Social Program

We are pleased to offer a range of events throughout the Congress to enhance your experience and to create opportunities for you to meet with colleagues from across the globe. Some events are included within your registration fees and others are optional at additional cost. 

Inclusive Events 

Welcome Reception

Date: Sunday 29 September 2024
Time: 1700-1830
Venue: Melbourne Convention Centre Courtyard
Cost: Included in Congress registrations. Additional tickets are available at $70 per person
Dress code: Smart casual 

As the first official social event of ISBE 2024, the Welcome Reception provides you with the opportunity to relax and enjoy the company of colleagues and friends in the surrounds of the Convention Centre Courtyard.

Sposnored by

Poster Sessions

 

Date: Monday 30 September 2024 (session 1) and Tuesday 1 October 2024 (session 2) 
Time: Monday 1715-1815 and Tuesday 1645-1745
Venue: Congress Exhibition Hall
Cost: Included in Congress registrations. Additional tickets are available at $45 per person

Optional Events 

Congress Social Event 

Mentor-Mentee Lunch 

Duration: 1 hour
Time and date: Lunchtime on Monday 29 September or Tuesday 30 September 2024
Event: Small group mentoring event to facilitate interactions between students and early career researchers (mentees) and mid-late career researchers (mentors). Mentees will then be allocated a mentor based on overlapping research interests. Once groups have been allocated, an email will be circulated to all participants with the contact information of their group and the location at which they will meet.  
Location: Convention Centre courtyard 
Participants will then be responsible for finding a venue at which to hold the meeting. Prior to the event, an email will be circulated to provide participants with a list of suitable meeting locations within the MCEC. 
Food and Drink: Lunch catered as part of the conference

LGBTQIA+ Trivia Night

Date: Tuesday 1st October 2024
Time: Arrive from 7pm, Trivia to start at 8:15pm, will confirm duration with venue.   
Location: Mollies Bar and Diner, level 1, 103 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Event: Trivia hosted and run by the bar
Food and Drink: A selection of snacks provided. People to pay for their own drinks and additional food if they would like. 
Registration: Prior registration required  
Transportation: Routes 12 or 109 tram from the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre (stop 124) to Smith Street/Victoria Parade (stop 15) refer to the map here

ECR Panel Discussion Session 

Early Career Researchers (ECRs) often face unique challenges and opportunities in their professional journeys. To address these, we propose organising a lunchtime panel discussion session at ISBE 2024, with the goals to:

1. Facilitate Knowledge Sharing: Allow ECRs to gain insights and advice from established researchers.

2. Promote Diversity and Inclusion: Ensure representation from various backgrounds, research areas, and career stages.

3. Enhance Networking Opportunities: Create an informal setting for ECRs to interact with panellists and peers.

Duration: 1 hour
Schedule: Lunchtime during one of the conference days
Format: Introduction, Panel Discussion and Q&A Session 
Audience: Open for everyone, targeting ECRs attending ISBE 2024
Panellists: 4-5 experienced researchers from diverse backgrounds and research areas
Topics: ECR-related topics for discussion could include but are not limited to:

● Career development and progression

● Balancing research with personal life

● Securing funding and grants

● Publishing and peer review process

● Networking and collaboration

● Overcoming academic challenges and setbacks