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Navigating the Meeting

The Biophysical Society (BPS) Annual Meeting is the largest gathering of biophysicists in the world, bringing together more than 6,000 researchers from over 55 countries. With over 200 sessions and more than 800 daily poster presentations, it can be overwhelming! Use this guide to help you get the most from your attendance at this world famous event.

Scientific Sessions

The BPS Annual Meeting is known for its many types of sessions, often taking place concurrently. Each type has its own distinct scope, format, and speaker makeup.

Symposia

  • Broad topics featuring talks by leading researchers presenting new research
  • Four speakers per two-hour session
  • Two-to-three held concurrently

Platforms

  • More focused topics selected from among submitted abstracts held concurrently with symposia
  • Eight speakers per two-hour session, including early career researchers
  • Approximately six held concurrently during each symposium session

Workshops    

  • Technique-oriented sessions
  • Four-to-eight speakers per two-hour session
  • Two-to-four held concurrently on Tuesday evening

Subgroup Programs    

  • Scientific sessions held Saturday
  • Feature speakers presenting the latest research in biophysics subfields 

Biophysical Society Lecture

  • One-hour presentation by a world-renowned biophysicist

Professional Development

The Annual Meeting includes daily sessions and resources for the professional development of biophysicists at all stages of their careers: undergrads and grad students, early and mid-stage, and senior scientists. These sessions are held before, after, and in-between the scientific sessions.

Career Development Center
Open all day, includes job and resume postings, interview scheduling, CV reviews, and job-related workshops

Breakfasts         
For students and postdocs to network and learn about available resources

Panel Discussions     
Expert presentations on career options, guidance on career transitions, funding resources, science policy

Workshops
On publishing, teaching and science education, social media, grant writing, communication, and outreach

Exhibits
Over 200 displays of new equipment, publications, and products 

Exhibitor Presentations
Hands-on demonstrations conducted by exhibiting companies of scientific products and their uses


Posters

Most interactive and well attended scientific sessions of the meeting.

Poster Presenters
It is important to present science, but also have posters available for attendee viewing prior to and following
presentations. 

Poster Schedule
Please refer to the programming notice, desktop planner, or mobile app for the date and time of poster presentations. 

PLEASE NOTE: POSTERS WILL NOT BE COLLECTED OR STORED FOR PICK UP AT A LATER TIME.

Board Assignments
Board numbers (B1, B2, B3, LB1, LB2, etc.) indicate the location of the poster board in the Exhibit Hall.

Poster numbers (250-Pos, 251-Pos, etc.) correspond with the number assigned to each poster in the online Abstracts Issue. 


Social and Networking Events

Opening Reception

  • Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar

First-Time Attendee Drop-By

  • Information on how to navigate the Meeting

Dinner Meet-Ups

  • Local student and early career attendees are available each evening at the Society Booth to help you explore local restaurants and neighborhoods

Monday Evening Reception    

  • The place to meet, drink, eat, dance, and socialize with other meeting attendees
  • Photo booth to capture memories
  • Lounge with soft music for those who prefer a quieter atmosphere

New Member Welcome

  • Opportunity to meet and socialize with new members and members of Society governance and committees