Annual Meetings 2021 hosted by AAR & SBL
 

 IN-PERSON EVENT, ANNUAL MEETINGS 2021, SAN ANTONIO

Registration

What is included in my registration fee?

An In-Person Annual Meeting registration includes all educational sessions (with the exception of optional and/or additional fee sessions as indicated on the registration form). Registration only includes sessions that do not have an additional cost. You will have to arrange and pay for your meals, travel, transportation, and housing on your own.  Registrants of the In-Person Annual Meeting will also have access to all Virtual Sessions that will take place online.  

If I want to attend both the In-Person Event in San Antonio, as well as the Virtual Sessions, will I need to register for both separately?
No, your registration to the In-Person Event in San Antonio includes registration to all of the Virtual Sessions.  The Virtual Sessions will be available online until January 31, 2022 in case you aren't able to view them online during the in-person meeting in San Antonio. Your registration will also allow you to go to both AAR and SBL sessions.  There is no need to register separately with each organization.

When does registration close?

Registration is open until the final day of the meeting, Tuesday, November 23. We will e-mail name badges in November to registered attendees.

I am unable to come to San Antonio. Is there is special registration for only the virtual sessions?

Yes, there will be a special registration that includes only the virtual component of the meeting. Please go here for information.

How can I get a receipt for my Annual Meeting registration?

Once you’ve registered for the Annual Meeting you will receive an email confirmation. There is a link provided within the email confirmation that you may click and you will see a “Print Receipt” button located on the page.

I’ve registered and I can’t attend the Annual Meeting, can I still cancel or transfer my registration to virtual sessions only and receive a refund?

To cancel and receive a 100% refund, all cancellation/transfer requests must have been received in writing by October 21, 2021. Cancellation/transfer requests received after October 21, 2021 will be charged a $40 administrative fee.

Please send meeting cancellation requests to information@annual-meetings.org. There are no refunds for tours. Registrations, tours, or workshops cannot be switched to another person’s name. Proof of payment may be required.

Hotel reservations may be added or changed within the registration system through October 21, 2021. After October 21, please email us at information@annual-meetings.org for instructions, or follow the updated instructions listed on our website here.

When will the Program Books be mailed?

We will be mailing a full Annual Meetings Program Book (with all AAR, SBL, and Other Meetings session information, including room locations) to everyone who has registered for the meeting before September 1, 2021, and indicated that you require one on your registration form. There will be Program Books be available for those onsite. The full Program Book will be mailed by early October.

I need to know when my session will be. Can you tell me now?

Please download the Annual Meetings Mobile App for the most up to date information regarding sessions, both In-Person and Virtual Only.  

How will I receive my name badge?

·       We will be sending print your badge information and links prior to arriving in San Antonio.  Printing your badge before arrival will help you avoid any lines or delays in reaching your early sessions and the exhibit floor.  If you print your badge prior to arrival, you will be able to pick up your lanyard and badge holders in the bins located near the registration area.

In order to receive your badge via email, you must have completed the ShareMy.Health information that has been sent to you.

If you have chosen not to upload your information to the ShareMy.Health site, and instead choose to show us your vaccination or negative Covid-19 test (dated no earlier than November 16) on-site, you will not receive a link to print your badge early. Instead you will take your vaccination card or negative test to the ShareMy.Health desk located in the lobby area of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. From there they will approve your status and you will then be able to go to the registration area to print your badge. Please be prepared for lines if you are printing your badge on-site.

For more about the Covid-19 protocols, testing sites, or ShareMy.Health information please go here.

After your badge is printed, please go to the Tote Bag pick up station, also located in the lobby of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and show them your badge to receive your tote bag. (Tote bag tickets are not required this year).

Why are hybrid sessions (i.e., session available both in-person and virtually) not an option?

Hybrid sessions are not possible due to the extreme complexity and expense of needing to setup and run about 1200 sessions in over 130 rooms spread across six different properties. Between added A/V equipment, labor, and internet access, staging and supporting a hybrid meeting would add over $4,000,000 in expenses to the meeting. The resulting dramatic rise in registration rates would make attendance impossible for most members.

Housing & Travel

For Housing & Travel Frequently Asked Questions, please go here. 

For Visa or NIE related questions, please go here
 
General

I need info about the Employment Center. Where should I go?

Employment Center Website, or contact Marchell Jackson at careers@aarsbl.org or 404-727-2286.

When are the first and last sessions at the Annual Meeting?

The AAR & SBL Annual Meeting programs & sessions begin on Saturday, November 20 at 9:00 AM (9.00h) and end on Tuesday, November 23 at 12:00 PM (12.00h). Pre-conference meetings hosted by the AAR & SBL and other organizations may begin as early as Wednesday.

What is the dress code?

Attire is business casual. Feel free to be comfortable in slacks, polo shirts, sweaters, blazers, skirts, blouses and most importantly, comfortable shoes. We also recommend you dress in layers as temperatures in meeting rooms can vary.

Is there internet access?

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center common areas. All of the hotels have internet access available in their business centers or guest rooms. Some hotels may charge a fee to access the Internet in the guest rooms, and that information can be found here on the Hotel Amenity Cart.

I’m presenting/attending a virtual session. Is there a place/room I can go to that is designated for me to do this?

There is not a designated area within the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. We suggest that you go back to your hotel room since it will be the quietest area and should provide more than adequate internet access.

 Will there be a coat and/or luggage check?
 
We will not have a coat or baggage check this year.  Please make arrangements to check your bag at your hotel if you have additional time between check out and when you leave for the airport. 

Do you have a floorplan of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center?

Floorplans will be available in the mobile app and online planner.  Download information is on the Mobile App tab of this website.

Where can I get free coffee?

Complimentary coffee will be served in the back of the Exhibit Hall on Saturday, Sunday and Monday at 11:30AM and 3:30PM and Tuesday morning at 8:30AM.

How can I learn about more fun things to see or do in San Antonio?

The Visit San Antonio has a great website set up that includes sites, maps, and restaurants who are honoring Show Your Badge discounts.

https://meeting.visitsanantonio.com/aar-sbl/

 

What is the official hashtag of the Annual Meetings 2021, hosted by AAR & SBL?

The official hashtag is #AARSBL21.