Thank you for registering for ASM 2022! We look forward to seeing everyone in Tucson and virtually this week. An online version of the ASM 2022 program is found at this link (https://www.xcdsystem.com/asm/program/Od6qDam/index.cfm). A final PDF version of the program is also posted on the conference website (mammalmeetings.org).
COVID-19 Information: The ASM leadership has been monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, Tucson (Pima County, Arizona) is seeing a steady rise in COVID-19 cases (https://covidactnow.org/us/arizona-az/county/pima_county/chart/9?s=35012299). Tucson is also at “medium risk” according to the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html). Unfortunately, there have been several recent conferences that have met in-person under similar conditions, which have resulted in COVID-19 outbreaks among attendees.
As a result of the data available to us, and our observations from other conferences, the ASM leadership highly recommends masking in all indoor meeting spaces. This includes session rooms, committee spaces, and social areas. The exceptions to masking include active eating and drinking, presenting (if comfortable), and outdoor hotel spaces. The Westin La Paloma and Resort also has ample shaded outdoor spaces for socializing. We recognize that masking can be a barrier to individuals with hearing impairments, but we hope modest exceptions to this recommendation will help our colleagues while providing added safety to all conference attendees.
If Tucson moves to a “high risk” category according to CDC metrics, the ASM leadership will require masks throughout the indoor conference spaces. Please be prepared! Get tested before you travel, and update your vaccinations if eligible. A page has been set up on the ASM meeting website for up-to-date COVID-19 information (https://mammalmeetings.org/travel-lodging/covid-19-information/).
Weather & Packing Suggestions: Current forecasts have daytime temperatures in Tucson hovering around 100℉ throughout the meeting (https://www.wunderground.com/forecast/us/az/tucson/32.22,-110.97). There are also thunderstorms possible over the weekend. Be sure to pack clothing appropriate for the desert climate, especially if you are planning to participate in the Gordon L. Kirkland Run-for-Research. Also, please consider bringing your own reusable water bottle with you, and be sure to stay hydrated during the conference!
Restaurants: There are a number of restaurants at the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa available to conference attendees. The hotel restaurant list can be found at this link (https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/tuswi-the-westin-la-paloma-resort-and-spa/dining/). A flier will also be posted on the information board near the registration desk.
There are also a number of restaurants and bars in the area around the hotel. The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa does provide shuttle service within a 3-mile radius to hotel guests. Please visit the Visit Tucson website for more information. (https://www.visittucson.org/restaurants-and-nightlife/).
National Science Foundation Office Hours: Do you have an idea for an upcoming NSF proposal? Or are you just needing some more information on different DEB programs? If so, Matt Carling (mcarling@nsf.gov) will be available for office hours to help answer these questions and more. You can find Matt in the Goldwater room on Saturday (6/18) from 11 am to 1 pm and on Sunday (6/19) from 10 am to 12 pm.
Resort Fee Clarification: The resort services fee has been waived for ASM 2022 guests and will not be applied to any reservations. Unfortunately, the Westin La Paloma and Resort is unable to prevent the $29 daily fee from showing up on the confirmation email and your reservation as it is a Marriott template. However, the resort services fee will be corrected on the final bill for each guest.
ALL QUESTIONS CONCERNING ASM 2022 SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO:
Kerrell Dunsmore
The Next Great Event, LLC
Phone: 1-619-990-4172Email: kerrell@thenextgreatevent.com