Annual Meeting Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

What is included in my registration fee?
An Annual Meeting registration includes all access to all SBL & AAR 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. 

When does registration close?
Registration is open until the final day of the meeting, Tuesday, November 26.

Have you mailed the attendee name badges?

Attendee name badges were emailed to all registered attendees on November 7.  The Subject of the email was "Print Your Name Badges - Prior to Arrival".  If you did not receive, please check your spam/junk mail.  Or email information@annual-meetings.org to be sent another copy.

You may also go to your registration confirmation page (link located in your registration confirmation email) and select Print My Badge at the top of the confirmation page.

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, how do I cancel my registration and receive a refund?
The Annual Meetings 2024 cancellation policy is as follows. 

• Open - August 1, 2024 - All conference registration cancellations will be accepted and refunded in full until 11:59 pm ET, August 1st, or can be converted to a donation to the Annual Meetings.  All refunds will be credited to the card used during regisstration.
• August 2 – Oct. 24th, 2024 – All conference registration cancellations will incur an administrative fee of $40; alternatively, the full amount can be converted to a donation to the Annual Meetings. All refunds will be credited to the card used during registration.
• After Oct. 24th, 2024   – Refunds for conference registration cancellations will only be issued with a valid doctor’s excuse. A $40 administrative fee will be incurred. 

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.

All hotel accommodation questions, changes and cancellations can be done online until October 24, 2024. 

I need to know when my session will be. Can you tell me now?
Please go here to view our online program book. Or download our Annual Meeting app (information located here) 

How will I receive my name badge?
We will be sending print your badge information and links prior to arriving in San Diego.  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, as well as your tote bag.
 
Who can register as an accompanying person?
The accompanying person rate is for spouses, partners, and family members only; it is not valid for colleagues. Spouse, partners, and family members will have full access to the Annual Meetings 2024. 

If you need a caregiver to accompany you during the Annual Meeting, please contact information@annual-meetings.org for more information on how to provide them with the proper credentials so that they may assist you.

Where do I pick up my tote bag?  Are program books still available?

You may pick up your tote bag at the tote bag station located in the main lobby of the San Diego Convention Center, Halls F & G.  You only need to show your badge to pick up a tote bag.  Program Books will also be available here.

Housing & Travel

• For Housing Frequently asked questions, including printable maps and digital tours of the hotel properties available, please go here.
• For Travel Discounts & Information, please go here. 
• For Visa related questions, please go here.

When are the first and last sessions at the Annual Meeting?
The SBL & AAR 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 SBL, AAR, 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.

Are there floorplans of the San Diego Convention Center?
Floorplans will be available in the mobile app and online planner which will be available this fall.    

What is the official hashtag of the Annual Meetings 2024, hosted by SBL & AAR?
The official hashtag is #SBLAAR24

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.

• San Diego Convention Center, Lobby A (Ground Level)
• Hilton San Diego Bayfront, Aqua Patio (Third Floor)
• Omni San Diego, Pool Deck (Sixth Floor)
• Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, Seaport H (Second Level)

• San Diego Convention Center, Lobby A and Lobby E (Ground Level)
• Hilton Bayfront:  3rd floor, next to Aqua 313 (call security at 619-321-4238 to unlock)
• Omni Hotel:  Omni Balboa Room 4 (located on 5th floor)

Where can I eat at the San Diego Convention Center?

The Café Express will be open in the back of the exhibit hall Saturday-Monday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm with salads, sandwiches, and hot food. Please be aware that the San Diego Convention Center is a Cashless property and plan accordingly.

Will there be coffee breaks this year?

Complimentary coffee will be served in the back of the Exhibit Hall on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at 9:30 am and 2:30 pm and Tuesday morning at 9:30 am.

Where can I store my bag at the San Diego Convention Center?  There will not be an onsite Luggage/Baggage storage available at the San Diego Convention Center.  Please check your bag at your hotel property prior to arriving at the convention center.