The 2023 Bioneers Conference: How It Works
Bioneers Statement on Scheduling Conflict
Now in its 34th year, the Bioneers Conference will be held in Berkeley, California, on April 6-8, 2023. Featuring hundreds of inspiring and visionary leaders, Bioneers 2023 will host thousands of engaged and civically active attendees at Zellerbach Hall on the UC Berkeley Campus and in venues across downtown Berkeley for three days of riveting talks, movement building, and connections.
Bioneers 2023 is best thought of in two parts: (1) the morning keynote session and (2) afternoon/evening panels, conversations, films, book signings and more.
The morning session will take place each day at Zellerbach Hall on the UC Berkeley Campus. Registration opens at 7:30, theater doors open at 8:30. We will begin each day of Bioneers as a community, sitting together in a plenary session each morning until around 12:30 to experience the main-stage keynote addresses and performances.
Following the keynotes, participants will stroll down to downtown Berkeley for lunch at any of the dozens of restaurants and food vendors in the immediate vicinity. The walk from Zellerbach to downtown Berkeley is 5-10 minutes.
After lunch at 3:00, the second part of the Bioneers day begins, with afternoon panels, interactive sessions, community conversations and presentations taking place at several different venues throughout a 4 block radius in downtown Berkeley. Maps, signage and guest support will be available throughout the area. Evenings at Bioneers will include a choice between film screenings at the David Brower Center, concerts at The Freight and Salvage or any of the myriad opportunities downtown Berkeley has on offer.
For 2023, we’re excited to be offering two themed pre-conference tours of East Bay for those arriving early from out of town or locals interested in learning more about the community they call home. Learn more about these two tours here.
As the event date approaches, we will continue to update this page with specifics and details regarding the 2023 Bioneers Conference logistics. Please stay tuned and we look forward to hosting you!
For anyone considering bringing youth under 13 to the Bioneers Conference, it is important to understand that we do not design the main-stage program for children. While it is not lewd or deeply offensive, we can almost certainly expect that there will be talks dealing with heavy subjects, discussions that are very much designed for a more mature audience (speakers have occasionally used mature language from the stage, etc.), and potentially images and video that could be disturbing to a young child (while the event is very positive and solutions oriented, imagery showcasing social and environmental problems could be displayed). Each parent has different measures for what their children can handle and be exposed to and Bioneers is probably pretty mild compared to most PG movies but attendees should know that Bioneers is not pre-clearing this event for younger children. The event also requires extended periods of sitting and listening, which is not necessarily appropriate for younger children (it is challenging for some adults). Parents who bring younger children to the event are expected to take these realities into account and make decisions accordingly. Please reach out to info@bioneers.org to request a child rate for the event.
Venue Map
Lodging Information
Residence Inn by Marriott Berkeley – Note: the hotel is sold out for Friday night.
Residence Inn Berkeley is located downtown across the street from the University of California Berkeley and steps away from access to San Francisco via BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). Walking distance to theaters, shopping and dining. Designed to provide everything you need to thrive on long stays, the all-suite Residence Inn features upscale, spacious suites with full kitchens and room to eat, work and dream. Plus you can enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, evening socials and grocery delivery service. Book a room at our special rate in the Bioneers 2023 Conference Attendee Block. Several of the Bioneers afternoon sessions will take place at the Residence Inn.
Hotel Shattuck Plaza
Only 2 blocks from the University of California – Berkeley campus, this hotel offers comfortable guestrooms with modern amenities and on-site dining options. Hotel Shattuck Plaza is an environmentally friendly hotel with state-of-the-art guestrooms. Guests will enjoy flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations and on-demand films. Spacious work areas ensure a comfortable stay. You can book a room by visiting their website. Rates are $269 for Deluxe King Beds and $304 for Deluxe Double Beds. Several of the Bioneers afternoon sessions will take place at the Hotel Shattuck Plaza.
Super 8 by Wyndham Berkeley
1619 University Avenue, Berkeley. Close to public transportation, UC Berkeley, and Downtown San Francisco. Book a room for the special rate of $159 per night using code “April Bio”
Aiden by Best Western @ Berkeley
1499 University Ave | Berkeley, CA 94702 – The new, modern Aiden® by Best Western @ Berkeley is located in the vibrant east bay city of Berkeley, within a mile of the University of California Berkeley campus. Book a Room at the special Bioneers rate of $199 per night or call (510) 898-2650 to book.
DoubleTree by Hilton Berkeley Marina
200 Marina Blvd. Berkeley, CA 94710. Find us overlooking Berkeley Marina, with views of the San Francisco Bay. We’re a 10-minute drive from University of California, Berkeley, and we are just two miles from the closest BART station for quick trips into San Francisco. Enjoy our indoor pool, fitness center, and waterfront dining at the Berkeley Boathouse. Book a room at the special Bioneers rate of $199 per night.
Graduate Hotel Berkeley
2600 Durant Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704. We’re a five-minute walk to campus at the corner of the city stir and history. Just steps from Telegraph Avenue shops and stops, we’re a postcard of Bohemian chic, collegiate plaids and game day gold. Book a room at the special Bioneers rate starting at $219 for standard room types, Use Promo Code: BIONEERS23
Additional Lodging Options
There are numerous other hotels, B & Bs and short term rentals available in Berkeley and the surrounding areas. If you’re the camping type, the East Bay Regional Park system has a number of campgrounds that are relatively convenient to the conference location.
Transportation Information
How to get to Downtown Berkeley by BART
Bioneers strongly encourages attendees to take transit to the event. The Downtown Berkeley BART Station is located on Shattuck Avenue between Allston Way and Addison Street. It is conveniently located close to the University of California campus (Zellerbach Theater) and to all of the Bioneers venues, restaurants, theaters and other attractions, and has valet bike parking. For more info, visit https://www.bart.gov/stations/dbrk. Signage and guides will be available to direct attendees to the conference venues throughout the day.
Parking in Downtown Berkeley
If you have to drive to the conference, see the map below for parking information.
There is handicapped parking in Lower Sproul Garage adjacent to Zellerbach off Bancroft St.
Afternoon venues take place around downtown Berkeley. There are numerous garages downtown, all of which have handicapped parking. We have closed Allston Way between Oxford and Shattuck and there is an official handicapped drop-off zone on the west end of Allston Way at Shattuck.
Local Transportation Options
Bay Wheels Bike Share
Bird Scooters
Lime Bikes & Scooters
Need Additional Help?
If you need more help, please visit the Bioneers registration & information booth, which will be in front of Zellerbach Hall from 7:30 – 1:00 and will move to Allston Way at the corner of Oxford from 1:00 – 6:00. You can also reach out to info@Bioneers.org and we will do our best to get back to you as quickly as possible. Or ask any Bioneers Conference Staff member.
