Register and Attend
Attendee Resources
This is a collection of resources to assist OSM24 attendees.
Event App and Online Platform
OSM24 has a little something for everyone. To make the meeting truly your own, look no further than the AGU Events app or online platform to customize your schedule.
The app and online platform both give you an insider's overview of the entire experience – every scientific program session, workshop, and event – letting you highlight the ones you really can't miss and create an itinerary tailored specifically to your interests and schedule.
It helps you browse and search the meeting by day, scientific discipline, presenter or session type, and will help you navigate the entire landscape so you don't miss a single thing.
Use the Filter function to narrow the program by session type, discipline, date, where you can watch it, and theme. Plus, you can take and share notes or message other attendees logged onto the app.
Using a mobile device? Download the app.
- Search for AGU Events in the Apple Store or Google Play.
- If you downloaded the AGU Events App for a previous meeting, be sure that you have updated to the latest version. You can add OSM24 by navigating to the "More" menu and choosing "Load Other Meetings."
- Make sure your device is running iOS Version 15+ or Android Version 12+. Note that some Android devices with limited memory are not supported (e.g. Moto G4 & Moto G5).
- Sign in using the same email address and password that you used to register for OSM24.
- Be sure to try logging in now to make sure you remember your password and to build your agenda.
Using a computer? Set up a bookmark.
- Head to OSM24 website or go directly to the OSM24 online platform.
- Use Chrome or Safari for the best viewing experience.
- Ensure to turn off any ad and pop up blockers you have added to your browser or your system as these tools may incorrectly limit visibility of event-related content or limit functionality that requires a popup.
- Sign in using the same email address and password that you used to register for OSM24.
- Be sure to try logging in now to make sure you remember your password and to help you log in quickly during the meeting.
Need assistance?
Visit the Mobile App Help Desk, located in the Registration area in the Hall B Lobby of the New Orleans Convention Center.
Sunday, 18 February, 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. CT
Monday, 19 February, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. CT
Tuesday, 20 February, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT
Caregiver Grants
OSM encourages an inclusive community with diverse participation. To help support participation for those with family or dependent obligations, we are offering caregiver grants for the 2024 Ocean Sciences Meeting in New Orleans. These grants provide some financial support (up to $500) to help defray the cost of child care or other dependent care expenses that might be incurred when participating in OSM24.
Children are welcome at #OSM24. Any child at the meeting needs to be accompanied by a parent or caregiver at all times at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. We do not permit unaccompanied children at the Ocean Sciences. #OSM24 welcomes those who assist others in need during the Ocean Sciences Meeting. Caregivers are individuals who are at the meeting to assist with childcare or those with ADA needs. Caregivers may register for free at the meeting services counter on-site in the registration area; valid identification is required.
Application
To apply, please fill out the Caregiver Grant Application form. Grants are limited to one (1) care grant per family for OSM24 and are available to qualifying online and onsite participants.
The deadline to apply for a caregiver grant is 22 January 2024.
Rationale
The impact of caregiving and the financial obligations associated with caregiving can be so great that it often prevents attendance at meetings, especially for early career scientists or those at small institutions or those with limited funding. OSM is committed to helping attendees with dependents attend. Potential attendees may apply for caregiver grants, for use in New Orleans, or at their home for online sessions Wednesday morning.
Qualifications
Who is eligible to apply?
Registered attendees with dependent care expenses may apply.
Who qualifies as a dependent?
A dependent is defined as 1) a minor 12 years of age or younger who resides with the applicant and for whom the applicant provides primary support, or 2) a disabled, elderly, or other adult person with dependent care needs, regardless of age, for whom the applicant has responsibility.
Eligible expenses
Which expenses will be eligible for reimbursement? Caregiver grants are intended to reimburse:
- Airfare for a caregiver (e.g., family member, au pair, nanny, sitter) to fly to the meeting location to assist with dependent care for qualified individuals
- Airfare for child(ren) age 12 or younger, elderly, ill, or disabled family members traveling to the meeting (For example, a grant could be given for this travel if multiple adults are able to care for the dependent in need who is also traveling to the meeting.)
- Costs for dependent care at the meeting (e.g., arranged babysitting, daycare or elder care service locally)
- Costs for additional dependent care at home for online attendees incurred due to an attendee’s needs during the meeting. Examples include caregiver's labor, before and after school or extended day programs, late pick-up fees, custodial childcare / elder care, or expenses for care of elderly or other family members that the applicant usually provides.
Caregiver grants are NOT intended to reimburse the following:
- Child care, elder care, or dependent care expenses at home that would normally be incurred. Examples include aftercare at school or dependent care that is provided on an on-going basis.
- Meals or groceries for the attendee, dependent(s), or the caregiver while at the meeting location
- Meeting registration
- Other expenses not associated with the additional care or travel of the dependent(s) or caregiver
Reimbursement
Reimbursement will be made after all travel is completed via ACH/direct deposit. All expenses must be justified with a receipt for reimbursement. Click here to view AGU’s reimbursement form and travel-related policies. Before the meeting, recipients will need to provide ACH information and W9. Information on submitting your reimbursement form and receipts will be shared directly with grant awardees and must be received no later than Monday, 25 March 2024.
Justification Letter
Need help justifying the expense of attending OSM24 to your employer?
To assist you in securing funding and the time needed to attend OSM24, we've developed a brief justification letter available to download. We encourage everyone to personalize it as much as possible with details about your science and what you're most excited about for the Ocean Sciences Meeting.
Student Volunteer Program
Participating in the Student Volunteer Program is a great way for students to get a behind-the-scenes look at how OSM manages such a large meeting while also earning free student registration for at least 8 hours of volunteer time.
Applicants are not guaranteed a volunteer position. Only a few dozen positions are available, and volunteers are selected based on their suitability for the available positions. Once volunteer positions have been assigned, adjustments to the position cannot be made. Student volunteers who are unable to fulfill their minimum 8-hour commitment to the program will forfeit the opportunity and will not receive complimentary registration.
Contact OSM should you have questions about this program.
Applications will open 15 November and close on 15 December (23:59 ET/03:59 +1 GMT). Position descriptions and shift times noted below are subject to change prior to the application period.
AVAILABLE VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
iPoster Help Desk Assistant
Number of Volunteers: 4
Duties: Volunteers will assist presenters and meeting attendees with the iPoster viewing area. This includes directing presenters and attendees to the correct viewing area, monitoring the viewing area and reporting technical difficulties to the onsite iPoster Session technicians, and assisting attendees in navigating the online poster gallery on touchscreen monitors. Volunteers are asked to work a total of two shifts during the meeting.
Shift Hours:
- Morning: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Afternoon: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Poster Help Desk Assistant
Number of Volunteers: 10
Duties: Volunteers will assist meeting attendees in the poster hall. This includes providing supplies to poster presenters, locating specific poster presentations using the online program, and answering general meeting questions. Volunteers are asked to work a total of two morning or afternoon shifts during the meeting, or to work 4 lunchtime shifts during the meeting.
Shift Hours:
- Morning: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Lunch: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
- Afternoon: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM