General Information

The General Information section is your source for information on attendee services and other activities happening at APhA2010. This section will be routinely updated as the meeting date draws closer. Can't find the answer to what you need? Contact APhA for more information.

Come take a stroll down APhA's Main Street, located in Hall D and L Street Bridge of the Convention Center. The Main Street booths are reminiscent of Washington, DC's powerful attractions, inspiring historic sites, and charming neighborhoods.

APhA Bookstore
Convention Center–Hall D

The Bookstore carries a comprehensive selection of APhA professional books, electronic products, and APhA gift items at discount meeting prices. The Bookstore is open:

Back to topAPhA Headquarter Tours

Plan to visit YOUR impressive expanded and renovated APhA headquarters. The building is regarded as a landmark symbolizing a lasting dedication to the advancement of the profession of pharmacy and the contribution that medicines make to a healthier society. Some of the highlights of the tour will be the Ernest Mario Rotunda, the Joseph D. Williams Library, the Art Gallery containing 36 of the Great Moments in Pharmacy paintings, the Potomac View Terrace overlooking downtown Washington, DC, and much more. Click here for more details.

APhA Cafés
Convention Center–Hall D

Plan lunch in the Exposition! During Exposition hours, food will be available for purchase at the two APhA Cafés located in the exhibit hall. Menu items include snacks, lunch, and beverage options. Don't forget the Dessert Reception on Monday in the Exposition. Join the exhibitors for a tasty treat served from 11:30 am–1:00 pm (or while supplies last).

APhA Foundation and Bringing Your Medicines to Life Campaign Booth
Convention Center–L Street Bridge

Have your name permanently inscribed at our historic location on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Stop by the campaign booth to learn more about pharmacy's new home. The mission of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Foundation is to improve the quality of consumer health outcomes that are affected by pharmacy. Stop by our booth and find out how you and your patients can benefit from the programs we offer. Information on how you can be a part of the Bringing Your Medicines to Life campaign will also be available. The booth will be open:

APhA Hill Visit Briefings

Planning to conduct Capitol Hill visits with your Members of Congress and/or their staff during APhA2010? Attend APhA's Hill Visit Briefing where APhA staff will brief you on APhA's current health care reform efforts. At the Briefing, you will also receive materials, tips, talking points, and information to assist in your Hill visits with legislators and their staff. Click here for information on how to conduct a Hill visit. Briefings are held:

APhA House of Delegates
Convention Center–Ballroom C

The APhA House of Delegates will be held in Ballroom C at the Convention Center on Friday from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, and Monday from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. All APhA2010 attendees are invited to attend the APhA House Sessions; however, a badge must be worn for admission. The schedule is available.

The deadline for submission of New Business Items is 1:00 pm on Saturday. Items are to be submitted to the Speaker at the APhA House of Delegates Office. If submitted after 5:00 pm on Friday, include 100 copies collated and stapled.

Delegates to the APhA House of Delegates must check in and pick up their ribbons at the APhA House of Delegates Office before the first session on Friday. The Delegate reference materials will be mailed to delegates in advance. The APhA Speaker of the House will have designated office hours and the Parliamentarian is available for consultation by appointment through the APhA House of Delegates Office, located in Room 301. The office will be open:

Please Note: Chapter Delegates to the APhA-ASP House of Delegates (student pharmacists) must check in and pick up their materials and ribbons at the APhA-ASP Delegate Orientation on Sunday, March 14 at 11:15 am in the Auditorium of the Renaissance Hotel. Do not report to the House of Delegates office.Back to top

APhA News Room/Media
Convention Center–Room 156

As APhA looks to continue its efforts to promote the profession this year, the External Communications Department will host all print, radio, and television reporters and corporate communications consultants. All interviews and opportunities to meet with APhA leadership, conference speakers, and honorees are arranged through the News Room. APhA will be hosting a variety of sessions on hot pharmacy topics of interest to the news media in Washington, DC. The News Room schedule will vary. All news media must register with the News Room to receive their meeting credentials. Please review the Media Relations Policy.

APhA Advocacy and Political Action Booth
Convention Center–Main Street, Hall D

Plan to visit the APhA Advocacy and PoliticalAction Booth, a great source of information about legislative and regulatory issues facing the profession. Learn more about Congress' health care reform efforts and their impact on the profession of pharmacy, as well as what legislative and regulatory activities we expect to see in 2010, such as the future of Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS). Stop by to learn more about APhA's advocacy efforts and how you can get involved. While at the booth, you are also invited to support the APhA-PAC and/or purchase tickets to the Political Leadership Breakfast, scheduled for Monday, March 15 from 7:00 am-8:30am. The booth will be open:

Arrangements for Persons with Disabilities

If you have any disability for which you may require an auxiliary aid or special service while attending APhA2010, please contact Todd McDonald at 202-429-7547 by Wednesday, February 3.

Attire

Business casual attire is appropriate for most sessions and events. You may wish to bring a sweater or light jacket to sessions. Both the Opening Reception and Closing Reception are casual. Back to topDress to impress for the APhA-ASP Welcoming Social and APhA New Practitioner Night on the Town.

Basketball - Washington Wizards vs. Orlando Magic

Come down the street on Saturday night to enjoy some NBA basketball with a special discount courtesy of APhA. Attendees will be chosen at random to participate in on-court activities and receive Wizards prizes. Tickets start at $10. Click here for details.

Blood Drive: APhA Is Out for Blood...To Help Save Lives
Convention Center–East Registration

APhA is partnering with the American Red Cross to coordinate a blood drive at APhA2010. Sign up now, or on site on Saturday, March 13 in the East Registration at the Convention Center.

The Blood Drive will take place on Sunday and Monday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, in the East Registration. T-shirts will be given to the first 150 attendees donating blood, and there will be a drawing for a gift basket at the conclusion of the event. Please make a donation and give the gift of life!

Business Center
Phone: 202-289-5233; Fax: 202-289-0299

Located in the convention center; offering copy, fax, computer and shipping services. Fee for services varies.

Children

Please note that children under the age of 18 are not allowed in the education sessions or the Exposition. This includes children in strollers and carriers.

Coat and Baggage Check
Convention Center–East Registration

Coat and baggage storage services will be provided. The cost is $2 per item.Back to top

Cyber Café
Convention Center–Hall D

APhA2010 attendees can stay in touch via the APhA Cyber Café. The café offers access to the internet so you can:

• Check e-mail
• Record continuing pharmacy education (CPE) participation.
• View the latest APhA2010 schedule information
• Search for APhA exhibiting companies and link to their sites
• Learn more about Washington, DC through the Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Access APhA Career Connection participants at www.pharmacist.com
• Access the APhA Foundation's Diabetes Ten City Challenge at www.diabetestencitychallenge.com

The Cyber Café will be open during the hours of registration.

Supported by a grant from Eisai Inc.

First Timer Ribbons

Registrants attending their first APhA Annual Meeting will be wearing "First Timer" ribbons. We encourage you to meet and greet these attendees to ensure them a successful APhA2010.Back to top

"Friends in Pharmacy" Book Drive
Convention Center–L Street Bridge

The 12th Annual "Friends in Pharmacy" Community Service Project is collecting children's books to benefit The Reading Connection, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk children and families by helping them create literacy-rich environments and motivation for reading. Please donate books appropriate for children of all ages to be entered in a drawing to win a complimentary full conference registration to next year's Annual Meeting in Seattle, WA, March 25-28, 2011.

Green Tips

APhA is committed to limiting the negative impact of APhA2010 on our environment. Please join your colleagues by following these tips for an environmentally friendly conference:

• Reach! When you leave your hotel room for the day, reach for the light switch and the thermostat. Turn off all lights and turn your thermostat up five degrees.
• Recycle! Be sure to utilize recycling bins located in lobbies and meeting room corridors throughout the Convention Center.
• Refill! Instead of buying bottled water, bring a refillable water bottle and make your way to the nearest water fountain.
• Reuse! Reuse your hotel room linens and towels rather than getting new ones each day.
• Ride! Take advantage of public transportation to your destination. Better yet, walk!

Information/APhA Office
Convention Center–Room 102

If you need special assistance on conference activities, visit the APhA Office. You can identify APhA staff by their purple ribbons and APhA shirts. Please do not hesitate to ask them for assistance! Staff are here to make this a successful meeting for you.Back to top

Location/Parking/Directions

Most events will take place at the Convention Center and HQ hotels. The Grand Hyatt Washington (which is two blocks from the center) and the Renaissance Washington (one block away) will act as HQ hotels for APhA2010. The Convention Center does not offer on-site parking; however, several parking garages are located near the Convention Center. Click here for parking options and directions to the convention center.

Meet the APhA Candidates for Office
Convention Center–L Street Bridge

Be sure to make time to meet the individuals running for APhA office on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am-12:30 pm.

Product Theaters
Convention Center–Exposition Hall D

APhA is excited to offer Product Theaters at APhA2010! Each Product Theater session provides attendees with an opportunity to ask product-specific questions of key experts and industry representatives, find out information on new pharmaceutical products and services, and learn the latest in data and research findings. Product Theaters may concentrate on specific products and drugs, and are therefore not eligible for CPE credit. Click here for session details.

Relaxation Station
Convention Center–L Street Bridge

Be sure to take a few minutes to unwind during APhA2010. For a complimentary seated back massage, visit the Relaxation Station on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, 11:30 am-3:30 pm. To receive your complimentary massage coupon, stop by the Healthcare Providers Service Organization's booth, number 611, during Exposition hours.

Supported by a grant from Healthcare Providers Service Organization.

Restaurant Reservations
Convention Center–Grand Lobby Information Desk

Representatives will be available on site in the concourse area to assist you with reservations and answer your questions. You can also plan ahead by making reservations here.

Seattle Information – APhA2011
Convention Center–L Street Bridge

From a jet engine to an espresso machine to grunge rock, Seattle's world-changing events have all had a distinct sound. Come visit the Seattle booth to get information on next year's conference, held March 25-28, 2011.

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Spouse/Guest Information

A separate registration fee for spouse/guest registration is offered. Included in spouse registration are the Opening Reception, the Closing Reception and the Exhibit Hall. Note that the education sessions are not included, nor is CPE credit offered.

Transportation

Washington, DC is a very walkable city; therefore, no shuttle service between the hotels and convention center will be provided.

Washington, DC is served by three major airports. Taxicab fare, shuttle service, and metrorail service to the downtown areas varies by airport. Click here for more information.

Always confirm rates when enlisting services.

Travel

Options Travel is the official travel agency for APhA2010. Options Travel has negotiated rates with all of the major airlines and car rental companies. Discounts up to 15%! The best discounts are available when booking at least 60 days prior to travel. Call Options Travel at 800-578-2173 between 8:30 am–5:00 pm (ET) Monday-Friday. Or send an email to Vicki Bode. Please identify yourself as an APhA2010 attendee.

Washington, DC

Plan ahead! A wealth of information on things to do while in Washington, DC is a mouse click away! Click here for information to schedule a White House tour.

Wireless Internet Service

If you plan to bring your laptop, please note that the 24-hour charge for wireless connection at the convention center is currently $24.95. Prices vary at each hotel. Back to top