Frequently Asked Questions
Registration
What does 6IMDC registration include? Registration fees include access to the five-day event’s plenary sessions, keynote speakers, technical session breakouts, refreshments, networking opportunities, and special events such as opening reception and movie night.
What light refreshments and meals are provided in my registration? Registration includes morning light breakfasts, morning and afternoon coffee breaks, Monday – Thursday lunches (bagged and buffet), opening night and poster night appetizers, two drink tickets, and popcorn for Thursday’s movie night.
What are the coffee hours?
Monday: 9:00 – 9:30 AM; 3:00 – 3:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 – 8:30 AM, 10:00 – 10:30 AM; 3:00 – 3:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 – 8:30 AM, 10:00 – 10:30 AM
Thursday: 8:00 – 8:30 AM, 10:00 – 10:30 AM; 3:00 – 3:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 – 8:30 AM, 10:00 – 10:30 AM
Where do I pick-up my name tag? You can pick up your name tag at the 6IMDC Team registration table, which will be in the main entryway of the Hilton Mission Bay. Please follow directional signs for the registration table.
Will registration be available on-site? The 6IMDC has reached its capacity and there are no additional available spots to attend the 6IMDC. There is thus NO on-site registration. As much as we appreciate the marine debris community, please do not arrive at the conference site if you have not previously registered, as you will be turned away.
Packing Tips
What do you need to bring to the 6IMDC? We are striving to be as close to a zero waste event as possible. Our goal is to significantly reduce conference-generated waste by limiting single-use items, composting and donating excess food, and recycling remaining materials. You can contribute to our goal by bringing a personal water bottle and travel mug, and by using our mobile application.
Dress Code
What is the dress-code for the event? All conference activities are business casual and non-formal. San Diego is known for its great sunny weather, but please keep in mind that it gets chilly at night, so please bring your jacket.
Session Chairs, Presenters, Panelists
As a presenter, how do I upload my presentation to the proper computer? The 6IMDC Team recommends that all presenters finalize and send their PowerPoints to their respective session chairs no later than Sunday, March 11th, so that session chairs can upload presentations to the proper computer. This will help eliminate time delays and ensure smooth transitions between presentations. Please visit the Poster webpage for more information on poster dimensions and set-up.
What type of software is available for session presenters? Laptops will be at the podium and be connected to the projector. Microsoft’s PowerPoint is installed on all computers and PowerPoint’s “Presentation View” feature will be available for presenters (this allows presenters to see the next slide and notes).
If there are any issues, an on-site PSAV tech will be available by phone at 619-778-3239.
What format does the PowerPoint need to be in? The 6IMDC recommends presenters finalize and send their PowerPoints to their session chairs no later than the Sunday before the conference. Below are some guidelines for formatting your PowerPoint:
- • PowerPoints should be in a 16 X 9 aspect ratio format.
- • You are encouraged to send your session chair an additional copy of your presentation as a Portable Document Format (.pdf) in case there are issues with PowerPoint.
- • Presentation tips:
- • Leave space at the bottom of each slide so everyone in the room (in the front or at the very back) can read all the text on each slide.
- • Be sure to keep in line with session goals
- • Use more images and less text.
- • If you are experiencing difficulty with larger sized files, please try using data sharing platforms such as WeTransfer or DropBox.
- • Internet Access may not be provided on the presentation computers (please note you will not be able to use your own computer)
Meeting Space Logistics
How do I sign-up for informal meeting space? You can only reserve rooms on-site. A meeting space sign-up will be located at the Solutions Table. You can reserve rooms in increments of 30 minutes and no longer than 1 hour.
Transportation
Is there a parking fee for the event? Parking is available at the conference venue. Overnight self-parking is available at a charge of $20.00. Daytime event parking is available at a flat rate of $5.00.
What times will the shuttle be traveling from Mission Bay to Mission Valley hotels? There will be free shuttle service between the Hilton Mission Valley hotel and the Hilton Resort Mission Bay conference venue daily throughout the 6IMDC. The shuttle will provide a 2-hour service window in the morning and a 2-hour service window in the evening. Pick up times are listed below. Please note that it is the responsibility of the individual to ensure they have adequate time between hotels and to make it to their session on time. The 6IMDC Team is not responsible for any delays or inconveniences with transportation.
Mornings
Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Tuesday- Friday: 6:15 AM – 8:15 AM
Evenings
Monday/Tuesday 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Hotel Shuttle Pick up/drop off location:
Hilton Mission Bay: Entry-way
Hilton Mission Valley: Entry-way
What time will the Hilton be providing shuttle services to the Gaslamp District on Tuesday, March 14th? The Hilton will be providing complimentary charter buses to shuttle participants between the Hilton and The Horton Grand Theater between 6:45PM – 10:15PM. The 6IMDC attendees assume responsibility for their belongings and transportation back to the Hilton Mission Bay upon boarding charter buses.
What other options are available for transportation? Other transportation options include taxis, car sharing services like Uber and Lyft, Hilton-provided shuttles, and bicycles.