Accommodations

Participants should make their own arrangements directly with a hotel of their choice as early as possible. Special rates have been negotiated with the hotels listed below. Rates quoted do not include sales tax of 14.5%. The AMS is not responsible for rate changes or for the quality of theaccommodations. When making a reservation, participants should state that they are with the American Mathematical Society (AMS) Meeting at ETSU group. Cancellation and early checkout policies vary; be sure to check when you make your reservation.

None of these hotels is within walking distance of campus. Limited shuttle service between these hotels and campus will be provided by Eastern Tennessee State University for the meeting days:

Super 8 Motel, 108 Wesley St., Johnson City, TN 37601; phone and fax: 423-282-8818. Modest hotel with refrigerators in rooms; US\$49.99/single, double, triple, or quadruple occupancy. Several restaurants within walking distance. Property is about 3.1 miles from campus. Deadline for reservations is September 16, 2005. Cancellation and early checkout policies vary; be sure to check when you make your reservation.

Howard Johnson/Best Western Johnson City Hotel & Conference Center, 2406 N. Roan St., Johnson City, TN 37601; phone: 432-282-2161, fax: 423-282-2488. Full-service hotel includes pool and hot tub, restaurant and lounge on premises, free high-speed Internet access (free wireless from lobby), exercise room, refrigerators/microwaves in guest rooms; US\$65/single or double includes complimentary hot breakfast buffet. Guest rooms are accessible by exterior entrance or interior courtyard based upon availability; please specify when making your reservation. Property is about 3.5 miles from campus. Deadline for reservations is September 16, 2005. Cancellation and early checkout policies vary; be sure to check when you make your reservation.

Days Inn, 2312 Browns Mill Rd., Johnson City, TN 37604; phone: 423-282-2211, fax: 423-282-6111. Modest hotel with pool, refrigerators in rooms, and complimentary continental breakfast. US\$46.99/single or double. Property is about 2.6 miles from campus. Cancellation and early checkout policies vary; be sure to check when you make your reservation.

See the webpage maintained by the local organizers at http://www.etsu.edu/math/ams/AMS-Meeting.htm for other hotel suggestions.

Food Service

There are several restaurants within walking distance; a list will be available at the meeting. In addition the Culp Center hosts Quiznos, Chick-Fil-A, Burger King, and an all-you-can-eat buffet for US\$6.50.

Local Information and Maps

The university's homepage is http://www.etsu.edu/. The Department of Mathematics is at http://www.etsu. edu/math/math.htm. Campus and area maps can be found at http://www.etsu.edu/etsu/visitors.asp.

Other Activities

Book Sales: Examine the newest titles from the AMS! Many of the AMS books will be available at a special 50% discount available only at the meeting. Complimentary coffee will be served courtesy of AMS Membership Services.

AMS Editorial Activity: An acquisitions editor from the AMS book program will be present to speak with prospective authors. If you have a book project that you would like to discuss with the AMS, please stop by the book exhibit.

Parking

Free parking is available across the street from Rogers-Stout Hall.

Registration and Meeting Information

The meeting is at East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee. Sessions and Invited Addresses will take place in Rogers-Stout Hall.

The registration desk will be in Rogers-Stout Hall and will be open Saturday, October 15, 7:30 a.m.­4:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 16, 8:00 a.m.­noon. Fees are US\$40 for AMS or CMS members; US\$60 for nonmembers; and US\$5 for students, unemployed mathematicians, and emeritus members. Fees are payable on site by cash, check, or credit card.

Travel

The official airline for the meetings is Delta Airlines. Take advantage of Delta's new SimpliFares™ and enjoy the
following benefits:

* No Saturday-night stay required--more flexibility

* Always affordable--realize up to 50% savings on everyday fares in the contiguous forty-eight states

* Lower change fees--reduced from \$100 to \$50 to change travel plans

* Just eight fares--less guessing and easier planning

To make immediate reservations call Delta Air Lines at 800-221-1212. Be sure to reference US738367060 or visit http://www.delta.com and enter SkyBonus account number US738367060 in your passenger information screen to be recognized as a participant of the AMS Meeting. Your benefits include:

* No service fees

* 1,000 SkyMile bonus points

* Skip the airport lines; check in online

Airline service is provided by Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) in nearby Blountville, TN, about 20 miles from Johnson City. Taxi fare to campus is about US\$30; there is no shuttle service.

There is also Greyhound Bus Line service at the Johnson City bus station.

Car Rental

Avis is the official car rental company for the sectional meeting in Johnson City, Tennessee. All rates include unlimited free mileage. Weekend daily rates are available from noon Thursday­Monday at 11:59 P.M. Rates for this meeting are effective October 8, 2005­October 23, 2005, and begin at US\$26/day (weekend rate). Should a lower qualifying rate become available at the time of booking, Avis is pleased to offer a 5% discount off the lower qualifying rate or the meeting rate, whichever is lowest. Rates do not include any state or local surcharges, tax, optional coverages, or gas refueling charges. Renters must meet Avis's age, driver, and credit requirements. Reservations can be made by calling 800-331-1600 or online at http://www.avis.com. Meeting Avis Discount Number B159266.

Driving Directions. See the excellent map at http://www.etsu.edu/etsu/files/MAPtoETSU.pdf.

Special Travel Information for International Participants. Visa regulations are continually changing for
travel to the United States. Visa applications may take from three to four months to process and require a personal interview, as well as specific personal information. International participants should view the important information about traveling to the U.S. found at http://www7.nationalacademies.org/visas/Traveling_to_US.html and http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html. If you need a preliminary conference invitation in order to secure a visa, please send your request to dls@ams.org.

If you discover you do need a visa, the National Academies website (see above) provides these tips for
successful visa applications:

* Visa applicants are expected to provide evidence that they are intending to return to their country of residence. Therefore, applicants should provide proof of "binding" or sufficient ties to their home country or permanent
residence abroad. This may include documentation of the following:

* family ties in home country or country of legal permanent residence,

* property ownership,

bank accounts,

* employment contract or statement from employer stating that the position will continue when the employee returns.

* Visa applications are more likely to be successful if done in a visitor's home country than in a third country;

* Applicants should present their entire trip itinerary, including travel to any countries other than the United States, at the time of their visa application.

* Include a letter of invitation from the meeting organizer or the U.S. host, specifying the subject, location and dates of the activity, and how travel and local expenses will be covered.

* If travel plans will depend on early approval of the visa application, specify this at the time of the application.

* Provide proof of professional scientific and/or educational status (students should provide a university transcript).

This list is not to be considered complete. Please visit the websites above for the most up-to-date information.

Weather

During October the average high and low temperatures are 69°F and 45°F, respectively.