General Information
Audio-Visual Policy
Standard Audio-visual Set-up in Meeting Rooms
The PLENARY SESSION ROOM will have TWO OVERHEAD PROJECTORS, TWO SCREENS, and ONE DATA PROJECTOR. All other breakout rooms will have one screen and one data projector. Overhead projectors will be available in the breakout rooms upon request. If you would like to request an overhead projector for your session, please email Jennifer Fasy (fasy@siam.org) no later than June 12, 2010. Speakers may inquire about ordering additional audio-visual equipment by contacting meetings@siam.org.
SIAM does not provide computers for any speaker. When giving an electronic presentation, speakers must provide their own computers. SIAM is not responsible for the safety and security of speakers’ computers.
All speakers, please visit http://www.siam.org/meetings/guidelines/av.php prior to the pre-registration deadline.
An Internet café will be available in the exhibit area of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center for attendees.
The Omni William Penn Hotel offers guests complimentary high speed wireless Internet access in the lobby. For a fee, guests may also access high speed wireless Internet in their sleeping rooms.
The Westin Convention Center Pittsburgh Hotel offers guests complimentary high speed wireless Internet access in the guest rooms.Local Area
Visit http://www.visitpittsburgh.com/ for more information on Pittsburgh and the surrounding area.
The average temperature in Pittsburgh during July varies between 62° F (17°C) and 85° F (29°C). Remember meeting room temperatures and personal comfort zones vary widely. It is recommended that you bring a sweater or jacket to the sessions.
Membership
Please visit http://www.siam.org/membership/ for information about joining SIAM.
Poster Session
For information about preparing a poster, please visit http://www.siam.org/meetings/guidelines/presenters.php. See SUBMISSIONS button for deadlines.
Further information will be posted here in April 2010.SIAM Books and Journals
Display copies of books and complimentary copies of journals are available on site. SIAM books are available at a discounted price during the conference. If a SIAM books representative is not available, completed order forms and payment (credit cards are preferred) may be taken to the SIAM registration desk.
Transportation
By Air
SIAM has selected Uniglobe Wings Travel to assist attendees in making travel arrangements. To book your reservations through Uniglobe Wings Travel, contact Amy Hueber at +1-215-628-3322 or toll free (US and Canada) at 866-71-WINGS. Press two (2) when you hear the recording, and ask to be transferred to Amy. Be sure to mention you are attending the 2010 SIAM Annual Meeting and SIAM Conference on the Life Sciences. Uniglobe Wings Travel will issue your ticket and mail it to you. Please be aware there is a fee for this service.
You also have the choice of using your own travel agent or an Internet service. There are many web sites available to allow you to search for and purchase airline tickets online. Expedia , Orbitz, and Travelocity are just a few.
Ground Transportation
Public Transportation from Airport
Taxis are available at the airport for transportation to the hotel. Please visit the Westin Convention Center Hotel web site, and click on “Local Area” to find local directions, or the Omni William Penn Hotel web site. SIAM also suggests you contact the hotel directly for any information about sharing transportation.
SuperShuttle is the easiest, most cost effective way to get to and from the airport. SuperShuttle operates 24 hours. Make your reservations online at www.supershuttle.com. Enter discount code V48EG for $4 off your roundtrip fare. NOTE: In order to get the discount you must book a roundtrip. When you arrive at the Pittsburgh International Airport gather your luggage then proceed to the SuperShuttle kiosk, located on the lower level near the baggage claim.
By Train
Amtrak has a rail station in Pittsburgh. To make train reservations
through Amtrak, call (800) USA-RAIL, go to http://www.amtrak.com or contact Uniglobe Wings Travel. Taxis are available
at the train station for transportation to the hotel.
Rental Cars
Many major car rental companies have offices inside the
airport terminal. You can make your arrangements when you arrive at
the airport or you can make them through Uniglobe Wings Travel or your
own travel agent. Uniglobe Wings Travel can make your car rental reservations
at the same time you make your flight reservations. See information
above regarding how to reach Uniglobe Wings Travel.
Driving Directions
If renting a car, please obtain a map and directions
from your rental car company. Another option is to visit Mapquest, or another similar web site. SIAM highly recommends you contact the hotel directly at +1-(412) 281-3700 (Westin) or +1-(412) 281-3700 (Omni) or visit their web sites for driving directions.
Visa Information
International attendees at conferences in the US may already be aware that there have been changes to the visa program for scientific visitors, which affect even people from visa waiver countries. The site http://www.nationalacademies.org/visas/, maintained by The National Academies, provides guidance on obtaining the necessary documents.
As of January 12, 2009, a valid ESTA approval is required for all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to travel to the United States. Please visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html for additional information and procedures regarding the visa waiver program as maintained by the US Department of State.
Letter of Invitation
Confirmed speakers in need of a Letter of Invitation to assist in the visa application process, please fill out the Letter of Invitation Request Form. Please allow three to four weeks for processing and delivery.
If you are not planning to present at the conference or are not yet a confirmed speaker and need a letter of invitation before acceptance notifications are sent, please fill out the form AND provide the following information to meetings@siam.org:- Brief curriculum vita (including your date of birth and a list of publications over the past 3 years.)
- Brief statement why attending this conference would help your research and career.
- Letter of recommendation. Have a senior person (e.g. Ph.D. advisor, head of department, president of a mathematical society) write a brief letter of recommendation on appropriate letterhead. This letter is not needed if you have a minimum of twelve entries in MathSciNet. If this is the case please state so in your message to meetings@siam.org.