Proposal to host

2011

University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah

Local Organizing
Committee:
Matt Haber
Jim Tabery

Construction of the ‘U’ overlooking the

University of Utah campus, 1907
Table of Contents
1. Overview
2. The University of Utah
3. Conference & Event Management
4. Conference Venue
5. Accommodations
6. Access and Transport
7. Social Program
8. Recreation & Touring
9. Departmental Support
10. Budget

ISHPSBB 2011 Host Proposal – University of Utah 2

1. Overview
Introduction - We propose to host the ISHPSSB bi-annual conference
at the University of Utah in either June or July of 2011. The University of
Utah’s strengths in biology and the philosophy of biology, its location and
geography, and its experience with hosting large conferences make it an
excellent site for the 2011 meeting.

Academics - The University of Utah is a leading research university, well

known in the field of biology and especially genetics. The Philosophy
Department has a particular strength in philosophy of biology, including
four faculty specializing in it and several others holding a research interest.
The University of Utah is also host to the Division of Medical Ethics, which
includes members of the Philosophy Department.

Geography - The University of Utah is located in the foothills of the

Rocky Mountains, on the Wasatch Front. The campus overlooks the Salt
Lake Valley and has four light rail stops just minutes away from downtown
Salt Lake City. Hiking and biking trails ranging from beginner to highly
technical are easily accessible from campus.

International Recognition - Salt

Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter
Olympics and Paralympics. Prior to
the events, University facilities
received a facelift that included
extensive renovations to Rice-Eccles
Stadium, a convenient light rail track
leading to downtown Salt Lake City,
an array of new student housing, and a
134-room campus hotel and
conference center.

Centrally Located - Known as

the "Crossroads of the West", Salt
Lake City is located in the heart of the
rocky mountain region. Salt Lake City Park City, Utah’s Wasatch Brewery
Evolution Amber Ale
combines the amenities of a major

ISHPSBB 2011 Host Proposal – University of Utah 3

metropolitan area with the friendliness of a small, western city. Salt Lake
City International Airport is a Delta hub and guarantees easy access
without lots of connecting flights.

Range of Accommodation – Affordable on campus accommodation

will be available through the University of Utah Guest House and Heritage
Center Residence Halls. These served as the Olympic Village for the 2002
Winter Olympics, housing and feeding thousands of Olympic and
Paralympic athletes and officials. In addition, accommodation can be found
conveniently in the heart of the city, nestled in nearby mountain canyons,
and scattered across the valley. Anything from full-service five-star hotels to
charming bed & breakfast inns are available.

Getting a Drink – Fear not, you can get a drink in Salt Lake City! As
recently featured in the New York Times, Salt Lake City is home to thriving
craft breweries. Additionally, Utah recently saw its first distillery open its
doors in Park City, crafting exceptional rye and vodka. The state of Utah is
currently exploring options for modernizing their liquor laws, including
relaxing restrictions on obtaining beer
and liquor in bars and restaurants. In
the meantime, we do our best to
keep a sense of humor about things.

Staff – The professional staff at the

University of Utah Conference &
Event Management has over 30 years
experience in coordinating and
managing conferences up to 3000
attendees. They are able to take care
of nearly all aspects of conference
planning including facility logistics and
registration

ISHPSBB 2011 Host Proposal – University of Utah 4

2. The University of Utah
The University of Utah is one of ten institutions that make up the Utah
System of Higher Education and Utah's premier research school. As of late
2007, the university enrolls 28,619 undergraduate and 6,604 graduate
students and has 1,419 regular faculty members. Of the more than 3,500
colleges and universities in the United States, the University of Utah is one
of only eighty-eight that are classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the
Advancement of Teaching as Research I universities; i.e., those which offer
a full range of undergraduate programs, are committed to graduate
education, and give research high priority. The University of Utah is
particularly strong in the biological sciences. The Eccles Institute of Human
Genetics is the focal point
in genetic research at the
University of Utah and
boasts 2007 Nobel Prize
Laureate Mario Capecchi
as Distinguish Professor
and co-chair of the
institute.

The University of Utah Philosophy program is increasingly becoming

recognized for its strong focus on the philosophy of biology. The faculty
members specializing in philosophy of biology include Professor and Chair-
elect Stephen Downes, Associate Professor Anya Plutynski, Assistant
Professor Matt Haber, and Assistant Professor James Tabery. In addition,
Ron Mallon and Mariam Thalos have research interests coinciding with
ISHPSSB activities. The program is also well known for its strength in
bioethics. Department Chair Leslie Francis and Professor Margaret Battin
are well-known for their work in this area.

ISHPSBB 2011 Host Proposal – University of Utah 5

3. Conference & Event Management
We will be working with the University of Utah office of Conference &
Event Management to organize and run ISHPSSB 2011. Their Summer
Conference Program is one of the premier conference programs in
America. Conference groups from all over the world choose the University
of Utah as their conference site and bring groups ranging in size from 10 -
3000 people in a variety of accommodations ranging from our on campus
hotel to newly constructed suite style residence halls and apartments.
Special events and dining options are their specialty. Some of their services
include:
Registration Services - University Conference Services can handle all
details of registration for any number of participants. Registration forms can
be received by mail, telephone, fax, e-mail or via the internet. They offer
the following registration services: creation and maintenance of internet
registration form, custom designed database, receipt of fees, confirmation
letters, invoice participants, handouts preparation, name tags, on-site
registration, and registration statistics and reports.
Timeline - University Conference Services implements a master timeline
for all conferences outlining the tasks that need to be completed on a
monthly and weekly basis. The unique needs of each conference are added
to this comprehensive schedule.
Budgeting & Accounting - University Conference Services develops
and monitors program budgets using an integrated budgeting, accounting
and forecasting system. The budget is monitored on an ongoing basis to
ensure expenses stay within agreed-upon amounts. Accounting statements
are prepared for evaluation throughout the program planning stage and
upon program completion. As part of budgeting and accounting the
following services are offered: create budget, purchase services and goods,
approve sponsorship money, compile accounting summary, and maintain
account records. University Conference Services can work with many
funding sources: grants and contracts, private industry, foundations, and
non-profit organizations.

For more information, please visit their website at:

www.guesthouse.utah.edu

ISHPSBB 2011 Host Proposal – University of Utah 6

4. Conference Venue
The University of Utah is well-equipped to host a conference of ISHPSSB’s
size and scope. The newly constructed Health Sciences Education Building
and Milton Bennion Hall (see images below) can house the 8-10 parallel
sessions, with every room equipped with standard A/V equipment
(overhead projector, data projector, DVD/VHS player, etc.). The newly
constructed Carolyn Tanner Irish Humanities Building (see image below) is
also very close by and will be a perfect venue for either/both a potential
poster session or book display.

Larger auditorium-style rooms are also available in the Olpin Student Union
as well as in Orson Spencer Hall, which can hold the 300-500 attendees at
the plenary session.

All of these buildings accommodate coffee breaks and also conveniently

offer non-disruptive conversation space to carry on the discussion and
debate long after sessions have ended.

Health Sciences
Education Building

ISHPSBB 2011 Host Proposal – University of Utah 7

 Carolyn Tanner Irish
Humanities Building
(home to the University of
Utah Department of
Philosophy)

Milton Bennion Hall

Ray Olpin University

Union

ISHPSBB 2011 Host Proposal – University of Utah 8

5. Accommodations
There is a range of options for accommodations on the University of Utah
campus and Salt Lake City. On campus accommodations will be arranged
by the office of Conference & Event Management, and include Residence
Halls and Modern Hotel accommodations (slated for refurbishing in 2010).
Rates listed are 2009 rates, which we can lock in once we sign a contract
with Conference & Event Management.
The University Guest House - Located on the historic Fort Douglas
grounds, this hotel features spectacular views of the Salt Lake Valley and
surrounding campus. Rooms have a single king or two queen-size beds,
refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave, cable TV, iron & board, hair dryer,
voicemail, and free wireless high-speed Internet access. A limited number of
suites are also available. Continental breakfast is included. Hotel amenities
include free parking, free local phone calls, convenience store, fitness room,
laundry facilities, ice, and soda machines. The Guest House is also adjacent
to a TRAX mass transit train station and campus shuttle-stop.  100 of these
rooms will be available to the conference at a rate of $95/night.
Heritage Commons Residence Halls - Completed in the Fall of
2000, Heritage Commons was the site of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games
athlete village. Consisting of 1350 residence Hall beds and 150 apartment-
style beds, all accommodations are suite style. Double suites contain two
bedrooms, each with two twin beds, and a shared bathroom; single suites
contain two bedrooms, each with one twin bed, and a sharedbathroom.
Deluxe suites contain four bedrooms, each with one twin bed, two shared
bathrooms and a living room. Apartment-style rooms have the same layout
as the deluxe suites with the addition of a kitchen. All rooms are air-
conditioned and have in room telephones. Cable TV hookups and laundry
facilities are available. Bed linens, pillows, small bath towels and soap are
provided. 600 beds will be available for the conference attendees at a rate
of $24/bed/night based on double occupancy, and $34/bed/night
based on single occupancy.
Other Area Hotels for Additional Rooms and Options:
• University Park Marriott Hotel – 218 rooms
• Chase Suites Hotel (Family & Pet Friendly) – 128 rooms
• Hotel Monaco (A Kimpton Hotel) – 225 rooms
• The Grand America (AAA 5-diamond) – 775 rooms

ISHPSBB 2011 Host Proposal – University of Utah 9

 Heritage Common
Residence Halls

Dining – The Heritage Center dining facility is an all you care to eat
cafeteria that features a large selection of food varieties, including
vegetarian and vegan options. The facility can accommodate 450 people at
one time, and about 1000 through the facility every hour and a half. A
three-meals-per-day meal ticket is available at a daily rate of $22.80 (plus
tax). Single meal tickets are also available.
Additional dining options abound in downtown Salt Lake City, just a short
ride from any of the four campus TRAX light rail stops.

ISHPSBB 2011 Host Proposal – University of Utah 10

6. Access and Transport
Accessibility - The University of Utah is an ADA compliant institution.
The Heritage Commons Residence Halls were the 2002 Olympic and
Paralympic Winter Games athlete village, and were IOC approved.
Additionally, the Conferences & Event Management has hosted ADA
conferences in the same facilities to be used to host the ISHPSSB 2011
meeting. Upon the recommendation of the ISHPSSB proposal site
guidelines, a baby stroller (with baby!) was used to assess the accessibility
of the meeting site. This included possible venues for meeting space, social
programs, and accommodations. We are happy to work with ISHPSSB to
identify possible barriers to access and propose alternative plans.
Salt Lake City International Airport - Salt Lake City International
Airport is a superb and convenient facility for arrivals and departures. It is a
Delta Airlines hub and has just recently added a direct non-stop flight to
Paris. Most delegates can expect at most one connecting flight. The airport
has consistently ranked first in on-time departures and had the fewest
cancellations among U.S. airports. Salt Lake City International Airport is
conveniently located just 4 miles from the central business district of Salt
Lake City.

Local Transportation - Salt Lake City has an efficient network of taxis,

buses, and light rail to get delegates wherever they need to go quickly and
conveniently.

Taxis -There are three main taxi companies in Salt Lake City, and each
offers 24-hour service: City Cab, Yellow Cab and Ute Cab.

UTA - The Utah Transit Authority provide an integrated service of buses

and light rail. Standard one-way fares are $2.25. These passes are valid for
two hours after purchase on buses and TRAX. A full day pass that is valid
for unlimited rides on buses and TRAX can be purchased for $5.50.

TRAX - An above ground light rail service. TRAX has multiple stops on
the University of Utah Campus and runs directly into downtown Salt Lake
City and beyond to the Gateway Shopping Center. TRAX provides an easy
way for delegates who choose to stay in accommodations downtown to
reach the conference venue.

ISHPSBB 2011 Host Proposal – University of Utah 11

Buses - The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) bus services connect
downtown Salt Lake City with surrounding suburbs and the TRAX light rail
service. Several buses run from downtown Salt Lake City to the University
of Utah campus.

Free Fare Zone- A large section of the Downtown area, including

Temple Square and the area just west of the State Capitol, is a fare-free
zone and there is no charge if commuters or visitors enter and exit a bus
or TRAX between the designated streets.

FrontRunner - A new UTA commuter rail service has been created

which runs from Salt Lake City north 38 miles to Pleasant View. There are
current plans to create a southern extension which will expand the current
southern terminus 44 miles south to Provo. This will help facilitate
attendees who wish to explore Utah beyond Salt Lake City.
Parking -  Complimentary parking is available to hotel guests at the
University Guest House. Permits are available for a minimal fee (less than
$10/week) for guests staying in the Residence Halls. Campus parking lots
are available for rent during the summer for conference guests as well.

ISHPSBB 2011 Host Proposal – University of Utah 12

7. Social Program
The social program for ISHPSSB 2011 will include an opening reception at
the Officer’s Club at Fort Douglas, and a banquet at one of several possible
venues on campus. Depending on funding, a closing reception or poster
session reception will also be included.
Opening Reception - Founded in 1862, Fort Douglas was established to
help secure the Western US Overland Mail Route, and out of concern of
secessionist activity in the area — indeed, its guns were trained on
downtown Salt Lake City! In 1991 the Fort was closed and 51 acres were
transferred to the University of Utah. A University task force determined
that the best re-use of Fort Douglas would be to transform it into a
residential village for University students and visitors. About this time, Salt
Lake City was selected as the host city for the 2002 Winter Olympic
Games, and a deal was struck with the University that Fort Douglas would
serve as the Athlete’s Village for the Olympic and Paralympic Athletes that
would be attending. Fort Douglas is a designated National Historic
Landmark.
The Fort Douglas Officer’s Club and the adjacent Bandstand (see images
below) are a stone’s throw from the University Guest House and residence
halls, making check-in, conference registration, and attendance at the
opening reception a one-stop shop. The Officer’s Club and the Bandstand
also sit in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains and overlook the city
below. It will be a beautiful, comfortable and convenient venue for a warm
summer night in the Rockies.
Banquet - Potential sites for the conference banquet include Rice-Eccles
Stadium, which held the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2002
Olympic Games, and which now houses the Tower as well as the Olympic
Cauldron banquet facilities (see image below). Another potential site is the
Utah Museum of Fine Arts, located on the University of Utah campus (see
image below).
Possible venues for social events during ISHPSSB 2011 have been chosen
for their proximity to accommodations. Alcohol is allowed if provided by
approved vendors and caterers.

ISHPSBB 2011 Host Proposal – University of Utah 13

Possible venues include:

Fort Douglas Officer’s Club

Fort Douglas Bandstand

Rice-Eccles Stadium

Utah Museum of Fine Arts

ISHPSBB 2011 Host Proposal – University of Utah 14

8. Recreation & Touring
Life Elevated - The University, Salt Lake City, and the state of Utah host
a great variety of attractions that can fill an afternoon, day, weekend,
week…or lifetime. Utah truly is life elevated.
National and State Parks -
Utah is America’s national parks
capital, with Arches National
Park, Bryce Canyon National
park, Zion National Park,
Canyonlands National Park,
Capitol Reef National Park, and
Dinosaur National Monument.
(Mesa Verde National Park and
Grand Canyon National Park are
also just across the border.)
These are all in southern Utah,
easily accessible by car within 3-6 Bryce Canyon - July 2008.
hours. What’s more, Utah has
over 40 state parks, many of which rival national parks. World-class hiking,
mountain biking, river rafting, climbing, bouldering, camping, and casual site
seeing are all nearby. From snowcapped mountains to arid deserts, Utah is
an outdoor paradise.
Cultural Activities - Salt Lake City is home to a number of museums,
planetariums, gardens, and general points of interest: The Leonardo Science
Museum, Utah Museum of Fine
Arts, Utah Museum of Natural
History, Fort Douglas Military
Museum, Clark Planetarium,
Red Butte Gardens, Gilgal
Gardens, Temple Square, and
Wheeler Historic Farm. Utah’s
Hogle Zoo as well as the Tracy
Aviary are also just a mile or
two from the University.
Beyond the city limits, attendees can also quickly visit the Great Salt Lake,
venturing either to Antelope Island State Park or to Robert Smithson’s
Spiral Jetty.

ISHPSBB 2011 Host Proposal – University of Utah 15

Resorts - Utah is famous for its winter sports (Greatest snow on earth!).
While attendees will not be able to take full advantage of these resources,
many of the winter resorts offer a range of outdoor activities during the
summer months. Look for moose on a hike at Alta. Take a mountain bike
down a run at the Sundance Resort. Or, for the true skiing/snowboard
enthusiast, Snowbird’s slopes are often open until July 4.
Other Activities - The Salt Lake Bees (minor league team for the
Anaheim Angels) play throughout the summer. Historic Park City, which
hosts the Sundance Film Festival every year, is just a 20-minute drive from
Salt Lake City; situated right in the Wasatch Mountains, Park City has some
of the finest dining and entertainment in the state. Rare book hunting
happens year round in Salt Lake City at Ken Sanders Rare Books, The
King’s English Bookshop, Golden Braid Books, and Central Book Exchange.

Utah!

ISHPSBB 2011 Host Proposal – University of Utah 16

9. Departmental Support

Dear ISHPSSB 2011 Site Selection Committee:

As chair-elect, I will be chair of the Philosophy Department at the University of Utah in summer
2011. In this capacity, I welcome the opportunity to host the ISHPSSB bi-annual conference here,
locally organized by Assistant Professors Matt Haber and Jim Tabery. Our Philosophy
Department has made a long-term commitment to philosophy of biology. We have four tenured
or tenure-track faculty actively publishing in the area (Haber, Tabery, Anya Plutynski, and
myself) as well as a growing core of graduate students. The University of Utah has reinforced this
commitment through funding for retention of faculty in philosophy of biology who have been
made job offers elsewhere, as well as providing financial support for a philosophy of biology lab
group that meets weekly.

Salt Lake City and the University of Utah in particular are well-positioned to accommodate a
conference of ISHPSSB’s size. The 2002 Olympics and Para-olympics were held in Salt Lake
City, and the University hosted the opening and closing ceremonies at their renovated stadium as
well as housed and fed the athletes. As part of this effort, the city built an extensive public
transportation system linking the University to the city and surrounding areas. The University of
Utah has a long and successful history hosting national and international conferences in a wide
range of disciplines.

Professors Haber and Tabery have already initiated the necessary organizational work to ensure a
successful conference at the University of Utah in 2011. Working with the University’s office of
Conference and Event Management, they have secured accommodations for conference
attendees, sites for the Opening Reception and Banquet, and rooms for the parallel sessions and
plenary meeting, as well as the standard inter-session refreshments. They have managed to
develop a two-tier budget wherein the entire conference could be locally organized for as little as
$42,595 or up to $51,975 (with anticipated local financial support if the economic situation
improves).

If you have any further questions about the University of Utah hosting the ISHPSSB 2011 bi-
annual conference, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Stephen M. Downes, Chair-elect, Department of Philosophy

ISHPSBB 2011 Host Proposal – University of Utah 17

10. Budget
Below are two sample budgets assuming 500 attendees. Both are rather
sparse, with Tier 1 being more bare-boned than Tier 2. We put this budget
together with the help of the University’s office of Conferences & Event
Management staff, who will be helping us run the meeting. They charge
$30/person, which we will roll into the registration fee. As described
above, this includes handling of registration, booking accommodation,
accounting, and other planning. On top of that, they charge 18% of cost of
any booking or projects they do for us, e.g., there is a $500 charge for
creation and maintenance of a conference website, plus an 18% service
charge.

Due to the present economic climate, we have not been able to secure any
guaranteed funding for hosting ISHPSSB 2011. Nonetheless, we are hopeful
that as the economic climate improves and campus budgets regain some
stability that we will be able to raise at least $20,000 - $25,000. Still, our
budget below assumes no funding. Possible funding sources include support
from various Deans and schools on campus, collaboration with other local
programs (e.g., BYU Biology), outside grants, and t-shirt sales.

We have estimated registration rates of $75 for students, and $125 for full
members, with 40% student and 60% full member composition of
attendance. This produces an effective rate of $105, which puts our
breakeven point for 500 attendees at 406 for Tier 1, and 495 for Tier 2.
Below we have included breakeven points for different levels of funding
obtained.

Banquet tickets will also be made available. We have included the cost of
securing a location in our budget, but will pass along catering costs in the
cost of banquet tickets.

ISHPSBB 2011 Host Proposal – University of Utah 18

 EXPENSES

Item Tier 1 Details Tier1 Cost Tier 2 Details Tier2 Costs

Opening Reception Location Officer’s Club $475 Officer’s Club $475

Opening Reception Catering Light Apps, 1 drink ticket $12,000 Medium Apps, 1 drink $15,000

Banquet Location Rice-Eccles Stadium $1720 Fine Arts Museum $2000

Coffee & Tea 7 breaks, coffee & tea only $4200 Add 1 pastry/person $10,000

Program Guide Printing Costs $5000 Printing Costs $5000

Orson Spencer Hall $300 Student Union $550

Auditorium & Classroom Rental
Milton Bennion Hall $3000 Milton Bennion Hall
$3000
Website Creation & Maintenance $500 Creation & Maintenance $500

Conferences Planning Fee $30/person + 18% costs $15,400 $30/person + 18% costs $15,450

Total Estimate $42,595 $51,975

ISHPSBB 2011 Host Proposal – University of Utah

INCOME Gross to ISHPSSB Net to ISHPSSB Net to ISHPSSB

Assume 40% student rate @ $75 $15,000

Assume 60% full rate @ $125 $37,500

Effective rate $105 $52,500 $9,905 $525

Breakeven registrant no funding 406 495

19
Breakeven registrant $10,000 310 400

Breakeven registrant $20,000 215 305

Breakeven registrant $25,000 168 257

Sunset over Salt Lake City, from the University Guest House & Conference Center

Matt Haber, Jim Tabery,

[email protected] [email protected]
Department of Philosophy
University of Utah