|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions
|
GENERAL CONFERENCE INFORMATION
Question: What's new about the 2008 VCS Annual Conference?
Answer: There are a couple important changes this year. First of all, the day pattern of the conference has changed. The conference will begin on Saturday, October 18th and end on Tuesday, October 21st. Next, the final event of the conference, the awards reception, will be held on Monday evening at the EMP (Experience Music Project) just a few short blocks from the hotel. This will be more of a reception rather than a dinner. The general session and VTCS workshops will end at 3 pm on Monday giving attendees an opportunity to explore Seattle or attend a new Sponsor Presentations event which will be held in the general session room from 3-5 pm. Platinum, Gold and Silver level sponsors will take this opportunity to share important information with those interested in attending.
Question: I want to register as a VCS member but haven't paid my dues yet. What can I do?
Answer: If necessary, you can pay your annual VCS dues at the conference, or, contact Barb McGehee at vcs@cox.net.
Question: Is there shuttle transportation from the Seattle airport to the Seattle Westin?
Answer: The hotel is approximately 15 miles from the airport and does not provide shuttle transportation to and from the airport. Gray Line has exclusive shuttle service from the airport to Westin Seattle at a cost of $18 round trip. Visit their website, http://www.graylineseattle.com/airportexpress1.cfm to book your shuttle online. For other transportation options, click here.
Question: I will be driving (or renting a car) to the conference site each day. How much is parking?
Answer: The cost to park your car from five to twenty-four hours at the Seattle Westin is $32. There are hourly fees as well.
Question: How do I get to the hotel if I'm driving?
Answer: WESTBOUND FROM I-90: I-90 Exit to I-5 North; Take Madison Street exit; At stoplight, turn left; Next light (6th Avenue) turn right; Follow 6th Avenue to Stewart
SOUTHBOUND FROM I-5: Take Stewart Street/ Denny Way exit; Follow Stewart Street to 6th Avenue
NORTHBOUND FROM I-5 (From the Airport): Take Seneca Street exit (left hand exit, not to be confused with the Express Lanes); At the end of the ramp, turn right onto 6th Avenue; Follow 6th Avenue to Stewart. The Westin Seattle is the two round towers on your left
Question: What meals are included in my conference registration fee?
Answer: The following events, meals and breaks are included in your registration fee: An afternoon break for those attending the Resident Review session on October 18th, the Welcome Reception, continental breakfast on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday; morning and afternoon breaks on Sunday and Monday and a morning break on Tuesday; the Poster Reception and the Awards Reception at the EMP on Monday, October 20th. Remember that the Awards Reception is NOT a full meal this year. You may purchase guest tickets for the Awards Reception when you register. There is an additional fee to attend the VCOG and VTCS lunches on Sunday, October 19th.
Question: What is different about the final Awards Presentation event this year?
Answer: The final event of the conference will be held at the EMP (Experience Music Project) located just a few blocks from the hotel. It will be more of a reception than it will be a dinner this year so we encourage you to eat moderately before attending. You can walk to the EMP or you can take the monorail or a taxi. For more information on this outstanding facility, visit http://www.empsfm.org/index.asp.
Question: When is the last day that I can make a hotel reservation?
Answer: The VCS room block at the Westin Seattle is now sold out. We have an additional block of rooms at the Warwick Seattle Hotel . Choose the accommodations link on the left for contact information.
Question: Will there be a babysitter provided at the conference?
Answer: The VCS does not provide babysitters for this conference, however, attached is a list of babysitting services that the Westin recommends
PRESENTATIONS, POSTERS, CE'S AND AWARDS
Question: When can I submit my abstract?
Answer: Closing date was July 15, 2008. Please see the “Abstract Submission” tab on this website, as well as the “Key Dates” tab for other important information.
Question: If I am selected to present a poster, what size should it be and where will posters be located?
Answer: Posters must be no larger than 4' tall x 3' wide (vertical). Two posters will go on each side of the tackboards provided. Posters will be located in Grand Ballroom 1, immediately next door to the general session room. Posters may be hung as early as 7:00 pm on Saturday, October 18th and should remain up until 7 pm on Monday, October 20th. All posters must be removed by 7 pm on October 20th.
Question: When and where will the presentation schedule be posted?
Answer: The final grid of presentations will be available on this website by September 9, 2008. You will also receive a confirmation email once the final schedule has been determined. If you have questions about your scheduled presentation time, please contact Barb McGehee at vcs@cox.net. Please note, oftentimes, changes must be made to the presentation schedule. Please check the final grid BEFORE you leave for Seattle to make sure that your presentation time or day has not changed.
Question: How many hours of Continuing Education credit will be awarded this year?
Answer: We expect there to be approximately 16 hours of CE credits available.
Question: How many resident awards are presented at the VCS conference?
Answer: Generally, VCS presents four resident awards each year: the E. Gregory MacEwen Memorial Award for Basic Science, the Robert S. Brodey Memorial Award for Clinical Science, the Edward L. Gillette Memorial Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation in Basic Science and the Amiya K. Patnaik Memorial Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation in Clinical Science. In 2008 VCS will present one resident award due to the small number of posters presented. Each award is $1,250 and is to be used to pay all expenses associated with attendance at the ACVIM conference. Residents must submit their abstract within six months of completing their residency.
FUTURE CONFERENCES
Question: Are the dates and locations set for future VCS Conferences?
Answer: Yes, dates have been confirmed for the 2009 through 2011 conferences:
Austin in 2009, October 16-19 at the Hyatt Regency Austin
San Diego in 2010, October 29-November 1 at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort & Spa
Albuquerque in 2011, November 4-7 at the Albuquerque Embassy Suites Hotel & Spa.
The 2010 Mid-year conference is scheduled for Las Vegas, NV, March 7-10, 2010, Red Rock Casino ~ Resort ~ Spa.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
