GENERAL INFORMATION

Location of Events and Exhibits
Unless otherwise noted in the schedule, all events will be held in the Chicago Hilton.  Floor plans of the Chicago Hilton are included in this book.  Check the Daily Schedule for locations and times.

Registration
The registration desk will be available for questions and registration during the hours below.  Tickets for available events may be purchased at the on-site registration desk, and t-shirts and abstract books/CDs will have a separate pick-up area.  The registration desk is located in the lobby of the Chicago Hilton at the 8th St. N. & S. registration area.

Housing
Any questions or problems concerning roommate matching will be handled by the housing agency, Hachero-Hill, which will have a representative on site outside the Exhibit Hall.  Individual housing concerns should be addressed with the Chicago Hilton or the respective hotel directly.

Hilton Chicago * 720 S. Michigan Ave. * Chicago, IL 60605 * (312) 294-6843

Badge Scanning
Attendee badges have RFID cards attached to them.  The cards are on your badges to allow exhibitors to scan your badge to contact you after the meeting if you’d like them to.  The RFID cards contain your name, institution, email, and phone number and no additional information.  Scanning requires direct contact to gather the information on them.  Attendees are welcome to not allow exhibitors to scan their badges if they so choose.  Exhibitors will receive a post-meeting mailing list that does not contain emails and phone numbers after the meeting as well.  The Congress will honor any attendee who wishes to not be placed on the mailing list.  Stop by the Registration Desk for questions.

Job Placement Center
A Job Placement Center is located outside of the Exhibit Hall.  Position notices and envelopes for resumes will be available on the boards.  Extra forms and envelopes will be available for employers to place position notices on the board.  Tables will also be available to conduct interviews on-site if the employer chooses to.  Scheduling of interviews is the responsibility of the employer and job seekers.  Employers may pick up their position notices and resumes during the last day of the meeting.  Those not picked up will be mailed to the employers.

Internet Café & Wireless Access
The meeting will feature an internet café sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred International in the exhibit hall each day starting Sunday July 8, 8:00 am -11 pm through Wednesday July 11, 2:00 pm.  Please limit your online time to 10 minutes or less if others are waiting.

The Chicago Hilton offers wireless internet access in the lobby areas and in sleeping rooms.  Rates listed below are subject to change:

Cameras/Video/Audio Recording
Taking photos, video, or audio recording of any kind will be PROHIBITED of the posters and sessions unless an author/speaker provides specific permission.  Including but not limited to the use of camera phones and any other digital recording devices.

Exhibits & Posters
Exhibits are open during exhibit hours as listed on your schedule.  Posters can be viewed in the Exhibit Hall on most days 8:00 am - 11:00 pm.  Please refrain from entering exhibits when they are closed.  For security reasons, the Hall will close at 11:00 pm.  The posters will be organized by Plant Biology or Botany formats and then categorically/topically.  Exclusive poster sessions are Monday, 7:00 – 10:00 pm (even-number abstracts - 7:00 - 8:00 pm; odd-number abstracts - 8:00 - 9:00 pm) and Tuesday 12:00 - 3:15 pm.  (odd-number abstracts - 12:00 - 1:00 pm; even-number abstracts – 1:00 - 2:00 pm).  Please attend your posters during the time slots based on your final poster number.  Poster abstracts will be available in the printed abstract book, CD or online.  Late submissions are online only.

Speaker Ready Room
Room PDR 5 will be available for presentation testing with laptops and plug-ins.  An audio-visual staff member will be available for assistance.  Speakers should test their presentations at least an hour prior to their presentation and arrive at their sessions at least 10 minutes prior.  A server connected to all session rooms will be available in the ready room for loading your presentation, or you may bring your presentation directly to the session room on a memory stick or CD.

Message Board
The Congress will provide a message board outside of the Exhibit Hall for attendees.  An online message board is also available at http://www.aspb.org/pb-2007.  Do not use the Job Placement Center boards for messages.

Getting Around Chicago
Visit the Chicago Hilton’s concierge desk for information on Chicago attractions and restaurants.  The Chicago Hilton provides complimentary shuttle service to the Magnificent Mile and the free City of Chicago Trolley stops right by the hotel.

Getting to the Chicago Hilton
Mass Transit: The Chicago Hilton is accessible via the elevated “L” train or Chicago Transit Authority’s Bus system.  A single-ride fare for the L Train or bus service is $2.00.  Many busses stop within the vicinity including the #147, #14, and #7.  The hotel is also within walking distance from the Harrison (Red line) Station or the LaSalle (Blue line) station of the L Train.  To plan ahead, use the RTA’s trip planner: http://tripsweb.rtachicago.com/
Amtrak/Commuter Rail: From points further out, downtown Chicago is easily accessible by Metra Rail trains or the Pace Bus system.  For complete schedule and fare details, visit the Regional Transit Authority’s website at: http://rtachicago.com/

Getting to the Airports
Taxi: Taxi fare between downtown Chicago and O’Hare is approximately $35 to $40 USD, and approximately $25 to $28 USD to Midway.  Shared ride service is available from both airports, at the lower level curb front of the terminal.
Bus/Van Shuttle: A number of companies run services to and from the airports.  Reservations are recommended for:

Coach USA Wisconsin operates an hourly service between Midway and O’Hare Airports from 8 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (877) 324-7767
Continental Airport Express has door-to-door services from many downtown hotels to both airports.  (312) 454-7800 or (800) 654-7871
Omega Airport Shuttle offers hourly service from either Midway or O’Hare Airports.  (773) 734-6600

The Elevated (“L”) Train:
You can also travel from the airports via the L for about $2.00 USD each way. From the downtown the Blue Line goes to O'Hare in about 40 minutes and the Orange Line goes to Midway in about 30 minutes.  Plan your trip to the airport at: http://www.transitchicago.com/

Parking:
The Chicago Hilton has the following options:  Self Parking: $41.00 USD (12-24 Hours); Valet Parking: $45.00 USD (6-24 Hours); Includes: In/Out Privileges, Secured, Covered.  There are also public garages and limited parking available around the Hilton and adjacent streets.

Safety Notice
While enjoying the beautiful city of Chicago, please remember to keep your personal belongings secured.  Traveling in groups is a safe way to visit the many attractions of Chicago.

Plant Biology & Botany 2007 Smoking Policy
Smoking is not allowed at any Plant Biology & Botany 2007 meeting functions or areas.

Child Care
Subsidized Child Care is sponsored by ASPB's Women in Plant Biology Committee.  ASPB will provide up to a $200 subsidy PER child, PER family for child care or babysitting services at Plant Biology & Botany 2007 for parents who would otherwise be unable to attend sessions and will not have a non-attending spouse present. Parents should make their own arrangements via their hotel concierge or other services in the area, and then provide receipts to the conference registration desk at the meeting or by fax to 301-251-6740. A paid service must be used and this does not include your bringing individuals traveling with you to provide the child care. No claims will be honored if received more than 60 days after the meeting closes. Reimbursements will be processed at ASPB headquarters immediately following the meeting. ASPB assumes no responsibility with respect to child care services and accepts no liabilities relative to the services. For reimbursement forms see the registration desk.

Meeting Survey
A meeting survey will be e-mailed to attendees immediately following the meeting. Your response is considered valuable by the society Program Committees. Thank you for your cooperation.

Additional Information/Questions
The conference Registration Desk will be able to assist you with any additional questions regarding the meeting.  Federal Tax ID numbers of the participating societies will also be available at the desk.