Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Tenth Annual Meeting, June 17-20, 2006 - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania U.S.A. Hosted by the University of Pittsburgh

LOCATION AND HOUSING: Rooms have been reserved at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center (see Housing page for details.) This is also the location of most of the meeting functions (sessions, posters, workshops, reception, etc.) on Sat, Sun, and Mon. On Tuesday June 20, sessions will be held in conjunction with ICN 2006 at the new David L. Lawrence Convention Center, located at 1000 Fort Duquesne Boulevard, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222. At the Marriott, general sessions and workshops will be held in the large Grand Ballroom and poster sessions will be generously accommodated in the Marriott’s City Center meeting rooms A & B.

STUDENT HOUSING: In addition to housing at the Marriott, student housing is available at Duquesne University Residence Halls (see Housing page for details).

FOOD AND DRINK: Continental breakfast and beverage breaks will be provided during the meeting. Options for breakfast, lunch and dinner are available in the hotel. There is a full-service restaurant located inside the Marriott serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition, the Marriott has a bar, which serves drinks, appetizers and snacks. Downtown Pittsburgh contains many fine restaurants conveniently located within walking distance of the hotel.  For more detailed information, please see: http://marriott.com/property/areainfo/default/pitdt?WT_Ref=mi_left

TRANSPORTATION: The Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is approximately 18 miles from the hotel, about a 30 minute drive.  Transportation is available by the following means:

• Express Shuttle USA:

  Pittsburgh-based Express Shuttle USA, the least expensive, most reliable and convenient airport transportation, is centrally located on the Commercial Side of the baggage claim area.  Both domestic and international arrivals utilize the same baggage claim area. The ticket desk is identified by a large lighted sign which reads, "Express Shuttle USA."  Departures are on the same level as the baggage claim area. Exit the Airport through a door located next to the ticket desk. Directly outside (no streets to cross) you will board along the blue curb.  The shuttle to Downtown Pittsburgh makes a regular stop at the Marriott City Center.  For more information on departure and arrival times, please see: http://pghairportshuttle.com/airportshuttle.html
  *NOTE: THE SHUTTLE SERVICE DOES NOT STOP AT OR PICK-UP FROM DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY RESIDENCE HALLS*

• Taxi Service: Taxis are located at ground transportation outside of the baggage claim area. The fare from the airport to the Marriott City Center Hotel is approximately $35.
  
  
• Rental Car Service: With a variety of car rental agencies, leaving the airport is as easy as arriving. With rental counters on the baggage claim level of the Landside Terminal, it is just a short walk to pick up a car rental at the airport’s covered garage.

For more information, please see: http://www.pitairport.com/GroundTransServlet?transtype=carrental

Driving directions from the airport:  From the airport: Follow the signs to exit the airport. Follow signs for 60 East to 279 North to Pittsburgh. Going through the Fort Pitt Tunnels and over the Fort Pitt Bridge—Follow signs to 376 East Monroeville—Take the Grant Street Exit (stay on Grant Street) and make a right onto 6th Avenue—Go two lights and make a left onto Centre Avenue—Go to the first light and make a right onto Washington Place. Make the very next right into the Marriott.

For alternate driving directions, please see: http://marriott.com/property/mapandnearbyairports/drivingdirections.mi?marshaCode=pitdt

CLIMATE AND ATTIRE: At this time of year, the weather in Pittsburgh is variable. High temperatures average in the mid-70s (~22 °C) and average lows are in the mid 50s (~10 °C). It can sometimes be somewhat cool, and rain showers are not uncommon. Please check the local weather forecast for the most accurate information. All events will be held indoors at either the Marriott City Center or the Pittsburgh David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Attire for the conference is casual; however, the conference room temperatures may vary, so dress accordingly.

REGISTRATION: The meeting registration fee includes morning and afternoon beverage breaks. The fee also covers the cost of one banquet ticket. Note that a discount is provided for those registering for both the SBN 2006 and the ICN 2006 meetings. See the registration site for details.

REFUNDS: Requests for refunds will be honored until May 26. See the Registration page for details.

RECEPTION AND REGISTRATION: There will be an opening reception during the late afternoon and early evening on Saturday, June 17th, at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center.  Registration will be available during the reception for your convenience.  Registration will continue outside the Grand Ballroom from 8:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. on June 17, 18, and 19.

SCIENTIFIC SESSIONS: Podium sessions will be held from 8:30 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom on June 18 & 19. Two poster sessions will be held in meeting rooms A & B from 3:30-6:30 p.m on the same dates.  Podium sessions on the 20th will be held in conjunction with ICN 2006 in the “Spirit of Pittsburgh Ballroom” at the Pittsburgh David L. Lawrence Convention Center.  A poster session will be held from 3:45-6:00 p.m. on the 20th in the “Poster Room” at the Convention Center.  Directions from the Marriott to the Convention Center will be provided at the meeting.

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP:  Pre-conference workshops will be held from 1:00 – 5:30 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center on June 17th.

STUDENT PROGRAM: Several student events and programs have been arranged.  Stay tuned for details.

POSTER BOARDS: The boards are 4' tall by 8' wide.  Poster session presenters may begin putting up their posters at 11:00 a.m. on  Sunday, and at 8:30 a.m. on the following days. Posters must be taken down by 10:30 p.m. the same day..

PODIUM PRESENTATIONS: Computer projection will be available at all sessions.  A laptop computer equipped with a CD drive and USB ports will be available in the Ballroom.  Capabilities for attaching your own laptop computer will also be available.  Please bring your presentation on a USB compatible memory stick or a CD.  35 mm slide projection can be provided upon request.

INTERNET ACCESS: The Pittsburgh Marriott City Center’s guest rooms are equipped with free high-speed Internet access and a spacious work desk for the business traveler.

CONFERENCE BANQUET: A banquet cruise and dinner will be held the evening of June 20th; from 6:30 p.m. through 10:00 p.m. Boarding will take place from 6:30-7:00 p.m. at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.  Music and dancing will be provided following the dinner. The price of the banquet is included in the registration fee.  Additional tickets are available at a cost of $50 each. 

SPECIAL NEEDS:  Participation by all individuals is encouraged. Advance notification of any special needs will help us provide better service. Please notify us of your needs at least two weeks in advance of the program by calling (412) 647-8232.