KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

This year’s conference features an impressive lineup of distinguished plenary speakers, symposia sessions, scholar spotlight talks, specialty sessions, and more. In addition, over 350 posters will showcase the latest discoveries, tools, and emerging directions in neuroscience research. We hope these highlights ignite your curiosity and motivate you to connect with new peers.

DOWNLOAD THE CONFERENCE APP

To ensure a smooth and interactive experience, registered participants can scan a QR code and download the app.

Use the app's "messages" and "connections" features to connect and engage with other conference attendees. Foster discussions, share insights and expand your professional network. You'll also have quick access to the conference agenda, speaker list, floor map, iPoster gallery, and the ability to create a personalized schedule.

WI-FI

Wi-Fi will be available throughout the event space. Information on how to connect will be provided on the conference app and at the registration table so that you can stay connected.

CHECK-IN AND BADGE PICKUP

The conference is being held at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center located at 5701 Marinelli Road in Rockville, Maryland. The phone number is 301-822-9200.

Everyone attending the BRAIN Initiative Conference must be registered. All attendees must wear their badges throughout the conference. The registration desk will be open for badge pick-up during the following Eastern times: 

  • Tuesday, August 11: 4:00 - 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday, August 12: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 13: 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Note: The temperature throughout the conference space fluctuates significantly. Please plan accordingly. 

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

Federal Government regulations prohibit meals from being provided by NIH at the conference; however, the hotel offers an onsite restaurant and a coffee bar with food available for purchase.

There are also many local options in and around the conference site within walking distance. Visit the Travel & Lodging page for more information.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Hospital and Urgent Care Centers

Suburban Hospital

8600 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814

301-896-3100

MedStar Health: Urgent Care

Closes at 8:30 pm

12220 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852

855-910-3278

Patriot Urgent Care
Closes at 8:00 pm

750 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852

301-424-0658

Pharmacies 

24 Hour CVS Pharmacy

7955 Tuckerman Lane, Rockville, MD 20854

301-299-3717

CVS Pharmacy

11416 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852

301-230-9898

Giant Pharmacy

12051 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852

301-881-2225

Police Department

Montgomery County Police Department - 2nd District

4823 Rugby Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814

240-773-6700

Fire Department

Montgomery County Fire & Rescue - Station #23

121 Rollins Avenue, Rockville, MD 20852

240-773-4723

Should you have any further inquiries or require additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our event team at BRAINConference@rippleeffect.com.

We appreciate your cooperation in making this event a success. Thank you again for your participation. We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 BRAIN Initiative Conference!