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Frequently Asked Questions

General Information
Who is Tradeline, Inc.?

Founded in 1975, Tradeline, Inc. produces highly regarded conferences and reports for facility planning, design, construction, and management professionals across corporate, institutional, and government sectors. Tradeline produces 6 annual conferences covering planning, design, and construction for facility renovations, expansions, and new construction; space planning and management; management and operations of real estate and facilities; and strategic facilities planning.

What is the Animal Research Facilities 2026 conference?

This is Tradeline's 37th annual conference on the planning, design, and operation of animal research facilities — where vivarium managers and research lab planners meet with facility industry leaders for 2 days of learning, collaboration, and face-to-face connection.

Dates: August 26–28, 2026 (Fundamentals Course: Aug 26; Main Conference: Aug 27–28)
Location: Renaissance Boston Seaport, Boston, MA
Format: In-person only

Who typically attends this conference?

Conference registration is open to those interested in the planning, design, construction, and operation of animal research facilities. This includes research veterinarians, facility planners, capital project teams, project managers, engineering managers, architects, space planners, research compliance directors, animal and BSL facility operations managers, vivarium and BSL managers, animal resource managers, and biosafety officers.

I am a product or equipment supplier. Can I attend?

Product vendors must be sponsors or exhibitors to attend. Conference sessions are aimed at equipping facility owners and end-users to make optimal project decisions. View details on how to participate at tradelineinc.com/animal2026/exhibitors-sponsors.

View exhibitor and sponsor details
I am with an A/E or consulting firm. Can I attend?

Yes. Register as a Service Provider. Note: sales and promotional activities are strictly prohibited for all attendees.

View Service Provider registration fees
What will I learn at this conference?

You'll get the latest details on what research organizations are doing to create robust, efficient, modern, and competitive research space and infrastructure for animal-based research programs of the future. Specific takeaways include:

  • Facility design infrastructure trends
  • Compliance strategies
  • Live case studies and competitive research space studies
  • Peer benchmarking
  • Vendor evaluation
How is this conference different from other facility planning conferences?

Tradeline's 50-year track record of bringing together facility owners and end-users to meet face-to-face with the industry experts who will help them move their facilities forward with confidence makes this conference stand apart. The knowledge exchanged and high-level connections made in an environment of peer support and collaboration are truly unmatched at a Tradeline conference.

Conference Sessions
Who are the conference speakers?

Speakers are industry thought leaders from research institutions worldwide, plus national experts in architectural, engineering, lab design, and facility consulting. Speakers include facility directors, research administrators, and leading architects and engineers specializing in animal research facilities.

View sessions and speakers
Do I need to pre-select the concurrent sessions I want to attend?

No. Attendees do not need to select sessions in advance. However, seating may be limited, so we recommend arriving early for the best seating options.

Are continuing education credits available?

Yes. Tradeline is a Registered Provider with the AIA Continuing Education System. All sessions qualify for CEUs; some sessions qualify for HSW credit. Estimated 17 LU hours over 3 days. Attendance forms are provided on-site.

What is the pre-conference Fundamentals Course?

This in-depth, all-day session is held on Wednesday, August 26 — the day prior to the main conference. Participants will come away with a solid understanding of the terminology, concepts, processes, standards, equipment types, and MEP systems involved in planning and designing animal research labs and support space.

Date: Wednesday, August 26, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Full Day, 8 Hours)
Cost: $1,375 course only; $1,100 when added to two-day conference registration
Designed for: project managers, architects, facility engineers, construction engineers, facility managers, facility planners, biosafety professionals, EH&S personnel, veterinarians, and researchers

Note: The Fundamentals Course is not included in conference registration and requires an additional fee.

View Fundamentals Course details
Where can I find the 2-day conference agenda and schedule?

The full session schedule and agenda details are available on the conference website.

View the conference schedule
Registration
What is included in my registration fee?

Registration includes all general sessions, a selection of forums, a welcome reception, two lunches, one breakfast, a wine and hors d'oeuvres reception, and daily refreshment breaks. Presentations will be made available for download to attendees. Hotel charges are paid directly to the hotel upon check-out.

Are registration discounts available?

Yes. Discounts are available for early registration, international attendees, and groups.

Early Registration Fees (through July 24, 2026):

  • Individual: $1,800
  • Team (2+ from same organization): $1,500 per person
  • Group of 5+: $1,400 per person

Registrations for teams may be submitted separately.

View all registration fee details
How do I register for this event?

Registration is completed via the online registration form on our website.

Register now
Can I attend virtually?

No. Conference programming is entirely in-person.

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

All cancellations must be submitted in writing.

  • More than 21 days before the event: Full refund
  • 14–21 days before the event: $500 service fee
  • Fewer than 14 days before the event: No refund

Substitutions are permitted at any time and must also be submitted in writing.

I can't pay by credit card. Is there an alternate payment method?

Yes. Select "Invoice Me" at checkout and an electronic invoice for payment by check will be sent to your email.

Housing & Transportation
What is the official conference hotel?

Renaissance Boston Seaport District
606 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

Conference rate: $299 + tax per night — available only by booking through Tradeline.
Room block available for nights of August 24–28 (based on availability at time of registration).

Reserve at time of registration or contact [email protected] with questions. All hotel reservations are guaranteed. Cancellation notice is required 72 hours in advance of arrival.

View hotel and travel details
How do I make, change, or cancel my hotel reservation?

Hotel reservations at the conference rate must be made as part of the online registration process. To add a reservation after registering, or to change or cancel an existing reservation, contact [email protected].

No-shows and cancellations within 72 hours of arrival are subject to a charge equal to one night's stay. Extension of the conference rate beyond the room block nights cannot be guaranteed — please inquire with the Registrar.

Does my registration fee include my hotel stay?

No. The conference registration fee does not include your hotel stay. Payment for room reservations is made directly to the conference hotel, either upon check-in or at check-out.

How do I pay for my hotel room?

Payment is arranged with the conference hotel upon check-in. If you need to pay in advance of your arrival, contact the Conference Registrar at [email protected] for instructions.

Will transportation be provided from the airport to the hotel?

Tradeline does not provide airport transportation. We recommend taxis or rideshare services, which are conveniently located outside airport baggage claim. Boston Logan Airport is approximately 3 miles from the Renaissance Boston Seaport. Estimated taxi/rideshare cost: $20–$40 each way.

Speaking, Sponsoring, Exhibiting & Advertising
How can I speak at this conference?

Presentation and speaking sponsorship opportunities, along with submission deadlines, are available on the Tradeline website. Contact [email protected] with additional questions.

View speaking opportunities
Why should I exhibit at this event?

Tradeline conferences are produced for the benefit of building owners and end-users. You'll meet with senior leaders of organizations actively planning new capital and equipment initiatives who are looking for innovative and cost-effective solutions for their facilities.

Exhibit booth fee: $7,500
Includes: 2 conference registrations, additional discounted registrations, attendee lists, 6ft table with 2 chairs, WiFi, standard electrical, and more.

Download the exhibitor prospectus
Are there event sponsorship opportunities available?

Yes. Opportunities for hosting conference meals and reception events are available.

Event sponsorship fees: $5,500–$7,100 (with a $300 discount per event for multiple-show bookings)
Includes: 2 conference registrations, additional discounted registrations, print and online promotions, corporate signage and displays, branded table sponsor, attendee lists, and post-conference sponsorship materials.

View sponsorship opportunities
What advertising opportunities are available?

Tradeline offers vendors and service providers integrated solutions designed to reach this specific audience, including email newsletters, website banner placements, digital and full-page color ads, directories, and co-branded hosted events.

View advertising options
Other Information
What is the dress attire for the event?

Business casual attire is recommended.

What meals are provided?
  • August 26: Pre-conference welcome reception (no-host bar, light appetizers)
  • August 27: Continental breakfast, lunch, networking reception (no-host bar, light appetizers)
  • August 28: Full buffet breakfast, lunch
Can my guest attend meals and conference events?

Both evening receptions (August 26 and 27) are open and complimentary to your guests. Meals are not included for guests. Guests are not permitted to attend meeting sessions or site tours.

I have special dietary requirements. Can you accommodate me?

Yes. The conference hotel can accommodate certain dietary restrictions. Please indicate on your registration form if you are vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, or if you have an allergy we should be aware of.

What if I have a question not on this list?

We're happy to help. Contact us at [email protected] or call 925-254-1744.

Contact Tradeline
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Still have questions?

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