The Society for Marine Mammalogy is an international organization of scientists dedicated to the study of marine mammals. There are about 2000 members from over 20 countries worldwide. The Society will be hosting the XV Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, from 14-19 December in Greensboro, NC. Please check the conference website (http://smm2003biennial.marinemammalogy.org/) for the latest information. The deadline for early registration is 19 September 2003. The least expensive way to register is early registration and we encourage everyone to register as early as possible. The deadline for housing registration is 13 November 2003, and there is a form available on the website for this. Everyone is strongly encouraged to make their hotel reservations as soon as possible to avoid last minute problems with availability. Additionally, please remember that the dates are near the holidays, and flights might be filled, so book your flight early. Those coming a long distance and internationally should check for flights into both Greensboro (16 km from the hotel) and Raleigh-Durham (111 km from the hotel), because the prices of fares varies between these two airports, and substantial savings might be had, enough to cover the cost of ground transportation to the hotel and convention center from the more distant airport.
SPECIAL NOTICE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS:
The United States has imposed stricter requirements for entry into the country. We encourage all international visitors from countries requiring visas to begin the process of acquiring visas as soon as possible, and no later than 3 months before the meeting. Although the U.S. State Department has instructed its overseas consular offices to schedule students, professors, and researchers first for interviews, the process is now taking several months. After identifying that a visa is needed, foreign travelers should contact the Embassy Consular Section in their country to determine visa processing timeframes. Travelers should contact the Consular Section via internet at http://travel.state.gov/links.html or call the Consular Section to hear recorded information. The National Academy of Science (USA) International Visitors Office has established a web-resource (<http://www7.nationalacademies.org/visas/>) that includes information and internet links to federal agencies involved in the visa process. The U.S. State Department web page for visa services is http://www.travel.state.gov/visa_services.html
A GENTLE REMINDER ABOUT REGISTRATION.
An icebreaker ticket is included in the registration fee. Don't order one unless you plan to bring a guest. There are NO REFUNDS! The banquet is a separate ticket. DO order one so you can join the fun. The dance is open to any registered attendee.
Students must provide proof of student status. If you are using course listings, etc., that were printed from the internet, make sure your NAME is on it somewhere, or it will be rejected. A photo ID is preferred. Copy it "light" so it will fax legibly.
INVITATION TO EXHIBITORS:
We invite interested individuals and organizations to exhibit at the conference. The exhibitor fee is $150.00 for nonprofit organizations (i.e. public educational institutions, governmental agencies, and 501 3. c. Corporations) and $300.00 for for-profit concerns. Those registering to exhibit prior to 19 September 2003 will receive a $50.00 discount. This fee will procure one booth (approx. 10 x 10 feet) on the exhibit floor (with one draped table and two chairs), two exhibitor badges, and two tickets to the opening icebreaker reception at the Convention Center. Exhibitor badges will allow access to the exhibit hall and poster area only, and will NOT allow access to conference sessions. Exhibitors wishing to attend scientific sessions may purchase badges for that purpose for an additional $50.00 each. These badges will provide access to a limited number of presentations. Those wishing to attend many sessions are encouraged to register for the full conference. Nonprofit exhibitors wishing to attend scientific sessions will need to register for the conference at the regular rate.
WHO SHOULD EXHIBIT?
Companies and organizations featuring the following products and services are urged to participate:
Analytical Software Artists Boats, Motors, and Engines Book and Journal Publishers Conservation Groups Ecological Consultants Field Gear Federal, State, and Local Government Agencies GIS and GPS Outdoor Clothing Photographic Equipment Remote Sensing Time-Depth Recorders Watercraft
Scientific Program Chair
Aleta A. Hohn, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service
101 Pivers Island Road, Beaufort, North Carolina 28516-9722 USA
Phone 252-728-8797, Fax 252-728-8784
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Conference Chair Edward O. Keith, Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University 8000 N. Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, Florida 33004 USA Phone 954-262-8322, Fax 954-262-3931 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
