BEFORE THE MEETING
What is Connect?
Connect is a working meeting to advance GA4GH product development and collaborate on areas of shared interest. Connect has previously benefited from attendance from active GA4GH contributors. Once the agenda is posted, please review the resources linked to each Connect session to learn more about the relevant products and aims of the session.
How do I register?
Event registration can be found here.
When does registration end?
In-person registration will close on 18 March 2025. In-person registration is not available onsite. Registration for virtual attendance is now open and will remain open throughout the event.
Where is the conference being held?
Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
Richard N. Merkin Building
415 Main Street
Cambridge, MA
02142
How do I get to the venue?
By public transportation: the Broad Institute is conveniently located near several public transit options such as the Kendall/MIT subway station on the Red Line and several bus lines, including the EZ-Ride, CT2, 64, 68, and 85. You can map out your journey on the MBTA website.
By car: there is limited street parking near the venue, although there are several nearby parking lots with varying fees. The closest parking lot to the venue is the Yellow Garage at 75 Ames Street. Parking validation is not available. Drop-offs by cabs or ride-share services are also an option with varying prices.
What accommodation options are available?
GA4GH has secured a hotel room block at the Boston Marriott Cambridge, located at 50 Broadway, Cambridge, MA, 02142. The hotel is located in the heart of Kendall Square, and is less than a five minute walk from the meeting venue.
The hotel block covers those checking in on 31 March and checking out on 4 April 2024, at a rate of 303.49 USD per night (taxes and fees included). Extension of your stay is subject to room availability — the preferred rate is valid for two days prior and two days after the dates listed above.
The deadline to book your room with the group rate is 3 March 2024. Please book your room directly through the Connect registration form to access the preferred rate. You may update your registration to add a hotel booking at any point before the deadline.
Other important things to know:
- Breakfast is not included with this hotel booking. Light refreshments will be served for Breakfast at the meeting venue (e.g. coffee, tea, muffins, and fruit).
- Internet is included in the guestroom rate for Marriott Bonvoy Members. Non-Members may sign up for Marriott Bonvoy for free any time prior to their stay or at check-in upon request.
If you require assistance or have any questions, please contact Marriott at (617) 494-6600 or reach out to the GA4GH Operations team.
What visa do I need to have to travel to the United States?
Some nationalities might need to acquire a visa before travelling to the United States. Please refer to the guidance from the US Department of State to determine if you need a visa.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Dietary restrictions can be noted in the Connect registration form. If you need to alter your preferences, you may contact operations@ga4gh.org or modify your registration on the event website.
Is there travel funding support available?
GA4GH has a limited amount of funding to support the attendance of invited guests, speakers, and participants at GA4GH meetings. Eligibility requirements include:
- financial need;
- having a specific role at the meeting;
- cannot participate remotely;
- from an underrepresented population within GA4GH or from a low to middle income country;
- will have a meaningful impact on the meeting or its outcomes.
If you meet the above eligibility requirements, you may submit this Travel Support Request form by 31 January. Applying does not guarantee funds. The GA4GH team will be in touch with travel fund recipients by 10 February.