What is included in my registration fee?

An 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.

Can I register by phone?

No. Registration will be taken online only. The paper trail is necessary to ensure accuracy.

When does registration close?

Registration is open until the final day of the meeting, Tuesday, November 26. We will e-mail name badges in November to registered attendees.

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 get a refund for my registration fee?

Registration refunds must be requested in writing by October 24. Send your request to information@annual-meetings.org. A $40 administrative fee will be assessed.

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 August 22, 2019, and indicated that you require one on your registration form. If you do not register and opt in for the Annual Meeting by August 22, you will not receive a Program Book in the mail. Program Books will only be available for those onsite that registered after August 22. The full Program Book will be mailed by early October.

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

Unfortunately not. The online program will be available by mid-July. Links to the online program will be available here as well as www.sbl-site.org and www.aarweb.org.

How will I receive my name badge?

In an effort to cut down on lines for badge reprints at registration, name badges will no longer be sent via postal mail. Instead, check your e-mail in early November for a special link that will allow you to print your name badge and tote bag ticket to bring with you to San Diego. If you bring these items to the Annual Meeting, you will not need to stand in line for registration.

When you arrive at the San Diego Convention Center, you may use your tote bag ticket to pick up a tote bag at the Tote Bag desk, located in the Convention Center Lobby. Inside the tote bag will be your At-A-Glance program. You may pick up your lanyard and your name badge holder, in specially designated bins located throughout the registration lobby and enjoy the rest of the Annual Meeting!

Housing & Travel

What is the headquarters hotel for the Annual Meeting?

There isn’t one specific headquarters hotel this year. AAR and SBL sessions will be held primarily in the San Diego Convention Center, the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, the Omni San Diego Hotel, and the Grand Hyatt. The Employment Center will be located at the Grand Hyatt. The Book Exhibits will be held at the San Diego Convention Center. Other Events and receptions will be held primarily at the Grand Hyatt, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, and the Omni San Diego Hotel.

I'm booking a hotel room and have a roommate who is also attending the meeting. Do we need to book our hotels separately and indicate each other as a roommate?

No, you will need to only book one hotel room and indicate your roommates' names where requested. You may work with the hotel directly upon check in to discuss splitting the room costs. The card requested during registration is used to hold the room only.

I've contacted the hotel directly and they do not have my information

AAR and SBL currently manage the hotel room blocks. No specific information is sent to the hotels until after November 7, therefore the hotels will not have your information until then. If you need to make any changes to your reservation, please do so by following the instructions listed in your confirmation email prior to October 24.

What is the closest airport?

The closest airport is the San Diego International Airport (SAN). For information on ground on ground transportation options, please click here.

I'm coming from outside the U.S.; is there anything I should know?

It is necessary for those entering the United States to clear customs and immigration. Visitors from Canada and Mexico must present a passport in order to enter the United States. Visitors from the 38 countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program must have an e-Passport (embedded with an electronic chip) in order to skip the visa process. Please be prepared. Non–U.S. citizens should inquire about possible visa requirements from their own country. Official letters of invitation to the Annual Meeting to support visa applications are available. Please indicate during registration in the “Letter of Invitation” portion if you would like to request a letter. . If you have questions, you may e-mail reg@aarweb.org or annualmeeting@sbl-site.org after you have completed registration to obtain more details about the information required.

Please note that the AAR and SBL will fully refund registration fees with no penalty to AAR and SBL members in good standing whose visa applications are denied or who are otherwise restricted from entering the United States. For full refund, members must provide a copy of the visa rejection or other written proof of travel restriction

Will there be a shuttle from hotel to the convention center?

No, there will not be an Annual Meetings bus or shuttle from the hotels to convention center this year.

General

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

Employment Center Website, or contact Joshua Patterson 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 23 at 9:00 AM (9.00h) and end on Tuesday, November 26 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?

The San Diego Convention Center will have complimentary Wi-Fi located throughout the building, including the meeting rooms. 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.

Will there be a coat and/or luggage check?

No, there will not be a coat or luggage check at the San Diego Convention Center.

Do you have a floorplan of the San Diego Convention Center?

Go here for a San Diego Convention Center facility map. A map of Annual Meetings 2019 rooms and sessions will be included in your program books and apps.

What is the official hastag of the Annual Meetings 2019, hosted by AAR & SBL?

The official hashtag is #AARSBL19.