SOT 2006 General information

Dive into Science at the SOT Annual Meeting in San Diego!

San Diego, California, is the host-city for the Society of Toxicology's 45th Annual Meeting. Scientific Sessions will be held at the San Diego Convention Center during the week of March 5–9, 2006.

The Society of Toxicology (SOT) Annual Meeting is the largest toxicology meeting and exhibition in the world, attracting approximately 6,000 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?

Cutting-Edge Science:

The SOT Annual Meeting provides the most comprehensive coverage of toxicology. More than 2,000 abstracts plus more than 60 scientific sessions present the latest in "cutting-edge" research.

Networking:

The SOT Annual Meeting—toxicology's largest meeting—allows you to network with colleagues and leading scientists from around the world.

New Perspectives:

The SOT Annual Meeting is cost-effective, with low registration fees, inexpensive high-quality continuing education courses, and exposure to the very latest advances in science.

The SOT Exhibition, ToxExpo™ is the profession's largest show and offers one-stop shopping from suppliers. Gain first-hand knowledge about the products and services of participating exhibitors.

Scientific Program Overview

ToxExpo™

More than 6,000 scientist, researchers, business people and educators from around the world attend the SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo™. The majority of the attendees come from the United States and Canada, but ToxExpo™ attracts an International attendance that reflects SOT’s diverse membership. Based on historical data, we project that 55% of the professional toxicologists, pathologists and veterinarians at the San Diego Annual Meeting will not have attended last year’s 2005 Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana. This is a great opportunity to generate new business. Visit www.toxexpo.com for more information on cutting-edge technology, the latest products and services available, and learn who will be exhibiting at ToxExpo™ 2006.

International Invitation to Attend

The Society of Toxicology invites scientists from around the world to attend its Annual Meeting, March 5–9, 2006. 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; Tel: (703) 438-3115, Fax: (703) 438-3113, or E-mail: sothq@toxicology.org.

For additional VISA information contact the 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 45th Annual Meeting? 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 recently updated its policies for Visas. Here are come guidelines to help you through this procedure:

• www.UnitedStatesVisas.gov – A Web site designed with you in mind about current visa policies and procedures.
• 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.
• Additional reviews may be required – this could add an additional 4–6 weeks to the processing time.

We welcome you to our 45^th Annual Meeting Anniversary. Please let us know how we can be of assistance. If you need a letter of invitation for your visa, please download the Invitation Letter.

San Diego, California

San Diego, California, is the host-city for the Society of Toxicology’s 45th Annual Meeting. Scientific Sessions will be held at the San Diego Convention Center during the week of March 5–9, 2006.

California’s second largest city and the United States’ seventh largest, San Diego boasts a citywide population of nearly 1.3 million residents and more than 2.8 million residents countywide. Within its borders of 4,200 sq. miles, San Diego County encompasses 18 incorporated cities and numerous other charming neighborhoods and communities, including downtown’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, Coronado, La Jolla, Del Mar, Carlsbad, Escondido, La Mesa, Hillcrest, Barrio Logan, Chula Vista and more.

Known for it’s near-idyllic climate, 70 miles of pristine beaches and dazzling array of world-class family attractions, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California, San Diego offers a wide variety of things to see and do, appealing to guests from around the world.

Additional Information On-line

San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau http://www.sandiego.org/index.asp

The Official San Diego Guide http://www.live.net/sandiego/san-diego-tours.php

Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities

The San Diego Convention Center and most of the SOT hotels are accessible to persons with special needs. If you require special services, please mark the appropriate box on the Housing Request Form. If you require more information about disabled access, please call SOT Headquarters and ask for Heidi Prange: (703) 438-3115 or E-mail: heidi@toxicology.org.

Climate

San Diego’s sun-sational climate makes it the ultimate year round destination. In March, the average daytime temperature is a pleasant 66°F. The average nighttime temperature is 52°F. The average annual rainfall is less than 10 inches. A jacket or sweater is recommended for daytime and evening. To check today's weather, click here.

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 extra shoes.

Coat Check

For your convenience, a coat check area will be located in the SOT Registration Area of the San Diego Convention Center. There will be a fee of $2.00 per item checked. The coat check will be open from Sunday, March 5, through Thursday, March 9, 2006. It will be operating as follows:

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

Coat check hours are subject to change.

Guest Hospitality Center and Program

The SOT Guest Hospitality Center provides guest participants (non-scientists) with a place to meet and socialize with other guests. Guests must register for the Annual Meeting using the same registration form as the person they are accompanying to visit the Hospitality Center. Guests are welcome to attend the Welcoming Reception, but will not have access to the scientific sessions or the Exhibit Hall. Please remember to wear your badge to all SOT events. In 2006, the Guest Hospitality Center will be located in the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina. To learn more about the city of San Diego visit the San Diego Web site at www.sandiego.org.

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 Lilly Richards, Media Contact at SOT Headquarters (703) 438-3115 or e-mail: lilly@toxicology.org

Social Events

Join us as SOT honors our prestigious award winners at the SOT Awards Presentation. Please refer to the Awards and Fellowships site for complete details and nominating form for next year.

25-Year Member Reception

Have you been a member of the Society of Toxicology for 25 years (or more)? If so, please consider joining your colleagues in celebration and recognition of the scientists who established the Society.

Student/Post-Doctoral Fellow Mixer

All students and post-docs are invited to attend this fun-filled reception. Refreshments will be provided by SOT and sponsors. A cash bar will also be available. Ticket and Meeting Badges are required.

Specialty Section Receptions

Each of the 21 SOT Specialty Sections will hold a meeting/reception during the 2005 SOT Annual Meeting. All current and prospective SOT Specialty Section Members are encouraged to attend. Please check the Program’s Event Calendar for a listing of times for all Specialty Section meetings and receptions.

Regional Chapter Receptions

Many of the SOT Regional Chapters meet during the SOT Annual Meeting. A list of Regional Chapter receptions will be listed in the Program’s Event Calendar.

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 9, 2006.
2. Non-members in the U.S. who register after January 9 will receive the Program and The Toxicologist on CD ROM (with Itinerary Planner) at the registration area on-site.
3. In 2006, 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 2006 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 is available for download free of charge.
4. The Annual Meeting Itinerary Planner is available on the SOT Web site January-March.
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

SOT appreciates the generous contributions of the 2006 Annual Meeting Sponsors. There are five levels of sponsorship available: Diamond (over $10,000), Platinum ($5,000 - $9,999), Gold ($2,500 - $4,999), Silver ($1,000 - $2,499), and Contributor ($500 - $999). For more information about SOT Sponsorship Opportunities or if you are interested in entering the SOT Sponsorship Raffle, contact Libby Jones at (703) 438-3115 or send an e-mail to libby@toxicology.org.

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 2006 exhibition.

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

Career Resource and Development Services (formerly known as the Placement Service)

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 Nichelle Sankey at SOT Headquarters (703) 438-3115 or E-mail:nichelle@toxicology.org.