Annual Meeting FAQ

1. Why is the ASA annual meeting always scheduled for October?

2. Where can I register for the meeting and what are the registration fees?

3. What is included with my registration?

4. What is the weather like in Washington?

5. When does ANESTHESIOLOGY 2012 housing open?

6. Can I bring a guest to the meeting?

7. What is the headquarter hotel for the meeting?

8. How can I find information on programs, meetings and sessions?

9. Where are the educational sessions being held?

10. Unlimited access to Refresher Course Lectures - Do I have to sign up for these?

11. What are the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2012 exhibition hours?

12. What is the ASA Bistro?

13. Will there be any refreshment breaks in the Exhibit Hall?

14. Will shuttle buses be provided during the meeting?

15. Will there be a 5k Run/Walk at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2012?

16. Where and when will the House of Delegates meet?

17. How do I obtain a VISA/Invitation Letter?

18. How can I obtain my CME certificate for attending ANESTHESIOLOGY 2012?

19. How far is the airport from the convention center and what type of transportation is available?

20. What is the dress code for the meeting?

21. What other educational programs does ASA offer?

22. Where and when is ANESTHESIOLOGY 2013 being held?

23. What are the dates and locations for future annual meetings?

1. Why is the annual meeting always scheduled for October?
The ASA holds our meeting in October for a few reasons. William Thomas Green Morton, an American dentist first publicly demonstrated the use of inhaled ether as a surgical anesthetic on October 16, 1846 at the Ether Dome of the Massachusetts General Hospital. When ASA was founded, it made sense to honor the creation of anesthesia by holding the world’s largest anesthesia educational meeting around that date.

In addition, we choose dates for the meetings based on the availability of reasonable rates for using the conference site, hotels, etc. We also try to schedule our meetings for a period of time when most academics around the world are available. This is usually early-October for European sites and mid-October for North American sites.

2. Where can I register for the meeting and what are the registration fees?
Online registration will be available on the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2012 website in June.  Click here to view the registration fees and structure for this year's meeting. 

3. What is included with my registration?
Registration for Members/ Non-Members includes access to the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2012 Exhibition, Saturday Opening Session and one (1) ticket admittance to the Saturday Evening Welcome Reception. Registration also includes access to ALL educational sessions that offer CME credit, except ticketed educational sessions that offer CME credit.

4. What is the weather like in Washington?
October in Washington, DC is a beautiful time to visit. There is so much to do and see. The foliage has changed colors, the kids are back in school so there are fewer crowds to deal with, and best of all the weather is not too warm and not too cool. It is the perfect time to tour the city and enjoy the autumn season. The average high is 68 degrees.

5. When does ANESTHESIOLOGY 2012 housing open?
Housing for ANESTHESIOLOGY 2012 will open soon with details on hotels, rate information and reservations.

6. Can I bring a guest to the meeting?
An individual accompanying a full registration attendee, and participating only in the social events receives a discounted registration rate of $25.00 for the first guest and $70.00 each for additional guests. Spouse/guest registration includes guest name badge, access to the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2012 Exhibition, Saturday Opening Session, one (1) ticket admittance to the Saturday Evening Opening Reception. The Spouse/Guest registration fees do not award CME credit hours for attending the any of the educational sessions offered during the meeting.  Continuing Education Credit (CME) is not available for this registration fee category. Guests must be 16 years or older to qualify for the guest registration.

7. What is the headquarter hotel for the meeting?
The Renaissance Washington D.C. Downtown Hotel has been designated as the headquarter hotel for ANESTHESIOLOGY 2012.

 8. How can I find information on programs, meetings and sessions?
Information for ANESTHESIOLOGY 2012 is now available on the ASA website at www.asahq.org/Annual-Meeting. 

 9. Where are the educational sessions being held?
All educational sessions will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW, Washington D.C. 20001, 202-249-3000.

10. Unlimited access to Refresher Course Lectures - Do I have to sign up for these?
Along with the Opening Session, Rovenstine and Severinghaus Lectures and all other special events - ASA is again offering attendees unlimited access to Refresher Course lecture (RCLs), eliminating the need for purchasing individual tickets for admission. In addition, all RCL outlines will also be available online, at no additional fee for attendees only.

 11. What are the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2012 exhibition hours?
The exhibits will be open the following days and times:

12. What is the ASA Bistro?
The Bistro concept is a convenient location in the exhibit hall with a diverse menu offering a variety of traditional, healthy, and international dining options. Create a lunchtime meeting destination, receive faster lunch service with shorter wait time, and enjoy a delicious lunch while remaining in the building. Dessert, included! Attendees and exhibitors may purchase individual tickets or reserve tables in advance and onsite.

13. Will there be refreshments in the Exhibit Hall?
Yes, there will be free refreshment breaks for the attendees in the exhibit hall on Sunday, October 14
from 9 – 10 a.m. and 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. and Monday, October 15 from 9 – 10 a.m.

14. Will shuttle buses be provided during the meeting?
With the exception of the ASA HQ hotel, (Renaissance Washington D.C. next to the convention center and Grand Hyatt Washington, and hotels within walking distance of the Convention Center), ASA will operate a free shuttle service program on Friday through Wednesday from designated hotels within the 2012 Hotel/Housing program. More information to follow at a later date.

As an alternative to the ASA Shuttle Services, ASA will also priovide registrants with information (maps, materials and fees) about the district's extensive public transportation services, including the METRO-rail, METRO-bus, D.C. Circulator and taxi services, all with designated drop off and pick up locations within or next to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (Mt. Vernon Square/7th St./Convention Center Station and Gallery Place/Chinatown Station)

15. Will there be a 5k Run/Walk at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2012
ASA in collaboration with Hope for the Warriors will sponsor and conduct a 5K Run/Walk in Washington, D.C. during ANESTHESIOLOGY 2012. More details to follow at a later date.

16. Where and when will the House of Delegates meet?
The House of Delegates will meet at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Sunday, October 14 and Wednesday, October 17 at 8 a.m.

17. How do I obtain a VISA/invitation Letter?
If you’re traveling to ANESTHESIOLOGY 2012 from outside the United States, your country may require that you obtain a visa. Visit the International Resources  page to view information on International Travel packages, Visa Application and Invitation letters.

18. How can I obtain my CME certificate for attending the meeting?
ASA will provide self-print CME certificates for ANESTHESIOLOGY 2012. Computers and printers will be provided by ASA in designated areas in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Sunday, October 14 - Wednesday, October 17.

Attendees can enter session attendance information and print their own certificates from any computer with an Internet connection beginning 24 hours after the session is completed.  Participants can print their CME certificates during the meeting at computer kiosks provided by ASA in designated areas..Attendees must claim CME for ANESTHESIOLOGY 2012 by DECEMBER 31, 2012.

CME Accreditation and Credit Designation
The American Society of Anesthesiologists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists designates this live activity for a maximum of 42.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.  Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

19. How far is the airport from the Convention Center and what type of transportation is available?
As one of the country's most accessible cities, Washington is surrounded by three major airports, Amtrak and a first-rate subway system, METRO. The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is located between 7th and 9th Streets and N Street and Mt. Vernon Place in downtown D.C., right across from the new City Museum.

Washington, D.C. is served by two major airports: Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport.

Ronald Reagan National Airport is located in Arlington, Virginia, and is just 4 miles (10 – 15 minutes) from downtown Washington, D.C. For more information on Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, visit www.metwashairports.com/reagan. The approximate taxi fare to/from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and downtown Washington, D.C., is $15.

Dulles International Airport is located in Dulles, Virginia, and is approximately 26 miles (35 – 45 minutes) from downtown Washington, D.C. For more information on Washington Dulles International Airport, visit www.metwashairports.com/dulles. The approximate taxi fare to/from Washington Dulles International Airport and downtown Washington, D.C. is $55.

For more information on transportation and for Metro Service and Shuttle bus service, please visit the DC Destination site at http://www.dcconvention.com/

Pre-arranged car service
Concierge transportation will be made available by One World Transport. A trip made in a luxury town car or limousine is more reliable, comfortable, productive and cost efficient than driving yourself. It allows the business traveler the freedom of arranging transportation to fit their travel plans and not worry about the hassles of getting to the airport or around town. One World Transport provides comfortable town car or limousine transportation option which allows you to relax before you arrive at your hotel destination. One World Transport understands that a reliable and cost effective way to get to and from the meeting is your goal. More information about this service will follow after January, 1, 2012.

20. What is the dress code for the meeting?
Business/casual attire and walking shoes are highly recommended.

21. What other educational programs does ASA offer?
The ASA Legislative Conference will be held on April 30-May 2, 2012 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Washington, D.C. Please register through your State Component.  

• The Certificate in Business Administration Program, March 24-25, 2012, August 11-12, 2012 November 3-4, 2012, February 9-10, 2013. More detailed information is available at  http://education.asahq.org/cba2012
• Conference on Practice Management – January 25–27, 2013.
  The Paris, Las Vegas. Registration will open in October.  Click here for more information.

22. Where and when is ANESTHESIOLOGY 2013 being held?
ANESTHESIOLOGY 2013 - October 12-16, 2013 - San Francisco, CA.

23. What are the dates and locations of future annual meetings?

October 13-17, 2012 Washington D.C.
October 12-16, 2013 San Francisco, CA
October 11-15, 2014 New Orleans, LA
October 24-28, 2015 San Diego, CA
October 22-26, 2016 Chicago, IL
October 21-25, 2017 Boston, MA
October 13-17, 2018 San Francisco, CA
October 19-23, 2019 Orlando, FL

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