To attend the SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo, you’ll likely need a B-1 Business Visitor Visa. This visa is for individuals visiting the US for business activities such as meetings, conferences, consultations, and negotiations.
Travel
San Diego Convention Center
111 West Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
The SOT 65th Annual Meeting and ToxExpo is taking place in the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California.
Ample parking is available at the San Diego Convention Center and in downtown San Diego for an hourly/daily fee. For more information about parking options and rates, visit the San Diego Convention Center website.
Air Transportation
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
The closest airport to all local attractions, San Diego International Airport (SAN) is four miles from downtown San Diego, where the Convention Center is located. SAN is home to 23 airlines, with more than 500 daily flights and nonstop service to 80 markets.
Preferred-Carrier Airfare Discounts
SOT has established discounted rates through United Airlines and Delta Airlines on select routes to San Diego. To acquire these discounts, use the instructions and codes on this web page.
Telephone: 800.426.1122 | www.united.com
SOT Discount Code: ZR85
Agreement Code: 173599
Book online via the United Airlines website and use the combined Z code and Agreement Code (ZR85173599) to receive a discount of up to 10%. The discount is valid for travel from March 19, 2026, through March 27, 2026. Attendees coming from outside the US should call their professional travel agency or book online via the United Airlines website. If you are booking through a travel professional, provide them with the Z and Agreement Codes.
Telephone: 800.328.1111
www.delta.com
SOT Meeting Event Code: NY426
Book online via the Delta website and use the offer code NY426 to receive a discount. The discount is valid for travel from March 19, 2026, through March 27, 2026. Discounts applicable to US/Canada-originating Delta Meeting Network passengers.
SOT Travel Provider—ATC Travel Management
ATC Travel Management is the official travel management firm for the SOT 65th Annual Meeting and ToxExpo.
- Telephone: 800.458.9383
- Website: ATC Travel Management
- Email: reservations@atcmeetings.com
- Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (ET)
Please note that depending on your reservation method, ATC Travel Management charges a $33 online service fee or a live agent reservation fee.
Before contacting ATC Travel Management, please gather the following information:
- Your name as it appears on your ID and your date of birth
- The desired dates of arrival to and departure from San Diego
- Your home city or originating airport
- Your approximate time of departure from the originating airport
- The number of persons traveling (adults/children)
- Your payment method—either credit card or check
- Your airline frequent flyer number(s)
To obtain the maximum discounted fares, call at least 60 days before departure and identify yourself as an SOT meeting attendee. ATC Travel Management will find the best fare for you and email you an itinerary.
Ground Transportation from the Airport and around Town
Car Rental
All car rental pick-ups and drop-offs for rental car companies serving San Diego International Airport occur at the Consolidated Rental Car Center. Free, 24/7 dedicated shuttle buses ferry customers between the airport terminals and the Rental Car Center. A list of car rental agencies and phone numbers can be found on the San Diego International Airport website.
Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Bus Service
Operating seven days a week, every 15 minutes for most of the day, Bus Route 992 offers curbside drop-off/pick-up service right outside baggage claim in both terminals at the San Diego International Airport. The one-way fare is just $2.50 ($1.25 for Seniors, Disabled, Medicare Recipients, and Youth). There are also ticket machines at the airport near Information Centers and at the Santa Fe Depot and America Plaza Trolley stations. For maps and bus schedules, visit the Metropolitan Transit System website.
Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Trolley
MTS San Diego Trolley is San Diego’s light rail transit network. The Trolley lines serve many popular areas and attractions, including downtown and the Convention Center. There are two ways to reach the trolley from the San Diego Airport. There are a total of four trolley lines (UC San Diego Blue, Orange, Sycuan Green, and SDG&E Silver) that run on average every 15 minutes—every seven minutes during peak and 30 minutes during off-peak hours. More information on the MTS schedule, fares, and rider information can be found on the Metropolitan Transit System website.
Taxis and Ride Shares
Taxicab stands are located at the airport, most hotels, attractions, and shopping centers. Base fare and rates are displayed on the meter and include a flag-drop charge plus a per-mile and/or a per-hour charge. Find more details on taxicab services on the San Diego International Airport website.
Several companies offer rideshare services in San Diego, and travelers can be dropped off curbside at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at the San Diego International Airport. For more information on rideshares to the airport, please visit San Diego International Airport website.
Securing a Visa
Business travelers who are citizens of participating countries may be eligible to visit the United States without a visa through the Visa Waiver Program.
If you do not qualify for a visa waiver, you will need to take the following steps to secure a visa for travel to the SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo. If you need a letter of invitation or other proof of participation in the SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo, please send an email to the SOT Registration Team.
-
1. Determine the Visa Type
-
2. Complete the DS-160 Form
Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160):
- Print the confirmation page with the barcode. You will need this document as you proceed through the visa process.
-
3. Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the non-refundable visa application fee, which is typically $185. Payment instructions will vary by country, so check the website of the US Embassy or Consulate where you are applying.
-
4. Schedule an Interview
- Schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in your country.
- You will need the DS-160 confirmation page number to book your appointment.
-
5. Gather Required Documentation
Prepare the following documents for your interview:
- A valid passport with at least six months validity beyond your intended stay in the United States
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Receipt of visa application fee payment
- A 2x2 inch (51x51 mm) photograph that meets the US visa photo requirements
- A letter from your employer detailing your trip’s purpose, your role in the company, and the business activities in which you will engage. SOT also can provide this letter upon request; contact the SOT Registration Team to have a letter emailed to you.
- Evidence of ties to your home country, such as a return flight ticket, proof of employment, family ties, property ownership, etc.
-
6. Attend the Visa Interview
- Arrive at the US Embassy or Consulate on the day of your interview.
- Bring all required documentation.
- Be prepared to answer questions about your trip, your job, and your ties to your home country.
-
7. Wait for Visa Processing
- After the interview, your visa application will undergo administrative processing, which can take a few days to a few weeks.
- If your visa is approved, it will be stamped in your passport, and you will be notified when you can collect it.
Additional Tips
For more detailed information, visit the US Department of State’s visa web page and the website of the US Embassy or Consulate where you will apply.
Plan Ahead
Visa processing times can vary, so start the application process well in advance of your planned travel date.
Check Your Embassy Requirements
Some US embassies may have additional requirements or procedures, so review the specific instructions for your local US Embassy or Consulate.