Orlando

Once you register there is a link to the hotel booking site on the confirmation page and email, it’s also below:

Book Orlando Hotel

A. Yes, your hotel reservation is BIF reimbursable, but only at the approved Hyatt Grand Cypress Resort  $175/night. "The night's"

covered are October 21, 22 & 23 (if you can’t get a flight out). 

A. Yes, please file a prior approval based on the number of nights you are staying, and at the group rate of $114/night. Taxes/Fees are not included in the reimbursement. 

A. Orlando offers a wide range of activities, from world-famous theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort to unique seasonal events such as Universal’s Halloween Horror NightsICON Parkattractions, wildlife encounters at Gatorland, and relaxation at Lake Eola Park. Visitors can also enjoy entertainment districts like Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk, outdoor adventures, and cultural attractions like the Orlando Science Center.

A seasonal favorite is:

Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights

One of the must-do seasonal events in Orlando is Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida.

  • Runs select nights from late August through early November
  • Features 10 haunted houses, themed scare zones, and live entertainment
  • Expect roaming scare actors, thrilling shows, and spooky food & drink?

A. The BMC registration desk will be available on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 2:00 – 4:00 pm ET. Our event officially kicks off at 5:00 pm ET with a Cocktail reception. Our first session begins on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 9:00 am ET. 

Istanbul

A. Once you register, you will be directed to a confirmation page with a link to the hotel to book. You will also receive a confirmation email with a link to the hotel booking site.  Note: only 2 nights will be covered by BMC. See the hotel booking page below:

Book Istanbul Hotel

Hotel Details:

Hotel Intercontinental Istanbul
Asker Ocagi Caddesi No. 1 Istanbul, 34435 Turkey   

BMC’s Discounted Room Rate: €185.00/night (incl VAT)    

You should plan to arrive on Monday, November 3 by 4:00pm and depart on Wednesday, November 5 after 4:00pm 

Book your hotel roomby Friday, October 24, 2025, to secure the special rate for BMC Partner Elevate 2025. Once you have completed the hotel booking process, you will receive your reservation confirmation in a separate email.   All hotel reservations require a credit card guarantee; a first night’s deposit will be charged to your credit card upon making your reservation. Rates are in euros.    

A. Yes, For attendee bedroom payment, Partner attendee to pay the bill at checkout and then submit a prior approval on the BIF website (e2open) for reimbursement (2 nights maximum). Keep your hotel receipt as proof of stay to upload into the e2open tool. To receive Hotel Reimbursement for your hotel booking you must stay at the official conference hotel and your reservation must be made using the provided link.  your hotel reservation is BIF reimbursable, but only at the approved Hotel Intercontinental Istanbul @ €185 per night. 

A. Yes, Partner attendee to pay the bill at checkout and then submit a prior approval on the BIF website (e2open) for reimbursement (2 nights maximum). Keep your hotel receipt as proof of stay to upload into the e2open tool. To receive Hotel Reimbursement for your hotel booking you must stay at the official conference hotel and your reservation must be made using the provided link. your hotel reservation is BIF reimbursable, but only at the approved Hotel Intercontinental Istanbul @ €185 per night.

A. Your flight should be booked by yourself/your own company travel agent.  Note: the flight cost and return travel to and from the hotel is not reimbursable by BMC.

The closest airport to InterContinental Istanbul is Istanbul Airport (IST), rather than Sabiha Gökçen (SAW).

IST → Taksim: ~ 40 km by road — about 35-45 minutes under normal traffic conditions
SAW → Taksim: ~ 41-45 km by road, but takes longer (often 60-90 minutes depending on traffic)
Because the hotel is in the central / European side area (Taksim), IST is more convenient generally.

A. Please dress business casual: jeans/trousers/shirt/polo shirt for men and similar for women.  For evening meals please feel free to wear casual attire.

A. Average day time temperatures In Istanbul in November are between 15°C to 20°C night time temperatures average 8°C to 12°.  Rainy days are possible!

A. You should plan to arrive on Monday, November 3 by 4:00pm and depart on Wednesday, November 5 after 4:00pm. Our event officially kicks off at 18:00 with a Cocktail reception. Our first session begins on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 9:00 am.

A. Istanbul bridges two continents, providing a wonderful dual aspect both culturally and architecturally; the city is thoroughly cosmopolitan, whilst at the same time drawing from its rich Byzantine and Roman heritage.

The majestic Bosphorus Bridge is a potent symbol of east meets west, and the Bosphorus Strait has some highly recommended boat trips, giving you a real sense of how Istanbul stands at an important cultural confluence.

The Hagia Sophia Museum sums up the city's shifting cultural influences and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. The city's skyline is packed with basilicas and spires, jutting up from famous names such as the Chora Church, the Suleymaniye Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, the Topkapi Palace and the incredible Blue Mosque. These beautiful and historic sites are recommended for those hot days when roaming the streets is less pleasurable.

On clear days the Galata Tower provides incredible views around the city. For a taste of traditional Istanbul, take a walk to the Sultanahmet District where there are plenty of bazaars, shops and charming restaurants.

Anyone familiar with football will know that Istanbul also has a keen sporting heritage. Visitors will often come to see European matches featuring teams such as Besiktas who play at the modern Vodafone Arena, Galatasaray (Türk Telekom Arena), and Fenerbahce (Sükrü Saracoglu Stadium). All of these teams tend to feature regularly in Champions League competition.

Istanbul is one of the most inhabited cities in the world and claimed the prestigious title of 2010 European Capital of Culture. If you are after a cultural city break with rather more exotic overtures, Istanbul is perfect.