Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium and Convention
Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium and Convention
June 22-25, 2021 • Iowa Event Center • Des Moines, Iowa

Hotel, Travel & Tour Information

BIF Research Symposium & Convention • June 22-25, 2021 • Iowa Events Center, Des Moines, Iowa
Registration Before May 14, 2021 After May 15, 2021
Full registration $345 $395
Student Registration $125 $145
Tours* $45 $45
Guest Meals $35 $35
Young Producers Symposium only (included in full registration) $50 $50

Media: One comp for working media per media outlet

*Tours require a minimum number to occur. In the event that the minimum is not met, and you registered for a tour, you will be contacted and offered an opportunity to move to the alternate tour or receive a refund. The East Tour has a capacity of 52 people; the West Tour has a capacity of 40.

Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received prior to June 15, will receive a refund minus a $50 processing fee.

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Conference Venue: All conference general sessions and breakouts will take place at the Iowa Events Center. The Iowa Events Center is located in Downtown Des Moines, Iowa, and is connected to the headquarters hotel.

Headquarters Hotel: The Hilton Downtown Des Moines will be the official conference headquarters. Group Room rates are $149/night plus tax. This special block of rooms will be available until Friday, May 21, 2021. Book your rooms early to guarantee this discounted rate, and complimentary in-room wi-fi.

The hotel is connected to the Iowa Events Center and features a signature restaurant, indoor pool and fitness center.

The hotel provides quick access to local dining and Des Moines attractions as part of the Des Moines skywalk system. The downtown district is well connected with a four-mile skywalk system. Rideshare services are readily available, as well as bike rentals and 800+ miles of connected recreational trails.

Tour Information: Make plans to take advantage of the great tour offerings on Friday, June 25. Tours will depart at 7:30 a.m. and return at 6 p.m. Both tours include lunch.

Travel Information: Located in the heart of the country, Des Moines is easily accessible by land or air. For those who prefer a road trip, the city is situated at the intersection of I-80 and I-35 and located in the center of Iowa.

For the frequent fliers, Des Moines Int’l Airport offers 160 flights a day, including 20+ direct flights to major U.S. cities. From the airport, our conference hotel and venue are less than 10 minutes away and located in the heart of downtown. Airport shuttles are available, and the hotel and conference venue are part of the downtown skywalk system.

COVID Mitigation: Committed to your Health and Safety
Iowa State University is honored to be able to host the Beef Improvement Federation Conference! As your host, we are thoughtfully working on plans for a conference that features thought-provoking dialogue, interesting research, and opportunities to connect with colleagues. Our 2021 planning also includes implementing practices to lower the risk of COVID-19. While we cannot ensure a virus-free environment, below are some of the practices that will be in place to mitigate risk of potential exposure:

  • Encourage all attendees to practice physical distancing during the entire conference. While conversing, please keep at least 6 feet between you and those around you.
  • Cloth face coverings are required for all conference attendees, and the conference facility staff will be wearing CFC’s as well.
  • Meeting rooms will be set up at half of the room capacity, to allow for additional space between attendees.
  • Increased cleaning protocols are in place in all conference facilities, and at the conference hotel.
  • Speakers for the conference will receive very specific instructions about equipment so they can present worry-free.
  • Food and beverage service will reflect best practices for limited contact service, while still providing you with quality dining options. Meals at the conference venue will be plated, and break items will be individually packaged for limited contact. The Wednesday Evening social event will be a served buffet, so contact will continue to be limited.
  • Attendees are encouraged to self-monitor, and we will be working with attendees if cancellations are needed to ensure that individuals who are not well, feel they can stay home.
  • During these quickly changing times, we will regularly review plans and provide timely updates. The latest information will be posted on the conference website, and if any questions arise, please do not hesitate to contact us.