BMIC

Visa Students

• You should receive your Visa letters from GSMA before the end of week *if* you have registered for your event pass.  You must register for Mobile Congress to initiate the process.
• I have sent you all as much info on our accommodations as I can to date.  I will send you the official receipt as soon as I get it which should be by tomorrow morning PST.  In the meantime, the supporting documentation and wire confirmation is the best I can do.
• I have sent you an invitation, as well, on behalf of BMIC.  If you need an ink signed copy, please contact me directly.
• If you are unsure about receiving a visa in time for the competition, you must purchase refundable plane tickets.  You will still be able to compete remotely via recorded video.

Housing

• Housing has been booked at Hotel Lenin
• Directions from the Hostel to Mobile World Congres
• Check in: Tuesday afternoon, 2/28
• World Check out: Friday morning, 3/2
• We are covering three nights for 2 students from each team.  However, I have booked more beds in consideration of teams that want to bring additional teams members because we want you housed at the same location.
• If you are bringing more than three, please send me a follow up email just so that I’m sure that I have an accurate headcount.  Additional members and faculty are responsible for all accommodations; however, BMIC has prepaid the entire projected headcount in order to minimize costs.  I can talk to those teams individually about payment and expenses.  
• If you are arriving earlier than Tuesday or leaving later than Friday, you must arrange your own housing accommodations and are at liberty to book anywhere, but it would serve you to conveniently stay at Hostel Lenin, so their contact info can be found at the link above.

Travel Stipend FAQs

I need the money now.  Can you send the stipend now? 

• If you absolutely need the money in order to make travel arrangements, contact info@bmic.  There are a few emails I have not responded back to.  I appreciate your patience.  Please resend to the info@bmic alias and we will work with those teams with immediate financial need.

I don’t need the money now, so when will I receive reimbursement?

• BMIC will award you with your check in full at the event.
• You must bring or email me your travel receipts in order to receive your stipend.  

If we find a cheaper means a traveling to Barcelona, can we use the leftover funds to bring along additional team members or pay for hostel accommodations for nights before Tuesday and/or after Friday?

• Yes!  We encourage you to maximize your stipend if it means you can cover any additional expenses related to the competition.  While we wish to cover everything and for all team mates, we don’t have the funds to make it happen this year.  Please save all receipts to hand in during reimbursement exchange.

Are we responsible for our meals?

• BMIC will cover dinner Wednesday night at the meet and greet banquet and pre-competition gathering.  All other meals and snacks must be covered by all individuals unless covered by your stipend.

Event Passes

• You should have all received an invitation to register with the GSMA if you filled out my pre-reg form.  If you have faculty members or additional team mates that are planning to attend, they must also fill out the form so that I can arrange to have event badges set aside for them

Student Photos, Bios and Resumes

• Before February 20th, I need a photo of you, a brief (100 word) student bio and a team photo.  These will be posted up on BMIC.org.
• Resume submissions are optional.  Our sponsors past, present and future are deeply interested in the pool of talent from our competitions.  There is no deadline and it is not mandatory.  
• All submissions of any attachment should be emailed to files@bmic.org.  This includes expense receipts, student pictures, bios, presentation materials, videos.  If any attachments are too big, let me know.  You can also cc: info@bmic.org if you need me to see the attachment as well.

Submitting presentation materials 

• Final presentations will be required on one USB Drive on the morning of the competition.  I realize that many of you are still working on your pitch/slide decks and demo videos.  This is okay.  One the week of February 20th, I will ask that you submit your most up to date presentation slides, videos or screen shots to files@bmic.org.  Rest assured, you will be able to provide Helen or another BMIC staff member with an updated version.  This is just for internal and sponsor review.  
• If you have not done so, please also upload your materials to your “doc” page within your university’s team page on BMIC.org.