AMS Sectional Meeting Registration/Housing/Etc. Information
Spring Eastern Meeting
Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
March 7-8, 2015 (Saturday - Sunday)
Meeting #1107
Associate secretaries:
***ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED***
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Picture courtesy of Georgetown University
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 Georgetown 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.
Georgetown University Hotel and Conference Center, 3800 Reservoir Road, Washington, DC 20057; 202-687-3200 or 888-902-1606 (toll free); www.acc-guhotelandconferencecenter.com/ Rates are US\$139 per night for single/double occupancy. Amenities include complimentary daily newspaper; 24 hour guest parking with in and out priviliages available for US\$25 inclusive of tax, per night; and wireless Internet available in guest rooms for a fee of US\$9.95 per day. This property is located within a short walking distance from Regents Hall. Cancellation and early check-out policies vary and penalties exist at this property; be sure to check when you make your reservation. The deadline for reservations at this rate is February 6, 2015.
Melrose Georgetown Hotel 2430 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037; 202-955-6400; www.melrosehoteldc.com/. Rates are US\$179 per night for a single or double occupancy deluxe room. Amenities include complimentary access to fitness center; complimentary tea and coffee service in lobby daily each morning; business center on-site; parking available for US\$48 inclusive of tax per day; Jardenea restaurant and lounge located on property, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner; 24 hour room service; and wired and wireless Internet available in guest rooms for a fee, ranging between US\$4.95 and US\$9.95. This property is located approximately 1.28 miles driving distance and 33 minutes walking distance from the campus. Cancellation and early check-out policies vary and penalties exist at this property; be sure to check when you make your reservation. The deadline for reservations at this rate is February 6, 2015.
The Fairfax at Embassy Row, 2100 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; 202-293-2100; www.fairfaxhoteldc.com/. Rates are US\$149 per night for a single or double occupancy room. Amenities include two restaurants located on property The Capitol Room and the Fairfax Grille and Lounge, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner; room service is available; complimentary access to fitness center; business center on-site; valet parking available for US\$45 + tax per day; and wired and wireless Internet available in guest rooms for a fee of US\$12.95. This property is located approximately 1.28 miles driving distance and 33 minutes walking distance from the campus. Cancellation and early check-out policies vary and penalties exist at this property; be sure to check when you make your reservation. The deadline for reservations at this rate is February 6, 2015.
Washington Marriott Georgetown, 1221 22nd Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20037; 202-872-1500; 800-393-3053 (toll free); www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/waswe-washington-marriott-georgetown/. Rates are US\$169 per night for single/double occupancy in a room with one king or two double beds. Amenities include two restaurants on property the Atrium serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner and the Court Lounge serving lunch,dinner, and cocktails; room service is available; indoor pool; on-site fitness room; full service business center; complimentary wireless Internet in all public spaces; wired and wireless Internet available in in guest rooms for a fee (US\$12.95-US\$16.95); and parking available on-site for self-park US\$36/ valet park US\$40 per day. This property is located approximately 1.74 miles driving distance and 33 minutes walking distance 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 13, 2015.
Renaissance Washington, DC Dupont Circle 1143 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington DC, 20037; 202-775-0800; 888-803-1298 (toll free); www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasrw-renaissance-washington-dc-dupont-circle-hotel/. Rates are US\$159 per night for single/double occupancy. Amenities include fitness center; M Brasserie and Bar restaurant on property serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Illy caffe, an Italian Coffee House, on-site serving coffee, breakfast, and lunch; room service is available; complimentary wireless Internet in all public spaces; wired and wireless Internet available in in guest rooms for a fee (US\$12.95-US\$16.95); and valet parking available on-site for US\$49 per day. This property is located approximately 1.75 miles driving distance, or 40 minutes walking distance 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 13, 2015.
Courtyard Washington, D.C./Foggy Bottom, 515 20th Street NW, Washington, DC 20052; 202-296-5700; www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasfb-courtyard-washington-dc-foggy-bott.com/. Rates are US\$199 per night for single occupancy for a standard room. Amenities include a restaurant on-property Eat.Drink.Connect. serving breakfast and dinner; indoor pool; on-site fitness room; complimentary wired and wireless Internet in guest rooms; and parking available on-site for self-park or valet park for US\$36 per day. This property is located approximately 2.08 miles driving distance and 50 minutes walking distance 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 13, 2015.
Crystal Gateway Marriott, 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA, 22202; 703-920-3230; www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasgw-crystal-gateway-marriott/. Rates are US\$169 per night for single/double occupancy in a room with one king or two double beds. Amenities include three restaurants on property including the Atrium serving dinner, Restaurant Mez serving breakfast and lunch, and Einstein Bros Bagels serving breakfast and lunch; room service is available; indoor pool; on-site fitness room; full service business center; complimentary wireless Internet in all public spaces; wired and wireless Internet available in in guest rooms for a fee (US\$12.95-US\$16.95); and parking available on-site for self-park at US\$27 and valet park at US\$32 per day. This property is located approximately 4.32 miles driving distance and 44 minutes by public transportation 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 13, 2015.
Food Services
On Campus: Please note that the meeting is taking place during the University's spring break recess. Campus dining options may be limited and are subject to change, please watch the web and review the printed program onsite for more complete details .
For those wishing to stay on campus Epicurean and Company offers a buffet, pizza, sandwiches, and sushi. It is located at 3800 Reservoir Road, N.W.
Leavey Center houses many retail dining options. Cosi and Starbucks are located in the North Gallery of Leavey. The South Gallery is home to the Faculty Club, while Center Hall in Leavey Center offers Uncommon Grounds, Vital Vittles, Elevation Burger, and Subway. Additional information on these and other dining options on-campus can be found at studentliving.georgetown.edu/dining/. Hours of operation for these locations may be different than those posted on the Web, as a result of the spring recess.
Off Campus: There are many dining choices for casual dining and “grab and go” options convenient to campus. Restaurants can be located on M. St. which is approximately a 10-15 minute walk from campus. More options can also be found on Wisconsin Ave which is also approximatley a 10 - 15 minute walk from campus.
Information on the more than 140 restaurants located in the Georgetown area can be found at www.georgetowndc.com/.
Registration and Meeting Information
Program Changes
New! Note that Yitang Zhang's talk is cancelled.
Advance registration for this meeting is now closed. If you have already registered, please pick up your badge and program at the on-site registration desk.
100% refunds will be issued for any advance registrations cancelled by Saturday, March 7, 2015. After that date, no refunds will be issued.
Onsite Information and Registration
The registration desk and the AMS book exhibit will be located in Regents Hall. Special Sessions will be held in the Reiss Science Center, the Bunn Intercultural Center (ICC), White-Gravenor Hall (WGH), Healy Hall, and Regents Hall. Invited Addresses and the Einstein Lecture will take place in the Lohrfink Auditorium in the Rafik B. Hariri Building.
The registration desk will be open on Saturday, March 7, 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 8, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Fees are US\$56 for AMS members, US\$78 for nonmembers; and US\$5 for students, unemployed mathematicians, and emeritus members. Fees are payable on-site via cash, check, or credit card.
For further information on building locations, a campus map is available at http://maps.georgetown.edu/. NEW! See Conference Poster here.
Special Needs
It is the goal of the AMS to ensure that its conferences are accessible to all, regardless of disability. The AMS will strive, unless it is not practicable, to choose venues that are fully accessible to the physically handicapped.
If special needs accommodations are necessary in order for you to participate in an AMS Sectional Meeting, please communicate your needs in advance to the AMS Meetings Department by:
- Registering early for the meeting
- Checking the appropriate box on the registration form, and
- Sending an email request to the AMS Meetings Department at mmsb@ams.org or meet@ams.org.
AMS Einstein Public Lecture in Mathematics
The Einstein Public Lecture will be given by Simon Tavaré, Cambridge University. The title of his talk is Cancer by the Numbers. The lecture will be given on Saturday, March 7, at 5:00 p.m., in the Lohrfink Auditorium in the Rafik B. Hariri Building. See poster here.
A reception in conjunction with this lecture and hosted by the Department of Mathematics and the AMS will take place in Regents Hall. The AMS thanks our hosts for their gracious hospitality.
Other Activities
Book Sales: Stop by the on-site AMS bookstore to review our newest publications and take advantage of exhibit discounts! AMS members receive 40% off list price. Non- members receive a 25% discount. Not a member? Ask about the benefits of AMS membership. 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 wish to discuss with the AMS, please stop by the book exhibit.
Local Information and Maps
This meeting will take place on the main campus of Georgetown University. An interactive campus map can be found at maps.georgetown.edu/. Information about the Georgetown Department of Mathematics and Statistics can be found at mathstat.georgetown.edu/. Please watch the website available at www.ams.org/meetings/sectional/sectional.html for additional information on this meeting. Please visit the Georgetown University website at www.georgetown.edu/ for additional information on the campus.
Wi-fi will be available for meeting participants via a guest network at the University. Details about accessing this network will be available on-site at the registration desk.
Parking
Free parking will be available on campus in the Southwest Parking Garage, accessible via the Canal Road entrance. The Canal Road entrance to Georgetown University is on Canal Road and there is a traffic light at the intersection of the entrance and Canal Road. After turning into Georgetown University from Canal Road, turn right into the second parking garage entrance, this is the Southwest Parking Garage. After parking, take any elevator up to the first floor. When you exit the elevator, look for campus maps which are near the elevators for directions to Regents Hall or other buildings.
Street parking in the Georgetown area is limited. Metered spaces, payable with credit card or coins, are available on Reservoir Road. Parking on Reservoir Road is typically available on weekends, but not always. Parking spots may also be available on 37th St and Prospect St, within the Georgetown residential neighborhood, but these spots are harder to find. Conference attendees who are driving are encouraged to use the parking garage. Further information on parking at Georgetown University is available at
http://otm.georgetown.edu/index.cfm?fuse=directions.
Travel
Georgetown University’s Main Campus is located at 3700 O St., N.W., Washington D.C., centrally located in the D.C. Metropolitan area, nearby to the White House, Congress, the Supreme Court, and many other D.C. landmarks.
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 Rosslyn or take a taxi directly to the Georgetown University Main Campus. This ride should span approximately 30 minutes. 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\$2.30 and US\$2.90 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 US\$15 one way to campus. There is also a US\$3.00 airport fee payable in addition to the taxi fare.
Dulles International Airport (IAD) is more distant in the Virginia suburbs, and is located approximately 25 miles west of campus. You may use a taxi or use the Washington Flyer shuttles to get into the city. If using a taxi, request to be brought to Georgetown University at 37th and O Streets, N.W., Washington, D.C., a one way trip may cost approximately US\$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. Washington Flyer Coach Service travels nonstop to the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station (Metro Silver Line), approximately every 15 - 20 minutes for US\$5. Tickets for the Dulles International Airport Silver Line Express can be purchased at the ticket counter located inside the vestibule of Door 4 on the Arrivals Level of the Main Terminal. Passengers boarding at Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station can purchase a ticket when they arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport.
Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI), in Maryland, is the most distant area airport, located approximately 40 miles north of campus. To get to the campus ground transportation options include taxi service, Super Shuttle, and the Amtrak train into Washington, D.C. Taxi service may cost as much as US\$95 or more. Super Shuttle reservations can be made via the web at 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 can range between US\$15 to US\$59 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 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 Dupont Circle or Roslyn metro stop.
By Bus: The Washington region is served by Greyhound Lines, reservations can be made at www.greyhound.com. Megabus also travels to the DC area; reservations can be made at 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 Dupont Circle or Roslyn metro stop.
By Car: From Baltimore and points north, follow I-95 South and exit onto 495 West (Capital Beltway). Continue on 495 to George Washington Memorial Parkway. Follow the parkway toward Washington, D.C., and exit onto Key Bridge. Cross Key Bridge and turn left onto M Street. Go through one light and turn right into Georgetown University. Follow signs to visitor parking.
From Richmond and points south, follow I-95 North to 395 to Route 27 (Washington Boulevard.) Once on Route 27, carefully watch for signs that lead you through Rosslyn to the Key Bridge. Follow the signs and cross Key Bridge, then turn left onto M Street. Go through one light and turn right into Georgetown University. Follow signs to visitor parking.
From Pittsburgh and points west, follow the Pennsylvania Turnpike East to Exit 12 (Breezewood.) Follow I-70 South to Frederick, where 270 South begins and continue on 270 South toward Washington, D.C. When 270 South intersects with 495 (Capital Beltway), keep right and follow 495 toward Northern Virginia. Continue on 495 to George Washington Memorial Parkway. Follow the parkway toward Washington and exit onto Key Bridge. Cross Key Bridge and turn left onto M Street. Go through one light and turn right into Georgetown University. Follow signs to visitor parking.
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): 04N30005. 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.
For directions to campus, inquire at your rental car counter for directions to the Key Bridge in Rosslyn. Once you get to the Key Bridge, cross Key Bridge and turn left onto M Street. Go through one light. Turn right into Georgetown University. Follow signs to visitor parking.
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\$1.75 to US\$4.00 using cash. Senior/Disabled fare can range from US.85¢ to US\$2.00 on express routes. You must have exact change, drivers do not carry cash. Metrobus route G2 stops at the Healy Gate (37th and O Streets, N.W.). The G2 bus connects to the Metro subway at the Dupont Circle Metro station (near 20th and Q Streets, N.W.)
Metrorail regular fares vary by time of day and by day of week and by length of journey. Additional information on fares can be found at www.wmata.com/fares/.The Metro offers a SmarTrip® card to purchase multiple fares. It is a permanent, rechargeable farecard which can be purchased online or at any Metrorail station. Fares can also be purchased individually as a standard paper Farecard however, there is a US\$1 surcharge levied. Each rider needs his or her own farecard or pass to ride Metrorail. A pass or farecard cannot be shared with another person.
If travelling to Georgetown by the Metro: the Metro subway stations closest to Georgetown University are Dupont Circle station (at 20th & Q Streets, N.W.) and Rosslyn station (located across the Key Bridge in Rosslyn, Va., with entrances at North Moore Street & Wilson Blvd., and on Fort Myer Drive between 19th Street & Wilson Blvd.).
Another public transportation option in the D.C. area is the D.C. Circulator. Information on the Circulator can be located at http://www.dccirculator.com/. The Circulator operates five routes throughout the city's neighborhoods, with buses running approximately every 10 minutes, at a cost of \$1 per ride. The two most relevant routes to campus are Dupont Circle-Georgetown-Rosslyn and Georgetown-Union Station.
Weather
The average high temperature for March is approximately 56 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low is approximately 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain is common in for this time of year. Visitors should be prepared for inclement weather and check weather forecasts in advance of their arrival.
Social Networking
Attendees and speakers are encouraged to tweet about the meeting using the hashtags #AMSmtg and #AMSHOYA.
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. Inter- national participants should view the important information about traveling to the U.S. found at sites.nationalacademies.org/pga/biso/visas/ and 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