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Information For AALL Annual Meeting Attendees From Outside The U.S.
Foreign, Comparative and International Law Special Interest Section (FCIL-SIS) Host Program
Are you attending AALL's Annual Meeting for the first time? Would it help for you to have someone to guide you through the process? Someone to whom you could direct all of your questions and concerns? The FCIL-SIS has established a Host Program to match you up with an experienced AALL member who has been to the Annual Meeting and knows what to expect. Do you have questions about how to plan your meeting? What to attend? What to wear? Where to stay? What to see? What the climate is like? Which airport to use? What events are no to be missed? We can help. If you'd like to be matched with a veteran AALL member please send an e-mail with all of your relevant contact information to Tracy Thompson at tracy.thompson@yale.edu. We'll put you in touch with a Host right away to make your first AALL Annual Meeting nirvana!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where is the Annual Meeting held?
A. Each year the Meeting is held in a different U.S. city. Locations are selected several years in advance. The selected venue is typically a large convention center with sufficient meeting rooms to accommodate the many simultaneous programs, meetings and events that occur during the week. The conference hotels provide additional space for Annual Meeting activities. All rooms are climate controlled and smoking is typically prohibited in the indoor spaces.
Q. How many people usually attend the AALL Annual Meeting?
A. Recent years have seen between 1700 and 2500 Annual Meeting attendees.
Q. How do I register for the Annual Meeting and how much does it cost?
A. You can go to the registration information page. Registration will open in March. To convert the price in US dollars to your currency you can go here.
Q. What is included in the registration fee?
A. You may select either a full registration or a program only registration. Full registration includes all programs, one ticket to the Opening Reception, and one ticket to the Closing Banquet. Program registration includes programs only. No other meals are included, nor are transportation and lodging costs. These are the responsibility of the registrant. Please note that you can save $100.00 on the cost of registration simply by registering on or before June 1.
Q. Is there any financial assistance available?
A. There are some grant opportunities that may be of interest. Particularly, the FCIL-SIS Schaffer Grant for Foreign Law Librarians, administered by the Foreign, Comparative and International Law Special Interest Section of AALL.
Q. How do I make reservations for my accommodations during the AALL Annual Meeting?
A. Several area hotels will be selected to serve as conference hotels and will offer discounted conference rates. You may make reservations at any of the conference hotels through the Annual Meeting housing page, or you may make your own plans should you choose to stay elsewhere.
Q. What is the format of the Annual Meeting?
A. At the Annual Meeting there are numerous simultaneous programs and events being conducted, in addition to the business meetings of numerous chapters, committees, Special Interest Sections. Most of these are open to anyone who is interested. Those sessions that are not open will indicate that an invitation is required. Meeting attendees should plan their schedule in advance by reviewing the preliminary program and selecting those sessions that best meet their own needs.
Q. What about fun?
A. There are always many opportunities for Annual Meeting attendees to enjoy some rest and relaxation. From walking tours, to wine tastings to visits to area libraries, there is no shortage of good times awaiting. Please see the excursions page and register in advance! Once you arrive at the Annual Meeting you can also rely upon the local advisory committee folks who staff an onsite help desk at the convention center. They can tell you about local attractions, restaurants, and where to find the best their city has to offer!
Q. Are there any special activities for foreign attendees?
A. Yes. There are several. The FCIL-SIS always holds a Reception For Attendees From Abroad, in conjunction with the FCIL-SIS Business Meeting, which you are welcome to attend (no invitation required). Stop by the FCIL activities table in the exhibit hall to meet some of our members and get more information on our activities. The International Association of Law Libraries (IALL) also holds a reception. Please see the listing of events for times and dates. The President of the Association holds an invitation only reception and your registration will trigger your invitation to this event to be mailed to the address you provide upon registration.
Q. What is the dress code for the Annual Meeting?
A. Dress comfortably and wear shoes that are good for walking. Our venues are usually quite spread out. Check the weather for the region before you pack so you will know what to expect of the climate. A good resource for weather information is at the Weather Channel web site.
Q. Are there any occasions for formal dress?
A. No. None of the social activities require formal dress, although many attendees dress up for the Closing Banquet.
Q. What time is it there?
A. The U.S. has 8 official time zones! To see what the time is at the AALL Annual Meeting location go to the Official U.S. Time site and click on the appropriate state.
Q. I need to contact my embassy. Can you provide contact information?
A. Go to the Electronic Embassy site for complete contact information.
Q) Where can I get information about visa requirements, etc?
A) You can go to the State Department site for forms and information.
Q) What can I expect on entering or exiting the U.S.? Are there restrictions on what I may bring in or take out?
A) Please see the US Customs site for information.
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