National Meeting Abstract and Topic Submission Site Open

On behalf of program chair Dr. Patricia Foley and AALAS president Bob Dysko the 2011 National Meeting Program Committee would like to encourage you to submit proposals for abstracts, seminars, special topic lectures, panel discussions, technical trade presentations, and workshops for the 2011 meeting in San Diego.

Submissions will again be handled online starting today, January 7. Those of you who submitted topics or abstracts in the past year received a system email with your password and username. New users must create an account.

Neurodegenerative diseases is this year's spotlight forum. Those with backgrounds and expertise in research, clinical care, management, and husbandry of animal models used to study these diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's and Lou Gehrig's Disease) are especially encouraged to submit.

Read the call for abstracts for complete requirements for submitting abstracts and proposing educational session topics. The deadline for topic submissions is March 15, 2011, while the deadline for abstract (posters and platforms) submissions is June 1.

Topic submissions should be designed specifically for one of the following formats: 2-hour, 45-minute seminar, 1.5-hour panel discussion, 1-hour special topic lecture, 4-hour workshop, or 20-minute technical trade presentation. If you choose to submit a topic, please note that you must include the title, brief description, and names and contact information for any suggested panelists, speakers, or leader. Once the submission undergoes review and acceptance, any substitution or addition of speakers must be approved by the Program Committee.

Abstract submissions will be considered for either a platform or poster presentation format. Platform presentations are typically 10-15 minutes in length and are grouped together by general category. If you choose to submit an abstract, please follow the guidelines and provide complete information. This will greatly assist the Program Committee in their review process and enable the correct assignment of your abstract to the appropriate program session.

Exhibitor Prospectus Online

The priority point application deadline of February 7 is only a few weeks away, so now is the time to begin thinking about exhibiting at the 2011 National Meeting. Browse the exhibitor prospectus to view diagrams of the hall, specs, prices, sponsorship opportunities, and application forms. The exhibit hall will again be open Tuesday through Thursday, October 4-6. For additional information about exhibiting at the AALAS National Meeting, please contact Christy Miller.

AALAS 2010 National Meeting Video Recap

Utah Wins Branch of the Year

The Branch Challenge Award was presented to the Utah Branch because it met all of the criteria for participation and had the largest percent increase of national AALAS members.

These Branches were also recognized for qualifying: Arizona Branch, Central Ohio Branch, Florida Branch, Iowa Branch, Louisiana Branch, Orange County Branch, Southern Wisconsin Branch,and Three Rivers Branch.

Congratulations to AALAS National Award Winners

Congratulations to the 2010 AALAS national award winners! They were honored at the Opening General Session on October 10 in Atlanta during AALAS' National Meeting:

Charles A. Griffin Award

William J. White

$2,500 honorarium

Nathan R. Brewer Scientific Achievement Award

Jean Nemzek

$2,000 honorarium

Joseph J. Garvey Award

Don Bradford

$2,000 honorarium

George R. Collins Award

Eileen Morgan

$2,000 honorarium

Pravin N. Bhatt Young Investigators Award

Diana Scorpio

$1,000 honorarium

Technician of the Year

Nicole Libal

$1,500 honorarium

Technician Publication Award

Dominic Montani

$500 honorarium

New Educational Support for Branches

By Dr. Ann Turner, Executive Director

During the AALAS National Meeting in Atlanta, the Board of Trustees announced the establishment of the Ben Cohen Branch Educational Fund. This program honors one of the founding fathers of AALAS, Dr. Ben Cohen, who was committed to enhancing the training and education of all those who work in the laboratory animal science field. It is fitting that this fund was established to support educational programs offered through the AALAS branches.

Branches may apply for up to $1,000 per year for regular programming, and up to $5,000 for supplemental funding for large or special events in addition to the regular funding. Examples of eligible expenses include speaker’s fees, travel, and expenses; workshop/wet lab expenses; and local AREA (student) program expenses.

To be eligible to apply for financial support, the branch must meet these criteria:

• have at least 10 members who are AALAS national members;
• provide to the AALAS national office a list of current officers within 30 days of the election;
• provide a current membership roster, including contact information for members, to the AALAS national office by May 1;
• provide a current copy of their constitution and bylaws; and
• provide evidence of IRS tax-exempt status or evidence of IRS tax filing.

Compliant branches may submit to the national office (by mail or email, addressed to me) a request for funding to support qualified educational programs offered by the branch. Applications must include a letter of support from at least one Trustee from the applying branch’s district. Applications for regular funding (up to $1,000) must be received by the national office at least 60 days prior to the event. Applications for supplemental funding (up to $5,000) must be received approximately 6 weeks prior to the regularly scheduled board meeting preceding the event. Funding cannot be awarded retroactive to the event or program.

For questions about the Ben Cohen Branch Educational fund, contact me at the national office at ann.turner@aalas.org.

Last Minute Tips for National Meeting

The National Meeting is only three weeks away! Here are some last minutes news and tips.

• Late registration closes this week! Although you may register onsite, it's quick and easy to do so online.
• Although the housing bureau is no longer open, you can still contact the hotels directly to make reservations. Click here for a list of hotels in the AALAS block and a map.
• The following workshops have sold out: W-5, W-10, W-13, W-23, and W-24.
• To get to your hotel from the airport, Atlanta Airport Shuttle is offering a round-trip price for $27. Pre-registration is not required. Contact them at 404-762-3007 or online.

See you in Atlanta!

National Meeting Update

The 61st annual AALAS National Meeting is just a little over a month away! Early registration ends on September 1. Be sure to take advantage of this discount!

Please be aware of spam emails, faxes, and phone calls claiming to help you book housing for the AALAS National Meeting. These hotels are not in the AALAS housing block, and many are much farther away. Use this housing link or send email to housing@atlanta.net to be included in the AALAS block. AALAS does not call or fax you. Ignore email that doesn't come from aalas.org.

Program and Events
The education program starts on Sunday, October 10 and runs through Thursday, October 14. To browse the sessions and events and create an online itinerary, click here.

The exhibit hall has new hours this year. The exhibit hall will open on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. instead of the usual Monday. It will stay open until Thursday, 1 p.m. In addition to the commercial exhibitors, the exhibit hall also includes the poster sessions, Cyber Café, and booths for the affiliated organizations of AALAS.

Don't miss the Opening General Session! Held on Sunday, October 10 at 5 p.m., the program will feature the 2010 awards ceremony, as well as a keynote speech by Paul Wolpe. Following the session is a welcome reception open to all attendees.

The General Membership Meeting takes place on Monday at 5 p.m. Meet the new AALAS leadership and enter to win a drawing for $200!

For additional news about the AALAS National Meeting, visit our website.

Volunteer Opportunity
Volunteers are still needed to facilitate sessions in Atlanta. Responsibilities will vary with each session, but usually include passing out handouts, working with the moderator to ensure that the speaker can be heard at the back of the room, and helping attendees find seats after the session has started. Facilitators do not introduce speakers.

If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the form here.

Atlanta T-Shirts
The Local Arrangements Committee has created a commemorative T-shirt for the 61st National Meeting in Atlanta. Who doesn't want a piano playing mouse on their shirt? They look great and only cost $10 for short sleeve and $15 for long sleeve. To get yours today, click here.

The shirts can be picked up at the Local Arrangements Committee booth with your receipt as verification. Shipping is not available, so please designate someone to get your shirt if you are unable to attend. A small number will be sold at the meeting but don't wait in case you miss out!