About the Conference

Approximately 1,000 leaders and decision makers in the field of biodefense will participate in this important conference to discuss the critical research necessary to defend against the growing threat of bioterrorism and shape the future of the biodefense research agenda.

The meeting will include keynote addresses by the best and brightest scientific talent in academia, government, and industry on up-to-the-minute cutting-edge research on biothreat agents, vaccines, detection and diagnostic procedures, animal and plant pathogens, global surveillance, and other vital topics.

Meeting Location

Omni Shoreham Hotel
2500 Calvert Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008

Conference Policies

Badge Pick-up Policy
Badges will only be issued to the attendee of record upon presentation of government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport. All Biodefense attendees are required to wear conference badges on-site at all times. Badges give you access to sessions, exhibit hall, focus sessions, and all meals including the welcome reception. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have your badge at all times. There is a charge of $100 for badge replacement. No exceptions will be made.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation/Refund Policy: All conference registration cancellations must be in writing and postmarked on or before February 17, 2012 to qualify for a refund less a $50.00 cancellation processing fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellation and changes received after February 17, 2012.  Requests must be submitted to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Refunds will be processed based on the original form of payment within 60 days of the close of the meeting. No-shows will be charged the full registration fee.

Substitution Policy
Substitution of registrations is permitted prior to the conference and onsite. Only one substitution is permitted per original registrant. The individual submitting the substitution request is responsible for all financial obligations (any balance due) associated with that substitution as well as updating any contact information.

Permission to Use Photo Policy
By registering for Biodefense, attendees hereby agree to allow ASM/Biodefense to use any photos taken of them during the conference in news media, website, publications, articles, marketing pieces, etc.

Child Waiver Policy
In consideration of other participants, we discourage the presence of young children at Biodefense, particularly at sessions in the exhibit halls. If you have no alternative arrangements and children accompany you to the conference, contact your hotel for assistance in coordinating childcare services in your hotel room. If children two years old and over attend any portion of Biodefense (e.g., sessions, exhibits, or meals), they must be registered for the conference, pay the conference fee, wear a conference badge and be accompanied by a parent and/or guardian at all times.

Exhibit Hall
Minors may only enter the exhibit hall if a parent and/or guardian accompanies them and signs a conference minor release form (available at the registration desk) waiving Biodefense of all liability. The release is cosigned by a Biodefense staff member, and a copy must be presented to security staff before a minor enters the exhibit hall. Please note, no strollers are allowed in the exhibit hall.

Biodefense reserves the right to ask parents and/or guardians of children to leave the conference for distractive, disruptive, or dangerous behavior. For the benefit and protection of all attendees, these types of behavior will NOT be tolerated.