Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the ASA Annual Meeting always scheduled for October?
The ASA holds our meeting in October for a few reasons. William Thomas Green Morton, an American dentist first publicly demonstrated the use of inhaled ether as a surgical anesthetic on October 16, 1846 at the Ether Dome of the Massachusetts General Hospital. When ASA was founded, it made sense to honor the creation of anesthesia by holding the world’s largest anesthesia educational meeting around that date.

In addition, we choose dates for the meetings based on the availability of reasonable rates for using the conference site, hotels, etc. We also try to schedule our meetings for a period of time when most academics around the world are available. This is usually early-October for European sites and mid-October for North American sites.

2. Why is ASA introducing a Member registration fee?
ANESTHESIOLOGY 2010 offers attendees unlimited access to the Refresher Courses which previously required fees, eliminating the hassle of purchasing individual tickets. The meeting also offers new enhancements to the meeting, such as the Opening Session with special guest speakers and an inaugural, all-attendee, networking Opening Reception at PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres. There will also be advanced technology features, including audience response systems, Smartphone applications and Wi-Fi access at the meeting. These are just a few of the exciting new components that attendees will experience in San Diego and at future Annual Meetings.

In addition, based on research, this registration fee is extremely modest in comparison to other Medical Society’s Annual Meetings and will help defray the ever increasing costs associated with conducting a first-class scientific medical meeting, in preferred destinations, such as San Diego.

3. What “Member” registration categories have an applied registration fee?

Member Category	Preregistration	Sept 28/ On-Site
Active Member	$275.00	$480.00
Affiliate Member	$275.00	$480.00
Educational Member/Nurse Anesthetist	$275.00	$480.00
Educational Member/Anesthesiology Assistant	$275.00	$480.00

Registration fee does not include ticketed educational sessions.

4. What “Member” registration categories are complimentary?

Member Category	Preregistration	On-Site
Resident Member	No Fee	No Fee
Medical Student Member	No Fee	No Fee
Retired Member	No Fee	No Fee
Educational Member/Student Anesthesiologist Assistant	No Fee	No Fee
Educational Member/Student Nurse Anesthetist	No Fee	No Fee
Life Member	No Fee	No Fee
Honorary Member	No Fee	No Fee
Past President	No Fee	No Fee

Registration fee does not include ticketed educational sessions.

5. What “Non-Member” registration categories have an applied registration fee?

Non-Member Category	Preregistration	On-Site
Nonmember Physician	$975.00	$1,130.00
Nonmember Nurse Anesthetist	$975.00	$1,130.00
Nonmember Anesthesiology Assistant	$975.00	$1,130.00
Respiratory Therapist	$275.00	$480.00
PACU/Critical Care Nurse	$275.00	$480.00
Nonmember Physician/International	$975.00	$1,130.00
Nonmember Resident/International	$70.00	$70.00
Nonmember Medical Student/International	$70.00	$70.00

Registration fee does not include ticketed educational sessions.

6. What are the fees for the ticketed educational sessions?

Educational Session	Preregistration	On-Site
Breakfast Panels	$40.00	$40.00
Luncheon Panels	$50.00	$50.00
Problem-Based Learning Discussions (PBLDs) Breakfast	$40.00	$40.00
Problem-Based Learning Discussions (PBLDs) Beverage Service	$15.00	$15.00
Problem-Based Learning Discussions (PBLDs) Lunch	$50.00	$50.00
Cadaver Workshop	$500.00	$500.00
Fiberoptic Workshops	$90.00	$90.00
Computing Workshops	$150.00	$150.00
Workshops	$75.00	$75.00

Registration fee does not include ticketed educational sessions.

7. Unlimited access to Refresher Course Lectures - How do I sign up?
NEW THIS YEAR - Along with the Opening Session, Rovenstine and Severinghaus and all other special event lectures - ASA is offering attendees unlimited access to Refresher Course lectures, which previously required fees, eliminating the need for purchasing individual tickets for admission. In addition, all RCL outlines will also be available online; at no additional fee for attendees only.

The Refresher Course Lectures are listed within the registration brochure in the educational program-day by day- section and tickets will not be required for admission, but space is limited on a first come basis. You are encouraged to add the RCL lectures as well as other events to your personal itinerary, but please be aware any non ticketed event is limited to a first come basis.

8. Where can I register for the meeting?
Online Registration opens on June 14, 2010 by going to www.ANESTHESIOLOGY2010.org. Once Registration is open, you can register for the meeting using the link above. From this page, you can access Registration rates and deadlines, an online registration form, a printable registration form, and a list of additional events you can attend. You can also mail in your registration form that can be found in your Registration Brochure.

9. Can I register for the Annual Meeting by phone?
Registrations can be accepted via the phone. You can contact our registration meeting partner CDS (Convention Data Services) at (800) 915-9802 or (508) 743-0530 (outside North America), weekdays between 9:00 am-5:00 pm (EST), Monday through Friday.

10. How do I know if I'm registered?
All attendees will receive an email confirmation (once registration is processed). This confirmation/receipt verifies your address information, the event(s) you have signed up for, and how much you have paid. Attendees that register online are urged to print the receipt copy of their registration to keep for their records.

If your registration has been mailed or faxed in without an email address, your confirmation will be sent to the business address submitted on your registration form.

11. When does the Preregistration end?
You may register for Anesthesiology 2010 by mail, fax or online at www.ANESTHESIOLOGY2010.org. Registration forms sent via mail (American Society of Anesthesiologists, c/o Convention Center Data Services (CDS), 107 Waterhouse Road, Bourne, MA 02532) or fax (508) 743-9679 must be received by CDS on or before September 27, 2010. Individuals registering online may register through October 20, 2010.

12. How do I make changes to my registration after I already submitted my online registration?
You may go back into your registration anytime to make updates by visiting the Registration Resource Center. Here you may review your existing registration and/or add ticketed functions and make changes to your registration information on file. To access the resource center you’ll need your Badge Number and Email Address (exactly as you entered originally when registering).

13. What is your cancellation policy?
Fees for registration or tickets will be refunded in full if written notice of cancellation is received on or before September 27, 2010. No refund or exchanges will be given if received after September 27, 2010. Please send your written cancellation and/or refund request to Betty Davis at: b.davis@asahq.org or fax your request to (847) 825-1692.

14. What is included with my registration?
Registration for Members/ Non-Members includes access to the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2010 Exhibition, Saturday Opening Session, one (1) ticket admittance to the Saturday Evening Welcome Reception at PETCO Park and one (1) ticket admittance to the Sunday Evening Exhibit Hall Reception. Registration also includes access to ALL educational sessions that offer CME credit, except ticketed educational sessions that offer CME credit.

15. Can I bring a guest to the Annual Meeting?
An individual accompanying a full registration attendee, and participating only in the social events receives complimentary registration. Complimentary spouse/guest registration includes guest name badge, access to the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2010 Exhibition, Saturday Opening Session, one (1) ticket admittance to the Saturday Evening Opening Reception at PETCO Park and one (1) ticket admittance to the Sunday Evening Exhibitor Reception. Any additional guests must pay a registration fee of $70.00.

Educational sessions offering CME credit are not included. Continuing education credit (CME) is not available for this registration fee category. Guests must be 16 years or older to qualify for the guest registration.

16. Which hotel is the Headquarter host for the Annual Meeting?
The San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina, located at 333 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA, 92101 has been designated as the headquarters hotel for ANESTHESIOLOGY 2010. The exhibits, lectures, and most meetings and programs will be held in the San Diego Convention Center, located at 111 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101.

17. How can I find information on programs, meetings and sessions?
The Registration Brochure will be mailed out in June. Specific information on programs, sessions and meetings, including dates, times and locations, will be available using the Annual Meeting Database, beginning in early June. Attendees will also receive a Program Guide onsite, which will list all session information.

18. Where can I pick up my badge and registration materials onsite?
Registration will be located in the Sails Pavilion on the Upper Level of the San Diego Convention Center. Registration Hours are as Follows:

Friday, October 15	12:00 noon-9:00 pm
Saturday, October 16	7:00 am-5:00 pm
Sunday, October 17	8:00 am-5:00 pm
Monday, October 18	8:00 am-5:00 pm
Tuesday, October 19	8:00 am-5:00 pm
Wednesday, October 20	8:00 am- Noon

19. Who will be exhibiting at this year's conference?
Click here to view the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2010 Exhibitors.

20. What are the Annual Meeting exhibition hours?
The exhibits will be open the following days and times:

Saturday, October 16	9:00 am-4:00 pm
Sunday, October 17	9:00 am-6:00 pm (Exhibit Reception 4:30-6:00 pm)
Monday, October 18	9:00 am-3:00 pm

21. Who are the featured speakers?
ANESTHESIOLOGY 2010 will host several keynote events. The Opening Session will feature Jeff Skiles, Co-Pilot of U.S. Airways Flight 1549, “The Miracle on the Hudson” and will take place on Saturday, October 16th from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

The Emery A. Rovenstine Memorial Lecture will feature Kevin K. Tremper, Ph.D., M.D., Professor and Chair from the University of Michigan and will take place on Monday, October 18th from 11:15 a.m.-12:20 p.m.

The John W. Severinghaus Lecture on Translational Science will feature Warren M. Zapol, M.D., emeritus anesthetist-in-chief at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Reginald Jenney Professor of Anesthesia at Harvard Medical School. This event will take place on Tuesday, October 19th from 11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.

The 2010 Lewis H. Wright Memorial Lecture of the Wood Library-Museum of Anesthesiology will feature Roger J. Eltringham, M.B., Ch.B., F.R.C.A., and a Consultant Anesthetist from Gloucester in the U.K. and will take place on Tuesday, October 19th from 12:40 p.m.-1:50 p.m.

Details will be available in the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2010 Meeting and Exhibit Guide.

22. When does Annual Meeting Housing open?
Housing for the Annual Meeting opened on May 5, 2010. The ASA official housing partner for the Annual Meeting is Travel Planners. Housing will be available on the Annual Meeting website. Go to www.ANESTHESIOLOGY2010.org for details on hotels, rate information, and reservations. You can also call Travel Planners at (212) 532-1660 or (800) 221-3531 between the hours of 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.

23. How do I cancel my hotel reservation if I need to?
Changes to or cancellations of your reservation(s) must be made with Travel Planners until three days prior to arrival. After this time, contact your hotel directly. Call Travel Planners at (212) 532-1660 or (800) 221-3531 between the hours of 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.

24. Are there discounted airfares available for the Annual Meeting?
ASA official travel partner for the Annual Meeting is ATC (Association Travel Concepts). Air travel services will be available on the Annual Meeting website. Go to www.ANESTHESIOLOGY2010.org for details on flights and rate information and to make your reservation. You can also call ATC at (800) 755-3899 between 8:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday

25. Will there be Shuttle Buses provided during the Annual Meeting?
The free Shuttle Buses will go between the San Diego Convention Center and all non-walking ASA hotels from Friday through Wednesday during the Annual Meeting. Go to www.ANESTHESIOLOGY2010.org for details on designated shuttle hotels, route and time information. Signs with route information will also be available in hotel lobbies.

26. Do I need to get in line if I’m already preregistered?
No. We now have the capability for you to “look up and print”. Just bring your confirmation letter with you and scan the bar code located next to the look up and print terminal. Your name badge and tickets will automatically print.

27. How do I obtain a VISA/Invitation Letter?
If you’re traveling to ANESTHESIOLOGY 2010 from outside the United States your country may require that you obtain a visa. Please review the information below to help you obtain a visa for entry to the United States from your country.

If you identify that a visa is needed, foreign travelers should contact the U.S. Embassy Consular Section in their country to determine visa processing timeframes. To learn more visit http://usembassy.state.gov.

The State Department is the official United States visa information source at http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html.

28. Can I use a purchase order to place my order?
ASA does not accept purchase orders of any kind. Payment in full is due with a registration form or when registering online.

29. I live outside the United States, how can I pay for meeting registrations?
Using a credit card or check drawn on U.S. funds

30. Who do I contact if I have a question about my registration?
You should receive an automatic email confirmation of your online registration. If you have any problem registering online, need to check the status of your registration, or need a physical receipt, contact our registration meeting partner Convention Data Services (CDS) at (800) 915-9802 or (508) 743-0530 between 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.

31.What is the maximum credit for CMEs?
ASA is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The ASA designates this educational activity for a maximum of 40 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

32. How can I obtain my CME certificate for attending the Annual Meeting?
ASA will provide self-print CME certificates for ANESTHESIOLOGY 2010. Computers and printers will be provided by ASA in designated areas in the Sails Pavilion at the convention center. Attendees can enter session attendance information and print their own certificates from any computer with an Internet connection beginning 24 hours after the session is completed. The site to claim CME information will be accessible until December 31, 2010 through the ASA website.

33. What is the latest on health care reform?
While the health reform bill has been signed into law, the reform debate is far from over. We anticipate many legislative attempts to repeal or revise some or all of this law. We also anticipate a need for our members to respond to the massive rule making process that will accompany implementation of the law as currently written. The voices of anesthesiology will need to be heard. Our specialty must continue to be engaged in assuring positive outcomes both on the legislative and regulatory fronts. As we demonstrated with our leadership in the medical community in opposing and stopping the proliferation of Medicare payment rates to other payers, our voices can and do make a difference. Our overarching goal is to ensure that remedies to the shortcomings of American health care strengthen, not threaten, the medical specialty of anesthesiology. Information about ASA’s reform-related activities are posted on the ASA website as circumstances dictate.

34. How far is the airport from the Convention Center and what type of transportation is available?
The San Diego International Airport is only 10 minutes from downtown and the San Diego Convention Center. Almost all major domestic airlines service the airport. For terminal and airline information call (619) 231-2100 or visit www.san.org.

If you need a taxi, there are many companies that provide taxicab service at the airport. Fares from the airport to the Convention Center range from $15 -$25. Shuttle vans and buses operated by private companies are also available. You can find shuttle service at the transportation plazas across from terminals 1 and 2, and curbside at the commuter terminal. In addition, there are a number of public transportation services available to you at any given time when you need to get to and from the airport. For transportation information visit www.san.org.

35. What is the weather like in San Diego?
San Diego's climate makes it the ultimate year-round destination. The average daytime temperature on the Convention Center's outdoor terraces is a pleasant 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The average annual rainfall is less than 10 inches.

Average San Diego Temperature for the month of October

High	Low	Humidity	Rainfall	Sunshine
75	60	70%	.33'	68%

36. Do you have skycap services for my luggage?
Attendees will be able to check their luggage and obtain an airline issued boarding pass inside the San Diego Convention Center, avoiding hassles and delays at the airport. BAGS, Inc., provides a full service, multi-airline remote skycap operation right on site. This service will be prearranged by ASA, details will be available online at www.ANESTHESIOLOGY2010.org

37. Are ATMs available in the building?
There are two permanent ATMs onsite in Lobbies B & E. A $2.00 fee applies

38. Does the convention center have a business center?
The convention center’s on-site business service center, FedEx Office, is conveniently located in the Hall D lobby and specializes in digital distribution and printing of conference materials. Place an order contact FedEx Office at the San Diego Convention Center by calling (619) 525-5450.

39. Is there Internet access available during the conference?
For registered attendees, there will be free wireless Internet stations provided, located on the Exhibit Hall floor (HALLS C-G) at the San Diego Convention Center.

40. Where can I park and what are the costs?
On-site private vehicle parking is available at the San Diego Convention Center's 1,950-vehicle underground garage located below the building. Directly across the street to the east of the Center is a 2,000 space parking garage. The daily rate is $10. Parking rates may range from $10 to $20 on days when there is special event activity at PETCO Park or other downtown events.

41. Is smoking permitted in the convention center?
The convention center is a non-smoking facility. By state law, and in the interest of public health, the San Diego Convention Center has adopted a non-smoking policy. There are designated areas outside the building where smoking is permitted.

42. Who do I contact if I have special needs?
For specific information on the convention center's accessibility, please contact their Guest Services department at (619) 525-5409.

43. What is the dress code for the conference?
Business/casual attire and walking shoes are highly recommended.

44. When and where is the 2011 Legislative Conference being held?
The ASA Legislative Conference will be held on May 2-4, 2011 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Washington, D.C. Please register through your State Component.

45. Where and when is the 2011 Annual Meeting being held?
ANESTHESIOLOGY 2011 - October 15-19, 2011 - Chicago, Illinois