboree and look forward to collecting your thoughts about the topic. Markers and Post-It notes will be available next to the board.
Business Center and Printing Services
Forget to print your poster? Need copies of your CV or resume for the Career Fair? There is a FedEx store located on the second floor of the Sheraton Boston Hotel. It is open limited hours. Call for details and pricing, or stop by the store:
39 Dalton Street
Boston, MA 02199
+ 1 - 617 - 954 - 2725
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 - 954 - 2725
Closing Ceremony
Monday 8:30 am - 1:30 pm
Auditorium
The closing ceremony will celebrate the hard work of all iGEM teams. After the kickoff message, the six finalists will be announced and they will deliver their presentations. The first round of presentations will be followed by the iGEM from Above photograph. After the second block of presentations and the judge’s final deliberation, the awards and medal results will be announced.
Medals, award certificates, and award boxes to safely transport your crystal trophies will be available for pickup after the Closing Ceremony on Monday in the registration area of the 2nd floor Boylston Hallway. If your team has received a medal, please go directly to the medal/banner pickup area. If your team has also received a trophy, all of your materials will be together in the trophy pickup area. Because of space concerns, only your Award Representatives will be allowed in this area. All materials will be filed under the official team name as it appears in the program.
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, while in the venue, 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 (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.
If you are outside of the Hynes Convention Center, dial 911 for police, medical or fire emergencies.
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. There is also a charging station in the middle hallway between Hall C and Hall D.
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 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.
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 Gallery
Make sure to stop by the exhibition gallery in Zone 6 located in Hall D where the Hardware, Software, and Measurement teams will be showcasing their work! The exhibition gallery will be open throughout the Giant Jamboree.
First Aid
There is a First Aid office located on the 1st floor of the Hynes Convention Center. The office will be open during Jamboree hours. If you need help locating the office, ask at the Customer Service desk or talk to a volunteer in a light blue sweatshirt.
Follow us on social media!
We’ll be providing news, updates, and answering questions Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram:
#iGEM2017 #GiantJamboree
Twitter: @iGEM
Facebook: @iGEM Foundation
Instagram: @igem_hq
Frames
Frames will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on Monday November 13 in the registration area of the 2nd floor Boylston Hallway.
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 behind the main elevators. See the maps for the location.
General Release Form
The iGEM 2017 Giant Jamboree will be a multimedia event. We will be uploading photos and videos from the entire event so others can get an idea of what iGEM and the Jamboree is like. In order to comply with the laws, all participants attending the Giant Jamboree must complete a general release form upon registration. If you choose to not agree with the terms, 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 2nd 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 C and Hall D. 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 C and Hall D 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 Lounge
Take a break from your hard work, relax, and remember some of the Giants in Science that have helped all of us get here. Prizes and refreshments will be provided at various times. Stop by Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm and check it out! The IDT Lounge is in room 207.
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 C or the Information Desk outside Room 308.
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 each team, which will be picked up by the Team Leader at registration. Completed ballots can be dropped off at the iGEM HQ Table outside of Hall C. Be on the lookout for your prize ballot and be sure to vote by Sunday night at 7:30 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
Lunch is provided on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Halls C and D. There are two coffee breaks per presentation day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Light refreshments including snacks and beverages are provided in the Hubs during the poster sessions on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Refreshments will also be provided at the social event at Jillian’s Boston on Sunday evening, and between events on Monday.
Dietary Restrictions
If you indicated a food allergy 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 D. 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.Note: Menu options for those with dietary restrictions are not listed below and will be customized to meet your declared dietary needs.
To plan ahead, below are the daily options available on the buffet stations. Only one lunch per person, please.
Friday November 10:
- Tuscan Chicken Sandwich on Telera Roll
(herb aioli, boursin spread, roasted peppers, and balsamic onions) - Sicilian Beef and Fontina on Focaccia
(tomato-basil chutney, hearty greens, caramelized onions, and pepperoncini) - Caprese on Ciabatta *vegetarian*
(fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, arugula, basil pesto, and balsamic glaze) - Italian Chopped Salad *vegetarian*
(romaine, radicchio, tomato, red onion, ditalini, crumbled blue cheese with honey Dijon vinaigrette) - Green Salad *vegetarian*
(mixed field greens, romaine lettuce, vine-ripened tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, with balsami vinaigrette)
Saturday November 11:
- Chipotle Turkey and Avocado on Ciabatta
(guacamole, pepper-jack cheese, roasted tomatoes, arugula, chipotle mayo) - Corned Beef on Rye
(Swiss cheese and Louie dressing) - Greek Salad with Chicken
(Romaine lettuce, vine-ripened tomatoes, feta cheese, pepperoncini, red onions, Kalamata olives, chicken, and a Greek dressing) - Fire-roasted Vegetable Wrap *vegetarian*
(sun-dried tomato hummus, wilted spinach, feta cheese and red wine vinaigrette, spinach wrap) - Greek Salad *vegetarian*
(Romaine lettuce, vine-ripened tomatoes, feta cheese, pepperoncini, red onions, Kalamata olives, and a Greek dressing)
Sunday November 12:
- Mediterranean Chicken on Flatbread
(chicken, hummus, feta, cucumber and napa cabbage blend with tzatziki sauce) - Roast Sirloin of Beef on Focaccia
(tomatoes, sweet onion jam, and Boursin cheese) - Harvest Turkey Salad
(roast turkey with romaine, spinach, cranberries, grapes, Granny Smith apples, goat cheese & walnuts with a raspberry vinaigrette) - Veggie & Hummus Wrap *vegetarian*
(hummus, cucumbers, roasted tomatoes, carrots, romaine, mesclun, basil pesto, feta, and balsamic vinaigrette in a whole wheat wrap) - Southwest Salad *vegetarian*
(romaine, black beans, roasted corn, guacamole, cucumbers, tomatoes & crispy wontons)
Nursing / Lactation Room
We are offering a private lactation room for nursing mothers in Room 201 at the following times:
- Thursday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Friday - Sunday 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
- Monday 8:00 am to 1:00 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 in the registration area 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. Team Leaders will pick up the participation certificates of all team members during registration.
Posters
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 evening by 8:00 pm.
Judges will be evaluating throughout the Jamboree on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and there are poster sessions on these days as well.
All teams must remove their posters by Monday afternoon at 2:00 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.
Practice Sessions
Teams will be allowed to practice on Thursday November 9 at the Hynes Convention Center, beginning at 10:00 am. You can practice your presentation, and get to know fellow iGEM members. There are a limited number of rooms available, so please sign up online to reserve a room and time slot. The practice rooms are 203, 204, 208, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, Ballroom A, and Ballroom B. Only the main presentation rooms will have audio/visual equipment available in the rooms (302, 304, 306, 309, 310, 311, 312, Ballroom A, and Ballroom B). The rest of the practice presentation rooms do not have A/V equipment and may have alternative room layouts. See the schedule online for details about A/V equipment.
Practice sessions will run until 8:00 pm. We cannot match the practice room with your actual presentation room. Remember, other teams will be practicing as well, so be sure to leave your practice room on time! Please leave all practice rooms in the condition that you found them.
There will be technical staff on hand to help with audio/visual equipment; please see a volunteer if you encounter technical difficulties and he/ she will be able to contact tech support. Be sure to bring any equipment, such as laptops and adaptors, with you.
Prayer Room
Room 308 will be set aside as a prayer room during the Giant Jamboree. Small tables and open floor space will be available in this room for our attendees to use for prayer.
Presentations
At the Giant Jamboree, there will be nine presentation rooms throughout the Hynes Convention Center. Your team’s scheduled presentation time slot, session, and room have all been randomly assigned.
Presentations will take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The schedule for presentations is divided into sessions based on track. If you are attending a presentation, please be courteous, stay for the whole session, and only leave the room during the scheduled breaks. 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.
Please see the schedule for information on when and where your team will be presenting.
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.
Quiet Room
Room 300 has been designated as the quiet room during the iGEM 2017 Giant Jamboree. The quiet room has chairs and tables so attendees may work quietly or simply take a break from all the Giant Jamboree excitement.
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 2nd floor Boylston Hallway during the hours below. See map for details.
- Thursday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Saturday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
- Sunday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
- Monday 8:00 am - 1:00 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 Sunday evening so attendees can relax!
Instructor Social
Sunday 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Hynes Convention Center 3rd Floor
An instructor social event will take place on Sunday evening in the third floor ballroom of the Hynes Convention Center. Hors d'oeuvres will be served and each instructor will receive two free drink tickets.
After iGEM & SynBioBeta: Calling all Synthetic Biology Entrepreneurs
Sunday 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Hynes Convention Center 3rd Floor
Founders Failure and Success Forum
Join SynBioBeta Founder and DCVC Operating Partner John Cumbers as he moderates a panel of founders from successful iGEM startups. Hear stories from the coalface of a synthetic biology startup, hear stories about the failure, success, and progress. Learn what it takes to scale, raise money, build a team and ship product. Reception to follow will feature a speed-networking portion allowing you to meet with our esteemed panelists and entrepreneurs.
Target audience: iGEMers wanting to find co-founders, start companies, meet investors, meet other entrepreneurs.
This event is cohosted by After iGEM and SynBioBeta.
Jillian’s Boston (18+ only)
Sunday 8:00 pm - 1:00 am
145 Ipswich St
Boston, MA 02215
This event is for attendees ages 18+
Jillian’s Boston is a 3-story 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 and a passport (international or U.S.) or a driver’s license (U.S. only) to enter.
A cash bar will also be available 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.
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 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm, and 11:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Please note that no buses will run between the hours of 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm.
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/
Blue Man Group
Sunday 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Charles Playhouse
74 Warrenton Street
Boston, MA 02116
Blue Man Group is an interactive theatrical performance combining art, technology, and music. The performance is at the Charles Playhouse in Boston, and guests should arrive at the Playhouse by 8:00 pm.
Tickets will be available for all high school teams at the Blue Man Group ticket counter outside of Room 200. The desk will be open during registration hours. Each high school group should send an instructor or chaperone to pick up tickets for the entire team. Tickets not picked up before 1:00 pm on Sunday will be forfeited. If your team is not interested in attending the performance, please let the ticket desk know so that your tickets may be released to other interested attendees.
A limited number of tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to all other attendees. These tickets will be available at the iGEM ticket desk during regular registration hours. On Sunday at 1:15 pm, any tickets not picked up by high school teams will also become available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please note that food is not provided at the performance. There is, however, a concession stand at the theater.
Bus transportation will be provided on the schedule below:
- 7:15 pm: Buses start loading at the Boylston Street entrance of the Hynes Convention Center
- 7:30 pm: Buses depart
- 10:30pm: Buses return to the Hynes Convention Center
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 (Thursday through Monday).
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 (2nd 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 Closing Ceremony on Monday.
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 Booth.
Note that the team leader is not necessarily the same as your team’s student leader.
Transportation
Transportation to the social events 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 map for details.
