**ADVANCED REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED**

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 local and state taxes, which at the time of publication were 9.75 percent state tax, 3.125 percent city tax, and .3 percent county tax. Participants must state that they are with the American Mathematical Society (AMS) 2016 Fall Central Sectional Meeting at the University of St. Thomas 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.

Crowne Plaza Minneapolis Downtown Northstar, 618 Second Ave South Minneapolis, MN 55402; 612-338-2288; www.cpminneapolis.com/index.asp. Rates are US\$109 per night for a single or double occupancy room. Amenities include on-site restaurants Cafe Northstar and Krona Bar and Grill, in-room dining, fitness center, and business center. This property is located .5 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 September 28, 2016.

Doubletree Suites by Hilton Minneapolis, 1101 LaSalle Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55403; 612-332-6800; doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/minnesota/doubletree-suites-by-hilton-hotel-minneapolis-MSPLSDT/index.html. Rates are US\$135 per night for a single or double occupancy room. This is an all-suite property, featuring separate sleeping and living spaces. Amenities include in-room mini-refrigerator and microwave; complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi in first floor public areas; on-site restaurant, Lot 57; Starbucks on property; fitness center; and business center. This property is located across the street 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 September 27, 2016.

Doubletree By Hilton Minneapolis—Park Place, 1500 Park Place Blvd., Minneapolis, MN, 55416; 952-542-8600; doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/minnesota/doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-minneapolis-park-place-MSPPHDT/index.html. Rates are US\$115 per night for a standard king or double room, single or double occupancy or US\$155 per night for a suite, single or double occupancy. Amenities include complimentary daily newspaper, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, fitness center, indoor heated pool, on-site restaurant, Dover Restaurant and Bar, complimentary parking, and business center. This property is located approximately 4 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 a reduced rate is October 6, 2016.

Hilton Minneapolis, 1001 Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55403; 612-376-1000; www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/minnesota/hilton-minneapolis-MSPMHHH/index.html. Rates are US\$129 per night for a single or double occupancy room, US\$149 for a triple occupancy room, and US\$169 for a quad occupancy room. Amenities include complimentary in-room high-speed Wi-Fi; on-site restaurant, Skywater Cuisine and Cocktails; fitness center; indoor pool and sauna; and business center. This property is located approximately .4 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 September 27, 2016.

The Hotel Minneapolis, 215 4th Street South, Minneapolis, MN, 55401; 612-340-2000; Book your group rate for The American Mathematical Society or call 888-717-8853 (toll-free central reservations) or 612-340-2000 (hotel directly); Monday - Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Rates are US\$89 per night for a king room with single occupancy or US\$129 per night for a room with two queen beds with single occupancy. ***Note that these rooms are selling out. *** As an alternative, the hotel is offering additional rooms at US\$119 per night for a king room with single or double occupancy. Amenities include on-site restaurant, Restaurant Max, fitness center, lounge, and 24-hour room service. This property is located approximately .5 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 October 7, 2016.

The Marquette Hotel, 710 Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55402; 612-333-4545; www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/minnesota/the-marquette-hotel-MSPVIHH/index.html. Rates are US\$139 per night for a room with two double beds or for a room with one king bed, this rate is applicable for single or double occupancy. Amenities include fitness room, on-site restaurant Basil's, on-site lounge MARQ VII Lounge, and business center. This property is located approximately .5 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 October 3, 2016.

Radison Blu, 35 South 7th St. Minneapolis, MN 55402; 612-339-4900; https://www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-minneapolis. Rates are US\$159 per night for a room with single or double occupancy. Amenities include, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, in-room refrigerator, fitness room, on-site restaurant, FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar, and business center. This property is located approximately .5 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 September 28, 2016.

Dining

The University of St. Thomas is located in the heart of Minneapolis, and there are many restaurants nearby. A few of the closer options are listed here.

Coffee

Angel Food Bakery & Coffee Bar, 86 S. 9th St, 612-238-1425; coffee bar and bakery, www.angelfoodmn.com.

Starbucks, 1101 Lasalle Avenue, 612-492-2230, starbucks.com.

Sandwiches

Cosi, 80 S 8th St. #150, 612-332-5700, getcosi.com; Sandwiches and pizza made with flatbread.

D Brian's Deli, 800 Nicollet Mall #210, 612 455-1600, dbrians.com, Deli, soup and salad.

Panera Bread, 809 Nicollet Mall, 612-338-9850, panerabread.com; Bakery, sandwiches, Wi-Fi.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop, 80 S. 8th St., 612-332-1144, potbelly.com; counter-serve, Made-to-order toasted sandwiches, salads.

Subway, 121 S. 8th St. #242, 612-333-1956, subway.com.

Which Wich Superior Sandwiches, 800 Nicollet Mall, 612-284-5325, whichwich.com; Design-your-own sandwiches.

American

8th Street Grill, 800 S. Marquette Ave #107, 612-349-5717, 8thstreetgrillmn.com.

American Burger Bar, 825 Hennepin Ave., 612-345-4487, americanburgerbar.com; Burgers, craft beers.

CRAVE Restaurant, 825 Hennepin Ave., 612-332-1133, craveminneapolis.com; Modern chain; an eclectic mix of American fare & sushi.

Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant, 1010 Nicollet Mall, 612-332-1010, dakotacooks.com; Fine dining American, music nightly.

Dave's Downtown Restaurant, 900 2nd Ave. S., 612-339-8787, davesdowntown.com; Local breakfast and lunch spot.

Devil's Advocate, 89 S. 10th St., 612-843-2260, Devilsadvocatebar.com; Upscale pub food.

Hell's Kitchen, 80 S. 9th St., 612-332-4700, hellskitcheninc.com; Quirky American restaurant with frequent live music.

Keys at the Foshay, 114 S. 9th St., 612-339-6399, keysfoshay.com; Big plates of comfort food, breakfast, bakery.

Marin Restaurant & Bar, 901 Hennepin Ave., 612-252-7000, marinrestaurant.com; Elegant California/New American cuisine (duck breast/flatbreads).

Mission American Kitchen & Bar, 77 7th St. S., 612-339-1000, missionamerican.com; American upscale comfort food.

The News Room, 990 Nicollet Mall, 612-343-0073, thenewsroommpls.com; Eclectic American, sports TV.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, 825 Hennepin Ave., 612-332-2739, rockbottom.com; House beers and American pub fare.

UNION Restaurant, 731 Hennepin Ave., 612-455-6690, unionmpls.com; Seafood, New American; opens at 3:00 pm.

Asian

Ling & Louie's Asian Bar and Grill, 921 Nicollet Mall, 612-351-1234, lingandlouies.com; Casual Asian restaurant.

Leeann Chin, 700 Nicollet Mall, 612-375-2763, leeannchin.com; Fast food, Chinese.

Irish/English

Brit's Pub, 1110 Nicollet Mall, 612-332-8011, britspub.com; English pub fare, fireplace.

The Local, 931 Nicollet Mall, 612-904-1000, the-local.com; Traditional Irish.

Indian

Bombay Bistro, 820 S. Marquette Ave, 612-312-2800, bombaybistromn.com; South Indian cuisine, with vegetarian options & a daily lunch buffet.

Italian

Bucca di Beppo, 1204 Harmon Pl., 612-288-0138, bucadibeppo.com; Italian chain restaurant.

Zelo, 831 Nicollet Mall, 612-333-7000, zelomn.com; Contemporary Italian.

Mexican

Chipotle Mexican Grill, 1040 Nicollet Mall, 612-659-7955, chipotle.com; fast food Mexican.

Qdoba Mexican Grill, 50 S. 10th St., 612-339-5136, qdoba.com; fast food Mexican.

Miscellaneous

Hen House Eatery, 114 S. 8th St., 612-345-4664, henhouseeatery.com; American breakfast and lunch café, plus tapas.

The Melting Pot Minneapolis, 80 S. 9th St., 612-338-9900, meltingpot.com; Fondue.

Steakhouse

Manny's Steakhouse, 825 S Marquette Ave., 612-339-9900; mannyssteakhouse.com.

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks, 800 Nicollet Mall, 612-338-3300, mccormickandschmicks.com.

Ruth's Chris Steak House, 920 2nd Ave. S., 612-672-9000, ruthschris.com. Opens at 5:00 pm.

Registration and Meeting Information

Advance Registration

Advance Registration for this meeting is now over.

100% refunds will be issued for any advance registrations cancelled by Friday, October 28, 2016. After that date, no refunds will be issued.

If you have registered in advance, your badge and program will be ready for pickup when you arrive at the meeting; simply go to the registration desk (see below) at hours indicated. It is helpful if you bring a copy of your receipt.

On-site Information and Registration

The registration desk and AMS book sale and coffee service will be located in first floor atrium of Terrance Murphy Hall (TMH). Notice that this is a change from the original location. The Invited Addresses will be held in Murphy Hall. Special Sessions and Contributed Paper Sessions will take place in Opus Hall (MOH) and Murphy Hall. Please look for additional information about specific room locations on the web and in the printed program. For further information on building locations, campus maps are available at https://www.stthomas.edu/campusmaps/minneapoliscampus/.

The registration desk will be open on Friday, October 28, 1:30pm–5:00 pm and Saturday, October 29, 7:30 am–4:30 pm. Fees are US\$59 for AMS members, US\$85 for nonmembers, and US\$10 for students, unemployed mathematicians, and emeritus members. Fees 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.

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.

Reception: The University of St. Thomas will graciously host a reception on Saturday evening in the School of Law (MSL), in the first floor atrium and second floor balcony, between 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm.

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 e-mail 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 the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, MN. Maps for the Minneapolis campus can be found at www.stthomas.edu/campusmaps/minneapoliscampus/. Information about the Mathematics Department at the University of St. Thomas can be found at www.stthomas.edu/mathematics/. Visit the University of St. Thomas website at www.stthomas.edu/ for additional information.

Parking

There is public parking available at the City of Minneapolis parking garage at 11th Street and Harmon Place, see www.stthomas.edu/media/campusmaps/mpls2Dmap.pdf. The entrance to the garage is on 11th Street. The garage has an electronic pay-as-you-leave system. Payments can be made by cash or credit card. The rates are currently US\$2.50 for one hour, US\$4.00 for two hours, etc., up to US\$10.50 for 24 hours. See www.parkme.com/lot/18264/11th- harmon-ramp-minneapolis-mn. Several other public parking garages are identified on the interactive map at webapp.stthomas.edu/campusmaps/?campus=mpls&lng=-93.27783644199371&lat=44.973879908537015 &maptype=UST&zoomlevel=17.

Travel

This meeting will take place on the Minneapolis campus of the University of St. Thomas. The address is 1000 LaSalle Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403.

By Air: The Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is served by thirteen commercial passenger airlines. There are two terminals accessed by different roads: Terminal 1-Lindbergh and Terminal 2-Humphrey. For the list of airlines using each terminal, see www.mspairport.com/airlines.aspx. Terminal 1 is located at 4300 Glumack Drive, St. Paul, MN 55111, and Terminal 2 is at 7150 Humphrey Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55450. The home page of the airport's website is at www.mspairport.com.

There are several options available for transportation to/from the airport. Please see http://www.mspairport.com/GroundTransportation.aspx.

Public Transportation: Public transportation is available through Metro Transit (www.metrotransit.org), which provides Light Rail transit and public bus service throughout the Minneapolis–St. Paul metropolitan area.

At Terminal 1, the Light Rail station (LRT) is located below the Transit Center, between the Blue and Red Parking ramps. From the Tram Level (Level T, one level below baggage claim), take the tram to the Transit Center. After exiting the tram, follow the signs to the LRT, which is located 70 feet underground.

At Terminal 2, the LRT is located on the north side of the Orange Parking ramp. From Level 1, take the elevator or escalator up to the Orange Ramp skyway and follow the signs to the station.

The LRT Blue Line map is here: www.metrotransit.org/blue-line-map. The Blue Line, which has stops at both airport terminals, goes directly to Nicollet Mall at 5th Street, about half a mile from the campus. The campus lies between 9th and 12th Streets, along LaSalle Avenue, which is roughly parallel to Nicollet Mall. The fare is US\$2.25 during rush hours and US\$1.75 at other times. Trains run every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes at other times of the day. The Light Rail takes approximately half an hour to reach downtown Minneapolis from the airport. Please check the full schedule at www.metrotransit.org if you plan to utilize this service. If you are staying at a nearby hotel, ascertain whether public transport will be convenient.

City bus service is provided through Metro Transit to Terminal 1 only. Route 54 goes to the airport. For fares and other information, please contact Metro Transit at (612) 373-3333. 24-hour automated bus information: (612) 341-4287.

Shuttle: SuperShuttle, Call (800) BLUE VAN (258-3826), or book online at www.supershuttle.com/Locations/MinneapolisStPaulMSP. At Terminal 1, there is a SuperShuttle counter in the Transit Center atrium, and in Terminal 2, there is a SuperShuttle kiosk in the Ground Transport Center, located on Level 1 of the Purple parking ramp across from the terminal building. A one way trip to the downtown area near Nicollet Mall is currently US\$16.00.

Taxi: Taxi service is available from both terminals. At Terminal 1, taxi service is available from the Tram Level (T). Signs will direct you one level up to the taxi starter booth. At Terminal 2, taxi service is available from the Ground Transport Center, located on the ground level of the Purple parking ramp directly across from the terminal building. Downtown Minneapolis is approximately 12 miles from the airport, with fares averaging US\$39–\$49. A US\$6.75 fare will be displayed on the Taxicab meter at the onset of your trip. This fee includes a US\$2.50 flag drop and a US\$4.25 airport access fee.

Car Rental: Most major rental car agencies have offices at the Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport. At Terminal 1-Lindbergh, these are located on the second and third levels between the Blue and Red parking ramps. Take the underground tram to the parking ramps, and then take an elevator to the second or third level. At Terminal 2-Humphrey, the rental car agencies are located in the Ground Transport Center on the ground level of the Purple parking ramp, directly across from the terminal building.

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#04N30006. You can also call Hertz directly at 800-654-2240 (US 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.

Driving Directions

It is best to use your favorite travel website for driving to campus, however, the following directions are provided for your reference.

Directions from Terminal 1-Lindbergh: Head southwest on Glumack Drive and keep left at the fork. Merge onto MN-5 East toward St. Paul/Minneapolis. Stay on the right to take the exit for MN-55/MN-55W/MN-5W toward Minneapolis/Fort Snelling. In about 3/4 of a mile, merge onto MN-55W, staying left at the fork. Continue on to MN-62 W. Use the right two lanes to take the exit onto I-35W N. Keep left at the fork, and follow the signs for Downtown I-94W. Use the right lane to continue on to MN-65. Take the downtown 11th Street/E. Grant Street exit and continue onto S. 11th Street to LaSalle Avenue. The campus will be on your right.

Terminal 2-Humphrey: Head southwest on Humphrey Drive, which will become E. 72nd Street. Follow the signs for I-494/MN-5. Take a right onto 34th Avenue S., and right again to merge onto I-494 W/MN-5W. Take exit 2B to MN-77N, and take the exit onto MN-62 W. Use the right two lanes to take the exit onto I-35W N. Keep left at the fork, and follow the signs for Downtown I-94W. Use the right lane to continue on to MN-65. Take the downtown 11th Street/E. Grant Street exit and continue onto S. 11th Street to LaSalle Avenue. The campus will be on your right.

The University of St. Thomas lists general directions to the campus on their website here: www.stthomas.edu/media/campusmaps/mplsdirections.pdf. They are reproduced below for your convenience.

From Points West:

Option One: I-394 east to the I-394 downtown exit to 12th Street North (Exit 9A) to LaSalle Avenue. Turn left on LaSalle Avenue to 11th Street. Turn left on 11th Street. The campus will be on your right.

Option Two: I-94 east to the downtown exit to Fourth Street. Take Fourth Street to First Avenue. Turn right on First Avenue to 10th Street. Turn left on 10th Street to LaSalle Avenue. Turn right on LaSalle Avenue to 11th Street. Turn right on 11th Street. The campus will be on your right.

From Points East: I-94 west to the 11th Street exit (Exit 233A) and turn left. Go west on 11th Street to LaSalle Avenue (one block past Nicollet Mall). The campus will be on your right.

From Points North: I-35W south to west I-94. Travel west on I-94 to the 11th Street exit (Exit 233A) and turn left. Go west on 11th Street to LaSalle Avenue (one block past Nicollet Mall). Cross LaSalle Avenue. The campus will be on your right.

From Points South: I-35W north to the downtown exits to the 11th Street/E. Grant Street exit (Exit 16A), and turn left. Go west on 11th Street to LaSalle Avenue (one block past Nicollet Mall). Cross LaSalle Avenue. The campus will be on your right.

Weather

The average high temperature for October is approximately 52 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low is 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors should check the weather forecast before they begin their travel.

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 US found at travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html and travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/all-visa-categories.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 US 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).

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Inquiries: meet@ams.org