Frequently Asked Questions

In-Person Registration:

• Early Bird (March 28 - July 1, 2025): Professional $360 USD / Student $210 USD (Standard rates), Professional $210 USD / Student $150 USD (Global South rates)
• Regular (July 2 - September 15, 2025): Professional $445 USD / Student $270 USD (Standard rates), Professional $270 USD / Student $180 USD (Global South rates)
• Late (September 16 - October 10, 2025): Professional $560 USD / Student $360 USD (Standard rates), Professional $360 USD / Student $210 USD (Global South rates)

Virtual Participation:

• Early Bird (until July 1, 2025): $120 USD
• Regular (until October 24, 2025): $150 USD

Yes. Participants from Global South countries qualify for discounted rates for in-person attendance. Please check the complete list of eligible countries on our website. Note that this list applies discounts only to in-person attendance, not virtual participation.

Free virtual registration is available only for participants from specific low-income economy countries. The complete list includes: Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Togo, Uganda, and Yemen.

No, you do not need to register to submit an abstract. However, if your abstract is accepted, you must register (either for in-person or virtual participation) to present at the conference.

Yes, all presenters must register for the conference, either for in-person or virtual attendance. Presenters are expected to participate in the full conference to benefit from and contribute to the exchange of knowledge and networking opportunities.

• Standard Oral Presentations: Typically 15 minutes (12 minutes for the presentation, 3 minutes for questions and changeover)
• Lightning Talks: 5-10 minutes
• Posters: Digital format for all participants, with optional physical posters for those attending in person

Session durations vary, but most symposia are scheduled for 90 minutes, comprising 6 presentations of 15 minutes each (12 minutes for the presentation, 3 minutes for questions and changeover). However, there may be variations depending on the session organizer's preferences, the number of accepted abstracts, and a dedicated discussion time.

Yes, session organizers may submit abstracts to their own sessions. However, they must declare a conflict of interest during the review process and cannot participate in reviewing their own submissions.

Yes, you can present preliminary findings or work-in-progress, provided they align with the conference themes. Make sure your research is relevant to the conference focus on biodiversity open data, data integration, biodiversity data application or community engagement and capacity building.

Yes, there will be an opportunity to update your abstract after the initial review process is completed, though specific deadlines for revisions haven't been set yet. We understand that research is ongoing and your results may evolve before the conference. While you may include a few key citations in your abstract (particularly in the introduction and discussion sections), these should be kept to a minimum. The 300-word limit applies to the main abstract text. There is a separate optional field for acknowledging funders (30-word limit). No figures or tables are allowed in abstract submissions.

All accepted oral presentations from virtual participants will need to be submitted as pre-recorded videos that will play during the conference session. While we hope virtual presenters will be available online for questions, we cannot guarantee live presentations due to logistical challenges such as internet connectivity and time zone differences.

The conference is implementing a Global South Participation Program through the Access Advocate fundraising. This program aims to provide support covering full registration and accommodation for selected participants from Global South countries. However, this support is contingent on successful fundraising efforts, and availability may be limited.

Details about the application process for financial support will be announced on the conference website once funding is secured. We recommend subscribing to our newsletter on our website home (livingdata2025.com) to receive updates on this program.

The organizing committee will provide official invitation letters for visa applications upon request. Please specify whether the letter should be prepared in English and/or Spanish. Email info@livingdata2025.com with your request, including your full name, affiliation, country and the purpose of your participation.

The conference will be conducted in Spanish and English. While these are the only official languages, we are exploring options for interpretation services using new technologies to enhance the conference experience.

This format provides flexibility for session organizers to schedule talks from invited speakers (who may be designated as panelists) followed by a discussion portion. It enables the speakers to have abstract submissions while reserving time for interactive discussion.

Yes, all full-conference registrants (in-person and virtual) will have exclusive access to session recordings for 6 months after the conference. That means, if you missed one of the *eight concurrent sessions*, you will be able to watch the recorded video when it becomes available after the session. After 6 months, the conference videos will be made available publicly.

Living Data 2025 will be a hybrid meeting with both in-person and virtual participation options. In-person attendance will take place in Bogotá, Colombia, while virtual attendees will have access to livestreams of sessions and interactive participation opportunities.

The conference will be held at the Grand Hyatt Bogotá, which also offers accommodation for attendees. This provides a convenient option for staying at the same location as the conference events. Additional accommodation options near the venue will be shared closer to the event date.

Yes, the Grand Hyatt Bogotá is offering a special discount for Living Data 2025 attendees. To access this special rate, please use the dedicated booking link available on the registration page.

The Grand Hyatt Bogotá is conveniently located just 20 minutes from El Dorado International Airport. Transportation options include:

• Official airport taxis (recommended for safety and reliability)
• Ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify
• Airport shuttle services (available through some hotels)
• Public transportation options

Yes, Living Data 2025 will feature keynote speakers who are leaders in biodiversity data science, conservation, and policy. The names of keynote speakers will be announced in the coming months. Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates when speakers are confirmed.

Yes, the conference will include various networking opportunities and social activities designed to foster connections among participants. These will include:

• An opening welcome reception
• Dedicated networking breaks between sessions
• Social gatherings

A detailed schedule of these events will be provided closer to the conference date.

The Grand Hyatt Bogotá is equipped to accommodate participants with disabilities. The venue features:

• Accessible entrances and elevators
• Accessible restrooms throughout the facility
• Appropriate seating arrangements in all conference rooms

If you have specific accessibility requirements, please indicate these during the registration process or contact us directly at info@livingdata2025.com so we can ensure appropriate accommodations.

We are currently exploring options for providing sign language interpretation. If you require this service, please contact us as soon as possible at info@livingdata2025.com so we can assess demand and make appropriate arrangements.

Yes, the Grand Hyatt Bogotá is fully wheelchair accessible. The venue features ramps, elevators, and accessible pathways throughout the conference areas. All meeting rooms, exhibition spaces, dining areas, and restrooms are accessible for wheelchair users.

The conference is jointly organized by Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG), Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS), and the Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON), with the Alexander von Humboldt Biological Resources Research Institute serving as the local host in Colombia.

You can subscribe to the conference newsletter on our website home (livingdata2025.com) to receive regular updates about deadlines, program announcements, and other important information.

Bogotá has several unique characteristics visitors should be aware of:

Altitude: The city is located at 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) above sea level. Some visitors may experience "soroche" (altitude sickness). To prevent this, drink plenty of water, rest adequately upon arrival, avoid intense physical activities during your first few days, and consider bringing altitude medication if you're susceptible.

Weather: Bogotá can experience cold mornings, warm middays, and rain in the afternoons, all in the same day. Dressing in layers is recommended, and always carry an umbrella or light waterproof jacket. Average temperatures range between 9°C (48°F) and 19°C (66°F).

Safety: Maintain sensible precautions by avoiding using mobile phones while walking in public spaces, keeping belongings in sight, using only call-based transportation services or recognized applications (Uber and Cabify), and consulting with hotel or conference staff before visiting unfamiliar areas.

Electricity: Colombia uses 110V, 60Hz electricity. Power outlets are primarily Type A and Type B (same as in the United States).

Tipping: In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included in the bill. If not, a 10% tip is customary. For taxis, tipping is not required but rounding up the fare is appreciated.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Code of Conduct page on our website.

If you have any questions not addressed here, please contact us at info@livingdata2025.com.