Bioneers is committed to creating and upholding an inclusive, safe and respectful space so that all conference participants and partners have the best opportunity to interact, learn and grow. We invite you to uphold the Bioneers inclusivity norms: Respect, Listen, Honor, and Value Differences.
Our mission is to co-create a beloved, inclusive, brave, holistic and intentional community. In an effort to deliver on this mission, having a clear organizational norms and defined response protocol helps us address any concerns that may rise during the conference. We are committed to showing up with a full heart and an open-mind to embrace the opportunities for learning together.
Logistics
How to Register
The quickest way to register is online – simply click one of the “Register” buttons throughout this site to get started. Our registration is hosted with DoubleDutch, which provides secure processing.
You can also register now for one-day pre- and post-conference intensive workshops and our popular Awards Dinner & Benefit. Register early and be sure to book your hotel too!
Special rate tickets for low-income seniors, students and educators will go on sale in early summer. Afternoon passes (no access to morning keynotes) will be available after 1:30pm on site each day for access to afternoon and evening sessions, unless otherwise noted.
If you have questions or online registration doesn’t work for you, please give us a call at 1.877.BIONEER (1.877.246.6337). We are a small staff, so ask for your patience if we can’t answer your call immediately – we strive to return calls within one business day.
2019 Conference Program
Rideshare to the Conference
Need a ride to Bioneers? Driving to Bioneers and want some company? Carpooling is the way to go! Add to our ride-share board below and find someone to travel to the conference with, whether you’re coming from across the Bay or across the country.
Nearest Airports and Where to Stay
The Bioneers Conference takes place at the Marin Civic Center in San Rafael, CA. SFO and Oakland Airports are the nearest regional airports, both roughly the same distance from San Rafael.
In San Rafael and the surrounding area you’ll find a number of beautiful hotels–any one of which will offer a comfortable stay while you attend the National Bioneers Conference. For your convenience, we’ve listed a few hotels. Please check with the participating hotel for special rates and availability.
Embassy Suites Hotel
The Embassy Suites, the onsite hotel, will be undergoing a remodel before and during Bioneers, and as a result, rooms will not be available during the conference this year. Below you will find alternative places to stay.
Four Points by Sheraton San Rafael
1010 Northgate Drive; San Rafael, CA – 415-479-8800
The Four Points by Sheraton recently completed a $5 million transformation with beautiful gathering spaces, new lobby, and introducing the new Hillside Tavern bar and restaurant. The hotel is approximately 1.2 miles from the Marin Center and a complimentary courtesy shuttle is available to guests. Hotel Amenities include wifi, complimentary parking, pool and spa, business center, gym, and two outdoor Patio areas.
The Four Points is approximately 1.2 miles from the Marin Center.
Inn Marin
250 Entrada Drive; Novato, CA – 415-883-5952 or 800-652-6565
Inn Marin is certified Green at the Environmentalist level by the CA Green Lodging Program. Amenities include, an EV charging station, free WiFi, complimentary continental breakfast, pool and spa, business center and exercise facility. Our onsite restaurant Rickey’s serves American favorites for dinner and offers a full bar.
Inn Marin is approximately 5 miles from the Marin Center.
Best Western Novato Oaks Inn
215 Alameda del Prado; Novato, CA – 415-883-4400 or 800-625-7466
Novato Oaks Inn provides free continental breakfast, free WiFi, and full access to pool, hot-tub and business center. The hotel has a full restaurant and bar with daily happy hour and Sunday Brunch.
The Novato Oaks Inn is approximately 5 miles from the Marin Center.
Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco Larkspur Landing/Marin County
2500 Larkspur Landing Cir, Larkspur – 415-925-1800
Modern hotel includes cozy bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi and ergonomic workstations. Enhance your stay when you upgrade to our suites and sprawl out in our separate living areas. Following a restful evening, fuel up at The Bistro where you will find Starbucks® coffee, fresh breakfast and a newly renovated dining area. Return in the evening for a savory meal accompanied by your favorite alcoholic beverage.
The Courtyard by Marriott Larkspur Landing is approximately 6 miles from the Marin Center.
Marin Suites Hotel
45 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera – 415-924-3608
Marin Suites Hotel offers today’s most sought-after hotel services and amenities, including complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi and parking. Highlights include The Sanctuary, new outdoor lounge featuring a cozy fireplace and breezy California vibe, Business Center, Fitness Center, meeting room accommodating up to 20 guests, and ultra-spacious and contemporary studios and suites. Spacious suites, are complete with kitchens.
The Marin Suites Hotel is approximately 7 miles from the Marin Center.
Mill Valley Inn
165 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley – 415-389-6608
A charming, historic boutique property, with amenities including: Continental breakfast and espresso bar featuring Peet’s Coffee; Evening wine reception; All day tea service; Trek Mountain Bikes; WiFi; 55-inch LCD TVs; Morning newspaper; Covered parking; EO bath products, created locally in Marin; Reservations for spas, dining, performing arts; Towels from Coyuchi, a globally-minded local company; Spa robes
The Mill Valley Inn is approximately 10 miles from the Marin Center.
The Lodge at Tiburon
1651 Tiburon Blvd, Tiburon – 800-762-7770
The Lodge at Tiburon is set on 3 beautiful acres in Marin County and combines rustic charm, upscale comforts and stately accommodations for a stay rooted in both outdoor adventure and urbane enjoyment.
The Lodge at Tiburon is approximately 12.6 miles from the Marin Center.
Cottages at Point Reyes Seashore
13275 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Inverness – 800-416-0405
Handsomely set within a lush 15-acre valley bordered by a calming creek, the cottages are cradled between Tomales Bay and Point Reyes National Seashore. Spacious accommodations include both large rooms and family suites, clustered in small buildings, surrounded by lush vegetation. The units have private entrances and furnished patios, king- or queen-sized beds, vaulted ceilings, skylights, walls of glass, comfortable places to sit or sleep, fully equipped kitchenettes, full baths, TV/Cable, and thermostat-controlled gas fireplaces, plus free wireless internet in all rooms. Enjoy the fresh outdoor setting that includes a saline pool, hot tub, tennis court, picnic tables, barbeques, basketball hoop, croquet and horseshoes on the open lawn areas. A private eight-acre wildlife preserve at the back of the property includes a nature trail and quiet places to sit, read and relax.
The Cottages are approximately 28 miles from the Marin Center.
Graton Resort and Casino
288 Golf Course Dr W, Rohnert Park – 707-588-7100
The newly expanded resort includes 200 hotel rooms and suites, a luxurious spa, and outdoor pool area.
The Graton Resort and Casino is approximately 30 miles from the Marin Center.
You may also find these hotel-alternatives useful:
Off-site Camping
China Camp Back Ranch Meadow Campground – 30 sites; 8 person max/site.
Onsite Parking
Marin Civic Center offers free all-day parking. No overnight parking allowed at the Marin Center, violators will be towed. Overnight camping is not permitted on the Marin Civic Center grounds.
Bicycles at the Conference
There are a number of bike routes to access the Marin Civic Center and bicycle racks are available on-site on a first-come, first-served basis. We are working on expanding offerings for bicyclists, so check back for updates!
Children & Pets
Children under age 13 are welcome on the Conference Grounds when accompanied by at least one parent or guardian. They are not permitted in morning keynotes or afternoon sessions. Youth 13 and up are invited to take part in our Youth Leadership program.
For the safety and comfort of everyone in our community, pets are not allowed in conference sessions, including all tents and buildings. However, trained seeing-eye dogs and service animals are permitted to accompany the person they are assisting.
Food Options
Bioneers partners with local and sustainable food vendors. We’ll update this page as we confirm who will be serving our conference in 2019. Stay tuned!
Drink Options
Please bring your own reusable water bottle to the conference. Bottled water will not be available. There will be 4 water stations on the conference grounds provided by US Pure Water where you can fill your bottle. There will also be free coffee provided by Cafe Mam in the Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium each morning – please bring your own travel mug if you can! You can also purchase beverages from vendors and Marketplace exhibitors.
Directions to the Marin Civic Center
Marin Civic Center 10 Ave of the Flags San Rafael, CA 94903
From the North:
Travel to Highway 101 and travel Southbound.
Take the Freitas Parkway Exit.
Turn Left at the Stop Light at the end of the freeway off ramp.
Travel over the freeway on the overpass.
Immediately after the overpass, turn Left. Watch for cross traffic.
Turn Right immediately onto Civic Center Drive.
Avenue of the Flags will be a street on your left after a slight down-slope.
Find the nearest parking space lots adjacent to all facilities.
From the South:
Travel to Highway 101 and head Northbound.
Take the North San Pedro Exit.
Take the First Right on the freeway off ramp headed East.
Turn Left at the first stop light onto Civic Center Drive.
Follow Civic Center Drive past the Lagoon.
Avenue of the Flags will be the second Right.
Find the nearest parking space in one of the many Parking lots adjacent to all facilities
Public Transit:
511 online lets you easily plan your trip to the Marin Center using public transportation.
Golden Gate Transit offers bus service to the Marin Civic Center and County Fairgrounds. Call Golden Gate Transit at (415) 455-2000 for fare, trip-planning and schedule information
Marin Transit Routes 35 & 49 serve the Marin Civic Center at the Civic Center Drive & McInnis Pkwy bus stop.
Additionally, the Marin Civic Center falls within the Service Area of Connect, an on-demand micro-transit service. To start riding, download the Marin Transit Connect app on a smartphone. Once you register, attendees will be able to request a ride from any location—to any location—in the service area. The app provides an estimated pickup time, and you can track your ride in-real time! Using the promocode BASUMMER customers can receive $10 in free ride credit. Take advantage of free lunchtime rides, too! Just book between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. Service hours are weekdays, 6:30 am to 7:00 pm.
Marin Airporter
A good way to get from SFO to central San Rafael (you could easily get a cab to the Marin Civic Center from the drop-off point, which is cheaper than a cab all the way from the airport) is by using the Marin Airporter service.
