Birds of a Feather (BOF) sessions are informal meetups where conference participants gather to discuss shared interests, pain points, or new ideas in a self-organized format.
These sessions can be pre-planned or spontaneous and are an excellent opportunity to network, brainstorm, and collaborate with fellow researchers, developers, and educators.
Step away from the screen and into something playful—board games, rock-climbing challenges, or even an impromptu music jam. These sessions break down barriers and spark unexpected connections through shared laughter. You’ll see new colleagues showing off hidden talents and forge bonds that last long after the conference ends. The casual atmosphere makes it easy to start conversations that might lead to your next big collaboration. And who knows—you might just learn a new game or skill along the way!
These carefully curated sessions happen in our breakout rooms with whiteboards at the ready. Experts and newcomers alike gather to deep-dive into topics like workflow reproducibility and ML integration. You’ll walk away not just with ideas, but with concrete action items and follow-up plans. The room buzzes as participants riff off each other’s experience and spark new lines of inquiry. It’s the perfect space for thoughtful, data-driven conversation in a focused environment.
Why stay cooped up when you can stroll the historic CSHL grounds while you talk shop? Park-bench brainstorms and oceanside Q&A sessions combine fresh air with fresh ideas. The open setting encourages creative thinking and low-pressure networking with peers. You might sketch out your next project on a napkin or swap tips on field-deployment of workflows. These outdoor gatherings remind us that great science can happen anywhere—even under an oak tree.
Whether you're looking to solve a technical challenge, brainstorm an outreach idea, or connect with people who share your passion, BOFs are the place to start.
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