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More than 60,000 medical and science professionals from around the globe are expected to attend the world's largest medical meeting November 30-December 5, 2008, at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago. With more than 300 refresher courses, the RSNA annual meeting offers an unparalleled educational opportunity. In addition, more than 700 technical exhibitors will display state-of-the-art technology and the latest radiology products and services. A trip to the United States may require an additional degree of planning. This page provides international meeting attendees the essential information for planning a trip to the U.S.:
General Meeting Information94th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting Invitation LetterThe deadline has passed to request an International Invitation Letter. Please contact reginfo@rsna.org with any questions. Visa Waiver ProgramThe Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. For more information go to travel.state.gov/visa and click Visa Waiver program. US-VISITUS-VISIT currently applies to all visitors (with limited exemptions) entering the United States. This includes visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program. Visitors are photographed and fingerprinted upon arrival. In 2008 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began collecting additional fingerprints from international visitors arriving at O'Hare International Airport (ORD). The change is part of the department's upgrade from two- to 10-fingerprint collection to enhance security and facilitate legitimate travel by more accurately and efficiently establishing and verifying visitors' identities. For more information go to www.dhs.gov/us-visit. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)Implemented in 2007, the WHTI requires all persons traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. For more information go to travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html. Tips for Successful Visa Applications
Useful Visa and Travel Websites |
| Do you require a Visa? | www.unitedstatesvisas.gov |
| How to apply for a Visa | travel.state.gov/visa |
| Apply for a Visa online | evisaforms.state.gov/ |
| Step-by-step guide | www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/obtainingvisa/index.html |
| Check the status of a pending application | www7.nationalacademies.org/visas/ |
| Travel Tips | www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/index.shtm |
| Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions | usembassy.state.gov/ |
| U.S. Travel & Tourism Website | www.discoveramerica.com |
International Travel Packages
The official international travel provider at RSNA 2008, ESA Voyages, provides full service travel packages for individuals traveling from outside North America.
Chicago Travel Resources
To learn more about Chicago transportation, travel, maps and services, click here.
Foreign Consulates in Chicago
To see a list of foreign consulates from around the world and their contact information in Chicago, click here.
Transportation
Visit the Transportation section of the RSNA annual meeting Web site in late June for full details on shuttle bus service, Airport Express shuttle service, Metra Electric train system, parking, public transportation and taxi service.
Certificate of Attendance
During the meeting, attendees can use the computers in the Internet zones located throughout McCormick Place to print a personalized certificate of attendance. After the meeting attendees must contact reginfo@rsna.org.
Foreign Currency Exchange Services
Exchange foreign currency, cash foreign or U.S. denomination traveler's checks or purchase phone cards onsite in the Grand Concourse of McCormick Place-Level 2.5 across from the FedEx Kinko's. Get the latest exchange rate for your country's currency at http://finance.yahoo.com/currency?u.
Interpretation Services
Find answers to conference questions onsite at the Help Centers and at Professional Registration-assistance available in Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish.
Tours & Events
RSNA has teamed up with In the Loop-Chicago and Bloomingdale's to offer exciting ways for annual meeting attendees to experience Chicago during their stay for RSNA 2008. Enjoy the sounds of music, view architectural wonders, explore unique neighborhoods, learn a new cooking technique and more. Five days of action-packed tours are offered. For general information on tourism in Chicago visit http://www.meetinchicago.com/Pages/default.aspx
Electricity
The U.S. uses 110-120 volts AC (60 cycles), compared with 220-240 volts AC (50 cycles) used in most countries in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. If your small electrical appliances use 220-240 volts, you will need a 110-volt transformer and a plug adapter with two flat parallel pins to operate them in the United States. Downward converters that change 220-240 volts to 110-120 volts are hard to find in the U.S.
Emergency Medical Care (Medical, Fire, Police)
If you become ill during your visit to Chicago while you are at a hotel, contact the concierge desk (most major hotels have in-house doctors on call 24 hours a day). If no physician is available at the hotel, call 911. If you are in McCormick Place, please ask for assistance at any Help Center or dial 6060 from any house phone.
Tipping
The amount of tip is a personal matter, but as a guideline for good service, you should expect to tip waiters and taxi drivers between 15 and 20 percent. Hotel bellhops can be tipped $1 per bag, while doormen and valet staff should receive $1 to $2. When paying a restaurant bill, make sure the tip has not already been included (it most commonly will appear as "service charge" on the receipt).
Smoking Regulations
Effective January 1, 2008, the Smoke-free Illinois Act prohibits smoking in virtually all public places and workplaces, including offices, theaters, museums, libraries, educational institutions, schools, commercial establishments, enclosed shopping centers and retail stores, restaurants, bars, private clubs and gaming facilities.
Smoking may be permitted in some hotels that have set aside a percentage of smoking rooms. Due to various Chicago hotel smoking policies, a request for a smoking room is not guaranteed and you must contact the hotel directly to confirm.
Smoking is not permitted inside the McCormick Place Convention Center. The only smoking areas are located outside the buildings. If you wish to smoke, please follow the signs directing you to the designated areas.