Registration will be located at the Regency Ballroom Registration Desk located in the Regency Foyer.

Conference Registration and Information Desk Hours:

• ​Sunday:  12:00pm to 8:00pm
• Monday:  7:00am to 6:30pm
• Tuesday:  7:00am to 8:00pm
• Wednesday:  7:00am to 5:00pm
• Thursday: 7:00am to 12:00pm 

Arrive with plenty of time on the first day to pick up your Conference Program Schedule and badge. You can usually expect a line at registration — especially on the first day — so plan to arrive at least thirty minutes before your first session or event. Even better, if you are attending tutorials, you can pick up your materials on Sunday evening until 8:00 PM. You should also orient yourself to the hotel or study the hotel floor plan in case you are running late. 

Keep track of your badge. Your conference badge allows you admission to all sessions, including meals and social events. Be sure to take it off when venturing outside the conference hotel. Wearing your conference badge identifies you as a tourist and makes you a target for scammers and thieves. 

Check meeting times closely. The Conference Schedule you’ll receive at registration lists the times and locations for all sessions, events, workshops, and exhibits. These times and locations, however, occasionally change—check the conference website or registration desk for updates. 

Session-hop. You don’t have to stay for the full length of a session. The speakers for each session are listed in the Conference Program, in chronological order and you are free to move around. If you play “musical sessions,” grab a seat near a door so you can easily slip in and out without disturbing the speakers or other attendees. 

Allow enough travel time between sessions. Although all sessions PEARC sessions are conveniently clustered within the West Tower of the hotel, give yourself enough time to move from session to session—especially since you may have impromptu conversations with folks you meet in the hallways! 

Ask a question. Chairs usually reserve time at the end of the session for audience questions. Write down your question in advance and make sure it’s related to the discussion. Don’t forget to state your name and your institutional affiliation so that people can remember you. If you’d like to respond to the presentations with your own comments, talk to a speaker afterward and get his or her email. 

Introduce yourself to the person sitting next to you. A big part of attending the conference is networking. Before the session begins is a great time to introduce yourself and make a connection! 

You can use your laptop or smart phone during a session. Typing notes during a talk is okay; so is tweeting. Just be mindful of your neighbors and respectful of the speakers. And don’t forget to silence your phone and share your tweets using #PEARC19. 

Post on social media using #PEARC19! If you’re heading to a session of interest or enjoying a particular event, let other people know. This will also get your name in front of other attendees. You can find us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/PEARC_19 and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PEARChpc/.

Partner with friends or colleagues to cover sessions happening at the same time. It’s not possible to do everything, so decide in advance who will attend each session and take notes for each other. You could then meet after the sessions, or wait until you get home, to regroup and discuss. 

Remember to visit PEARC19 Exhibitors. This is another great way to expand your network. You may even get a lead on a job opportunity. Exhibitors will be available to chat Monday-Wednesday from 10am-5pm, and on Thursday from 10am-12pm in the Toronto/Hong Kong/Acapulco rooms.And, be sure to thank exhibitors for their support!

Attend the evening social events. Just because you’re at a conference doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a little fun, but be mindful, observant, and professional when interacting in a social environment. You never know who you might encounter! 

If you are a student, visit the Student Volunteer Lounge. It is a place where you can meet friends and colleagues, network to make new connections, and relax with exceptional company. The lounge is located in in Stetson BC.

Charge your laptop, tablet, or smart phone every night, and remember to pack your charger in your bag. Don’t leave your devices unattended when charging. 

Dress in layers. The temperatures in conference session rooms can fluctuate, so be ready to change accordingly. ​

Make a new connection! Try not to spend all your time with friends or colleagues that you already know. Attending a smaller conference like PEARC19 offers a great opportunity to meet new collaborators and network! So leave your comfort zone and set a goal to meet at least two new people every day. Get their business cards and jot down where you met them and what you discussed so you’ll remember later.