What is included in my registration fee?

An Annual Meeting registration includes all educational sessions (with the exception of optional and/or additional fee sessions as indicated on the registration form). Registration only includes sessions that do not have an additional cost. You will have to arrange and pay for your meals, travel, transportation, and housing on your own.

Can I register by phone?

No. Registration will be taken online only. The paper trail is necessary to ensure accuracy.

When does registration close?

Registration is open until the final day of the meeting, Tuesday, November 22. We will e-mail name badges in November to registered attendees.

How can I get a receipt for my Annual Meeting registration?

Once you’ve registered for the Annual Meeting you will receive an email confirmation. There is a link provided within the email confirmation that you may click and you will see a “Print Receipt” button located on the page.

I’ve registered and I can’t attend the Annual Meeting, can I get a refund for my registration fee?

Registration refunds must be requested in writing by October 27. Send your request to information@annual-meetings.org. A $40 administrative fee will be assessed.

When will the Program Books be mailed?

We will be mailing a full Annual Meetings Program Book (with all SBL, AAR, and Additional Meetings session information, including room locations) to everyone who has registered for the meeting before August 28, 2016, and indicated that you require one on your registration form. If you do not register and opt in for the Annual Meeting by August 28, you will not receive a Program Book in the mail. Program Books will only be available for those onsite that registered after August 28. The program info is available and searchable in the online Program Book. The full Program Book will be mailed by early October.

How will I receive my name badge?

In an effort to cut down on lines for badge reprints at registration, name badges will no longer be sent via postal mail. Instead, check your e-mail in early November for a special link that will allow you to print your name badge and tote bag ticket to bring with you to San Antonio. If you bring these items to the Annual Meeting, you will not need to stand in line for registration.

When you arrive at the San Antonio Convention Center, you may use your tote bag ticket to pick up a tote bag at the Tote Bag Window, located in the main Lobby outside Exhibit Hall 1. Inside the tote bag will be your lanyard and your name badge holder, and you can slip in your name badge and enjoy the rest of the Annual Meeting!

Housing & Travel

What is the headquarters hotel for the Annual Meeting?

There isn’t one specific headquarters hotel this year. Registration, the Exhibit Hall, and the Employment Center will be held in the San Antonio Convention Center. Sessions will be held in the San Antonio Convention Center, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency Riverwalk, Hilton Palacio del Rio, Marriott Rivercenter, and the Marriott Riverwalk.

I'm coming from outside the U.S.; is there anything I should know?

Yes, depending on what country you're coming from, you may need to allow several months to get a visa for travel to the USA. The general website for the US State Department is http://www.state.gov/. For information about the Visa Waiver program please click here.

Will there be a shuttle from hotel to the convention center?

There will not be a shuttle this year. Attendees who have difficulty walking longer distances should click here for more information.

General

Is there Internet access?

There is a free cyber café in the Exhibit Hall. The San Antonio Convention Center will have complimentary Wi-Fi located throughout the meeting spaces. All the hotels have Internet access available in their business centers or guest rooms. The hotels may charge a fee to access the Internet in the guest rooms, and that information can be found here on the Hotel Amenity Chart.

I need info about the Employment Center. Where should I go?

Employment Center Website, or contact Amy Yandell at careers@aarsbl.org or 404-727-2286.

When are the first and last sessions at the Annual Meeting?

The Annual Meeting program sessions begin on Saturday, November 19 at 9:00 AM (9.00h) and end on Tuesday, November 22 at 12:00 PM (12.00h). Pre-conference meetings hosted by SBL & AAR and other organizations may begin as early as Wednesday.

What is the dress code?

Attire is business casual. Feel free to be comfortable in slacks, polo shirts, sweaters, blazers, skirts, blouses and most importantly, comfortable shoes. We also recommend you dress in layers as temperatures in meeting rooms can vary.

Will there be a coat check at the convention center?

We will not have a coat or baggage check this year. Please make arrangements to check your bag at your hotel if you have additional time between check out and when you leave for the airport.

I want to host an event at the contracted hotels. What do I do?

Visit the Additional Meetings page for policies, rates, deadlines, and a link to the additional meeting request form.