13 December 2016

We Are Listening - Improvements for the AAS Winter Meeting

After the 227th AAS meeting in Kissimmee, Florida, we asked attendees to complete a post-meeting satisfaction survey. We listened carefully to your feedback and as a result, have made improvements to the upcoming winter meeting in Grapevine, Texas.

"Grab & Go" Meals and Restaurant Discounts
In an effort to make lower-cost food options more available at the winter meeting, "grab & go" meals and discounts at restaurants at the meeting venue will be available. These options fall under the government per diem limit and will include:
– Breakfast: $8 "grab & go" or $17 buffet
– Lunch: $9 and $11 options
– Dinner: $16 buffet or à la carte at select restaurants

Additionally, many local restaurants are also offering discounts for meeting attendees through Grapevine’s "Show Your Badge" program.

Complimentary Shuttle Service
Explore the local shops, restaurants, and attractions that Grapevine has to offer with a complimentary shuttle service for meeting attendees to various Grapevine locations. The shuttle will run on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 4-6 January, and leave from the Gaylord Texan Tour Bus Lobby, which is near the main entrance.

Add Your Personal Appointments to the Mobile App Itinerary
In addition to presenting research and attending sessions and events, AAS meetings are an excellent opportunity to connect with colleagues. Managing your personal schedule with the meeting schedule will now be easier with the ability to add your own appointments to the itinerary in the meeting’s mobile app. The app will be available about two weeks before the meeting so you can start planning.

Bigger Badges for Accessibility
You may notice the badges at the upcoming meeting are a little bigger than previous meetings. This was done to better serve attendees with low vision.

Enhancements to the Exhibit Hall
  • Welcome over 70 exhibitors including 10 new to AAS meetings.
  • Stop by the Student Pavilion to recharge your mental and physical batteries, attend a mentoring session, or meet and greet with various graduate school representatives.
  • Check out the AAS Resource Center, host to the new and improved Career Center plus Astrobites, AAS Publications, Member Services, Society Divisions, and more.
  • Vote for the future leaders of the Society at the AAS Resource Center.
  • Visit the STARtorialist booth, welcoming 15 vendors of astronomy and science-inspired clothing, accessories, jewelry, and more.
  • Get off your feet and check your email, meet a colleague, or take a break at the multiple seating areas, benches, or at the Internet Cafe sponsored by Northrop Grumman.
  • Visit with over 300 local middle- and high-school students on Thursday from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm as they explore the Exhibit Hall.

The late registration deadline for the winter meeting is next Tuesday, 20 December, so register today to avoid higher onsite rates!