Midwest LRIG 2025 Spring Conference & Biotechnology Exhibitor FAQs
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What is the LRIG conference and why participate in it?
The Midwest LRIG community unites both Industry and Scientific leaders to provide an open forum for the exchange of ideas in the discovery and application of new techniques and technologies in life science research. This conference is free and provides an annual networking opportunity for those interested in Laboratory Robotics and Research Innovations.
What is the format of this conference?
The conference has two components -- a vendor exhibition and a scientific program which run concurrently. Exhibits are open continuously. Three long breaks offer opportunities for attendees to browse the vendor exhibition throughout the event. At the end of the day, we will host a social hour for approximately 2 hours. Snacks/refreshments and meals will be provided by Midwest LRIG.
How often is this conference held?
Annually in Spring. Location rotates throughout the Midwest. Our reach is expansive. All who are out of range of another LRIG Chapter are welcome. We are holding the 2025 conference at the Hotel Alexander in Indianapolis, IN. We have held past conferences in Chicago, Indianapolis, Madison, St. Louis and Kansas City.
Is there a cost to attend this conference as a scientific attendee?
No cost for conference attendees. However, pre-registration is encouraged. Please find out more information on our website https://www.midwestlrig.org/.
Is there a cost to attend this conference as an Exhibitor/Vendor?
Yes. Please continue to “Sponsorship” section of this FAQ if you qualify.
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What is an ‘Attendee’ vs ‘Exhibitor/Vendor’?
An ‘Attendee’ is an individual who is participating in the conference to learn new subject matter both from the scientific and exhibitor/vendor community. We expect that an attendee will not distribute marketing materials for commercial selling purposes. If you are choosing to do engage in this manner, we require you to register for a table as an ‘Exhibitor/Vendor’. An ‘Exhibitor/Vendor’ is an individual who is representing a commercial organization with obligations to market and sell goods and services or to engage in business development. Individuals who fall into this category are encouraged to attend and are part of what makes this conference so enriching for everyone!
How do we register for the exhibition?
Please visit the Midwest LRIG website and on the home page is a link to register for the event. https://www.midwestlrig.org/
How long is the conference?
Conference is held on one day, sometimes attendees choose to stay overnight in the hotel or nearby. Conference set up for Exhibitors/Vendors is done the morning of the conference.
What times during the day will this be held?
The Conference Meeting is on April 17, 2025 from 1p to 8p with a reception 7-8 pm. Vendor set-up and disassembly is on the same day/evening.
I would like to give a scientific talk. What next?
Please reach out to our Board at: midwestlrig@gmail.com. We usually cut-off submissions for talks approximately 4-6 weeks from the date of the conference.
Is there a poster session?
No, if you are a vendor/exhibitor we suggest presenting this content at a vendor/exhibitor table. If you are an attendee please consider submitting an abstract for a talk.
If I give a talk, is there a travel stipend?
Possibly, this is a Midwest LRIG Board decision and is done on a case-by-case basis.
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Do you record talks/presentations?
No, we do not. We encourage engaging/contacting the person who gave the talk as this promotes networking and strengthens our community. If you are having difficulty in connecting to the speaker, please reach out to us and we will try our best to help facilitate: midwestlrig@gmail.com.
Am I allowed to photograph and/or take video?
Generally, you are allowed to take pictures and video, however, we do not record the scientific talks and do not post any of the content. We ask that you please be courteous and professional in asking permission to photograph and/or record the content.
Am I allowed to post on LinkedIn that I am presenting/attending?
Yes. Midwest LRIG has a LinkedIn landing page and you are encouraged to tag and post to help in recruitment of local/regional attendance. https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2964192/
What local institutions/ types of customers tend to show up to this event?
We move the meeting around various cities in the Midwest and as a result, we see diverse types of industries being represented in a region/locality. We attract attendees from many sizes and disciplines: Start-ups, Biotechs, Academia, Pharma, Agriculture, Food Science, Clinical Research, Contract Research Organizations, Engineering firms, and others not listed.
For the Indianapolis event, we expect heavy attendance from Lilly and Corteva.
What Exhibitors/Vendors typically attend and how many are typically present?
We usually have around 30 vendors and a mixture of commercial tools/instrumentation and services, as well as distributors of products. Brands that are typically represented include (alphabetically): Agilent, Avantor/VWR, Beckman Coulter, BioNex, BMG LabTech, Fisher, Formulatrix, Hamilton, Hi Res Biosolutions, Integra, MidSci, Molecular Devices, Pall, SCIEX, Tecan, Thermo, etc…
Will there be a recommended hotel for the Conference?
The Hotel Alexander in Indianapolis is recommended for lodging for the 2025 conference.
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Sponsorship
How do I register as an ‘Exhibitor/Vendor’? Do we need to complete any documentation?
Please view our instructions on our website: https://www.midwestlrig.org/exhibitor-info/. Please ensure that all attendees have registered for the event. As we approach the event, we will send out further information to the registered attendees.
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How much is it to book a table as an exhibitor/vendor?
There are different sponsorship levels/prices available. The complete listing in under Exhibitor Registration on the website.
https://www.midwestlrig.org/exhibitor-info
How many persons are allowed to attend per sponsorship sign-up?
Each table at the conference will allow up to two (2) persons. There is a required registration link for vendors who sign up for a table.
What is the size of the table?
A 6’ x 30” draped table is provided. If you have your own company-branded table drape you are welcome to use this in lieu of the standard drape. This is a table top show so don't plan for a full booth. You may use a backdrop for your table, but be aware that your table will sit in front of it. Please note that the table is not intended to hold heavy objects. If you plan on bringing a demonstration instrument please consider using your own table/surface to support it which is less than or equal to the 6’ x 30” dimension.
Can I ship my instrument and/or materials ahead of time? How soon in advance must I ship my materials and what are the relevant dates to ship items?
Yes. The Address is: The Hotel Alexander, 1 West Dayton Street, Indianapolis, IN 01234. Please include “ATTN Midwest LRIG Conference” on all packages sent and ship the items no earlier than 5 days prior to the April 17 Conference Date. Items can be return shipped from the Hotel after the event.
Will you share an exhibitor floor plan in advance?
Floor plans are not made available to exhibitors prior to the event. Your table location will be shared with you for setup when you register at the Conference.
What hardware can I bring to the conference?
Each table will have a power outlet. You can bring PC/Monitor for displaying content. If you choose to bring electrified instrumentation, please ensure it is capable of running on ≤ 2-3A 120V outlet. Please adhere to the mass/weight advisement shared in prior questions our event tables are not intended to hold nor stabilize heavy equipment.
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What power/utilities are available in the conference showroom?
Each table will have access to one plug, 120VAC, 2-3A. Power strips are not guaranteed so please bring your own.
Can I bring a demonstration instrument and plug it in?
Yes, there are two options. Register for a table and use your instrument in place of table. Register for two tables: one for instrument and exhibit from the other. Please note that the table is not intended to hold heavy objects. If you plan on bringing a demonstration instrument please consider using your own table/base to support it which is less than or equal to the 6ft x 30in dimension.
What collateral can I bring to the conference?
You can bring application notes, brochures and handouts, give aways, etc.
Do you offer lead retrieval app for this show?
Midwest LRIG does not provide lead retrieval app for the Conference.
We suggest you make a Google form with a QR code to collect leads.
Will I receive a list of attendees before, during or after the event?
No. If there is a need or interest expressed by a visitor to your booth/table for follow up, we encourage you to obtain their permission and info to contact them after the event.
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What is the average attendance for the show?
We typically attract between 75 and 100 attendees. This event will obviously have a particularly large attendance from the locality in addition to regional attendees who travel in.
Why participate in this conference?
Participating/attending this conference will provide regional reach, to a diverse group of researchers pursuing high tech automation offerings in the following industries:
•Academia •Agricultural Biotechnology •Biotechnology •Clinical Research •Clinical diagnostics •Contract Research, Imaging and Manufacturing
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What is Midwest LRIG doing in the community?
Midwest LRIG is a registered Non-Profit founded on September 19, 2002 by scientists from Eli Lilly and marketing professionals from Promega in concert with a dozen Midwest biotech and robotics companies and/or their representatives. Yearly meetings have been held in Midwest locations including Rockford, IL, Madison, WI, Indianapolis, Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City.
The Mission of Midwest LRIG is to provide an open forum for the exchange of ideas in the discovery and application of new techniques and technologies in life science research. The goal is to provide scientific educational opportunities to the community by stimulating multi-disciplinary scientific collaboration and encouraging coordination among representatives of academic, professional, scientific, medical and business communities through regular meeting and conferences.
Midwest LRIG has donated over $20,000 to middle and high school robotics teams throughout the Midwest!
I have year-end funds. How can I donate to support this Organization?
We would love to hear from you! Thanks for your interest in supporting our Organization! Please send and email to: midwestlrig@gmail.com
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