Accommodations

Participants should make their own arrangements directly with a hotel of their choice as early as possible. Special rates have been negotiated with the hotels listed below. Rates quoted do not include sales tax of 13%. The AMS is not responsible for rate changes or for the quality of the accommodations. When making a reservation, participants should state that they are with the American Mathematical Society (AMS) Meeting at Louisiana State University (LSU) group. Cancellation and early checkout policies vary; be sure to check when you make your reservation.

The Louisiana State University Department of Mathematics will operate a limited shuttle service from these hotels only to the meeting site (generally one trip to campus, and one return trip to the hotels per day).

Embassy Suites Hotel-Baton Rouge, 4914 Constitution Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70808; 225-924-6566 or 800-362-2779 (phone), 225-927-2816 (fax), US\$105/two double beds or one king-sized bed; all-suites hotel with kitchen, wireless high speed Internet available, complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast and daily managers reception, indoor pool, fitness center, full service restaurant on site; several other restaurants within walking distance; about 3.25 miles to the meeting site on campus. Deadline for reservations is March 6, 2008. Be sure to check cancellation and early checkout policies.

LaQuinta Inn Baton Rouge, 2333 South Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA 70808-2304, 225-924-9600 (phone), 225-924-2609 (fax); US\$79/single; complimentary continental breakfast, coffee in room, outdoor pool, several restaurants within walking distance, free wireless Internet, pets welcome; about 2.25 miles to the meeting site on campus. Deadline for reservations is March 13, 2008. Be sure to check cancellation and early checkout policies.

Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center, 2445 South Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA 70808; 225-236-4000 (phone), 225-925-0084 (fax), US\$109/single or double; free high-speed and wireless Internet, outdoor pool, fitness center, in-room coffee, restaurant/lounge on site; about 2.25 miles to the meeting site on to campus. Deadline for reservations is February 25, 2008. Be sure to check cancellation and early checkout policies. This is a nonsmoking property.

Additionally, a very limited number of bed and breakfast type accommodations are available at the LSU Faculty Club, Corner of Highland Road & Raphael Semmes Drive on campus; US\$70/single (one king- or queen-sized bed, twin beds upon request), suites may be available at a higher rate. Rates include continental breakfast and free parking. Call 225-578-2356 for reservations and information or send email to fchotel@lsu.edu.

Local Information/Maps/Restaurants

The LSU webpage is located at http://www.lsu.edu. You may download maps and get local information, including restaurants and campus dining. The webpage of the Department of Mathematics is http://www.math.lsu.edu. For dining close to campus visit http://ligo.phys.lsu.edu/LSC2006/Restaurants.html.

Other Activities

Book Sales: Stop by the on-site AMS Bookstore. Review the newest titles from the AMS, enter the FREE book drawing, enjoy up to 25% off all titles, or even take home the new AMS T-shirt! Complimentary coffee will be served courtesy of AMS Membership Services.

AMS Editorial Activity: An acquisitions editor from the AMS Book program will be present to speak with prospective authors. If you have a book project that you would like to discuss with the AMS, please stop by the book exhibit.

Parking

The inner part of campus has restricted access on weekdays. Parking is available at the Visitor Center, Parker Coliseums, or commuter lots off Nicholson Extension. A parking permit is required to park in these lots. Please contact the local organizer at olafsson@math.lsu.edu before March 1, 2008, if you are requesting a free parking permit. You will be able to pick up the permit at the Visitor Center located at the intersection of Highland Road and Dalrymple Drive upon arrival on Friday, March 28. For further parking information visit http://appl003.lsu.edu/pubsafety/lsuparking.nsf/index. Free parking is available close to the sessions on Saturday and Sunday

Social Event

All participants are cordially invited to a reception on Saturday evening sponsored by the Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Department of Mathematics. The AMS thanks the university and department for its generous hospitality.

Registration and Meeting Information

The meeting is on the main campus of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Sessions will take place in Tureaud Hall; Invited Addresses will be in Howell-Russell.

The registration desk will be in Tureaud Hall and will be open Friday, March 28, noon-4:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 29, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fees are US\$40 for AMS or CMS members, US\$60 for nonmembers; and US\$5 for students/unemployed/emeritus, payable on site by cash, check or credit card.

Travel

The nearest airport is Baton Rouge Metro/Ryan Field Airport (BTR) (8 miles away) and about a 20-minute drive from the hotels.

The directions below offer the easiest routes to the campus from the interstate.

We recommend that you visit the Visitor Information Center to obtain detailed campus directions, a parking permit, and parking instructions. The Visitors Information Center is located at the corner of Highland Road and Dalrymple Drive.

From I-10:

Route 1: Exit at Nicholson Dr./Highland Rd. (Exit 155A). Take Highland Rd. to Dalrymple Dr. (about 1.4 miles).

Route 2: Exit at Dalrymple Dr. (Exit 156B). Both eastbound and westbound traffic will take a right onto Dalrymple Dr. from the off-ramp. Take Dalrymple Dr. to Highland Rd. (about 0.5 mile).

Route 3: Exit at Acadian Thruway (Exit 157B). If exiting from the eastbound off-ramp you will take a right onto Acadian Thruway; if exiting from the westbound off-ramp you will take a left onto Acadian Thruway. Take Acadian Thruway (which turns into Stanford Avenue and then into LSU Avenue) to Highland Rd. Take a right onto Highland Rd. Take Highland Rd. to Dalrymple Dr. (about 1.8 miles)

Car rental

Avis is the official car rental company for the sectional meeting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. All rates include unlimited free mileage. Special rates for this meeting are effective March 21-April 6, 2008 and begin at US\$30/day for a subcompact car at the weekend rate (available from noon Thursday through Monday at 11:59 p.m.). Should a lower qualifying rate become available at the time of booking, Avis is pleased to offer a 5% discount off the lower qualifying rate or the meeting rate, whichever is lowest. Rates do not include any state or local surcharges, tax, optional coverages or gas refueling charges. Renters must meet Avis age, driver, and credit requirements. Reservations can be made by calling 800-331-1600 or online at http://www.avis.com. Be sure to cite the meeting Avis Discount Number J098887.

Weather

Weather conditions in March in Baton Rouge are usually pleasant. Temperatures are between 50° and 70° F, and the average rainfall is five inches for the month.

Information for International Participants

Visa regulations are continually changing for travel to the United States. Visa applications may take from three to four months to process and require a personal interview, as well as specific personal information. International participants should view the important informationabout traveling to the U.S. found at http://www7.nationalacademies.org/visas/Traveling_to_US.html and http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html. If you need a preliminary conference invitation in order to secure a visa, please send your request to dls@ams.org.

If you discover you do need a visa, the National Academies website (see above) provides these tips for successful visa applications:

* Visa applicants are expected to provide evidence that they are intending to return to their country of residence. Therefore, applicants should provide proof of "binding" or sufficient ties to their home country or permanent residence abroad. This may include documentation of the following:

• family ties in home country or country of legal permanent residence
• property ownership
• bank accounts
• employment contract or statement from employer stating that the position will continue when the employee returns;

* Visa applications are more likely to be successful if done in a visitor's home country than in a third country;

* Applicants should present their entire trip itinerary, including travel to any countries other than the United States, at the time of their visa application;

* Include a letter of invitation from the meeting organizer or the U.S. host, specifying the subject, location and dates of the activity, and how travel and local expenses will be covered;

* If travel plans will depend on early approval of the visa application, specify this at the time of the application;

* Provide proof of professional scientific and/or educational status (students should provide a university transcript).

This list is not to be considered complete. Please visit the web sites above for the most up-to-date information.