3rd Annual Fossil Preparation and Collections Symposium April 29-May 1, 2010 Hosted by The Field Museum The Symposium and Venue | Preliminary Schedule of Events | Call for Abstacts | Registration Information | Travel and Accomodations The Symposium and Venue The Field Museum is located on the shore of Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago and has a long history of vertebrate fossil preparation.  It currently houses three operational fossil preparation laboratories, employs five full time preparators, and maintains an active volunteer program. The three day symposium will feature collection tours, platform and poster presentations, roundtable discussions and preparation workshops.  This is a distinct opportunity for fossil preparators to meet and talk with other professionals and volunteers in the field. Any questions or comments should be directed to the conference organizer Lisa Herzog at lherzog@fieldmuseum.org or 312-665-7626.  Suggestions for roundtable discussion are welcome. Top Preliminary Schedule of Events Thursday Registration, collection and laboratory tours, roundtable discussion Friday Platform presentations, poster presentation viewing, evening reception Saturday Workshops, roundtable discussion, dinner Top Call for Abstracts The Fossil Preparation and Collections Symposium is a venue for sharing ideas, skills and techniques with colleagues in the field.  You are invited to participate by submitting an abstract for either a platform presentation or a poster.  Platform presentations will be either 15 or 30 minute time slots. Welcome topics include but are not limited to: mechanical and hand tools, consolidants, safety, exhibition, molding, casting, air abrasion, acid preparation, conservation, specimen storage, cataloging and record keeping, volunteer programs, funding, and laboratory management. *Deadline The deadline for Abstract submission is Monday, February 15th, 2010. Submission process All abstracts should be sent via email to symposium organizer Lisa Herzog at lherzog@fieldmuseum.org.  Please send as attachment in pdf format if at all possible.  Abstracts should contain: author name(s), title, institutional affiliation, address and contact information (phone and email).  Specify if you would like a 15 or 30 minute time slot or poster presentation. Abstracts will be reviewed and applicants will be notified of acceptance by Friday, February 19th, 2010. Top Registration Information Early registration is $75 until Monday, March 15th.   Late registration is $95 beginning Tuesday, March 16th.  Full time students can register at a reduced early rate for $45.  Please note that the reduced registration fee for full time students is only valid for early registration.  Late students will need to register at the full late registration rate.  Registration for social events only is $35.  The registration fee includes refreshments and lunch daily as well as an evening reception and dinner. Download our registration form (PDF). Top Travel and Accommodations Travel Chicago is serviced by O’Hare International and Midway airports. Both provide access to downtown via the Chicago Transit Authority rail system (known locally as the ‘L’ system). Visit www.transitchicago.com for detailed travel information. If you plan on arriving by car and will park at the museum daily, discounted parking passes can be purchased at the registration table. Accommodations The Field Museum has negotiated special pricing at The Essex Inn for symposium attendees. The Essex Inn is conveniently located within walking distance to the museum. Guests that mention Field Museum Preparation Symposium, for the dates April 28 - May 2, 2010 will receive 25% off of the current room rate. All discounts are subject to availability and must be applied at the time the reservation is made, advance reservations required, taxes not included. *Early Bird booking discount With a consecutive four night minimum stay, prepaid by December 31, 2009, guests will receive a $149 room rate plus tax for the nights of April 28, 29, and 30th and a $99 room rate plus tax for the night of May 1st. Early bird discounts are non-cancelable, non-refundable. Any reservation that is not pre-paid by December 31st, 2009 or does not meet the minimum 4 night stay requirement will be eligible for the 25% discount noted above. Essex Inn 800 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60605 312-212-8194 Main line 877-679-0658 Reservations www.essexinn.com Method of Reservations Individuals should reserve directly with the hotel by calling the toll free reservations number (800) 621-6909, fax number 1-312-939-0526 or e-mail Reservations@EssexInn.com. Upon making reservations a one night’s room and tax deposit or a major credit card is required to guarantee rooms. All major credit cards are accepted. Cancellation Policy Cancellations must be made 72 hours prior to arrival otherwise the hotel will charge guest’s credit card for one night room and tax of the guest’s reservation Complementary wireless internet Guest will receive complimentary wireless internet for their entire length of stay. Optional Charges / Services Parking - Valet parking is currently available at a reduced rate of $37.00 daily for registered guests. Prices are subject to change without notice. Parking is valid until 12:00 pm (Noon) on the day of check-out. After 12:00 pm, parking is subject to the garage company’s posted public rates. Rollaway Beds - If your group requires rollaway beds for your multiple occupancy rooms there is a charge of $20.00 per rollaway bed per night plus tax. Requests for rollaway beds must be indicated when making a reservation or we cannot guarantee availability upon arrival. Price is subject to change and updated rates will be charged at check-in. Top