SOT 2009 General Information

Have a World-Class Time at the SOT Annual Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland!

Baltimore, Maryland, is the host-city for the Society of Toxicology’s 48^th Annual Meeting. Scientific Sessions will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center during the week of March 15–19, 2009.

The Society of Toxicology (SOT) Annual Meeting is the largest toxicology meeting and exhibition in the world, attracting approximately 6,500 scientists from industry, academia, and government. The program includes a plenary and other special lectures, symposia, workshops, roundtable discussions, and platform and poster presentations. The meeting also offers continuing education courses ranging from basic to advanced levels. In addition, the Society presents annual awards to recognize outstanding achievements in toxicology.

Why Attend the Annual Meeting?

The Society of Toxicology (SOT) Annual Meeting is the largest toxicology meeting and exhibition in the world, attracting more than 6,500 scientists from industry, academia, and government from various countries around the globe. From the keynote address and special lectures, to a wide range of symposia sessions to continuing education courses that cover the basic and the advanced topics of the day, to the workshops, thematic sessions that complement the symposia, roundtables, poster sessions, and award presentations, SOT’s Annual Meeting has something for every attendee. You will want to attend because:

Cutting-Edge Science and Innovative Perspectives

The SOT Annual Meeting provides the most complete and in-depth coverage of toxicology. The SOT Scientific Program Committee is charged with creating a thought provoking and dynamic program that captures all the latest scientific advances that have occurred during the past 12 months. The Committee reviews more than 2,400 abstracts to come up with a final program that is novel, multi-dimensional and comprehensive in scope.

Depth of Analysis

The five scientific themes—Biomarkers, Epigenetics, Inflammation and Disease, Nanotechnology, and Neurodegenerative Diseases—give the toxicologist a unique opportunity to delve into scientific sessions on these topics, which are both timely and highly informative.

Untold Networking Opportunities

During the five days that attendees participate in Annual Meeting, SOT offers a wide range of networking opportunities for everyone. In a congenial and welcoming atmosphere, Annual Meeting attendees can join in deliberations about the latest scientific research, meet old friends during the receptions and luncheons, make new friends while you visit the ToxExpo™, or attend one of the many scientific sessions throughout the week.

A Global Audience

The Annual Meeting and ToxExpo™ attract not only a broad attendance from the U.S., but also from the global community with nearly 20 percent international attendees. Scientists from as far away as Australia, China, and Egypt come to the United States to participate in this event, exchanging lessons learned and sharing scientific findings and novel approaches with other toxicologists.

Value

The SOT Annual Meeting is cost-effective, with low registration fees, minimal travel to Baltimore for many, inexpensive highquality Continuing Education courses, and exposure to the very latest advances in science. International attendees benefit from the good exchange rate.

Why Attend ToxExpo™?

An Exhibition Extraordinaire

ToxExpo™ is the profession’s largest tradeshow of its kind anywhere. Attendees and exhibitors from around the globe gather to exchange ideas and debut cutting-edge products, services, and technologies. Toxicologists and industry professionals have the unparalleled opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge on the latest advances from more than 350 exhibitors.

The following are the exhibit hours for the 2009 ToxExpo™ in Baltimore:

Monday	9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Tuesday	8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Wednesday	8:30 AM–4:30 PM

Daily Access All Year

ToxExpo™ continues throughout the year. Visit www.ToxExpo.com for all your toxicology-related science information and data as well as information about current exhibitors. The site offers access 24/7, 365 days per year to resource for toxicologists worldwide. ToxExpo™ is a rich resource for the working scientist, the decision maker, the student—anyone looking for the best products and services that toxicology has to offer.

A Great Opportunity for Exhibitors

We’ve got the Numbers You Want
More than 6,500 scientists and researchers attend SOT’s Annual Meeting and ToxExpo™. What better opportunity to—

• meet face-to-face.
• build relationships with new prospects.
• network with other exhibiting companies.

New Faces/New Leads
Research shows that 55% of the professional toxicologists who will attend the 2009 Annual Meeting and ToxExpo™ did not attend the 2008 Meeting in Seattle.

On-Line Marketplace at ToxExpo.com
ToxExpo™ exhibitors are listed on-line year around to increase your visibility and exposure to your target audience. It’s a rich resource for all the services and products toxicologists need throughout the year.

A Global Audience
Nearly 20% of SOT’s Annual Meeting and ToxExpo™ attendees represent scientists from countries outside the U.S. All are engaged in one or more of the following areas of research:

• Biological Modeling • Biomarkers • Carcinogenesis • Comparative and Veterinary • Dermal Toxicology • Drug Discovery Toxicology • Epigenetics • Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues • Food Safety • Immunotoxicology • In Vitro and Alternative Methods • Inflammation and Disease • Inhalation and Respiratory

• Mechanisms • Metals • Mixtures • Molecular Biology • Nanotoxicology • Neurodegenerative Disease • Ocular Toxicology • Occupational and Public Health • Regulatory and Safety Evaluation • Reproductive and Developmental • Risk Assessment • Toxicologic and Exploratory Pathology

For more information on exhibiting at the largest Toxicology trade show in the world, please visit www.toxexpo.com, or contact Liz Kasabian at SOT Headquarters: (703) 438-3115 ext. 1454 or e-mail: liz@toxicology.org.

International Invitation to Attend

The Society of Toxicology invites scientists from around the world to attend its Annual Meeting, March 15–19, 2009. Please note that individual invitations are not required for attendance at meetings of the Society of Toxicology. Since the meetings are open scientific events, SOT invites interested persons to attend. You may request a formal invitation letter by sending your name, address, and fax number to the SOT Registration Department. If you have been accepted to make a presentation at the meeting, please include the name and date of your presentation. You will need to make your own hotel reservations and register for the meeting. We request that you contact the United States Consulate/Embassy and Currency Exchange in your own country regarding documentation and necessary information for your visit to the United States. If you need assistance, please contact the SOT Registration Department at tel: (703) 438-3115, fax: (703) 438-3113, or e-mail: sothq@toxicology.org.

For additional visa information contact International Visitors Office (IVO) of the National Academies. This Web site should serve as a visa resource for all visiting scientists and scholars traveling to the United States. Additionally, a survey is available and will be used to assist future travelers with the visa process.

Traveling to the United States for Society of Toxicology’s 48^th Annual Meeting? It is critical that you submit your documentation as early as possible. The U.S. is advising visa applicants to apply at least three to four months in advance of their travel date. To increase security for citizens and visitors, the U.S. has updated its policies for visas. Here are some sources of information to help you through this procedure:

• www.UnitedStatesVisas.gov—A Web site designed with you in mind about current visa policies and procedures.
• www.nationalacademies.org/visas/ For additional visa information, contact International Visitors Office (IVO) of the National Academies of the Sciences at the above Web site. This should serve as a visa resource for all visiting scientists and scholars traveling to the United States. Additionally, a survey is available that can be used to assist future travelers with the visa process.
• Make an appointment—Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Make sure you ask if there are any fees required. Most fees must be paid before your appointment.
• Get your documents ready—Passport, applications, documents to support the application with employment details (reason for travel along with financial status), and proof of payment of fees.
• Submit your application, passport along with supporting documents to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• Start early, additional reviews may be required—this could add an additional 4–6 weeks to the processing time.

Baltimore, Maryland

For additional information about Baltimore http://www.baltimore.org.

Climate

Baltimore’s climate is moderated by the nearby Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic Ocean to the East, and the Appalachian Mountains to the West. Rarely reaching extreme cold or warm temperatures, Baltimore is a great city to visit at any time of the year. The average annual rainfall for March is 3.4 inches with about 40 inches of precipitation a year. Average temperature for March: Highs in the mid 50s °F and lows in the mid 30s °F. For an up-to-date, detailed weather forecast visit www.wbaltv.com/weather.

Baltimore Convention Center

All scientific sessions will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center (BCC). SOT will be utilizing all the space within the Center for the various SOT activities and scientific sessions. With 300,000 square feet of exhibit space, 50 flexible meeting rooms and a 36,000-square-foot ballroom, the BCC is the premier location for conventions, tradeshows, and exhibitions in the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Located in downtown Baltimore between the Inner Harbor and Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the BCC is within walking distance from some of the city’s best shops, sights, restaurants and hotels. It is conveniently connected by skywalk to several major hotels and shopping facilities. The BCC offers its guests a variety of on-site services, including a business service center and eateries. Guests should also visit the two information kiosks run by the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association (located at the Charles Street and Pratt Street lobbies) to buy attractions tickets, make restaurant reservations, or pick up brochures about all there is to see and do around the city. During the meeting, these desks will be open Sunday through Thursday from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. For more information about the BCC, visit their Web site, or call (410) 649-7000.

Map of Balitmore Convention Center

First Aid and Security at the Convention Center

If an emergency should occur while at the Baltimore Convention Center, proceed directly to the nearest white house phone, located throughout the facility, and dial 7055. You will be connected to the Security/Public Safety Office, open 24 hours. From any phone that is not a house phone, dial (410) 649-7055.

The First Aid room is located in the back of Exhibit Hall E. The first aid administrator will be on duty during SOT exhibit and show hours. During non-exhibit hours, please dial 7055 for the Public Safety Office and a first aid administrator will meet you at your location. Please note that in accordance with the State of Maryland and the City of Baltimore regulations, the first aid administrator is not permitted to dispense any medication.

Safety and Security

The possibility of demonstrators is very real given the nature of our conference. Events of this nature range from verbal confrontations, protests, strikes, to riots. We recommend the following procedures in the event of demonstrations:

• Have your name badge available upon entering the Convention Center. Wear your name badge in the Convention Center. When leaving the facility, remove it so as to blend with other people.
• If you see a demonstration or protest beginning, please contact any member of the SOT Annual Meeting staff and they will initiate an SOT response. If you see actions that appear threatening, notify the nearest security officer.
• Do not engage, defend either side, or subdue person(s) in any type of disturbance. Demonstrators are usually trying to attract media attention. Don’t help them!
• SOT representatives will respond to media inquires. Do not participate in interviews or other media responses.
• In the unlikely event that outsiders disrupt a scientific session or other event, SOT security officials have developed a contingency plan. Please follow directions from the chairperson and avoid becoming involved in the situation.

Safety Tips

Walk "smart" when you leave the Convention Center:

• Know your destination and the best way to reach it.
• Travel along sidewalks in lighted areas at night, and don’t walk alone.
• Establish a “buddy” system with another delegate to the convention.
• Share schedules and check up on each other periodically.
• Build your awareness of unknown surroundings by reviewing local information.
• Laptop computers are attractive, easy targets for thieves. Be sure your laptop is in a secure place.
• Jackets with pockets provide a convenient alternative for women to reduce the chance for lost or stolen handbags.

Our first priority is safety. The best way to stay safe is to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid situations where you feel uncomfortable.

Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities

The Baltimore Convention Center and most of the SOT Hotels are accessible to persons with disabilities. If you require special services, please mark the appropriate box on the Registration Form. If you require more information about disabled access, please contact Heidi Prange at SOT Headquarters: (703) 438-3115 ext. 1424 or e-mail: heidi@toxicology.org.

Child Care

Parents who require child care during the SOT convention may make arrangements with Elizabeth Cooney Personnel Agency by calling (410) 323-1700. Your hotel concierge should be able to assist you with further recommendations for child care services.

Although SOT is providing the name of a childcare resource located in Baltimore, SOT does not endorse this company, nor is SOT liable for services provided by it.

Attire

The official attire for the Annual Meeting is business casual. No coat or tie is required! We encourage you to bring comfortable clothing and shoes. Because meeting rooms may seem cold, please bring a sweater or jacket and/or dress in layers.

Badges

Annual Meeting attendees who have registered before February 20, 2009, will receive badges and registration materials in the mail. If you already have your 2009 Annual Meeting badge you do not need to wait in a registration line. If you have registered and have NOT received your badge by mail or need a replacement badge, go to the “Badge Pick Up Only” registration counter to pick up your badge.

If you have not registered for the meeting, please complete the on-site registration form found at the kiosks in the registration area and proceed to the appropriate registration line.

Business Center—ABC Imaging

ABC Imaging is a full-service business center offering FedEx, DHL, or UPS shipping, PC rentals, Internet access, Cellular Phone leasing, common office supplies, and a place to copy, fax, scan, and print business materials. You may also e-mail your files before arrival and have your documents ready for you at the start of the show. The Business Center is located on Level Three adjacent to the Pratt Street Lobby, across from Rooms 330–335. Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. Telephone: (410) 649-7194, or dial the last four digits from any white house phone within the center. Incoming fax number: (410) 649-7196 ($2.00 per page). E-mail: dspriggs@abcimaging.com.

Media Support Services

The Society of Toxicology welcomes accredited representatives of Media Organizations. Journalist may receive complimentary credentials for all meeting sessions, as well as a complete media kit, by contacting Martha Lindauer, Media Contact at SOT Headquarters (703) 438-3115 or e-mail: martha@toxicology.org. On-site, media kits can be picked up at the SOT Headquarters Office, located in Room 332, Level 300, in the Baltimore Convention Center.

Social Events

The SOT Annual Meeting hosts several social events for student and postdoctoral fellows. For a full listing of events please visit the Social Events section of the Annual Meeting Web site.

Receipt of the Program and The Toxicologist

1. SOT Members in the U.S. and Canada will receive the printed Program and The Toxicologist on CD ROM (with Itinerary Planner) prior to the meeting, as will U.S. and Canadian non-members who pre-register by January 30, 2009.
2. Non-members in the U.S. who register after January 30 will receive the Program and The Toxicologist on CD ROM (with Itinerary Planner) at the registration area on-site.
3. In 2009, registrants will receive the Annual Meeting abstracts in The Toxicologist on CD-ROM as part of the Annual Meeting registration fee. Annual Meeting attendees may purchase a printed version of The Toxicologist 2009 for $20 per copy. You may preorder on the registration form and pick up a copy on-site or wait to purchase a copy on-site (available until supplies last). The Toxicologist will be available for download (February 2009) free of charge.
4. The Annual Meeting Itinerary Planner is available on the SOT Web site January–April.
5. There will be computer kiosks set up in the Exhibit Hall to search The Toxicologist on CD ROM at the Annual Meeting.

Annual Meeting Sponsorship

Meeting Sponsorship

The Society would like to invite your organization to be a sponsor of the 2009 Annual Meeting. SOT appreciates the generous contributions of sponsors that make the SOT Annual Meeting possible. Sponsor names are prominently displayed on the Annual Meeting Web site, as well as in print materials that are distributed before and during the Annual Meeting. Sponsorship is recognized through signage displayed around the Convention Center during the Annual Meeting. There are four levels of sponsorship available: Diamond ($10,000 or more), Platinum ($5,000–$9,999), Gold ($2,500–$4,999), and Silver ($1,000–$2,499).

For detailed information about SOT sponsor and promotional opportunities, please contact Marcia Lawson at (703) 438-3115 or send an e-mail to marcia@toxicology.org.

ToxExposure Sponsorship

The goal of ToxExpo's management team is to make sure that you make the most of your presence at the exhibition. ToxExpo™ is the largest event of its kind and being part of the show is only half of the solution. Marketing plans need to be well-thought out with a strategy that includes pre- and post- show promotions for you to reach your return on investment and drive attendees out of the aisles and into your booth.

You will find an entire menu of sponsorship opportunities designed to assist your organization in establishing a leadership position in the 2009 exhibition.

Be sure to read the entire contents of this section and please feel free to contact Liz Kasabian at (703) 438-3115 or send an e-mail to liz@toxicology.org to help you get the most out of your marketing dollars.

Career Resource and Development Services

The Society is committed to providing SOT members with a unique and effective way to locate a position that matches your skills and training. To help you reach this objective, the Society provides the Career Resource and Development (CRAD) on-line Job Bank and on-site Job Bank Center. These services are offered free of charge to all SOT members.

SOT’s on-line job bank makes it easy for candidates and employers alike to access the Career Resource and Development Service. Registrations are continuously processed and valid for six months. Once registered, candidates may search the listing of available jobs and employers may browse candidate profiles. During the registration period, users can update their listings or search the database as often as they wish. Communication with a desired employer or candidate can even be made via e-mail messages created within the system.

The Career Resource and Development Center is an important part of the Annual Meeting, providing a coordinated service for information regarding career opportunities and qualified candidates. Please do your job and candidate searches before you arrive at the meeting. Access to the SOT Job Bank in the Center will be limited to the availability of 3–4 computers at the meeting. Employers and candidates will have access to computers, but computer use will be restricted to short searches for updates or new information.

Although pre-registration is encouraged, registrations will be accepted at the Annual Meeting. All users with current registrations at the time of the Annual Meeting will be permitted to use the service.

For additional information contact Kristy Rand at SOT Headquarters (703) 438-3115 or e-mail: kristy@toxicology.org.

Lunch with an Expert

Date and time varies by group (Meet at Bulletin Board in Registration Area)

This event is an informal gathering of a small group of students and a Toxicology Expert. Sign up via the Student Services section of the SOT Web site. The groups are matched by research interests and the Expert for each group identifies a time and place to assemble. Details for the group meeting will be sent advance of meeting.

Food Services

Coffee Breaks
The exhibiting companies are pleased to sponsor complimentary coffee in the Exhibit Hall between 9:15 AM–10:15 AM, Monday through Wednesday. See Exhibit Hall signage for locations.

Concessions
Concession stands are available in the Exhibit Hall Monday 9:15 AM–2:30 PM, and Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30 AM–2:30 PM. Breakfast and lunch items will be available, as well as coffee, soda, bottled water, and snacks for purchase.

Internet Access

SOT knows the importance of staying connected to your daily activities while attending the Annual Meeting and provides you several ways to access the Internet.

Computers Available at the Convention Center
SOT will provide computers you can use to access the Internet.

"Hot Zone" Wireless Access
"Hot Zone" designated areas in the Exhibit Hall will be clearly marked for laptop and handheld users to access the Internet via the Wi-Fi network at the Convention Center.

Internet E-mail Center
The SOT Annual Meeting E-mail Center is provided to help you stay connected to your colleagues during the Annual Meeting. SOT members, 2009 Annual Meeting attendees including exhibitors, and CRAD Job Bank registrants can access the E-mail Center on the SOT Web site to send and receive e-mail messages before, during, and after the 2009 Annual Meeting—just like a standard e-mail application. The difference? The E-mail Center gives you a unique mailbox without having to provide your personal e-mail address to correspondents.

The service will send you an e-mail alert when you receive a message. Use the communication preference to forward your incoming messages to your standard e-mail address or PDA.

Available 24/7, access to the E-mail Center is available any time of day and from any computer with an Internet connection, before, during and after the 2009 Annual Meeting. Simply visit the SOT Web site and follow the E-mail Center link from the homepage.

To log into your mailbox, use your e-mail address and password or Annual Meeting badge number. If you don’t know your login, you can use the SOT password retrieval request from the login on the SOT Web site or ask the Annual Meeting registration staff or E-mail Center attendant for assistance.

Job Bank users will have the option to send messages to the Annual Meeting E-mail Center mailboxes. E-mail Center users will have the option to send messages to Job Bank registrant mailboxes by name or position number or resume number.

Additionally, the E-mail Center provides extended communication permitting members and CRAD registrants who do not attend the meeting to communicate with attendees. Even colleagues and family members can e-mail messages into the Center.

Lost and Found

Lost and found articles may be taken to the SOT Headquarters Office, Room 332, Level 300, in the Baltimore Convention Center. Any items left in the SOT Headquarters Office after 11:30 AM, Thursday, March 19 will be deposited in the Security Office at the Convention Center.

Luggage/Coat Check

For your convenience, a luggage/coat check will be available in the Baltimore Convention Center, located on Level 300 in the Pratt Street Lobby. Laptop computers will not be accepted. The luggage/coat check will be open from Sunday, March 15 through Thursday, March 19. There will be a fee of $2 per item.

Hours of operation:

Sunday	7:00 AM–8:30 PM
Monday	7:00 AM–8:30 PM
Tuesday	7:00 AM–8:00 PM
Wednesday	7:00 AM–8:00 PM
Thursday	7:00 AM–1:00 PM

Luggage/coat check hours are subject to change.

Memorabilia

Shirts, portfolios, and other items customized for SOT are available for sale at the Annual Meeting in the Memorabilia Booth.

Message Boards

The pen is still mighty. Leave a quick note on the message boards. Note pads and push pins will be available to post messages on the message boards.

Photography Policy and Protocols for Attendees

Out of courtesy for the scientific presenters, we appreciate your compliance with the following policies:

• Cell phones and other electronic devices should be set on mute.
• Electronic capture of scientific sessions by any method is prohibited.
• Children under the age of 15 are not allowed in scientific sessions unless consent is given by the session chair.

Session chairs are asked to strictly enforce these policies and individuals who do not comply will be asked to leave the session.

• Photography of poster presentations is prohibited without the specific consent of the presenter(s)/author(s).
• Children under the age of 15 are prohibited from accessing the Exhibit Hall at any time.

If you have any questions regarding these polices, please contact the SOT Headquarter staff at the Registration Desk.

SOT Headquarters Office

The SOT Headquarters Office is located in the Baltimore Convention Center, Room 332 on Level 300.

SOT Headquarters Office hours:

Saturday	4:00 PM–7:00 PM
Sunday	7:00 AM–5:30 PM
Monday	7:00 AM–5:00 PM
Tuesday	7:00 AM–4:00 PM
Wednesday	7:00 AM–4:00 PM
Thursday	7:00 AM–11:30 AM