AMS Sectional Meeting Registration/Housing/Etc. Information
Fall Central Sectional Meeting
University of North Texas, Denton, TX
September 9-10, 2017 (Saturday - Sunday)
Meeting #1131
Associate secretaries:
Georgia Benkart, AMS benkart@math.wisc.edu
**Advance Registration is Now Closed**
Image courtesy of University of North Texas
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 Texas state hotel tax (13%) and hotel fees may apply. Participants must state that they are with the American Mathematical Society's (AMS) Fall Central Sectional Meeting 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.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Denton, 1434 Centre Pl Dr, Denton, TX 76205; (940) 383-4100; www.marriott.com/hotels/fact-sheet/travel/dfwsd-springhill-suites-denton/. Book your reservation here. Rates are US\$119 per night for a single occupancy, king room. Amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms; complimentary on-site parking; shuttle service to campus; newspaper and coffee in lobby. Rooms are furnished with a mini-fridge and coffee maker. This property is about a 5 minute drive from 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 5:00 pm CST, August 11, 2017.
Courtyard by Marriott Denton, 2800 Colorado Blvd, Denton, TX 76210; (940) 382-4600; www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-photos/dfwde-courtyard-denton.html. Rates are US\$119 per night for single or double occupancy rooms. Amenities include complimentary on-site parking; 24-hour market stocked and convenient for snacks or meals on the go; free Wi-Fi; courtesy shuttle service to the University of North Texas campus; the latest news, weather and local information via the GoBoard; Bistro-Eat. Drink. Connect., which provides guests with healthy food, beverages, and Starbucks items during the morning breakfast and evening dinner service with cocktails; fitness center; indoor pool; 24-hour business center with boarding pass printing. 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 a reduced rate is by 5:00 pm CST, August 9, 2017.
Best Western Premier Crown Chase Inn & Suites, 2450 Brinker, Denton, Texas 76208; (940) 387-1000; https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotels-in-denton/best-western-premier-crown-chase-inn-suites/propertyCode.44648.html. Rates for king and double queen rooms are US\$119 per night. Amenities include complimentary full breakfast buffet; exercise facilities; wireless internet connection in public areas; hot tub; cocktail lounge with light fare; outdoor pool; mircrowave, coffee maker and mini-frige in rooms.This property is about a 10 minute drive 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 a reduced rate is August 18, 2017.
Comfort Inn, 4050 Mesa Dr, Denton, TX 76207; (940) 320-5150; https://www.choicehotels.com/texas/denton/comfort-inn-hotels/txa96. Rates are US\$79 per night for a single king bed or US\$83 per night for two queen beds. Amenities include free WiFi; indoor heated pool and hot tub; exercise room; business center and guest laundry facilities. This property is about a 15 minute drive from the University of North Texas. 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 Thursday, August 10, 2017.
Days Inn, Denton, 4211 I-35 Frontage Rd, Denton, TX 76207; (940) 600-1527; https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/days-inn/denton-texas/days-inn-denton/overview. Rates are US\$59.99 per night for a room with a single bed or US\$64.99 for a room with double beds; this rate is applicable for single or double occupancy. Amenities include business center; fitness center; free breakfast; free WiFi; laundry services; on-site parking and outdoor pool. This property is located approximately 2 miles from 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 Friday, August 11, 2017.
La Quinta Inn & Suites, 4465 N Interstate 35, Denton, TX 76207; (940) 808-0444; www.laquintadentonuniversitydr.com/. Rates are US\$109 per night for a room with a single king or double queen beds; this rate is applicable for single or double occupancy. Amenities include free Bright Side Breakfast®, a daily assortment of waffles, hot and cold cereals, breads and muffins, fresh fruit, and all-you-can-drink coffee and juice; full business center; indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi-style spa; free Wi-Fi access and free premium cable channels on a flat-screen television. This property is located approximately 2 miles from 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 Friday, August 11, 2017.
Best Western Plus Denton Inn & Suites, 2910 W University Dr, Denton, TX 76201; (940) 591-7726; bestwesterntexas.com/hotels/best-western-plus-denton-inn-and-suites. Rates are US\$85.99 per night for a room with a single king or US\$93.99 per night for a room with double queen beds; this rate is applicable for single or double occupancy. Amenities include exercise facilities; outdoor pool; complimentary full breakfast including scrambled eggs, bagels, assorted pastries, juices and much more from 6:00am to 9:00am; guest laundry; free parking; business center and high-speed Internet access. This property is about a 10 minute drive from 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 Thursday, August 24, 2017.
Homewood Suites by Hilton, 2907 Shoreline Dr, Denton, TX 76201; (940) 382-0420; Book your reservation here. Rates are US\$119 per night for a king stuio suite or king one bedroom suite; this rate is applicable for single or double occupancy. Amenities include free full hot breakfast on weekend days from 7:00am–10:00am; complimentary Wi-Fi; fitness and business centers; outdoor pool and courtyard with sports court and BBQ grills. This property is about a 10 minute drive from 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 Thursday, August 11, 2017.
Fairfield Inn and Suites, 2900 W University Dr, Denton, TX 76201; (940) 384-1700; www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwdn-fairfield-inn-and-suites-denton/. Rates are US\$99 per night for a room with a king bed or double queen beds; this rate is applicable for single or double occupancy. Amenities include free cable TV with HBO; mini-fridge and microwave in every room; LCD TVs in all rooms and complimentary hot breakfast. This property is about a 10 minute drive from 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 Friday, August 25, 2017.
Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Denton, 4485 N Interstate 35, Denton, TX 76207; (940) 808-0600; https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/denton/dtowu/hoteldetail. Rates are US\$119 per night for a room with double queen beds; this rate is applicable for single or double occupancy. Amenities include business center; free high-speed Internet; complimentary Express Start breakfast bar; heated indoor pool; indoor whirlpool; complimentary fitness center and on-site guest self-laundry facilities. This property is about a 10 minute drive from 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 Monday, August 7, 2017.
Food Services
On Campus: The University Union is the place on campus to relax and enjoy a variety of foods that will satisfy any taste and budget. Hours listed below are subject to change.
Located on the first floor of the University Union, The Corner Store serves grab-and-go salads, sandwiches, snacks, and homemade Scrappy's Ice Cream and is open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturdays. Which Wich is located near The Corner Store offering customized fresh-made sandwiches or nutritious Bowlwich salads and is open 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturdays. Jamba Juice is located on the first floor in the Barnes and Noble and offers a wide selection of delicious, nutritious smoothies, freshly squeezed juices, and energy bowls packed with wholesome ingredients on Saturdays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Located on the second floor of the University Union, Burger King serves the famous Whopper, fries, shakes, and assorted breakfast items on Saturdays from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. Chick-fil-A is nearby for fried or grilled sandwiches and waffle fries on Saturdays from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. Starbucks serves rich brewed flavor of hot coffees and teas or iced coffees and specialty drinks on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Fuzzy's Taco Shop is located on the second floor of the University Union, in the sports bar atmosphere of The Syndicate, and serves uniquely flavorful Baja-style tacos and spicy sides. Fuzzy's Taco Shop is open on Saturday from 10:00 am to midnight and Sunday from noon to midnight.
The University has a resident dining hall where the public is welcome to purchase dining passes for approximatley US\$7.50 plus taxes. Kerr Cafeteria is located on Maple Street between Avenues A and B in Kerr Hall and is the University's largest dining facility. It features two salad bars, multiple entrée lines, a burger grill and a taco bar. The cafeteria features unique custom-designed food lines modeled after the historic Denton Square. It's also adorned with graphics featuring famous UNT alumni and prominent Texans, and a history of Denton, including historical photographs. Fall Saturday breakfast hours are 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and dinner hours are 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm. For more information, visit www.dining.unt.edu/kerrhall.
The Study, located in Willis Library on the first floor in room 134, serves coffee, tea, smoothies and snacks. The Study is open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 am to 12:00 am, Fridays from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sundays from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am. This eclectic and cozy new place allows customers to recharge, relax and refuel with fresh coffee, an array of snacks and creatively sourced decor. For more information please visit http://www.library.unt.edu/service-desks/administrative-office/study.
Off Campus: Denton’s Historic Downtown Square is located about 10 blocks from campus and is characterized by its beautiful courthouse and light-drenched lawn with numerous restaurants. The corner of Hickory and Fry Streets near the campus also has a cluster of restaurants. More information on restaurants and local attractions in the Denton area can be found at www.discoverdenton.com/what-to-do/.
Some options for coffee include:
- Aura Coffee, 1306 W Hickory St, Denton; (940) 565-1860; small shop serving espresso, lattes, smoothies and breakfast bites.
- Cultivar Coffee, 235 W Hickory St, Denton; (940) 380-9319; www.cultivarcoffee.com; a micro-roaster and coffee bar in North Texas serving handcrafted espresso drinks and expertly brewed single-origin coffees.
- Loco Cafe, 603 N Locust St, Denton; (940) 387-1413; www.locodenton.com; serving breakfast and lunch 7 days a week with biscuits baked daily, customized coffee with fresh flavors, loose tea, fresh sqeezed juice, handmade lemonade and limeade.
Some options nearby for dining include:
- Potbelly Sandwich Shop, 1216 W Hickory St, Denton; (940) 297-1287; www.potbelly.com; a retro-style counter-serve chain known for made-to-order toasted sandwiches, salads and baked goods.
- Chipotle Mexican Grill, 1224 W Hickory St, Denton; (940) 808-1073; www.chipotle.com; fast-food chain offering Mexican fare, including design-your-own burritos, tacos and bowls.
- Crooked Crust, 101 Ave A, Denton; (940) 565-5999; www.crookedcrust.com; funky pizzeria serving hoagies, beer and build-your-own pies with unlimited toppings.
- Fry Street Public House, 125 Ave A, Denton; (940) 323-9600; www.frystreetpublichouse.com; a retro-modern style pub serving delicious 'Pub Grub' 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm seven days a week.
- Salata, 1200 W Hickory St, Denton; (940) 435-0831; www.salata.com; counter-serve chain offering made-to-order salads featuring signature dressings, plus wraps and soups.
- Cool Beans, 1210 W Hickory St, Denton; (940) 382-7025; www.coolbeansdenton.com; bar and grill featuring occasional live music on its rooftop deck plus beer, whiskey and American grub.
- Jimmy John's, 107 Ave A, Denton; (940) 484-5466; www.jimmyjohns.com; counter-serve chain specializing in sub and club sandwiches, plus signature potato chips.
- Sushi Cafe and Bar, 1115 W Hickory St, Denton; (940) 380-1030; Asian restaurant with fresh sushi, a variety of sake at the bar and other Japanese classics.
Registration and Meeting Information
Advance Registration
Advance Registration is now over. Participants may cancel registrations made in advance by e-mailing mmsb@ams.org. 100% refunds will be issued for any advance registrations cancelled by Saturday, September 9, 2017. After this date, no refunds will be issued.
Your badge and program will be ready for pickup when you arrive at the meeting; simply go to the registration desk (see below) at the hours indicated. It is helpful if you bring a copy of your receipt.
On-site Information and Registration
The registration desk, AMS book exhibit, and coffee service will be located in the Business Leadership Building (BLB) Atrium. The Invited Addresses will be located in Room 80 of the Business Leadership Building (BLB). Special Sessions and Contributed Paper Sessions will be located in the Business Leadership Building (BLB) and Matthews Building classrooms. Please look for additional information about specific session room locations on the program pages and in the printed program. For further information on building locations, a campus map is available at https://it.unt.edu/sites/default/files/untcampusmap-fall2016.pdf.
The registration desk will be open on Saturday, September 9, 7:30 am–4:00 pm. and Sunday, September 10, 8:00 am-12:00 pm. Fees are US\$61 for AMS members, US\$90 for nonmembers, and US\$10 for students, unemployed mathematicians, and emeritus members and are payable on-site via cash, check, or credit card.
Other Activities
Book Sales: Stop by the on-site AMS bookstore to review the newest publications and take advantage of exhibit discounts and free shipping on all on-site orders! AMS members receive 40 percent off list price. Nonmembers receive a 25 percent discount. Not a member? Ask a representative 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.
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 Policy on a Welcoming Environment
The AMS strives to ensure that participants in its activities enjoy a welcoming environment. In all its activities, the AMS seeks to foster an atmosphere that encourages the free expression and exchange of ideas. The AMS supports equality of opportunity and treatment for all participants, regardless of gender, gender identity, or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious belief, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disabilities, or veteran status.
Local Information and Maps
This meeting will take place on the campus of University of North Texas. A campus map can be found at http://maps.unt.edu/sites/all/themes/unt/UNT_Campus_Map.pdf. Information about the University of North Texas Mathematics Department can be found at math.unt.edu/. Please visit the University of North Texas website at www.unt.edu/ for additional information on the campus.
Please watch this website for updates on the meeting.
Parking
Attendees electing to stay at off campus hotels may park their car on campus in the public Highland Street Garage by the new Business Leadership Building or the Union Circle Garage, located at Welch and Union Circle by the University Union. The Highland Street Garage only accepts credit cards on weekends at a rate of US\$2 per hour, with a daily maximum of US\$16. Parking in the Union Circle Garage requires downloading the Parkmobile App for payment.
Visitors may also park at parking meters, which are located on Highland Street and West Sycamore Street. The meters located on Fry Street, north of campus, have a one hour time limit. Meter parking is US\$2.25 per hour. The meters DO NOT accept silver coinage. You may only pay using the Parkmobile App. Read more about Parkmobile here transportation.unt.edu/news.
A campus parking map is available at transportation.unt.edu/sites/default/files/UNT_Campus_Parking.pdf. Questions regarding parking for visitors should be directed to the Parking and Transportation Office at (940) 565-3020. Additional information about parking on campus can be found here transportation.unt.edu/parking.
Travel
This meeting will take place on the main campus of University of North Texas, located in the heart of Denton, Texas.
By Air: The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is served by most major airlines. Please visit the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport web site for a list of airlines and lists of cities with daily direct flights; www.dfwairport.com/airlines/index.php.
There are several options available for transportation to and from the airport.
Super Shuttle offers van rides and car service from the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to University of North Texas with prices ranging from US\$54 to US\$110 per passenger each way and should be booked in advance at https://www.supershuttle.com/locations/dallas-dfw-dal/.
Taxi service is available on the upper level of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Terminals A, B, C and E, and on the lower level of Terminal D. An Airport Guest Assistant will be available at the taxi stands between 8:00 am and midnight. Between midnight and 8:00 am, dial (972) 574-5878 to request a taxi. For more information on taxi service, including approximate fares to various locations, please visit https://www.dfwairport.com/transport/taxis/.
Rental cars are also available at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. The Rental Center can be accessed by shuttle buses located at the lower level of each terminal. Car rental shuttle buses run 24 hours a day. For more details on the various car rental companies available at the airport, please visit https://www.dfwairport.com/transport/.
By Train: At the airport the DART Rail Station is located at Terminal A, Lower Level Curb, Entry A-10. A two-hour Local DART pass is US\$2.50, a local day pass is US\$5 and is good for unlimited rides on all DART buses, DART Rail and TRE trains between Union Station and CentrePort/DFW Airport until 3:00 am the next day. The DART public transit connects to the DCTA train to Denton.
DART Rail Orange Line operates seven days a week to and from the DFW Airport Station, located at DFW Airport's Terminal A, Lower Level Curb, Entry A-10. Trains arrive at DFW regularly from 3:50 am to 1:19 am daily. Schedules for the Dallas Orange Line are available at www.dart.org/riding/dartrailorangeline.asp.
From the DART Rail Orange Line transfer to the DART Rail Green Line at Bachman Station and then continue to Denton on the A-train at the Trinity Mills station. The A-train schedule, fares and route map are available at https://www.dcta.net/routes-schedules/a-train/a-train-schedule. Please plan your trip by viewing the DART rail system map at https://www.dart.org/maps/printrailmap.asp.
From Dallas: take DART’s Green Line to the Trinity Mills station in Carrollton. At the Trinity Mills station transfer to the A-train* with a simple cross-platform transfer. Take the A-train* to the Downtown Denton Transit Center located near the heart of Denton. For the A-train schedule please visit https://www.dcta.net/routes-schedules/a-train/a-train-schedule. For the Green Line schedule please visit https://www.dart.org/riding/dartrailgreenline.asp.
From Ft. Worth: take the TRE to Victory Station in Dallas. At Victory Station take DART’s Green Line headed to Carrollton. Get off the Green Line train at the Trinity Mills station. At the Trinity Mills station transfer to the A-train* with a simple cross-platform transfer. Take the A-train* to the Downtown Denton Transit Center located near the heart of Denton.
*Please note, the A-train does not run on Sundays. For information on the DART and the A-train, please visit https://www.dcta.net/.
By Bus: The Fort Worth Transportation Authority (FWTA) and the Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA), have started a new bus service that connects Fort Worth and Denton with stops on the Alliance Heritage Parkway. The North Texas Xpress Bus Service makes round trips each weekday between approximately 5:15 am and 9:30 pm. For a map, schedule and fare information please visit https://www.dcta.net/routes-schedules/other-dcta-services/north-texas-xpress.
By Car:
From Dallas: Head North on 35 E N and merge with 35 N.
From Ft. Worth: From the Fort Worth area, head North on 35 W N and merge with 35 N
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): CV#04N30007. 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.
Local Transportation
Walking, biking and personal cars are recommended to get around campus and Denton.
By Bus: The University of North Texas Campus Cruiser provides convenient local transportation around campus. Please visit transportation.unt.edu/transit/maps-routes/campus-cruiser for the full area map with all bus stops. The Campus Cruiser operates Saturdays from 8:30 am to 6:46 pm and Sundays 8:30 am to 8:30 pm.
The Campus Cruiser route services on and off campus stops during the week and on weekends. Stops include Uptown Apartments, Victory Hall, & the GAB. Sunday service is provided by UNT mini shuttle buses. The Campus Cruiser will pick up and drop off passengers at any of the UNT bus stops on the route. Please note, the Campus Cruiser does not operate on Fridays.
Weather
The average high temperature for September is approximately 88 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low is approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit. 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 hashtag #AMSmtg.
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 https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en.html. If you need a preliminary conference invitation in order to secure a visa, please send your request to cro@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.