AMS Sectional Meeting Registration/Housing/Etc. Information

Program | Deadlines | Inquiries: meet@ams.org

Advance Registration is 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 Ohio state hotel tax (17.5%), local taxes and hotel fees may apply. Participants must state that they are with the American Mathematical Society’s (AMS) Spring 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.

Courtyard by Marriott Columbus Downtown, 35 West Spring St, Columbus, OH 43215; (614) 228-3200; www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cmhcy-courtyard-columbus-downtown. Rates are US\$119 per night for a room. Amenities include free Wi-Fi in guest rooms; breakfast, dinner, Starbucks® & evening cocktails; enjoy on-site dining at The Bistro; indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness center. Valet parking is available for a fee of US\$23 daily. This property is located about 3 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 February 14, 2018.

Courtyard by Marriott Columbus/OSU, 780 Yard St, Columbus, OH 43212; (614) 453-4420; www.marriott.com/hotels/fact-sheet/travel/cmhwg-courtyard-columbus-osu. Rates are US\$154 per night for a standard guest room. Reserve a room here. Group rate includes one complimentary welcome water per guest booked in the room block. Amenities include The Bistro for breakfast, drinks and dinner during the evening; free Wi-Fi throughout; the latest news, weather and airport conditions via GoBoard® technology; fitness center and indoor pool; and complimentary on-site parking. Cancellation and early check-out policies vary and penalties exist at this property; be sure to check when you make your reservation. This property is located minutes from campus. The deadline for reservations at a reduced rate is by February 23, 2018.

Courtyard Columbus Dublin, 5175 Post Rd, Dublin, OH 43017; (614) 764-9393; www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cmhdb-courtyard-columbus-dublin. Rates are US\$79 per night for standard guest rooms. Reserve a room here. Amenities include free Wi-Fi; on-site restaurant, The Bistro, serving breakfast; fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights; complimentary self parking and on-site laundry facilities. This property is located about a 17 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 February 23, 2018.

Courtyard Columbus Worthington, 7411 Vantage Dr, Columbus, OH 43235; (614) 436-7070; www.marriott.com/hotels/fact-sheet/travel/cmhcw-courtyard-columbus-worthington. Rates are US\$84 per night for a standard guest room. Reserve a room here. Amenities includes complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi access; The Bistro, open daily for breakfast and dinner; specialty Starbucks and evening cocktails; fitness center and indoor pool and on-site laundry facilities. This property is located approximately a 15 minute drive from campus. Complimentary on-site parking is available. 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 23, 2018.

Crowne Plaza Columbus Downtown , 33 East Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215; (614) 461-4100; www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/columbus/cmhoc/hoteldetail. Rates are US\$159 per night for a standard room with double beds. Reserve a room here. Amenities include fitness room and free Wi-Fi. Self-parking rate is US\$28 per day. This property is located 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 February 14, 2018.

Drury Inn and Suites Columbus Convention Center, 88 East Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215; (614) 221-7008; www.druryhotels.com/locations/columbus-oh/drury-inn-and-suites-columbus-convention-center. Rates are US\$125 per night for single or double occupancy in a non-smoking two queen beds deluxe room. Reserve a room here. Group room rate includes free hot breakfast served daily; free evening drinks and snacks from served daily from 5:30pm to 7:00pm; free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and free soft drinks and popcorn in the lobby served daily from 3:00pm to 10:00pm. Amenities include business center, guest laundry facilities, fitness center and pool. On-site covered parking is available at a charge of US\$12 per parking spot per day. This property is located 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 February 16, 2018.

Fairfield Inn and Suites Columbus OSU by Marriott, 3031 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43202; (614) 267-1111; www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cmhsu-fairfield-inn-and-suites-columbus-osu. Rates are US\$139 per night for a room. Amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, indoor pool, fitness room, free daily breakfast and complimentary self parking. This property is located just one mile from The Ohio State University. 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 14, 2018.

Hampton Inn and Suites Columbus University Area, 3160 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43202; (614) 268-8700; hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/ohio/hampton-inn-and-suites-columbus-university-area-CMHUNHX/index.html. Rates are US\$159 for a room. Reserve a room here. Amenities include complimentary hot breakfast served every morning, complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel, indoor swimming pool and 24-hour fitness center, 24-hour business center and complimentary shuttle service within a 3-mile radius of the hotel. This property is located about 1 mile 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 February 23, 2018.

Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown Columbus, 501 North High St, Columbus, OH 43215; (614) 559-2000; hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/ohio/hampton-inn-and-suites-columbus-downtown-CMHHSHX/index.html. Rates are US\$124 for a standard single room, US\$134 for a standard double room and US\$144 for a king suite room. Amenities include complimentary hot breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi access and swimming pool and 24-hour fitness center. This property is located about a 10 minute drive from campus. Valet parking is available for US\$25 a night. 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 16, 2018.

Hyatt Regency Columbus, 350 North High St, Columbus, OH 43215; (614) 463-1234; columbus.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html. Rates are US\$139 for a standard king room or a standard two double bed room. Amenities include indoor pool, sun deck, StayFit fitness facility and complimentary Wi-Fi access. This property is located 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 February 16, 2018.

Red Roof PLUS+ Columbus OSU, 441 Ackerman Rd, Columbus, OH 43202; (614) 267-9941; columbusosu.redroof.com. Rates are US\$124 for a non-smoking room with two queen beds. This property is located about a 6 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 February 16, 2018.

Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel, 50 North Third St, Columbus, OH 43215; (614) 228-5050; www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cmhbr-renaissance-columbus-downtown-hotel. Rates are US\$151 for a standard king room. Amenities include Latitude 41 restaurant, Bar 41, fitness center, seasonal rooftop pool, whirlpool and sauna. This property is located about a 6 minute drive from campus. Valet parking is available for a fee of US\$26 a day. 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 23, 2018.

Residence Inn Columbus Downtown, 36 East Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215; (614) 222-2610; www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cmhrd-residence-inn-columbus-downtown. Rates are US\$119 for a studio suite room. Reserve a room here. Amenities include fully equipped kitchens in every suite, free Wi-Fi, complimentary hot breakfast buffet and on-site bar and restaurant, Buckeye Bourbon House. This property is located 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 February 16, 2018.

Varsity Inn, 1445 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43212; (614) 291-2983; www.varsityinn.com. Rates are US\$89 for a room. Amenities include outdoor pool and free hotel-wide Wi-Fi. This property is located about a 2 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 February 20, 2018.

Food Services

On Campus: The below restaurants are scheduled to be open on Saturdays and Sundays. Please visit dining.osu.edu/ for a list of university restaurants and hours.

12th Ave. Bread Company, 251 W. 12th Ave (Kennedy Commons); open noon to 8:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays; serves sandwiches, soups, salads, and morning quiche and pastries. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.

EspressOH, 1739 North High St (The Ohio Union); open 9:00am to 8:00pm on Saturday and 10:00am to 9:00pm on Sunday; serves specialty coffee and homemade gelato.

Connecting Grounds, 160 West Woodruff Ave; open 10:00am to 8:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays; serves espresso, specialty coffees, bagels, muffins and pastries.

Courtside Cafe, 337 Annie and John Glenn Ave (RPAC); open 11:00am to 8:00pm on Saturday and noon to 10:00pm on Sunday; serves sandwiches, pastas, wraps, pizza, salad, soup, sushi, yogurt and fruit.

Street Sweets and Marketplace, 1578 Neil Ave; open 10:00am to 7:00pm on Saturday and 10:00am to 8:00pm on Sunday; the Marketplace serves a variety of entrees and StreetSweets features an espresso bar at the entrance.

Berry Cafe, 1858 Neil Ave Mall (William Oxley Thompson Library); open 8:00am to 8:00pm on Saturday and 11:00am to 11:00pm on Sunday; serves grab 'n go sandwiches, yogurt parfaits, muffins, hummus, edamame, salads and coffee.

Sloopy’s Diner, 1739 North High St (The Ohio Union); open 9:00am to 2:00am on Saturday and 10:00am to midnight on Sunday; serves breakfast favorites, diner-style classics and sandwiches in a 1950’s-inspired diner.

Union Market, 1739 North High St (The Ohio Union); open 11:00am to 8:00pm on Saturday and 11:00am to 10:00pm on Sunday; offers classic favorites at the Fired Up! Grill, fresh salads at Across the Field, international fare at Buckeye Passports, and fresh deli sandwiches and wraps at Dough-HIO.

Woody’s Tavern, 1739 North High St (The Ohio Union); open 1:00pm to 10:00pm on Saturday and Sunday; serves pizza, beer and wine, popcorn and good old-fashioned root beer.

Off Campus: Buckeye Donuts has been a favorite stop since it opened in 1969. The old school donut shop serves breakfast sandwiches and gyros, too. The Gateway on campus is home to good eats, too, like big eateries and bars such as Mad Mex, Ugly Tuna Saloona and World of Beer. Or there’s always-favorite Hounddog’s Pizza, with their famous Smokin’ Joes crusts. Ethyl & Tank, located behind Newport Music Hall, serves as a coffee shop, a bar, a lunch and dinner spot, and a weekend brunch haven. More information on restaurants and local attractions in the Columbus area can be found at www.experiencecolumbus.com/restaurants/near-osu.

Some options for coffee include:

Buckeye Donuts,corner of 18th and High St, Columbus; alwaysopen.buckeye-donuts.com/; old school donut shop open 24 hours and serving breakfast sandwiches and gyros, too. KAFE Kerouac,

2250 N. High St, Columbus; (614) 299-2672; kafekerouac.com/; coffee house with locally roasted fair trade beans, local and imported beers and wine.

Starbucks, 1782 N High St, Columbus; (614) 291-5692; Seattle-based coffeehouse chain known for its signature roasts, light bites and Wi-Fi availability.

Some options for dining in the University District include:

Mad Mex,South Campus Gateway, 1542 N. High St, Columbus; (614) 586-4007; www.madmex.com; California-Mexican food, microbrews and unique artwork.

Ugly Tuna Saloona, South Campus Gateway, 1546 N. High St, Columbus; (614) 297-8862; www.uglytunasaloona.com; fresh fish and local music with 2nd floor patio.

World of Beer, 1556 North High St, Columbus; (614) 403-3483; www.worldofbeer.com; serving a collection of dishes and tavern classics with craft beer.

Hounddog’s Three Degree Pizza, 2657 N High St, Columbus; (614) 261-4686; www.hounddogspizza.com; creative pizzas and classic subs about a mile from campus.

Ethyl & Tank, 19 E. 13th Ave, Columbus; (614) 947-0140; www.ethylandtank.com; informal Southwestern meals & craft beers in a relaxed, brick-walled space with a video game arcade.

Bistro 2110 at the Blackwell, 2110 Tuttle Park Pl, Columbus; (614) 247-2110; www.theblackwell.com/bistro-2110.htm; hotel restaurant offering New American meals, plus brunch & lunch buffets, in an upscale setting.

Varsity Club Restaurant & Bar, 278 W Lane Ave, Columbus; (614) 299-6269; www.varsityclubrestaurantcolumbusoh.com; old-school sports bar with pub grub with TVs, patio seating and free Wi-Fi.

Registration and Meeting Information

Advance Registration: Advance registration for this meeting 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, March 17, 2018. After this 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 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 lobby of Hitchcock Hall. The Invited Address lectures will be located in room 131 of Hitchcock Hall. Special Sessions and Contributed Paper Sessions will take place in classrooms located in Bolz Hall and the Enarson Classroom Building. Please look for additional information about specific session room locations on the web and in the printed program. For further information on building locations, a campus map is available at www.osu.edu/map.

The registration desk will be open on Saturday, March 17, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday, March 18, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Fees are US\$61 for AMS members, US\$90 for nonmembers, and US\$10 for students, unemployed mathematicians, and emeritus members. The fees are payable with 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. AMS Members receive additional discounts on books purchased at meetings, subscriptions to Notices and Bulletin, discounted registration for world-class meetings and conferences, and more!

Complimentary Coffee will be served courtesy of the AMS Membership Department.

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 The Ohio State University. A campus map can be found at www.osu.edu/map. Information about The Ohio State University Mathematics Department can be found at math.osu.edu. Please visit the university website at www.osu.edu for additional information on the campus.

Please watch this website for additional information on this meeting.

Parking

The parking garage located at 2050 Tuttle Park Place is the closest public parking available near the meeting registration in Hitchcock Hall.  Off-peak rates are in effect all day on weekends and the off-peak maximum rate is US\$7.75. Parking rates are subject to change. For the most current information please visit https://osu.campusparc.com/home/garages/academic-north-campus/tuttle-park-place.

CampusParc provides several garage options for visitor parking. Hourly parking rates are posted at the entrance of each pay facility and can also be found at osu.campusparc.com/home/visitors-patients/visitor-parking/garage-parking. All garage fees are due upon exit. Credit cards are accepted.

Most visitor garages are equipped with pay-on-foot machines. Customers receive a white entry ticket and keep it with them to make payment prior to returning to their vehicle, reducing backups at the exit gate. Once payment is made, customers receive a returned paid/validated ticket for use at the exit gate. Pay-on-foot machines accept cash, credit, and vouchers. NOTE: Cash is not accepted at the exit gate.

In garages not equipped with pay-on-foot machines, payment is made at the exit gate. Upon arrival at the exit gate, the customer should insert the white entry ticket into the pay-in-lane machine and pay the displayed amount due. Pay-in-lane machines accept cash, credit, and vouchers. Credit cards are the preferred method of payment to expedite exit. NOTE: Pay-in-lane machines give change in coin only.

Receipts for paid parking are offered from payment machines at the time of payment. If a receipt is not printed, customers can email osuinfo@campusparc.com with the time, date, garage location, and amount charged to receive a copy of their receipt via email.

Surface lot payment options are valid in surface lots only; if you park in a garage, all hourly fees must be paid upon exit. All parking rules are enforced 24/7. Surface lot parking is restricted on football Saturdays.

Surface lot payment options include single-space meters placed in high-demand areas to facilitate short-term parking. Meters are available to anyone (CampusParc permit holders or visitors) on campus provided that the meter fees are paid. All meters take US quarters, dimes, and nickels only; the maximum time allowed is posted on each meter.

Some surface lots include Pay-by-Plate machines located throughout campus to allow visitors to purchase parking. To pay for parking, walk to the nearest Pay-by-Plate machine (clearly marked by directional signs). Enter your license plate number and select the form of payment and amount of parking time desired, as indicated by printed instructions on the Pay-by-Plate machine. Since verification of payment is done via license plate, it is imperative to enter your license plate information correctly. Please verify all information before finalizing your transaction. Machines do not provide change or refunds. Check the campus parking map for Pay-by-Plate locations at osu.campusparc.com/docs/default-source/maps/campus-parking-map.pdf?sfvrsn=67.

Some surface lots allow Parkmobile as a payment option that uses pay-by-phone and smartphone applications. Customers can create a Parkmobile account online at www.parkmobile.com, via the Parkmobile app, or via their automated phone system at (877) 727-5009. After entering the required information and setting up an account, customers can begin “parking sessions” by accessing their account (via one of the three methods available) and confirming their license plate number, parking zone number, and intended duration of stay. Parking sessions can be terminated early or extended via the same method used to start the parking session.

Surface lot visitor permits may be purchased at the CampusParc Customer Service Center. Central Campus visitor permits are valid in any unrestricted surface lot spaces. Paid hourly parking is required for vehicles parked in marked hourly spaces, at single-space meters, or in parking garages. Permits are available in daily increments which are good for one calendar day. Vehicles parked overnight require the purchase of multiple day permits or paid hourly parking.

A campus parking map is available at osu.campusparc.com/docs/default-source/maps/campus-parking-map.pdf?sfvrsn=67. Additional information about parking on campus can be found at osu.campusparc.com/home/visitors-patients/visitor-parking/surface-lot-parking. Please call the CampusParc customer service line at (614) 688-0000 with parking inquiries.

A list of university parking rates are available at http://osu.campusparc.com/docs/defaultsource/documents/ratetable.pdf?sfvrsn=44.

Travel

This meeting will take place on the main campus of The Ohio State University located in Columbus, Ohio.

By Air: The John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is about 20 minutes from the Ohio State University and is the most convenient air travel choice. Please note, the drive could take longer during rush hour traffic. Please visit the airport web site for a list of airlines and lists of cities with daily direct flights; flycolumbus.com.

There are several options available for transportation to and from the airport.

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) provides direct bus service between the airport and downtown for only US\$2.75. It’s called AirConnect, an affordable and easy way to reach downtown hotels and the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Purchase your ride pass with a credit card at the bus stop, which is just to the right of the taxi station. COTA’s AirConnect service runs every 30 minutes, 7 days a week. Once downtown, COTA operates dozens of bus lines, including the free CBUS that connects the Brewery District, downtown and the Short North together. More details and a map of downtown Columbus AirConnect stops are available at www.cota.com/how-to-ride/airconnect. The COTA bus now provides real time updates on Google Maps and the COTA transit app.

Taxis and pick-up locations for ridesharing services are available on the ground transportation level of the terminal 24 hours a day. The electronic meter will compute your fare from John Glenn International to your destination. The approximate fare to travel to downtown Columbus is US\$25. For a rate chart of taxi fares visit flycolumbus.com/getting-to-from/taxis-rideshare.

There are eight car rental agencies located at the airport. Check-in counters are located on the ground floor of the parking garage and include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty. car2go members can pick up or drop off a car at The Parking Spot. For more information on car2go membership visit https://www.car2go.com/US/en.

Several companies provide shuttle and limo services in the area. A list of companies with phone numbers is available at flycolumbus.com/getting-to-from/shuttles-limos.

By Bus: The Columbus Greyhound Station is located at 111 E. Town Street in Columbus, about 5 miles from campus. For tickets and travel information visit their website at www.greyhound.com/default.aspx.

By Car: From John Glenn Columbus International Airport: From International Gateway follow signs for Interstate 670 W/US 62 W/Columbus. Take exit 2B to merge onto OH-315 N and take the Medical Cntr Dr exit toward King Ave.

From Ohio State University Airport: Follow W Case Rd and Godown Rd to Bethel Rd. Take OH-315 S to Ackerman Rd (signs for Ackerman Road/Dodridge St).

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#04N30008. 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.

For directions to campus, inquire at your rental car counter.

Local Transportation

Walking, biking and personal cars are recommended to get around campus and Columbus.

By Bus: The Campus Area Bus Service (CABS) is a free transit service provided by The Ohio State University Transportation and Traffic Management. CABS is dedicated to providing clean, reliable, and hassle-free transportation on and around Ohio State’s Columbus Campus. For schedules and routes visit ttm.osu.edu/cabs.

Bike Share: This program offers university students, faculty and staff members, and campus visitors an alternative option to traveling across campus and support the “park once” philosophy. Visitors can choose from the public annual rate of US\$75 or choose a 24-hour rental at US\$6 a day. Payment options include BuckID and credit card. Ride up to 2 hours at a time during the week; 3 hours at a time on weekends. Visit ttm.osu.edu/bikeshare to sign up.

Other options: Other local transportation options include Uber; www.uber.com and Lyft; www.lyft.com.

Weather

The average weather in March in Columbus, Ohio is characterized by rapidly rising daily high temperatures, with daily highs increasing by 12°F, from 45°F to 57°F over the course of the month, and rarely exceeding 73°F or dropping below 31°F. Attendees are advised to wear coats and layered clothing. The weather can be unpredictable so umbrellas are also recommended.

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/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 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).
• This list is not to be considered complete. Please visit the websites above for the most up-to-date information.

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Inquiries: meet@ams.org