Skip to Main Content

AMS Sectional Meeting Registration/Housing/Etc. Information



Program |  Deadlines |  Inquiries: meet@ams.org

2012 Spring Eastern Sectional Meeting
George Washington University, Washington, DC
March 17-18, 2012 (Saturday - Sunday)
Meeting #1080

Associate secretaries:

Steven H Weintraub, AMS shw2@lehigh.edu


Accommodations

Participants should make their own arrangements directly with the hotel of their choice. Special discounted rates were negotiated with the hotels listed below. Rates quoted do not include the District of Columbia hotel tax (14.5%). Participants must state that they are with the American Mathematical Society (AMS) Meeting at George Washington University to receive the discounted rate. The AMS is not responsible for rate changes or for the quality of the accommodations. Hotels have varying cancellation and early checkout penalties; be sure to ask for details.

Washington Suites Georgetown/Avenue Suites,* 2500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037; 202-333-8060; 877-736-2500 (toll free); http://www.washingtonsuitesgeorgetown.com. Rates are US\$149 per night for single/double occupancy. This is an all suite property. Amenities include complimentary continental breakfast each morning; fully equipped kitchen with full sized appliances; limited valet parking available for US\$34 + tax per night; and free wired and wireless Internet in guest rooms. This hotel is pet friendly. This property is located approximately .55 miles from the campus. Cancellation and early check-out policies vary; be sure to check when you make your reservation. *Please note that this property has been renovated and will be renamed "Avenue Suites" in January 2012. The deadline for reservations at this rate is February 7, 2012.

George Washington University Inn, 824 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20037; 800-426-4455 (toll free); 202-337-6620 (reservations department); http://www.gwuinn.com. Rates are US\$149 per night for a standard king, single occupancy, and US\$20 for each additional guest. Amenities include complimentary access to Bally's Total Fitness; complimentary shoeshine service; most rooms have kitchenettes (please request this feature if desired); secure underground valet parking available for US\$30 + tax per day; five-minute walk to Foggy Bottom Metro stop; "Notti Bianchi Restaurant" located on property; and free in-room wired and wireless Internet. This property is located approximately .34 miles from the campus. Cancellation and early check-out policies vary; be sure to check when you make your reservation. The deadline for reservations at this rate is February 7, 2012.

One Washington Circle Hotel, One Washington Circle NW, Washington DC, 20037; 202-872-1680; 800-424-9671 (toll free); http://www.thecirclehotel.com. Rates are US\$149 per night for single/double occupancy. Amenities include fitness center, "Circle Bistro and Lounge" restaurant on property, and free wired and wireless Internet in guest rooms. This property is located approximately one mile from the campus. Cancellation and early check-out policies vary; be sure to check when you make your reservation. The deadline for reservations at this rate is February 7, 2012.

Residence Inn by Marriott Arlington Courthouse, 1401 N. Adams St, Arlington, VA 22201; 703-312-2100; http://www.marriott.com/wasca. The group code for online reservations is AMSAMSA. Rates are US\$129 per night for single occupancy. This is an all suite property. Amenities include complimentary hot "Home Touch" breakfast each morning; fully equipped kitchen; indoor pool; on-site fitness room; limited on-site parking for US\$14 + tax per night; and free wired and wireless Internet in guest rooms. This hotel is pet friendly. This property is located approximately 3.4 miles from the campus or two metro stops away. The Courthouse metro stop is less than a block away. Cancellation and early check-out policies vary; be sure to check when you make your reservation. The deadline for reservations at this rate is February 21, 2012.

The River Inn, 924 Twenty-Fifth street NW, Washington, DC 20037; 202-337-7600; 888-874-0100 (toll free); http://www.theriverinn.com. Rates are US\$149 per night for single/double occupancy for a corporate suite with a queen bed. There is a US\$20 per person charge for additional guests and there is an upgrade to a one bedroom suite available for an additional US\$35 per night. This is an all suite property. Amenities include a fully equipped kitchen; excercise facility; on-site restaurant ";DISH + drinks"; limited valet parking is available for US\$34 + tax per night; complimentary two-hour bike rentals; and free wired and wireless Internet in guest rooms. This property is located approximately one mile from the campus. Cancellation and early check-out policies vary; be sure to check when you make your reservation. The deadline for reservations at this rate is February 7, 2012.

Food Services

On Campus: Campus facilities will be closed during the weekend of the meeting for Spring Break.

Off Campus: There are many dining choices for casual dining and "grab and go" options convenient to campus. The Shops at 2000 Penn afford several choices just a short distance from the meeting:

Au Bon Pain, 202-887-9215; offering sandwiches, soups, salads, and entrees.

Bertucci's, 202-296-2600; offering Italian cuisine.

Con-E-Island, 202-822-8460; offering ice cream, frozen yogurt, and fresh baked goods.

Johnny Rockets, 202-822-1260; offering hamburgers, sandwiches, and shakes.

Kinkeads, 202-296-7700; not open for lunch on the weekends, dinner only; an American brasserie.

The Perfect Pita, 202-293-7482; closed on Sunday; offering soups, salads, and sandwiches with a Mediterranean American flair.

Wasabi to Go, 202-822-0648; closed on Sunday; offering sushi and Japanese cuisine.

Please visit http://www.gwu.edu/explore/ visitingcampus/lodgingdining#fbd, for more casual and fine dining options in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood.

Registration and Meeting Information

Registration and the AMS book exhibit will be located in Monroe Hall, on the second floor. Special Sessions will be held in Monroe Hall, Funger Hall, Duques Hall, and the Hall of Government. The Einstein Lecture will be held in Funger 108 (McCrea Auditorium) with additional seating available in Funger 103 (Dworetzky Auditorium). Please refer to the campus map at http://www.gwu.edu/staticfile/GW/Campus%20Information/ Campus%20Maps/gw_campus-map_2011.pdf for specific locations. The registration desk will be open on Saturday, March 17, 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., and Sunday, March 18, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Fees are US\$52 for AMS members, US\$72 for nonmembers; and US\$5 for students, unemployed mathematicians, and emeritus members. Fees are payable on-site via cash, check, or credit card; advance registration is not available.

AMS Einstein Public Lecture in Mathematics

The Einstein Public Lecture will be given by Gunther Uhlmann, University of California, Irvine, and University of Washington. The title of his talk is Cloaking: Science meets science-fiction. The lecture will be given on Saturday, March 17, at 5:00 p.m., in Funger Hall in the McCrea Auditorium (Funger 108).

A reception hosted by the Department of Mathematics and the AMS will take place between 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the lobby of Funger Hall outside the auditoriums. The AMS thanks our hosts for their gracious hospitality.

Other Activities

Book Sales: Stop by the on-site AMS bookstore and review the newest titles from the AMS, 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.

Local Information and Maps

This meeting will take place on the Foggy Bottom Campus of George Washington University. A campus map can be found at http://www.gwu.edu/staticfile/GW/Campus%20Information/Campus%20Maps/gw_campus-map_2011.pdf. Information about the GWU Department of Mathematics may be found at http://www.gwu.edu/~math/. Please watch this page for additional information on this meeting. Please visit the George Washington University website at www.gwu.edu for additional information on the campus.

Parking

Both the Academic Center Garage (marked 30 on the campus map) and the Marvin Center (marked 22 on the campus map) offer parking for meeting participants. The rates at the time of publication were weekdays US\$9 for up to one hour and US\$15 for up to two hours, with a daily maximum rate of US\$19. There is an evening maximum rate of US\$9 and a weekend daily maximum rate of US\$11.

Travel

GWU is approximately a nine-minute drive from Ronald Regan Washington National Airport (DCA), approximately a 35-minute drive from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and 60-minute drive from Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). To view several other airport options please reference the George Washington University website at http://www.gwu.edu/explore/visitingcampus/gettingtoarounddc

By Air: Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in suburban Virginia is the closest and most convenient airport to the university. From the airport, you can use the Metrorail train to the Foggy Bottom GWU Metro Stop or take a taxi directly to the Foggy Bottom Campus. To access the Metrorail Station from Terminal B and C use the pedestrian bridges that lead directly to the station; to access the station from Terminal A board any “Airport Shuttle” bus from outside the terminal and travel to the station. Metrorail passes may be purchased in machines located at the station and fares range between US\$1.60 and US\$2.55 one way. Taxicab stands are located near the Arrivals (Baggage Claim) exits of each terminal and no advanced reservations are required. Taxi fares can be estimated at between US\$11-US\$15one way. There is also a US\$2.50 airport fee payable in addition to the taxi fare.

Dulles International Airport (IAD) is more distant in the Virginia suburbs. You may use a taxi or use the Washington Flyer shuttles to get into the city. Washington Flyer Coach Service will take you non-stop to Metrorail's West Falls Church Station for US\$10 one-way or US\$18 round-trip. Tickets for the Flyer Coach can be purchased at the ticket counter located inside the vestibule of Door 4 on the arrivals level of the main terminal. The Metrorail ride from West Falls Church Station to the Foggy Bottom GWU Metro stop takes approximately 18 minutes and the fare ranges between US\$2.15 and US\$3.60. The exclusive taxicab service serving the airport is Washington Flyer Taxi. No reservations are necessary for leaving the airport, follow the signs for ground transportation to the lower level of the main terminal. To arrange for a reservation to return to the airport call 703-572-8294 at least 8 hours prior to the desired pick-up time to place a reservation. Approximate cab fare could range between US\$50 to US\$65. There is not yet direct rail transport from Dulles to Washington, D.C.

Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI), in Maryland, is the most distant area airport from the campus. To get to the campus, ground transportation options include the Super Shuttle, and the Amtrak train into Washington, D.C. Super Shuttle reservations can be made via the Web at http://www.supershuttle.com/en/BWIAirport. Super Shuttle counters are located at the lower level baggage claims 1 through 10. To utilize Amtrak service into Washington D.C. from the airport, take a complimentary shuttle from the terminal to BWI Marshall Rail Station. Board the Amtrak train from BWI to Washington's Union Station. The estimated fare is US\$11 one way. To contact Amtrak Passenger Services at Union Station, please call 202-906-3260. To contact the Union Station ticket office, call 202-906-3104.

By Train: The Washington region is served by Amtrak. Reservations can be made at http://www.amtrak.com. If traveling by rail, you will arrive at Union Station, not far from the Capitol. Inside Union Station, you can board Metrorail for a short subway ride to the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro stop.

By Bus: The Washington region is served by Greyhound Lines, reservations can be made at http://www.greyhound.com. Megabus also travels to the DC area; reservations can be made at http://us.megabus.com/. Boltbus also provides service to the DC area; reservations can be made at https://www.boltbus.com/. you will arrive at Union Station, not far from the Capitol. Inside Union Station, you can board Metrorail for a short subway ride to the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro stop.

By Car: From the north, travel on Interstate 95 south to Interstate 495 (Capital Beltway) toward Silver Spring/Northern Virginia. Take exit 33, heading south on Connecticut Avenue for about 9 miles. Turn right onto Florida Avenue (just past the Washington Hilton) and turn left immediately onto 21st Street. Turn right on I Street. The visitor entrance to the parking garage is on the left between 21st and 22nd Streets.

From the northwest, travel on Interstate 270 to Interstate 495 (Capital Beltway) toward Silver Spring. Take exit 33, heading south on Connecticut Avenue for about 9 miles. Follow directions as given in From North.

From the west, Interstate 66 and Route 50 both connect with the Theodore Roosevelt (TR) Bridge. Cross the bridge and exit left at E Street, then again at Virginia Avenue. Bear left, following signs for 23rd Street. Turn right on 23rd Street and continue a few blocks to campus. Turn right on I Street. The visitor entrance to the parking garage is on your right between 22nd and 21st Streets.

From the south, Interstate 95 to Interstate 395 Arlington Memorial Bridge exit. Cross the bridge and bear left at the Lincoln Memorial. Turn left onto 23rd Street, NW, and follow directions as given in From West.

Car Rental: Hertz is the official car rental company for the meeting. To make a reservation accessing our special meeting rates online at www.hertz.com, click on the box "I have a discount", and type in our convention number (CV): 04N30002. You can also call Hertz directly at 800-654-2240 (U.S. and Canada) or 1-405-749-4434 (other countries). At the time of reservation, the meeting rates will be automatically compared to other Hertz rates and you will be quoted the best comparable rate available.

Local Transportation

Taxi Service: Licensed, metered taxis are available throughout Washington, D.C., close-in suburbs, and the airports.

Bus and Subway Service: The Metro bus and rail system serves Washington D.C. and surrounding areas. Metrobus fare for regular routes can range from US\$1.50 to US\$3.85 using cash. Senior/Disabled fare can range from US.75¢ to US\$1.80 on express routes. You must have exact change, drivers do not carry cash.

Metrorail regular fares are in effect on weekdays from opening to 9:30 a.m., 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., and on weekends from midnight to closing. A peak-of-the-peak fee of US.20¢ is added to regular fares weekdays 7:30-9:00 a.m. and 4:30-6:00 p.m. Each rider needs his or her own farecard or pass to ride Metrorail. A pass or farecard cannot be shared with another person. Farecards hold between US\$1.60 and US\$45 and are available at fare vending machines in Metrorail stations, retail outlets and commuter stores. Farecards valued at US\$10-US\$20 can be purchased online in advance. Additional information can be found at http://www.wmata.com/fares/.

If travelling to GWU by the Metro: The Blue and Orange lines stop at Foggy Bottom/GWU Metro station which is located on the GWU campus. Foggy Bottom/GWU Metro station is at the corner of 23rd and I streets, and is marked with a big M on the campus map.

Weather

The average high temperature for March is approximately 56 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low is approximately 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain is common for this time of year. Visitors should be prepared for inclement weather and check weather forecasts in advance of their arrival.

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://sites.nationalacademies.org/pga/biso/visas/ and http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html. If you need a preliminary conference invitation in order to secure a visa, please send your request to mac@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.


Inquiries: meet@ams.org