Mentorship Programme
Sunday 16 August, Theatre Te Paepae and Lobby Level 5, 14.00 - 16.00
The ISME Early Career Scientist Committee (ECSC) has organizing a mentorship programme for pre-registered mentees and mentors that connects students and early-career microbial ecologists with established researchers. The programme begins with an introduction to the ECSC and its conference activities, followed by practical guidance on effective mentoring and on building a successful mentor-mentee relationship. In the second part, participants will join a networking session to meet their pre-assigned mentors and fellow mentees.
 

Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception
Sunday 16 August, Theatre Te Paepae, 16:00 - 20:00
Dress: Casual
Tickets: Included in registration fee
The Opening Ceremony will take place in Te Paepae, with a presentation by Keynote Speaker Jeroen Raes, and a cultural performance by Cultural Performance by local iwi of central Tāmaki Makaurau. Afterwards you are invited to join all registrants in the Lobby of Level 5 for drinks and snacks.
 

Meet the Editors
Sunday 16 August, Sunset Bar, Sudima Hotel Auckland City, 20.15 - 21:15
ISME Publications invites Early Career Researchers to meet the editors and the publisher of The ISME Journal and ISME Communications. Meet them for a drink in the rooftop bar of the Sudima Hotel, just across the street from the NZICC, 63-67 Nelson Street.
Please note that capacity is limited, and therefore admission is subject to availability.

ISME Social Gathering
Tuesday 18 August, Viaduct Events Centre, 19:00 - 01:00
Dress: Casual
Tickets: Included in registration fee

Address:
Viaduct Events Centre
171 Halsey Street
Auckland CBD 1010

The Viaduct Events Centre is located in Wynyard Quarter of Auckland, in the extended harbour area, near to multiple bars, cafés and restaurant. It is about a 20 minute walk from the New Zealand International Convention Centre. The doors open at 7pm, and a buffet with 6 different stations will be ready for you. Three drinks (beer, wine, juice and soft drinks) are included in your ticket. The Viaduct Events Centre has two levels; a ground level, where a DJ and band will be playing, and a upper level where you can relax and talk to your fellow delegates.

Please note you will have to bring your badge, as this is your ticket.

Each delegate/guest will receive three drinks tokens on arrival. These can be redeemed at any bar for beverages available on the drinks menu.  Once all tokens have been used, additional drinks can be purchased from the cash bar.

Delegates and guests who have advised of a special dietary requirement during registration simply need to identify themselves to any of the waitstaff. This includes vegan dietaries.  
Vegetarian dishes will be available at all food stations, so vegetarian guests do not need to request separate meals. 

Please note that smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the Viaduct Events Centre or on the balconies. Anyone wishing to smoke must exit the building via the main entrance and smoke outside.  

For those that do not wish, or are not able, to walk anymore at the end of the evening, there will be a coach running between the Viaduct Event Centre and the NZICC, from 11pm until 1.30am. 
Please find the coach route with the three drop-off locations here. 

Awards Reception
Thursday 20 August, Ariki Hall 2 & 3, 18:30 - 19:30 
Dress: Casual
Tickets: Included in registration fee
The Tiedje Award Presentation which will be given by Janet Jansson, you are invited to to attend the Awards Reception in the Poster and Exhibition Area for drinks and snacks, to honour our esteemed Award Winners of the Tiedje Award, Winogradsky Award, Alma Dal Co Award and IWA-ISME Biocluster Award Winners.