NIST Conference Program
NIST, the site of more than 120 major conferences and symposia each year in Gaithersburg and Boulder, is well equipped to handle conferences of up to 500 attendees in Boulder and 750 in Gaithersburg. We can also help plan meetings for larger groups at meeting sites throughout the country. These conferences attract experts in many fields of science and technology worldwide.
Most NIST conferences are co-sponsored with other federal agencies, academic institutions, professional societies, or industry groups. NIST may co-sponsor conferences with commercial or profit-making organizations provided the conference is not budgeted to make a profit for the organizers or the conference is not used for commercial purposes by the co-sponsor.
The NIST Conference Program provides the expertise necessary to plan these scientific and technical conferences, at both the Gaithersburg and Boulder sites and at other locations around the country, offering a full-service staff to help make your meeting a success. The conference staff helps plan conference programs, manages the promotional and logistical details of the conference, interfaces with registrants and potential attendees, handles the registration process, and oversees staff who work at the registration desk.
NIST Facility Information
Our main site is located in Gaithersburg, Maryland, on approximately 234 hectares (578 acres) just off Interstate 270 about 25 miles from Washington, D.C. The site is beautifully landscaped and features mature trees and ponds, as well as a herd of white-tailed deer and Canada geese. Walking paths and picnic areas provide easy and pleasant access for outdoors repasts, biking, walking, and jogging.
A second site is located in Boulder, Colorado, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains on 84 hectares (208 acres) just off of U.S. Route 36 about 30 miles northwest of Denver. The site is situated near the Flatirons rock formations and features hiking and biking trails, mule deer, marmots, prairie dogs, and an occasional coyote.
Both sites offer meeting space that is well equipped to handle large conferences. Both sites also offer free parking with shuttle service available from local hotels. The cafeterias that serve NIST employees also cater food functions, including breakfast, coffee breaks, lunches (including box lunches), buffets, dinners and receptions. However, the Boulder facility has limited seating. In Boulder a conference with 30 or fewer people could be handled onsite, but larger groups should plan to eat lunch at local restaurants. The Gaithersburg facility also offers private dining rooms with seating for up to 24 people.
If adequate space is not available at the NIST sites, the NIST Conference Program can also manage meetings at appropriate sites throughout the country.
Meeting Guidelines
Scheduling
In Gaithersburg, most conferences begin at 9:00 a.m. and are preceded by a one-hour registration period. (Large conferences may begin registration at 7:00 a.m. on the opening day.)
In Boulder, conferences usually begin at 8:00 a.m. and end by 6:00 p.m.
Food Functions
IL Creations which serves the NIST/Gaithersburg employees, also caters food functions, including breakfasts, coffee breaks, lunches, dinners, receptions, and picnics. Conferences with 80 or more attendees can be served set-menu luncheons in a special section of the NIST cafeteria. In order to accommodate NIST staff and conference attendees, luncheons usually are scheduled at 1:00 p.m. in the cafeteria or 12:30 p.m. in the NIST Lunch Club. Also, food functions can be arranged at local hotels, restaurants, and special locations, such as the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian Institution.
The Techno Cafe, the cafeteria that serves NIST/Boulder employees, also caters food functions, including breakfast, coffee breaks, lunches (including box lunches), buffets, dinners and receptions. Any conference with 30 or fewer people may use this attractive facility. Conference staff can also arrange meals at local restaurants.
Parking
While parking is available at NIST/Gaithersburg, outside groups of more than 300 are encouraged to include bus service from the host hotel, which can be provided by NIST. Parking at NIST/Boulder is limited. Bus transportation can also be arranged for larger groups. Parking permits also can be issued to attendees on a first come first served basis.
Lodging
More than 2,900 hotel rooms are available within 5 miles of NIST/Gaithersburg. For NIST-sponsored conferences, the program staff can negotiate special rates for attendees. Busing to and from NIST is generally provided by the conference.
Gaithersburg Area Hotels
More than 600 hotel rooms are available within 3 miles of NIST/Boulder. For NIST sponsored conferences, the Conference Assistant can negotiate special rates for attendees. Shuttle service is available at all hotels.
Boulder Area Hotels
