Accommodations

Participants should make their own arrangements directly with a hotel of their choice as early as possible. Special rates (rates do not include any applicable taxes) have been negotiated with the hotels listed below. The AMS is not responsible for rate changes or for the quality of the accommodations. When making a reservation, participants should state that they are with the AMS Meeting Group. Cancellation and early checkout penalties may apply; be sure to check the policy when you make your reservations. Room rates are based on availability. Participants are encouraged to make reservations early.

Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites, 100 W Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007; 269-343-3333; http://www.radisson.com/kalamazoomi. AMS meeting rate: US\$135 standard room, space available basis, complimentary airport shuttle. The distance to Fetzer Center: 2 miles.

Holiday Inn West, 2747 S. 11th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009; 269-375-6000; http://www.holidayinnkz.com/. AMS meeting rate: US\$119 Fri/Sat, US\$99 other nights, standard room, space available basis, complimentary airport shuttle. The distance to Fetzer Center: 3.5 miles.

Comfort Inn, 739 W Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007; 269-384-2800; http://www.comfortinn.com. AMS meeting rate: US\$104, standard room, space available basis. The distance to Fetzer Center: 1.5 miles.

Baymont Inn & Suites, 2203 S 11th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009; 269-372-7999; http://www.baymontinns.com. AMS meeting rate: US\$55, standard room, space available basis. The distance to Fetzer Center: 3 miles.

Food Service

The Fetzer Center will offer a la carte breakfast and lunch items during the day on Saturday. There will be a variety of hot and cold selections including beverages. Sunday morning, breakfast muffins, coffee, and juices will be available. The Fetzer Center accepts cash only as payment.

The WMU Student Center (Bernhard Center) is a short walk from the Fetzer Center, and offers a variety of dining options, open weekends. Visit http://www.wmich.edu/bernhard for Bernhard Center restaurants and hours of operation.

Further information regarding dining options in Kalamazoo can be found online at http://www. discoverkalamazoo.com/images/diningguide2008.pdf.

Local Information

For further information please consult the websites maintained by Western Michigan University: http://wmich.edu and the department of mathematics at http://www.wmich.edu/math. A detailed printable campus map can be found at: http://maps.pp.wmich.edu/KaMai/ and http://www.wmich.edu/fetzer/location/map_wmu.html.

Other Activities

AMS Book Sale: Stop by the on-site AMS Bookstore--review the newest titles from the AMS, enter the FREE book drawing, enjoy up to 25% off all AMS publications or take home an AMS T-shirt! 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.

Social Event

There will be a reception hosted by the WMU Department of Mathematics, Fetzer Center, Main Lobby, Saturday, October 18, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Parking

The Fetzer Center provides complimentary parking directly adjacent to the building. More information is provided on the Fetzer Center website http://www.wmich.edu/fetzer/location/parking.html.

Registration and Meeting Information

The meeting will be held on the campus of Western Michigan University. All of the activities for the meeting, including registration, invited lectures, special sessions, and book exhibit will take place in the John E. Fetzer Center (Fetzer Center) and Schneider Hall. Lecture rooms will be equipped with a computer projector, overhead projector, screen, blackboards and/or white boards.

The registration desk will be in the Fetzer Center and will be open from noon until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 17, and 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18. Fees are US\$40 for AMS or CMS members, US\$60 for nonmembers; and US\$5 for students/unemployed/emeritus, payable on site by cash, check or credit card.

Travel

Kalamazoo is located midway between Chicago and Detroit, 140 miles from each, 2.5 hours driving time on I-94. Kalamazoo offers commercial transportation by train, bus, and major airline. For information regarding ground transportation visit http://www.azoairport.com/info/ground_transport.html.

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AOZ) is located approximately 10 miles from the campus and is served by the following airlines: Northwest, Comair/Delta Connection, American Eagle, and United Express.

Driving: Strategically located midway between Chicago and Detroit, the Fetzer Center is easily accessible from both I-94 and U.S. 131.

*From I-94 Detroit (east) and Chicago (west)

At Exit #75, turn north onto Oakland Drive, drive 2.7 miles; turn left onto Howard Street, go 1.1 miles; turn right onto West Michigan Avenue. Follow the roundabout to the second turn, which is Rankin, and exit. Go to the stop sign, turn right onto Business Court, then left into the large parking lot, then immediately right into the Fetzer Center parking area, Lot #72F.

*From US 131 (North) Grand Rapids, Muskegon

At Exit #36A, turn east onto Stadium Drive, drive 2.2 miles to Howard Street. Turn left and go 0.6 miles, turn right onto West Michigan Avenue. Follow the roundabout to the second turn, which is Rankin, and exit. Go to the stop sign and turn right onto Business Court, then left into the large parking lot, then immediately right into the Fetzer Center parking area, Lot #72F.

*From M-43 North of Kalamazoo

Follow westbound M-43 through downtown Kalamazoo (Gull Road-Riverview Avenue-East Michigan Avenue- Kalamazoo Avenue-West Main Street) until reaching Solon Street (the fourth traffic light after Kalamazoo Avenue merges with West Main Street and becomes two-way traffic, near Kalamazoo College). Turn left onto Solon and drive south 0.5 miles where Solon turns into Howard Street. At the light turn left onto West Michigan Avenue. Follow the roundabout to the second turn, which is Rankin, and exit. Go to the stop sign and turn right onto Business Court, then left into the large parking lot, then immediately right into the Fetzer Center parking area, Lot #72F.

*From M-43 West of Kalamazoo

Drive easterly past US 131. After 1.9 miles, turn right onto Solon Avenue and drive south 0.5 miles where Solon turns into Howard Street. At the light turn left onto West Michigan Avenue. Follow the roundabout to the second turn, which is Rankin, and exit. Go to the stop sign and turn right onto Business Court, then left into the large parking lot, then immediately right into the Fetzer Center parking area, Lot #72F.

*From Downtown Kalamazoo

Drive westerly on Stadium Drive (Business Route 131). At Howard Street turn right and drive 0.6 miles; at the light turn right onto West Michigan Avenue. Follow the roundabout to the second turn, which is Rankin, and exit. Go to the stop sign and turn right onto Business Court, then left into the large parking lot, then immediately right into the Fetzer Center parking area, Lot #72F.

Car Rental: Avis is the official car rental company for the sectional meeting in Kalamazoo. All rates include unlimited free mileage. Weekend daily rates are available from noon Thursday to Monday at 11:59 p.m. and start at US\$30.00 per day. Rates for this meeting are effective October 10, 2008 - October 27, 2008. 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' age, driver, and credit requirements. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-331-1600 or online at http://www.avis.com. Meeting Avis Discount Number J098887.

Weather

Typical cool but mild autumn weather prevails in October, with average temperatures 42 - 62° Fahrenheit.

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 informationabout 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 web sites above for the most up-to-date information.