We are no longer accepting general applications for the 2008 Bioneers Conference. However, we welcome inquiries for 2009 and beyond.
Please note - if you are a representative from a university or educational institution, please contact us to find out about the possiblity of recieving a satellite feed for your institution.
Since its inception, the goal of the Beaming Bioneers Satellite program has always been to help move the stories and solutions of the Bioneers Conference into local communities. Satellite partners receive a simultaneous broadcast of the Conference plenary talks and complement it with locally produced workshops tailored to the needs of specific bioregions.
Watch a video introducing the 2007 Beaming Conferences.
| "The planning process for Bioneers has attracted a very exciting and diverse range of entrepreneurs, scientists, academics, students, artists, planners, designers, community activists and just plain folks. In my experience with working with socially and culturally progressive groups and events over the past 25 years, I have seldom if ever seem such a diverse group of citizens come together to meet each other and share ideas, concerns and solutions." - Edward McNally, Atlanta, GA Bioneers Organizer |
If you're interested in proposing your community as a potential Beaming Bioneers Site, please read and consider the following sections.
We truly value the growing community of people who are working to spread the stories and solutions of Bioneers in their own communities. There are many ways that you can begin to engage with Bioneers at the local level and become a part of the Bioneers Community Network. While hosting a live conference is one expression of a widespread desire and interest to bring Bioneers home, many individuals and communities organize and host year-round, smaller events with great success.
Examples of other successful Local Bioneers events include:
If you let us know about your events in advance, we may be able to list them on our website calendar or in our e-newsletter. For more information or to let us know about an event, please contact: beaming (at) bioneers.org.
Thank you for your interest in bringing Bioneers to your community!
Before contacting us directly, please read through the following frequently asked questions:
What are the technology requirements for a Beaming Bioneers Conference?
Is there a program fee?
How large of an undertaking is this?
How does the experience compare to attending the Bioneers Conference in San Rafael, CA?
Can I get the Bioneers contact list for my area to see if there is enough interest in my region to host a Beaming Bioneers Conference?
Can I contact previous Beaming Bioneers sites to find out more about their experience with the program?
What is expected from a Beaming Bioneers Partner?
Is there an application process?
When do I need to begin this process?
Who do I contact for more information?
What are the technology requirements for a Beaming Bioneers Conference?
Satellite Conference locations must have the capacity to receive a digital satellite broadcast from the Bioneers Conference in San Rafael and project it onto an appropriate sized screen at your chosen venue. There are several possible ways that this can be accomplished. You may have a venue in your community, such as a local university or colleges, which already has the technology to receive a satellite downlink. Alternately, if there is no location that has the appropriate equipment, Beaming sites can contract with a provider to bring in a satellite truck for the weekend. Most appropriate venues will have the A/V technology needed (a projector and sound system). Bioneers works with highly professional and capable satellite broadcast partner to coordinate the satellite broadcast.
Is there a program fee? What are the associated costs?
The fee for the program in 2007 was $3500. Beaming Bioneers Conferences have budgets that range from $15,000 to $100,000 depending on the size and scope of the event. A Bioneers Satellite Conference is a significant endeavor that requires the ability of organizers to raise money to cover their costs.
How large of an undertaking is this? Can I do it on my own or do I need a sponsoring organization?
The short answer is that you need to be connected with an organization. We very strongly encourage applications from existing organizations, institutions, groups or networks that already have access to the resources and capacity to produce conferences.
Conferences have ranged from 70 attendees to 1,200. Organizers are encouraged to work with a committee to produce the conference. These committees are usually made of a diverse array of local community members representing different local organizations and interests. Almost all sites have a sponsoring organization (local NGO's, universities, town/city government) that is willing to include the Beaming Bioneers Conference as part of its yearly activities. Other sites work with a coalition of local organizations to produce the event or create an organization for this specific purpose.
It is extremely important to be realistic in your projections and goals when proposing and planning a Beaming Bioneers Conference. Try not to bite off more than you or your organization can chew. We also require that any potential applicants have previously attended Bioneers Conferences.
How does the experience compare to attending the Bioneers Conference in San Rafael, CA?
The response to the satellite broadcast of the plenary sessions from San Rafael has been overwhelmingly positive. Audiences have reported feeling engaged and enthused by the program being broadcast. Satellite attendees often applaud and stand for ovations in the same way as the San Rafael audience. Beaming Bioneers sites are welcomed by name each morning from the main stage and speakers are aware that they are speaking to audiences across the country.
| "It was a wonderful experience to be inspired by speakers in California while hooking up with local Bioneers to generate tangible results in Michigan." - Attendee, Great Lakes Bioneers, Traverse City, MI |
Can I get the Bioneers contact list for my area to see if there is enough interest in my region to host a Beaming Bioneers Conference?
Unfortunately, we cannot provide you with contact lists in your region at this time. We have a clear policy with our members and individuals who sign up to receive information from Bioneers not to share our lists. When we approve partnerships with satellite sites, we then share regional contact lists on a conditional basis.
Can I contact previous Beaming Bioneers sites to find out more about their experience with the program?
Contact the Beaming Bioneers program staff (contact information listed below) to be put in touch with an appropriate site. We also encourage you to explore the websites that each Beaming Site has organized to get a feel for what the events look like.
What is expected from a Beaming Bioneers Partner?
Most of all, we are looking for partners who share the vision and values of Bioneers, who are excited to enter into a meaningful, reciprocal partnership and have the capacity to bring together a vibrant local gathering.
Bioneers is committed to a diversity of perspectives, represented both in the programming and attendance at the Bioneers Conference. Specifically, we have initiatives to reach youth, women and diverse audiences. As a Beaming Bioneers partner, it is our expectation that you would prioritize these goals as you plan a local conference.
At least one person from your organizing committee must have attended a Bioneers Conference in the past. Additionally, once accepted, one person from your organizing committee is required to attend a Beaming Bioneers Training each spring. It is expected that Beaming Bioneers conferences will feature the satellite feed from the Bioneers Conference and will create local programming that complements and enhances these plenary sessions.
Is there an application process?
If you are interested in proposing your community as Beaming Bioneers location, we ask that you first consider the information above and decide if you feel that you have the capacity to host a Beaming Bioneers Conference. Then make contact with Beaming Bioneers program staff to discuss the details of program.
New Beaming Partners are required to submit an application in order to be considered. Returning sites also go through a re-application process. The application includes a number of questions, including the ones listed below.
When do I need to begin this process?
The deadline for new proposals will be in mid-January 2009. Please review the above application questions to get a sense of what we are looking for in a partnership. We also encourage you to attend either the main Bioneers Conference or a satellite event near you this year!
Who do I contact for more information?
If you would like more information, or would like to submit a proposal to bring Bioneers to your community, please contact
Teo Grossman, Satellite Program Manager: teo (AT) bioneers.org