Social Program

Join us for a relaxed evening that will offer refreshments and a great opportunity to celebrate the Congress with your colleagues and friends. In ISBE tradition, great music will add to a memorable evening not to be missed.

Date: Thursday 3 October 2024
Time: 1900-2100
Venue: The Garden State Hotel
Cost: $120 per person
Dress code: Smart casual

Brief description of event: Conference attendees are invited to participate in a mentor-mentee networking event in which early- and mid-career researchers can meet and engage with late-career researchers attending the conference. The session will involve small group discussions, with two or more mentees paired with a mentor for introductions and conversation. This event aims to benefit both ECRs and PIs by facilitating networking that can be daunting for young researchers. For mentees, this can act as an opportunity to explore potential postdoc positions or collaborations, or to simply gain knowledge and insight about the field from someone more experienced than themselves.

Date and time: To be held during lunchtime (1:30-2:30pm) on Monday 30th September or Tuesday 1st October, depending on group allocations.

Location: Courtyard, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Brief description of event: Join us for a night of trivia at one of Melbourne's most iconic LGBTQIA+ venues. Snacks will be provided, with drinks and additional food available for purchase at the bar. This event is open to all ISBE delegates; those within the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. It aims to provide a safe space for participants to wind down, create meaningful connections, and facilitate networking opportunities in a lively and informal setting.

Date and time: Tuesday 1st October, from 7pm. Trivia will begin at 8:15pm

Location: Mollies Bar and Diner, level 1, 103 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065

Getting there: Take the route 12 or 109 tram from the Convention Center (stop 124) to Smith Street/Victoria Parade (stop 15) and then walk 6 minutes to the Diner. The journey should take approximately 25 minutes.

Early Career Researchers (ECRs) often face unique challenges and opportunities in their professional journeys. To address these, we are excited to bring 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.

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Location: Conference venue Duration: 1 hour
Schedule: 3rd October, Thursday Lunchtime
Format: Introduction (5 minutes), Panel Discussion (40 minutes), Q&A Session (15 minutes)
Audience: Open for everyone, targeting ECRs attending ISBE 2024
Panellists: 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

Brief description of event: ISBE conference attendees are invited to an informal and casual after-conference gathering at Grazeland. Following the post-conference drinks at the MCEC, ushers will guide you to the venue via public transport. As this is an optional event, there is no need to RSVP. Upon arrival at Grazeland, a designated meeting spot will be marked with the ISBE banner. The evening will be spent enjoying live music and a variety of food trucks offering different cuisines.

Location: 20 Booker St, Spotswood VIC 3015

Date and time: Friday 4th October, from ~5:30pm onwards (Grazeland closes at 10pm)

Entrance fee: $4pp

Getting there:

• Parking: there is parking onsite as well as on-street parking including dedicated disabled parking.
• Public Transport via train: take the Werribee/Williamstown line to Spotswood train station. Grazeland is a short 10 minute walk (500m) from the station. If travelling from Southern Cross station, the train journey takes approx. 15 minutes.
• Travelling by Bike: Grazeland has 100 bike racks right at the front gate. The Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail runs on the foreshore adjacent to Grazeland. The dedicated bike trail extends 23km to Altona Meadows and the bike punt and connects to the Docklands and CBD.