2012 Annual Meeting
25th International Conference of the
Organization of Teratology Information Specialists
Marriott Baltimore Waterfront
Baltimore, MD
June 22nd – June 26th, 2012
Meeting Information Registration Scholarships Venue and Travel Information Sponsorship
KEY DEADLINES
Abstract Submission Deadline: Has now passed
Scholarship Application Deadline: April 13, 2012
Advance Registration Deadline: May 15, 2012
Hotel Reservation Deadline: May 31, 2012
The overall goal of the OTIS annual conference is to assist attendees to stay up-to-date with the field of reproductive health, as well as to develop methodologies to interpret and communicate the vast, conflicting scientific data into individual risk assessments. The annual program strengthens attendees’ ability to meet public requests for scientific information and guidance concerning exposures during pregnancy and lactation.
This year, the OTIS meeting begins on Friday, June 22nd with the OTIS Research Team Meeting (open only to OTIS members) and runs through June 26th, 2012.
Complete meeting details can be found in the program 
.
On Monday, June 25th, from 8-9AM, the annual Thomas Shepard Lecture, entitled "The Future of Research: The View from NICHD" will be given by Alan E. Guttmacher, M.D., Director, NICHD.
- OTIS 25th Anniversary Meeting – Monday, June 25th, 9am-11am
A panel of four Teratology Information Service Directors will provide a retrospective on the early challenges faced by Services, as well as future opportunities. Speakers from OTIS and the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) will discuss current efforts and future opportunities to collaborate in an effort to prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and help families with children with FASD find available treatment and support services. The President of the OTIS will then highlight the existing network of TIS. A member of the U.S. Congress will describe current legislative efforts, including the Birth Defects Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Awareness Act of 2011. A brief overview of the challenges in conducting research on pregnant women and gaps in evidence-based research will be presented. Duchesnay Inc. will provide information about efforts to provide medications designed to prevent nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.
- Gerald Briggs Research Symposium - Saturday, June 23rd, 8:15am-12pm
The session this year will focus on risk perception with medication use in pregnancy and in research.
- OTIS Research Team Meeting (for members only) - Friday, June 22th, 2-5:30 PM
- Education Committee-sponsored Lunchbox Session, Tuesday, June 26th, 11:15AM-1:15PM
Back by popular demand! This interactive session will focus on educating TIS staff about risk communication and counseling techniques – all OTIS members are strongly encouraged to attend.
- OTIS/TS Pregnancy Registry session on Monday, June 25th , 1-5:30PM
The annual Pregnancy Registry Workshop is one of the only continuing scientific venues where methods for pregnancy registries are discussed among investigators who conduct these studies. The Workshop for 2012 is focused on several key and timely questions which will be addressed by invited speakers, followed by a panel discussion. The final product of the workshop is intended to be a consensus document regarding recommendations which will be submitted for publication.
- Three abstract sessions – one each in the OTIS only session, the Pregnancy Registry session and the joint TS/OTIS session.
- Joint sessions:
- TS/OTIS/NBTS Joint Symposium: Strategies for Reducing the Impact of Known Teratogens, Sunday, June 24th, 2:30 PM–5:30PM
- TS/NBTS/OTIS Joint Lecture: Josef Warkany Lecture, An Epidemiological Enterprise: From Fluoride to Folate, Sunday, June 24th, 8:45AM–9:30 AM
- TS/OTIS Joint F. Clarke Fraser New Investigator Award, Keep it Real and Relevant: Focusing Research Towards Real World Exposures and Human Relevance, Sunday, June 24th, 1:30 PM–2:00 PM
- TS/OTIS Joint Special Lecture, Congenital Malformation Studies in Chernobyl lmpacted Regions of Ukraine: Lessons Learned, Tuesday, June 26th, 8:30 AM–9:30 AM
- TS/OTIS Joint Robert L. Brent Lecture: Teratogen Update
- TS/NBTS/OTIS Joint Poster Session I and Exhibits
Please see meeting program for additional details. ( Meeting Program)
THE OTIS RECEPTION WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, JUNE 23RD AT:
Della Notte Ristorante
801 Eastern Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21202
This restaurant is across the street from our hotel. Further details will be announced.
MEETING REGISTRATION
Registration for the OTIS annual meeting will be $450 for OTIS members and $600 for non-members. Advanced registrations are due May 15, 2012. Registration after May 15, 2012 will be done on-site and a $50 fee will be added to the registration costs. ( Registration Form)
Registration forms can be emailed, mailed or faxed to the OTIS National Office at:
OTIS National Office
University of Arizona
College of Pharmacy
Drachman Hall, Room B308
Tucson, AZ 85721-0202
phone: 520-626-3547
fax: 520-626-2720
email: dquinn@email.arizona.edu
“Guest” registration will be $50 and includes all OTIS educational sessions, breaks and the OTIS reception.
JOINT MEETING REGISTRATIONS
As in previous years, OTIS members who wish to also register for the TS meeting can do so at a reduced rate. You must be a member of both societies – this will be checked upon receipt of your registration. See registration form for details of fees.
Checks for the total amount (OTIS+Teratology Society registration) can be sent to either society.
For Teratology Society Meeting information see website: http://teratology.org/meetings/2012/
For the Neurobehavioral Teratology Society Meeting information see website: http://www.nbts.org/meetings/default.aspx
PLEASE BE SURE TO FILL OUT A REGISTRATION FORM FOR EACH MEETING
Each year, OTIS awards scholarships to individuals in need of support to attend the meeting. The scholarship guidelines and application form. The number of scholarships given is determined by available meeting funding and will be selected by OTIS President and Treasurer. Scholarship applications are due April 13th. Winners will be notified on April 30, 2012.
Scholarship Guidelines and Application Form
HOTEL INFORMATION
The Marriott Baltimore Waterfront Hotel
The Marriott Baltimore Waterfront features 729 guest rooms and 21 suites with views of the Inner Harbor. This smoke-free property hosts an indoor pool, fitness center and sauna. The waterfront property is located near attractions such as the National Aquarium in Baltimore, historic Fell’s Point, Arundel Mills Mall, the Baltimore Zoo, Broadway Market, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Federal Hill, Fort McHenry and the Gallery Shops at Harborplace. Local attractions include numerous parks and golf courses, biking, horseback riding and jogging/fitness trails as well as sailing can be found within 20 miles of the site.
The hotel offers guests multiple dining options including Grille 700, where the seasonal menu offers fresh, local ingredients in American Cuisine enjoyed with waterfront views, Kozmo’s Lounge offering some of the world’s finest wines, beers, and spirits along with light fare in an upscale martini bar, and Rigano’s Bakery and Deli, with take-out snacks, deli items, baked goods and Starbucks coffee.
The hotel has a full-service business center, wired and wireless internet connection in guest rooms and public areas, and a plug-in panel to connect laptops, MP3 players, digital cameras and more into a 37” HDTV. The fitness center is accessible 24 hours a day, featuring cardiovascular equipment and weights, treadmills, step and weight machines and bicycle. Use of the fitness center is complimentary to all guests.
There are several Marriott properties located in the Baltimore area. Please make sure you make your reservations at the location below. We also recommend that you have the address on hand when you arrive in Baltimore to ensure you arrive at the correct hotel.
The Marriott Baltimore Waterfront is located at:
700 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 USA
Hotel website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bwiwf-baltimore-marriott-waterfront/
MEETING RATE
The meeting rate is $199 for single/double occupancy. This rate is available 3 days before and 3 days after the meeting based upon availability. Reservations must be made by May 31, 2012 to secure the $199 meeting rate.
You may reserve your room on-line at: https://resweb.passkey.com/go/TeratologySociety2012
For OTIS members, you should indicate that you are part of the Teratology Society Group Rate.
Student Rate
A limited number of rooms have been set aside for students at a reduced rate of $149 for single/double occupancy. This rate is available 3 days before and 3 days after the meeting based upon availability. Guests who reserve a Student Rated room will be required to show valid student ID at check-in in order to receive this rate. Reservations must be made by May 31, 2012 to secure the $149 meeting rate. You may reserve your room on-line at: https://resweb.passkey.com/go/TeratologySocietyStudents2012
This is a first come-first serve basis with limited rooms – please reserve early!
You can also contact Teratology Society at: http://teratology.org/meetings/2012/room_sharing.asp if you are interested in finding someone to share a room with. Please note that you will still need to book a hotel room.
Government Rate
A limited number of rooms have been set aside for government employees at a reduced rate of $155 for single/double occupancy. Guests who reserve a Government Rated room will be required to show valid ID at check-in in order to receive this rate. Reservations must be made by May 31, 2012 to secure the $155 meeting rate. You may reserve your room on-line at: https://resweb.passkey.com/go/TeratologySocietyGovt2012
Reservation Deadlines and Requirements
You must reserve your room at the Marriott Baltimore Waterfront prior to May 31, 2012. All rates are subject to applicable taxes, currently 15.5%. The room rates are based on single/double occupancy. If there will be a third or fourth person in your room, there is an additional charge of $20 per person per night plus tax. There is no charge for children under 18 years occupying the same room as their parents.
Reservations can be also made by calling toll free 1-800-228-9290 or direct 410-385-3000, remember to indicate that you are a Teratology Society meeting participant. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available. Persons with special needs should inform the hotel when making reservations.
Check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out time is 12:00 NOON. There are fees associated with a late check-out. Please discuss any late check-out arrangements you might need when making your reservation or when you check into the hotel.
ABOUT BALTIMORE
The crown jewel of downtown Baltimore, the Inner Harbor is home to dozens of shops, eateries and attractions, all within walking distance of the Marriott Baltimore Waterfront!
Take advantage of the diversity of Baltimore’s downtown attractions. In just a few city blocks, you can explore wildlife from the deep and Down Under at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, have a 360-degree Imax experience at the Maryland Science Center, submerge yourself in the courageous journey of African Americans at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture or wander through the pop culture icons of your past at the new Geppi’s Entertainment Museum.
Other attractions not to be missed are the one-of-a-kind American Visionary Art Museum, Sports Legends at Camden Yards and Port Discovery, the Children’s Museum. After you’ve worked up a healthy appetite, stop in for a bite to eat at the staggering array of restaurants, eateries and food vendors scattered throughout Harborplace and the surrounding area.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Area Airports
The Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is located approximately 12 miles from the Marriott Baltimore Waterfront Hotel.
The Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is approximately 45 miles from the Marriott Baltimore Waterfront Hotel.
The Washington, DC/Dulles Airport (IAD) is approximately 52 miles from the Marriott Baltimore Waterfront Hotel.
Hotel shuttle service is not available to/from the airport.
Ground Transportation (All prices are subject to change)
Taxi
The estimated one-way taxi fare to the hotel:
- From the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) $30.00
- From the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) $110.00
- From the Washington, DC/Dulles Airport (IAD) $150.00
Bus Station
Greyhound Bus Lines (2 miles)
Subway Station
Baltimore Metro Subway (1 mile)
Train Station
Penn Station (1 mile)
Car Rentals
Nearby:
Hertz
815 East Pratt Street HLE
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Phone: 1-410-625-0790
Hotel Parking
On-site parking, fee: $8.50 USD hourly, $26 USD daily
Valet parking, fee: $40 USD daily
Parking garage does not accommodate oversized vehicles.
Please note prices are subject to change.
NON U.S. CITIZENS
Please visit www.travel.state.gov for current information about requested documentation for travel to the United States. Citizens of some countries will require a visa. Citizens of the 27 Visa Waiver Program countries may require only a machine-readable passport (if certain requirements listed on the above Web site are met).
SPONSORSHIP
Information for potential meeting sponsors can be found here.
