ESWP: International Bridge Conference®: Frequently Asked Questions

Where and when is this year's conference?
The 2011 International Bridge Conference® will be held June 5-8, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Reservations can be made through the lodging link. Also, more information on the Pittsburgh area can be found at the Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau Website.

What are the dates and locations for future conferences?
Future conference dates and locations can be found here when the information becomes available.

How can I register for the conference?
Registrations are accepted by fax, mail or internet.  To download the paper registration form or register online, see the Registration page.

How much is the registration price? 
Conference Registration Prices can be found here on the Registration page.

Do you give discounts for group registrations?
Not at this time.

What is included in the registration price?
All full conference or full day registrations include access to the technical sessions, workshops, and access to any conference events occurring within the conference day(s). Seminars are an additional fee.

Where can I find information on the available Seminars?
Information can be found on the IBC Seminars page.

When and where can I get my registration materials?
You may pick up your registration materials, which include your conference name badge and materials, at the on-site IBC Registration Desk(follow signs in the DLCC lobby), Hours: Sunday, 5:00pm – 7:00pm (badge pick up only), Monday, 7:00am – 7:00pm, Tuesday, 7:00am – 5:00pm, and Wednesday, 7:00am – 1:30pm). You will need your name badge to attend any Conference events.

Will meals be included as part of the Conference?
Coffee will be provided during technical session breaks, beginning Monday Morning.  There will be an exhibit hall buffet lunch at the lunch break on Tuesday & Wednesday.  Also, an Exhibit Hall Reception with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails are planned for Monday night (5 - 7PM). (One complimentary drink ticket per attendee will be provided, and additional tickets can be purchased at the registration desk).  Also, the hotel has a number of restaurants on site, a coffee shop, and several restaurants within walking distance.

Do I need to book my hotel room and make my own travel arrangements?
All conference registrants are responsible for their conference travel and hotel arrangements.

Is there a discount on hotel rooms for Conference attendees?
Yes, there is a block of discounted rooms for conference attendees at the host hotel. Information can be found on the Lodging Page.  When you make hotel reservations, mention that you are attending the International Bridge Conference. Please note that the discounted price is only guaranteed before May 2; after this time, reservations will be placed according to hotel availability and pricing.

What time does the conference start and end?
Please see the Conference Program Page for the conference schedule.

What should I wear?
Dress for the conference and all networking activities is business casual. A light jacket or sweater is advisable as the A/C in the hotel may feel cool for some people.

Is transportation provided by the IBC?
Though there is no conference-sponsored transportation, you can find many reasonable transportation options at the Westin Convention Center Hotel Lobby. 

What if my plans change and I can't attend? Can I get a refund?
Requests for cancellation must be received in writing prior to MAY 28, 2011. After that, if you don't cancel and don't attend, you will be charged the full registration fee.  Substitutions (from the same firm) may be made at any time. However, we request notifications in writing prior to the Conference for preparation of registration materials.

Will you have a Spouse Program?
There is a Spouse Program planned. And more details can be found on the Registration page. Please note some of the activities offered are based on minimum attendance.

Can my spouse/child/friend, etc. come to the conference lunches and receptions?
All conference events require paid registration. They may register through the Registration Form under the Spouse/Guest Category.

How can I become an IBC Exhibitor?
Exhibitor information is located in the Exhibitor  Page. For questions, contact Conor McGarvey, e-mail: c.mcgarvey@eswp.com or call 412-261-0710.

What is included in my standard booth package?
8’ Back drape, 3’ Side drape, Hanging Booth ID Sign, Booth ID Floor Sticker. For other information on Furniture, Electric/Utility, etc, please see the Exhibitor Manual.

I am an exhibitor – do I need to register or am I already registered?
The booth price includes the exhibit booth and 2 full complimentary conference registrations.  The complimentary registrants should register through the Complimentary Exhibit Personnel Form found on the Exhibitor Information Page.

Each additional exhibit representative must register either as an exhibit hall only registration for $75 each (which does not include access to the Technical Sessions). In addition, exhibitors wanting full access to technical sessions should register through the standard Registration Form.

How do I become a speaker?
If you are interested in presenting at the IBC, please visit the Call for Papers to submit your presentation abstract, which will open after the current year's conference.

If I am presenting at the conference, do I need to register for the conference?
Yes. You may register for the Full Conference for a Discounted Speaker Rate or for a complimentary day of presentation registration.

What do I need to prepare for my presentation?
Speaker Instructions can be found at the Speaker Information Page.

What audiovisual equipment does IBC provide?
A Computer with Presentation software, Video Projection System (for computer-based presentations), Screen, Lectern with microphone, Laser Pointer & Timer. More information can be found at the Speaker Information Page.

What kind of education credits can I receive for attending the conference?

The Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania, sponsor of the IBC, is recognized as an Approved Provider by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers Bureau of Licensing. As such, attendees are eligible to earn Professional Development Hours (PDH) to satisfy Continuing Education requirements. Official confirmation of your attendance will be provided with completion of the Professional Development Hours (PDH) Request Form which must be completed prior to departing from the conference site.

New in 2010: The IBC has been approved as a continuing education provider for New York! Don't miss the opportunity to earn as many as 20 PDH's at the World's Premier Conference for Bridge Industry Professionals! The Keynote Session, all Technical Sessions and all Seminars are eligible for NY State PE continuing education credit.

Where can I find information on Sponsorship Opportunities?
You can find more information on the IBC Sponsorship Page.

Where can I purchase papers that have been presented at past conferences?
Please visit the IBC Conference Archives page for more information.

Where can I sign up to receive regular mailings?
Please complete the Mailing List form.

Who do I contact with other questions?
You may contact Conor McGarvey by e-mail: c.mcgarvey@eswp.com or by phone: 412-261-0710.