Annual Beckman Symposium

The Beckman Symposium is an annual event where Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation program awardees present their newest research findings as poster or oral presentations. Attendees are given opportunities to network, learn about a broad range of research topics from their peers, and discuss career tips with invited experts from academia, industry, and medicine.

The agenda features content that showcases our Program Awardees along with a research poster hall and networking opportunities.

To all attendees: The Beckman Symposium was developed to promote sharing of scientific knowledge and to foster collaboration. The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for Symposium guests. All participants are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct when spending time with other Foundation awardees, colleagues in your field, distinguished scientists from across the United States, and other guests of the Foundation (both online and in-person). The guidelines are intended to ensure that all participants have a pleasant and productive event, free from disruptions.

We hope you enjoy the 2026 Beckman Symposium!

The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all participants, guests, and Foundation staff at our offices and sponsored events, both in-person and virtual. All participants, including but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, Foundation staff, service providers, and others are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct. As a participant at the Foundation’s event(s), you will be spending time with other Foundation awardees, colleagues in your field, distinguished scientists from across the United States, and other guests of the Foundation. The guidelines are intended to ensure that all participants have a pleasant and productive event, free from disruptions.

• By registering and attending an Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation sponsored event, you acknowledge receipt of, and agreement to comply with, this Code of Conduct. View the combined Code of Conduct and Liability Waiver here.

An automated report will be sent to all awardees presenting a poster. Please complete the report by the indicated deadline. Prior to each symposium event, poster presenters will be assigned a number and a poster program with  titles will be made available. Please check back periodically for updates.

What guidelines should I follow for preparing my Research Poster?

Prepare a 4’x4’ square (48 inches x 48 inches) research poster, printed in advance of the event either on paper or fabric. All posters should include the presenter’s name, research title, institution and the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation logo in vertical orientation or horizontal orientation.

How do Poster Presentations work?

The poster presenter will set up their poster upon arrival at Symposium. Push pins will be available in the poster hall, along with the printed list of number assignments which indicate the easel location for each poster. Presenters should be present in the hall, near their poster, during their assigned date and time to make their presentations. At the conclusion of the poster session, all presenters must remove their posters. Any posters remaining will undergo disposal; the Foundation does not hold nor ship posters.

Discount for Poster Smith Order

Symposium attendees receive a 10% academic discount and free 2-business-day shipping; order via this link. For multiple posters placed within the same order, each additional poster will receive an extra $20 off (remember to use the Add Another File function).

We look forward to your poster presentation at the 2026 Beckman Symposium!

As part of our upcoming Symposium, we ask that awardees prepare a 2-3 minute elevator pitch that clearly explains your work in a way that non-scientists can understand. There will not be a formal session to present these pitches, but rather, it is a wonderful opportunity for you to practice communicating your research to a broader audience, which is essential for both professional growth and stakeholder engagement.

Here are some key things to consider as you prepare:

1. No Jargon or Acronyms: Remember, we’ll have a diverse group of attendees and stakeholders in attendance who may not have a scientific background, and we represent a diverse group with varying levels of
   expertise. For this reason, it’s critical that your pitch is free from specialized terminology. Aim for a level that a 7th or 8th grader could easily grasp.
2. Keep It Accessible: Focus on what your work is, why it matters, and the applications. If possible, share why you got interested in this area and what excites you about it. This will help personalize your message and engage your audience.
3. Why It’s Important: Your pitch should answer the "so what?"—why does your research matter in the grand scheme of things, and what potential impact could it have for the community, business, or society?

• Individual Speaker instructions will be sent through our Salesforce portal or emails.
• Speakers are asked to submit slide materials to Dropbox by July 24, 2026.
• Speakers are asked to attend the AV check prior to their presentation (more information will be provided).
• Speakers are encouraged to stay and attend for the duration of the Symposium, though you may depart following your presentation should you choose.
• If you would like to include the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation logo in your presentation, the vertical orientation can be accessed here and the horizontal orientation here.
• No Prezi or other presentation formats will be permitted.
• No edits can be made after the presentation is submitted.
• Presentations will be provided to the venue’s AV team; no personal laptops.

Download our helpful pdf resources to support your attendance at the Beckman Symposium (will be released in July 2026):

An abbreviated agenda is available here. The final event program will be available one week prior to the event.

A shuttle service will be available for guests arriving and departing from John Wayne Airport (SNA). The shuttle schedule is available here.

General Notes:

• Plan your packing list with business casual attire in mind.
• Upon arrival, head over to the Registration Booth to check-in for the event and collect your nametag. A Hospitality Suite is available at the hotel if your arrival precedes the availability of your room.
• If applicable, set up your research poster upon arrival, after checking in at the Registration Booth.

We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Beckman Symposium!

Q: When does the 2026 Beckman Symposium officially start? Is there a virtual component?

A: The Irvine symposium program begins the afternoon of July 30 and runs through the late afternoon of August 1. This year’s events are in-person and do not include virtual components.

Q: How can I get started early with registration and other details?

A: Please wait to receive the registration invite and instructions via email. Early registration and travel booking is not available and each group will be assigned to a specific registration window.

Q: How do I know if I'm part of Group 1 or Group 2 for registration and posters?

A: The Symposium Coordinator(s) will send an instructional email that identifies the group you are part of; please wait for this email. If you have been selected as an awardee during calendar year 2026, reporting info from your institution may be due in mid- to late-May based on our deadlines, which would place you into Group 2. There is no dis/advantage to being in either group; all invited guests will be able to register.

Q: Who can I contact to have an instruction email re-sent?

A: Email the Symposium Coordinator(s) at [email protected] to make this request.

Q: Can I see an agenda or event program?

A: Yes! We'll combine both into a single document and make it available in the Event Agenda and Speaker Program accordion tab above, about one week ahead of the event.

Q: If I have trouble navigating the space, can I get help?

A: Yes! Please come to the Registration area for help. This is the same area where you'll initially check-in for the event. A member of our staff can assist you in finding the meeting space(s). There will also be hotel map signage displayed on-site during each event.

Q: I'm giving a presentation; will there be someone to help with my slides or questions?

A: Yes! A member of our staff will be with you in the meeting space ahead of your presentation session. This is when an AV test will be done to make sure your slides are working as intended. Also, a moderator will introduce your presentation and assist with any Q+A.

Q: Can I preview a list of posters before entering the poster hall?

A: Yes! The Poster Program will be available in the Poster Presentations accordion tab (above) about one week prior to each symposium event.

Q: What can I expect as a participant in this event?

A: Expect a combination of oral and poster presentations, topic- and program-specific breakout sessions, and some networking opportunities – along with games, food, and other fun.

7/30 Arrival:

For any travel disruptions on 7/30 (e.g., canceled or missed flights), first contact your airline to rebook. Please also notify the Foundation of your changes, or contact us if additional help is needed: (949) 531-0400 | [email protected]

8/1 + 8/2 Departure:

In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, the Foundation will cover associated costs. Please notify us, keep all receipts, and submit a reimbursement request by August 7th.

If you experience a travel disruption:

• Flight Delayed or Canceled:
• Contact your airline to rebook.
• If unsuccessful, call Egencia at (312) 741-6713 for assistance.
• Hotel Accommodations:
• In Irvine: Extend your stay at Hyatt Regency Irvine; charge to the AMBF master bill or self-pay if needed.
• Outside Irvine: Book a nearby airport hotel and self-pay.
• Meals:
  The Foundation will reimburse food expenses up to $75/day. Please self-pay.
• Notify Us: Email any changes or issues to [email protected] and [email protected].

You are fully empowered to take necessary steps to ensure safe rebooking or accommodation. Please reach out with any questions—we’re here to help!