diff --git a/app/models/conference.rb b/app/models/conference.rb
index e7a0790c..9c1cde4a 100644
--- a/app/models/conference.rb
+++ b/app/models/conference.rb
@@ -155,7 +155,7 @@ class Conference < ActiveRecord::Base
   # * +false+ -> If the conference registration dates are not set
   # * +true+ -> If conference registration dates are set
   def registration_dates_given?
-    if registration_period && (registration_period.start_date.blank? || registration_period.end_date.blank?)
+    if registration_period.nil? || (registration_period.start_date.blank? || registration_period.end_date.blank?)
       false
     else
       true