Committee Information, Schedules, and Registration

Symposium and Workshop Registration

For more information about the workshop, please click on their webpage link below.

Symposium on Shear Testing of Soils

If you have questions regarding registration for this workshop, please contact ASTM Symposia Operations via email at symposia@astm.org or by calling +1 610-832-9522.

Hotel Information

Hotel Reservations:

Please support ASTM International by reserving your sleeping room at our official January Committee Week Hotel and Meeting site.

The discounted rate will be honored until the ASTM block is full, but no later than December 27th, 2024 The ASTM rate is $199, plus taxes and a $6.15 State Recovery Fee (automatically included when you see the room rate). The ASTM Group code is G-ASTT. You may be charged a higher rate if reservations are received after the cutoff date, or when the block is full. The hotel requires a credit card to guarantee your reservation, once submitted a confirmation number will be provided electronically. 

To book accommodations using the ASTM rate, please click here: Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown

To book accommodations using the government per diem rate, please click here: Government Room Rate

The Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown has a limited number of rooms at the government per diem rate. The government per diem rates are set by fiscal year, effective October 1 each year; you will be charged the prevailing rate at the time of the meeting, not at the time of booking. To find current rates in the CONUS visit GSA.GOV. The government per diem rate reservations may be made via our online reservation system, using the blue hyperlink above. You must present your ID at the front desk upon check-in.  

CANCELATION POLICY: To prevent a one-night charge, please cancel at least 48 hours before 11:59 p.m. local time on your scheduled check-in date.

IMPORTANT! ASTM Rates are non-commissionable. If you book your reservation through an online travel agent, they must ask for a non-commissioned ASTM Group Rate. ASTM cannot adjust your higher rate if the accommodations were reserved via an online (Expedia, Trivago, Kayak, etc.) travel agency.

The January Committee Week Hotel provides prime meeting space for your committee meetings, events, and activities. ASTM International is legally bound to fill the contracted guest room block and an inability to fill the block will result in severe financial penalties which could affect negotiations and increase costs for future meetings.

INTERNET: The Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown offers free Internet access.

Pre-Meeting Checklist

• Pre-register for Committee(s) Meeting(s) - There is no fee to attend an ASTM Meeting, but one must register  (note: meeting registration only, contact hotel for accommodations).
• Pre-registration on the ASTM website saves you time by going directly to the pre-registration counters on-site for badge retrieval
• Pay in advance online for committee activity fees and/or food events to avoid paying on-site
• If unable to pre-register prior to the meeting, registration and payment of fees/events are available on-site
• Register for Symposium/Workshop
• Review the prior meeting minutes for current committee activities
• Review Ballot Closing Reports, especially those in which you have a particular interest
• Review posted meeting schedule and agendas (check for committee specific social events)
• Download material in preparation for the meeting
• CREATE My Schedule (Customize your schedule in an Excel file, highlighting meetings you would like to attend; can be used for multiple committees)
• CREATE MyMeetingsMaterial (Compile a ZIP File of your agendas, minutes, ballot items, closing reports and schedules)
• Review your committee roster to identify important points of contact that may be of interest to your business, for mentor opportunities, or for general industry contacts. A list of committee officers is also available for reference on the committee homepage.)
• Review Online Training Modules offered prior to the meeting, these can be found on the ASTM Website at this link: www.astm.org/MEMBER_TRAINING
• Plan to attend Committee Week Training Modules conducted by ASTM Staff
• Check with your committee's leadership for committee specific training offered during the meeting
• If you need copies made for your meeting or AV support, contact your Staff Manager four weeks prior to the meeting
• Invite a colleague to attend the meeting
• Contact your Staff Manager with any questions you may have

• In your final email before committee week you will receive the official “welcome letter”

• Please be sure to review for helpful tips about registration location once you arrive
• Coffee breaks in the morning and afternoon for all members (great opportunity to network with other members or plan a brief meet-up)
• Other events happening you may want to attend either to network or take advantage of available resources
• If you are Attending Your First Committee Week (Spanish version) or would like to see How ASTM Meetings Work, click on the links to learn more.

Transportation and Directions

Houston, Texas, features two airport options for visitors. The Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown is located about 22 miles/30-minute drive, from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), and just 10 miles/18-minute drive, from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).

PUBLIC TRANSIT: Both airports provide access to the Metro bus and rail services that connect to downtown Houston, which is within a short walking distance from the hotel. Travelers arriving at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) can take Metro Bus 102, while those arriving at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) should board Metro Bus 40. Please note that these options may involve longer wait times. For additional information on the Metro Rail Line and Metro Bus Line, please visit here.

RIDESHARING PROGRAM: Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available at both airports. Follow signs to the designated taxi stands or use your preferred ride-sharing app to arrange a pickup. The fare typically ranges from $30-$70 depending on the exact location or time, but can give you a direct drop-off at the Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown.

PARKING: The Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown offers on-site parking for guests, with rates of $30 for up to 3 hours and $50 for overnight stays.

Training Sessions

ASTM staff will provide several training sessions on various subjects to educate and assist officers, members, and non-members of ASTM committees. The following topics will be discussed:

ASTM International Welcome and Orientation Module (Monday) 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Meeting attendees are invited to a welcome and orientation session.  This session will provide a brief introduction to ASTM, its process electronic tools, and international activities.  This is an interactive session and questions are encouraged as we like attendees to feel comfortable in participating at their standards meetings. Facilitated by ASTM staff, this session provides new and experienced members and visitors a chance to connect at the beginning of the Committee Week.

Balloting and Handling of Negative Votes (Wednesday) 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

This session will inform members on how to effectively move documents through the ASTM balloting process, from initiating a subcommittee ballot through main committee and Society review. A review of the role of COS (Committee on Standards) is included. In addition, learn to get positive results from negative votes! Special focus on the procedural handling of negative votes throughout the balloting process.

Live Training and On-Demand Solutions

Risk Based Thinking for ASTM International Members (Wednesday) 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Join ANAB for this ASTM Committee Week Training Session to hear real-world examples of risk-based thinking and how this thinking can benefit ASTM members. Risk-based thinking is incorporated into many different standards, guides, norms, and regulations. Understanding the concept of risk-based thinking can be challenging for organizations. A risk-based thinking mindset can assist organizations in identifying potential issues, as well as enhancing opportunities.

David is an accomplished Quality Professional, experienced in multiple disciplines of International Business, manufacturing, process mapping, organizational effectiveness, Emergency management planning for business continuity, Six Sigma Quality Improvement Methodologies and Total Quality Management and software development. He is the former owner of China Sourcing, Inc, an Asia-Pacific manufacturer of Industrial Products sold throughout US industry, with over 20 years of experience in Project Management and large-scale project implementation. He has served as adjunct professor of industrial engineering, and on the Boards of $1B+ organizations. He is active in the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and is a six-sigma master black belt.

Refreshments will be available at all hour-long training sessions.

Members' Guest Hospitality

ASTM International attendees' guests (spouses, significant others, travel companions, etc.) are welcome to join us for breakfast Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown. 

Complimentary Support Services

ASTM meetings offer on-site services from the ASTM staff. We provide photocopying service, audio/visual equipment, and a members' work area with complimentary internet computers and printers during registration hours.

ASTM MEMBERS WORK AREA: ASTM will provide computers with internet connections. This area will also be wireless for your laptop computer. You may visit the ASTM website, apply or renew your membership, order publications, or check your email. The complimentary wireless service is limited to the members' work area and the meeting rooms.

Members' Lunch

ASTM International invites you for lunch with the Chair of the Board and the ASTM President on Tuesday, January 28th at Noon, at the Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown. At this lunch, you will hear an update on ASTM and have an opportunity to ask questions or share your comments.

Committee Voluntary Activity and Event Fees

Voluntary Activity Fees - Several ASTM committees collect a voluntary fee to support activities associated within the committee such as awards, social events, etc. Each committee determines the amount and encourages your contribution. The fee can be paid during registration or on-site. This voluntary contribution is not an ASTM International society fee.

Special Events - If your committee is having an event and collecting fees to attend, you may pay this during registration or on-site. Contact your staff manager or check in with the registration desk for questions or tickets. 

In the event you need a refund please refer to the following policies:

Special Event Fee: A refund for a special event fee, which includes banquet functions and/or committee activity, will be honored only if requested 5 business days prior to the event.

Symposium Fee: A refund of the symposium fee will be honored at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Activity Fee: A refund for an activity fee may be requested up to the last day of the event. 

You will see a refund on your credit card statement within 5 to 10 business days.

In order to request a refund, you can click the modify link provided in your confirmation email. Once in your registration you can deselect that fee and select continue and proceed with the modification or you can select “Cancel Registration.”

Inclusivity and Accessibility

ASTM International is committed to fostering a safe, productive, and inclusive environment for all participants in its committee meetings. We welcome individuals of diverse faiths, abilities, appearances, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions, respecting each voice in accordance with our core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

We kindly request that all meeting attendees maintain professional conduct throughout our meetings and events. ASTM members and attendees should act in a manner that is consistent with the mission of ASTM and its policies, as well as the spirit of the ASTM International Responsibilities of Membership, Appendix B found in the ASTM Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees. Should any concerns arise during your participation, please contact your Committee’s Staff Manager.

The Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown complies with ADA standards. For detailed information regarding accessible accommodations, including rooms, common areas, and specialized services, please contact the hotel directly at (713) 654-1234.

Questions

For information on ASTM International's products and services, please visit the ASTM website at www.astm.org.

For questions concerning general registration, accommodations, travel, hotel, logistics, etc. contact the ASTM Meetings Department at meetings@astm.org.