Science Gateways 2024 - FAQ

What are the evening activities?

• There will be dinners on the first two nights of the conference, included in your registration fee. If you would like to bring a guest, you can pay for them during your registration process.

What is BYoP?

• Bring Your own Portal.  A portion of the program which allows gateway owners to show off their gateways.

I'm presenting a session or tutorial. What do I need to know?

• Please refer to the Conference Program page for details about submitting your final paper and presentation slides, room setups, and more.

Will conference attendees have access to free WiFi?

• Yes, free WiFi is available at the main conference hotel. 
• The conference will be held at the Best Western Plus GranTree Inn in Bozeman, MT.  

I am presenting a poster during the evening reception on Monday, will there be a place I can store my poster during the day?

• Yes, there will be a designated place where posters can be safely stored. 

I am leaving for the airport right after the conference concludes. Will there be a place where I can store my suitcase and other belongings during the day?

• Yes, space is available for those who would like to store their luggage, posters, etc. before they depart for the airport.

Are meals served at Gateways 2024?

• Yes! We will have meals and snacks provided during the conference

What is the dress code for Gateways 2024?

• Business casual to casual! We are a relaxed group and want you to be comfortable as you attend. 

I have hearing difficulties. Is there a way I can hear the speakers better?

• Please let us know during registration if this applies to you and we will provide alternatives.

I have a walker or a wheelchair. Will I be able to move around easily during the conference?

• We are having the hotel arrange tables for both the speaker sessions as well as the meals far enough apart so there is easy access for those with mobility aids.

I am a speaker/presenter and I am not able to easily use stairs.  Will there be a way for me to easily get up on stage?

• Yes. We have arranged for a ramp to the stage.

I am not able to sit for long periods of time. Is there a place where I could stand intermittently or for an extended period of time?

• Yes - the hotel will be setting up "highboy" tables that can be used for this.

I have a religious food practices/food allergies/diet restrictions.  Can you make accommodations for me?

• Yes. We have briefed the kitchen with these possibilities, and they are able to handle needs such as these. Please include your requests in the registration form.

I have migraines. If I get one during the conference is there someone I can ask to dim the lights?

• Yes, the rooms have the ability to dim the lights.  Please just ask one of the conference leads.

Do you know if there are any child care options or events that children could attend while their parents are at the conference?

• Yes - there are options in town for child care:
  • Dino Drop-In - Big fun for your little ones. (dinodropin.com)
  • Drop-In Care - XY Learning Center – must call in advance per their website
• If a parent or guardian is with a parent who is attending the conference, the parent/guardian has kid friendly options to take children to:
  • World-class Museum in Bozeman - Museum of the Rockies
  • Home - Montana Science Center

Will there be a space of low lighting at the conference?

• We will dim the lights durning the plenary at the back of the room for anyone that needs lower lighting at times.

What if I need to be closer to the screen to read slides?

• We will reserve tables at the front of the room.

Will there be good ventilation in the conference room to help alleviate the “conference croup”? (i.e. Covid, flu, etc.)?

• The ballroom has 14-foot ceilings and has two big sliding glass doors that open to allow outside air in.  They do have an HVAC system which keeps the temperature and humidity at a level that discourages the spread of airborne viruses. Gateways is also providing masks for those who wish to use them.
• For additional information on Indoor Air Considerations for COVID-19: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/indoorair.html
• Best Western Hotels & Resorts – We Care Clean program: https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/hotels/destinations/worldwide-hotels/africa/we-care-clean.html

What if I want to enjoy Yellowstone during my time in Bozeman?

• Getting into Yellowstone from the conference venue will take 1-2 hours to drive to one of the main gates. We would recommend you plan to come early or stay later after the conference. You can book a tour of Yellowstone through these services:
  • https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45095-d14480342-Reviews-Let_s_Go_Adventure_Tours-Bozeman_Montana.html
  • https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45095-d13358326-Reviews-In_Style_Arrivals-Bozeman_Montana.html
  • https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g45095-d25354464-Best_Of_Yellowstone_Full_Day_Nat_l_Park_Tour_From_Bozeman-Bozeman_Montana.html
  • https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45095-d27163089-Reviews-Old_Faithful_and_Friends_Tours_and_Shuttles-Bozeman_Montana.html

Cancellation Policy?

• The last day to request a registration refund is September 23, 2024. Please email us at help@sciencegateways.org with your request and we will issue a credit to your original form of payment. You will need to cancel your hotel through the hotel directly.

Is there a Code of Conduct?

• Gateways 2024 provides a welcoming, inclusive, and harassment-free conference experience for everyone. Anything less will not be tolerated. See Gateways Code of Conduct here. If you would like to report any incidents, please contact Claire Stirm (cstirm@ucsd.edu) or Sandra Gesing (sgesing@ucsd.edu) directly or complete form on the Gateways Code of Conduct page.