Meeting Information

BDRP Annual Meeting FAQs

Have a question? The Annual Meeting FAQs may have an answer for you. If you don’t find the answer you are looking for please email BDRP@birthdefectsresearch.org for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

BDRP will host its 60th Annual Meeting in Charleston, South Carolina on June 27–July 1, 2020. The meeting will be held at the Charleston Marriott, 170 Lockwood Boulevard, Charleston, South Carolina 29403. There are two education courses scheduled to begin on Saturday, June 27. Please note that these courses require a separate registration. The Annual Meeting will open with the President's Welcome at 8:00 am on Sunday, June 28.

Academic, industrial, and governmental scientists from diverse fields such as cell and molecular biology, developmental biology and toxicology, reproduction and endocrinology, nutritional biochemistry, genetics, and epidemiology, as well as the clinical disciplines of prenatal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, neonatology, medical genetics, and teratogen risk counseling.

You are encouraged to participate in the meeting by presenting your research as a Poster or Platform talk. Poster and Platform talks are selected from submitted abstracts. We offer abstract submission. Please remember that the abstract submission deadline is Friday, February 15, 2020.

You can either register online or complete a Printable Registration Form and fax or mail it to BDRP headquarters.

Membership is not a requirement to attend the Annual Meeting but we do encourage you to become a member so you can take advantage of the lower registration rates and enjoy the many benefits of being a BDRP member. Please note that it takes approximately eight weeks to process new member applications.

The Annual Meeting registration fee covers the administrative costs of a robust scientific program covering four full days, as well as the following food and beverage functions:

  • Morning coffee and tea served thirty minutes prior to first session daily
  • Welcome Reception
  • Light refreshments at evening Poster Sessions
  • 7 coffee and refreshment breaks
  • Student/Postdoctoral Fellow Lunch Workshop (Trainees only)
  • Student/Postdoctoral Fellow Career Event (Trainees only)
  • Warkany Tea on Wednesday
  • Closing Celebration

Separate registration is required for the Education Courses.

Yes. Online registrations will receive email confirmation shortly after being submitted. Faxed and mailed registrations will receive confirmation via email as soon as they are processed.

All registration materials will be available online before and during the meeting. Annual Meeting registrants will receive an email alerting them that the materials are available. Only those registered for the meeting will have access to the Annual Meeting materials.

All attendees are required to wear a badge for all Annual Meeting sessions and events. Badges can be picked up at the registration desk during the posted registration hours.

Yes, on-site registration is available. You can register online before you stop by the registration desk, print out a Printable Registration Form and bring it with you, or complete a registration form available at the registration desk.

Adult Guest Registration is available for purchase and includes access to the Welcome Reception, evening Poster Sessions, and Closing Celebration. Registered Adult Guests will receive a badge which must be worn to these events. Guests are not permitted at other meeting sessions or events. If a meeting attendee wishes to bring a guest to just the Closing Celebration, guest tickets for this event are also available for purchase. Children 12 and under may accompany a parent to the Closing Celebration without a ticket.

Dress is business casual for daytime events. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a sweater for chilly meeting rooms.

Refunds for cancellations must be submitted in writing and emailed the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention headquarters office at BDRP@birthdefectsresearch.org. There is a $25 fee for cancellation of the meeting registration before May 15, 2020. No refunds will be issued after May 15, 2020. Registrants who do not cancel prior to May 15, 2020 and do not attend will be responsible for the full registration fee.

Registrants unable to attend the conference may send an alternate. Email the Society headquarters office at BDRP@birthdefectsresearch.org. A service fee of $25 will be charged for each substitution. Substitutions must be received by May 15, 2020. Participants will be responsible for the change fee.

Attendees who need a certificate of attendance should send a formal request to BDRP@birthdefectsresearch.org no later than June 6, 2020. Please make sure to include any specific required text, such as abstract presentation information. Attendees will be able to pick up their certificate of attendance at the registration desk when they pick up their badge.

Persons with disabilities requiring conference access and/or reasonable accommodation should notify BDRP@birthdefectsresearch.org of this need during the registration process so that the accommodation may be met. Please make us aware of any needed accommodations as soon as possible so that appropriate plans can be made.

The Society recognizes individuals have special dietary requirements. Although we cannot guarantee these needs will be met, the Society wishes to try to accommodate the needs of each attendee. It is important that we know what your special needs are as early as possible, please contact BDRP@birthdefectsresearch.org to let us know what your special dietary requirements are.

Reservations can be made using the unique web links provided on the Hotel Information page. Please note that there are three different room types. Please use the attendee link unless you are a government employee or student. Those making government or student reservations will be required to show the appropriate identification upon check- in.

The Charleston Marriott is located 12 miles from Charleston International Airport (CHS).

Taxis

Taxis provide you with the quickest and most efficient mode of transportation. The approximate cost to the Charleston Marriott is $30 one way. Alternative ride services like Uber and Lyft are also available. All ground transportation services are located outside baggage claim.

Parking is available for meeting attendees at the Charleston Marriott, complimentary self-parking and valet parking for $14/day. Please note valet price is subject to change.