Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is ISCB?
A: The International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) is the parent organization of the annual conference on Intelligent Systems for Molecular Biology (ISMB). The ISCB is dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding of living systems through computation. The ISCB communicates the significance of our science to the larger scientific community, governments, and the public at large. The ISCB serves a global membership by impacting government and scientific policies, providing high quality publications and meetings, and through distribution of valuable information about training, education, employment and relevant news from related fields. ISCB membership offers many benefits including reduced conference registration fees to several high impact events and reduced subscription prices for a selection of journals of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. Members are from more than 50 countries and include over 800 students and nearly 500 post doctoral researchers. A member's meeting and a meeting of the Board of Directors for the Society are held annually in conjunction with the ISMB conference.
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Q: What is the ISMB conference?
A: Intelligent Systems for Molecular Biology (ISMB) is the annual meeting of the International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB). Over the past twenty years the ISMB conference has grown to become the largest bioinformatics conference in the world. The ISMB conferences provide a multidisciplinary forum for disseminating the latest developments in bioinformatics. ISMB brings together scientists from computer science, molecular biology, mathematics, and statistics. Its principal focus is on the development and application of advanced computational methods for biological problems.

ISMB 2012 will offer the strongest scientific program and the broadest scope of any international bioinformatics conference in 2012. Building on past successes the Long Beach conference is designed to cater to variety of disciplines within the bioinformatics community. ISMB 2012 will be the largest and most important computational biology event globally in 2012.
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Q: Who are the ISMB 2012 Conference Chairs?
A: The conference chairs for ISMB 2010 are:

Q: Who do I contact for information on the conference?
A: You can get information on the conference from:

Steven Leard
ISCB Conferences Director
ISMB 2012
Phone: +1-780-414-1663
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Q: Where will the conference be held?
A: The conference will be held at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, referred to as the LBCC by the organizers.
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Q: What is the address of the Long Beach Convention Center (LBCC)?
A: 300 E. Ocean Blvd,
Long Beach, CA, USA, 90802
http://www.longbeachcc.com/
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Q: What are the conference hotels?
A: The ISMB organizers have arranged a special discounted rate for conference attendees at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach Hotel. The hotel serves also as a conference Headquarters hotel and adjacent to the LBCC. To make a reservation click here

Hyatt Regency Long Beach
200 South Pine Avenue
Long Beach, Calfiornia, USA 90802
(562) 491-1234
longbeach.hyatt.com


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Q: Where is  Long Beach, California?

A: Long Beach is centrally located in the heart of Southern California on the West coast of the United States of America. Long Beach is approximately 25 miles south of the city of Los Angeles, on the Pacific Ocean. Long Beach was originally named “Wilmore City”, but because of its long, wide beaches it was renamed “Long Beach” in 1888. Long Beach is bordered by 5 1/2 miles of clean, sandy beaches for you to enjoy. Walk, run, bike or blade on our smooth, fully paved bike path that spans the length of the beach from Downtown to Belmont Shore.

For more information on visiting Long Beach visit www.visitlongbeach.com

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Q: Do I need a visa to visit Long Beach, USA?
A: International travelers should check with the United States of America diplomatic representative in their home country to confirm status of entry to the USA. Details on entering the USA can be found at:  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html
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Q: What is the name of the closest International Airport?
A: For International Traveler’s the most usual airport to fly to is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) which is about 25 minutes drive to Long Beach.

Domestic travelers might consider choosing Long Beach Airport (LGB) which is the most convenient center for air travel into the Los Angeles/ Orange County area. In 2011, Long Beach Airport was named Most Affordable Airport in the United States by Cheapflights.comJohn Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County is also an option for travellers and is also about 25 minutes drive to Long Beach.
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Q: What is the local Time Zone?
A: Long Beach is in the Pacific Time Zone and during the conference will be UTC/GMT -8 hours
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Q: What is the Electrical Current?
A: The normal electric current in the United States is 120 volts AC in 60 cycles. Plugs and sockets may differ from those in other parts of the world, so travelers should bring adapters or transformers for electrical appliances such as hairdryers and shavers. A diagram of the most common plugs and sockets is available at: http://ita.doc.gov/td/industry/otea/ecw/us.html
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Q: What is the International area code?
A: The area code for Long Beach is 1 + the 10 digit number - Information on calling from your country can be found at: www.countrycallingcodes.com
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Q: What language is spoken in Long Beach?
A: Long Beach is an English speaking city.
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Q. In what language will the conference sessions and materials be presented?
A. All conference presentations and materials will be presented in English.
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Q: What is the climate?
A: With nearly 345 days of sunshine every year, Long Beach is an ideal location. High temperatures in the summer range from 70 to 80 degrees. For more details on climate click here.
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Q: Where can I find medical information?
A: In all cases, except for emergencies, look in the phone book provided in your hotel or with the front desk. In case of an emergency requiring ambulance, fire or police dial 911.
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Q: What can I do to ensure my personal safety?
A: Emergency phone calls Dial 911 for emergency assistance from police, fire, ambulance etc. If you are unfamiliar with the city check with the hotel front desk to enquire about restaurants, tourist venues, etc. Use the hotel safe to store valuables including laptops, cameras, important papers that you may not be using.
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Q: What is the custom on tipping?
A: A gratuity is generally not included in bills (unless added automatically for group dining) - as a general guideline tips are provided for meals, taxi and hotel bellman. The general rule of thumb for tipping is 12% - 18% and a dollar a bag for bellman/doorman at hotels.
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Q: What is the currency?
A: The monetary unit is the United States dollar.
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Q: How can I pay to register for ISMB?
A: Delegates can pay on-line using the following credit cards or mail in a Check. Accepted credit cards are: Mastercard, Visa and American Express.
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Q: How do I get from the airport to the LBCC?
A: Travel from Los Angeles International Airport to the LBCC or Hyatt Regency Long Beach Hotel (the hotel is adjacent to the LBCC) can be completed in a number of ways. Information on available transportation can be found at:

Taxi
Taxis are available from the local airports noted on this page 24 hours a day. The following are estimates on costs from:

Taxi: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): $60 one way; Shuttle: $17

Taxi: Orange County/John Wayne Airport (SNA): $50 one way; Shuttle: $35

Taxi: Long Beach Airport (LGB): $17 one way; Shuttle: $18

 

Supershuttle

SuperShuttle provides cost-effective airport shuttle service to and from the airport from your home, office or hotel. Book your reservation for airport transportation online now and automatically save $2 …plus earn frequent flyer points or miles on select airline partners.

https://www.supershuttle.com/default.aspx?GC=WY69Z

For more information see the ISMB Supershuttle web page

 

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Q: Is there any free public transportation available in Long Beach?

A: Yes! Catch the convenient red Passport shuttle, which runs approximately every 5-10 minutes. It's free in the Downtown area and can transport you to all of the must-see Long Beach attractions, including the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Village and Pine Avenue. For only $1.25, the red Passport continues your journey to the attractions of Belmont Shore, Alamitos Bay and Cal State Long Beach. During summer months, the AquaBus is also available to transport you between selected sites in Rainbow Harbor. Also during the summer, you can hop aboard the new AquaLink catamaran for a swift journey to Alamitos Bay. If you have additional questions, friendly transit advisors are available by phone at (562) 591-2301. Or visit us at the Transit Information Center on First Street and Promenade.
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Q: Where do I register when I arrive?
A: Conference Registration is available from Thursday, July 12 (3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.) to Wednesday, July 17 at the LBCC.
Registration Desk Hours:

 
Registration Desk Hours – July 12 – 17
Long Beach Convention Center – Main Lobby
 
Thursday, July 12 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday, July 13 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 14   7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 15 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Monday, July 16 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, July 17 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
 

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Q: What should I do if I lose something at the conference venue?
A: A conference lost and found will be located at the information booth located at the LBCC along with a notice board to post details about lost or found items.
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Q: What sightseeing opportunities are available in Long Beach?
A: Long Beach is a wonderful city and has a great deal to offer - the following link provides options on the many tourist activities available here.  As well, see what the New York Times Travel section recently wrote here.

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Q: What is the address of ISCB?
 
International Society for Computational Biology - ISCB
9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0505
UCSD/SDSC
La Jolla, CA 92093-0505
USA

Phone:  +1-858-822-0852
Fax:  +1-760-888-0313
Email:   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
Q. Can I park at the Long Beach Convention Center if I drive to the conference?
 
A. Parking is available at Long Beach Convention Center. The current rate is $10 per space per entry (no come and go privileges). Details are available here.
 
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