About San Diego

In addition to year-round sunshine and near-perfect weather, San Diego is home to 70+ miles of sparkling coastline, friendly locals, a vibrant downtown, and an endless assortment of unique neighborhoods to explore. San Diego has something to discover for everyone! From beaches, museums, attractions, parks, recreation, and nightlife to world-class dining, fresh local cuisine (like the famous fish taco), and a thriving craft beer scene, many entertainment options are found just steps from the Convention Center. The SOT Microsite has more information on the area’s attraction, as well as deals for meeting attendees.

Exclusive Rates for San Diego Hotels

Book your hotel anytime through the SOT official housing partner, Connections Housing. You can pick from multiple hotels housing SOT guests, and Connections Housing will be available to assist you with any hotel issues before, during, or after your stay.
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Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities

The San Diego Convention Center and SOT hotels are accessible to persons with disabilities. If you require special services, indicate your needs while registering or by contacting Heidi Breeden (703.438.3115).

To arrange special services, SOT recommends the following providers for language and mobility needs:

  • Alternative Mobility
    619.427.2525 | www.alternativemobility.net | Email
    One of San Diego’s largest selection of power mobility equipment, Alternative Mobility offers wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and more.
  • Deaf Community Services of San Diego, Inc.
    619.398.2441 | www.deafcommunityservices.org
    DCS is committed to providing highly qualified and certified interpreters in San Diego County. Their interpreters provide language access to accommodate every language modality, including American Sign Language (ASL), Tactile, Pro Tactile, Legal, and CART services.
  • Eric’s Medical Supply
    619.298.9640 | www.ericsmedicalsupply.com | Email
    Eric’s Medial Supply offers a variety of top-quality products and services to help with medical needs.

On-Site Services in San Diego

SOT provides a variety of services for attendees during the meeting, including childcare (for an added fee), coat/luggage check (for an added fee), free internet access, nursing mothers’ lounge, and more.

Attire

Business casual—no coat or tie required! Bring comfortable clothing and shoes and dress in layers as meeting rooms sometimes fluctuate in temperature.

Badges and Event Tickets

Per California regulations, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for all on-site attendees. To facilitate the confirmation of proof of vaccination, all badges will be picked up on-site in San Diego. No badges will be mailed in advance of the meeting. Details on how vaccination or medical exemption documentation will be collected and reviewed will be communicated before the meeting. Since all registrants will pick up their badges and event tickets on-site, please allow extra time upon arriving at the San Diego Convention Center to acquire your badge before your first planned activity.

On the right-hand side of the image is a series of vertical signs that read On-Site. People stand intermittently between these signs. On the left is a long lobby space.

Enhanced Participation

As part of the enhanced 2022 SOT meeting experience, registrants who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can attend Scientific Sessions in person in San Diego, and all registrants can watch most of them remotely through livestreams. Individuals on-site and remote also will be able to engage in live question-and-answer discussions during most sessions. In addition, all streamed sessions will be viewable on demand for all registrants upon a session’s conclusion.

Visa Information

Visa Waiver Program

Under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), citizens of certain countries may travel to the United States for stays of 90 days or less without a visa. Anyone traveling under VWP must apply for authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization.

What Type of Visa Is Needed?

Generally, non-US citizens/residents must obtain a nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visa to enter the United States for a temporary visit. Visit the US Department of State website for more information on Visitor Visas.

Visa Wait Times

The US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs provides visa wait times for every US consulate worldwide.

Tips for Visa Applications and Interviews

Start as Soon as Possible

If you are not eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program, you may be required to appear at a US embassy or consulate for an in-person interview prior to visa approval. There may be long wait times to schedule an interview so start the application process as early as possible.

Submit Your Application

Make an appointment to visit your US embassy or consulate. Make sure you ask if there are any fees required. Most fees must be paid before your appointment. Wait times for appointments may be longer than in the past. Schedule the appointment as soon as possible. Information on visa wait times can be found on the US Department of State visa web page.

What to Bring to Your Visa Interview
  • A valid passport. Note: Consular Officers do not need to retain your passport.
  • Online nonimmigrant visa application (Form DS-160) confirmation page
  • Specific and detailed explanations related to your purpose for travel. Example: Copy of your formal invitation letter to attend the SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo. Email the SOT Registration Team to request a letter.
  • Complete travel itineraries and schedules if appropriate. Airline ticket proof-of-purchase is not a required item for documenting your trip itinerary.
  • Proof of an existing relationship with your inviter, SOT, or other US entities. Example: Copy of your SOT meeting registration
  • Explanation of how your visit will be funded
  • Your CV

Where the SOT Meeting Is Registered

The SOT 61st Annual Meeting will be registered with the National Academies International Visitors Office in October 2021. If you have any problems regarding your visa applications, please report your case to them by completing their online questionnaire. To help them identify your case, please include the name of the meeting (Society of Toxicology 61st Annual Meeting) in the “Purpose of Visit” field on the questionnaire. The International Visitors Office can submit inquiries to the US Department of State about the status of visa applications that have been pending for 21 days or more. If you have any questions, please contact the National Academies International Visitors Office.

Requesting Formal Invitation Letter

If you need a formal invitation letter for visa purposes, you may request an invitation by sending your name, address, and other contact information to the SOT Registration Department. If you have been accepted as a meeting presenter, please include the title and date of your presentation. You will need to make your own hotel reservations and register for the meeting.