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Source: Ronald L. Singer, MS, Exhibitor Liaison Committee Chair
The AAFS 71st Annual Scientific Meeting in Baltimore, MD, is fast approaching. As always, there will be a wide array of exhibitors eager to show their latest scientific literature, instrumentation, software, and other services. I would like to encourage everyone attending the meeting to visit the Exhibit Hall; not once, but as many times as you can. The Exhibit Hall will open from 11:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 20, with complimentary coffee service and lunch. On Thursday, exhibits are open from 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.; complimentary coffee and pastries will be available. On Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m., the Wine and Cheese Reception will take place in the Exhibit Hall, allowing for more informal communication between vendors and participants. On Friday, exhibits will be open from 8:00 a.m. until noon.
As always, many vendors will be offering various types of “give-aways” for visitors to their booths, including pens, post-it note pads, key chains, etc. Please remember that vendors want to reach as many potential clients as possible, and these items are intended as a “thank you” to those who visit their booths. In addition, larger or more elaborate items may not actually be designed to be given away—if there’s any question, please ask before helping yourself. Finally, if you are not an exhibitor, you are not allowed in the exhibit area any time other than the posted hours. If you are caught in the area when it is closed, you may be asked to leave the meeting.
Our exhibitors are the reason that we have been able to maintain a relatively low registration fee for the Annual Scientific Meeting. Please help to make their attendance here successful by visiting them as often as possible.