GSA Release 02-41: 2002 Geological Society of America Annual Meeting

Contents
1. Introduction
2. Highlights
3. Special Events
4. Newsroom
5. Media Registration Policies and Procedures
6. Additional Information for Public Information Officers

1. Introduction

The 114th Annual Meeting of the Geological Society of America will be held October 27--30, 2002, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado. Approximately 6300 geoscientists from around the world are expected to attend. Nearly 3100 speakers will participate in more than 246 technical sessions, covering recent advances in all fields of geoscience.

The technical program, consisting of Pardee Keynote Symposia, topical or theme sessions, and geoscience discipline-specific sessions, will take place Sunday through Wednesday, Oct. 27--30. A series of pre- and post-meeting field trips are scheduled for Oct. 22--26 and Oct. 31--Nov. 2. For complete details regarding media registration, see section 5 below.

PLEASE NOTE: GSA HAS CHANGED ITS MEETING SCHEDULE. THE TECHNICAL PROGRAM BEGINS ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, AND ALL TALKS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25.

GSA's "meeting itinerary builder," with which you can build a personalized meeting schedule, will be available in October.

2. Highlights

Presentations at "Denver 2002: Science at the Highest Level" range from the geomorphic effects of wildfire to the evolution of the Rocky Mountains to early Mars -- and everything in between. Numerous topics with public policy implications include hydrogeology and water resources, challenges in the national problem of high level radioactive waste disposal, including Yucca Mountain, and the role of earth sciences in fostering global equity and stability. The meeting also reflects GSA's continued commitment to Earth system processes and integrative science; a number of sessions bring geoscience together with biology, ecology, medicine, and other scientific disciplines.

Journalists: Please see the 'For News Media Only' section below for a sampling of sessions and abstracts.

3. Special Events

Media representatives are invited to attend the Presidential Address and Awards Ceremony Sunday afternoon, Oct. 27, 4-6:00 p.m. in Ballroom 2-3. GSA President Tony Naldrett will present "From Impact To Riches: The Evolution of Geological Understanding as Seen at Sudbury, Canada." The Annual Meeting Welcoming Reception immediately follows the Presidential Address, 6-8:00 p.m., in the Exhibit Hall.

On Tuesday evening, Oct. 29, 5:30-7:00 p.m., media representatives are invited to attend a wine and cheese reception in the Newsroom.

4. Newsroom

GSA's Newsroom, located in the Colorado Convention Center, Room A206 on the main floor, will be open Saturday afternoon, Oct. 26, from 1:00-6:00 p.m., and remain in operation through the final day of the technical program, which is Wednesday, Oct. 30. Sunday through Wednesday, Newsroom hours will be 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please note that on Wednesday the Newsroom will be fully operational from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. After 1:00, the room will remain open but equipment and supplies will be removed during the course of the afternoon.

Newsroom facilities, available for use by registered media representatives and public information officers, will include:

Computer with Internet access and printer
Telephones
Fax
Copier
Message board
Tables for distribution of press releases related to the meeting

The Newsroom telephone number for incoming calls is 303-228-8565. The fax number is 303-228-8566. Please provide these numbers to those who may need to contact you during the meeting. There is no charge for outgoing business calls and faxes.

5. Media Registration Policies and Procedures

Registration entitles journalists and public information officers (PIOs) from geoscience and other related organizations to access to all scientific sessions and the exhibition area, as well as to the Newsroom and events specifically for media representatives.

Eligibility for media registration is as follows, all of whom have equal access:

--Working press representing bona fide news media with a press card, letter, or business card from the publication.

--Freelance science writers, presenting a current membership card from NASW, ISWA, regional affiliates of NASW, or evidence of work pertaining to science published in 2001 or 2002.

--PIOs of scientific societies, educational institutions and government agencies.

GSA reserves the right to request evidence of recent work from any applicant for complimentary registration.

Representatives of the business side of news media, publishing houses, and for-profit corporations must register at the main registration desk and pay the appropriate fees.

Eligible persons are encouraged to pre-register via the media registration form on GSA's web site, http://www.geosociety.org/meetings/2002/mediaform.pdf. Completed forms can be emailed to Ann Cairns ([email protected]) or faxed to her at 303-357-1074. The deadline for media pre-registration is Oct. 18. Onsite registration will take place at the Newsroom.

Pre-registrants will receive the full book of abstracts via first class mail, while supplies last. For delivery via means other than the U. S. Postal Service, send the preferred carrier name and an account number to Ann Cairns. Those who register on-site will receive the abstract book upon arrival. All media registrants will receive the Program book upon arrival at the Newsroom.

Information on hotel accommodations is available on the GSA web site at http://www.geosociety.org/meetings/2002/gLodge.htm. Reservations at convention hotels can be made through GSA at special reduced rates through Sept. 27. Media are encouraged to make their arrangements as soon as possible.

6. Additional Information for Public Information Officers

If you have press releases relevant to any of the sessions at the meeting and are unable to attend, you may send them by mail or express delivery service for distribution in the GSA Newsroom. Materials may be shipped to the following address beginning October 26:

Geological Society of America
Christa Stratton, Room A206
C/O Freeman Decorating Company
Colorado Convention Center
700 14th Street
Denver, CO 80202