GENERAL INFORMATION

REGISTRATION

All persons attending the convention must register. To be eligible for the pre-registration fee reduction, your registration form must arrive by mail BEFORE October 28, 2004 (this does not include forms postmarked on this date) or by fax until November 4, 2004. ASA members and program participants will have received a complete program book prior to the start of the fall semester. Others who pre-register for the convention will receive a copy with their badges and tickets. Additional copies of the book may be purchased at the registration desk for $5.00.

Please Note: Membership and registration fees are neither refundable nor transferable.

You can register for the conference online at http://chnm.gmu.edu/asa/regFrame.html, with the option of paying online or mailing the printable form with a check or money order payment. Alternatively, you can complete the registration form found on pages 17 and 18 in this book. Mail your registration form, with your check or money order, payable to the American Studies Association:

Or fax registration form to:

Please note that this is not a correspondence address. Use it only to remit payments. Please do not send hotel registration forms or room payments to this post office box.

The pre-registration form must be received by October 28, 2004 if arriving by mail or before November 4, 2004 if faxed. Forms arriving late risk not being processed, and you will be required to pay again at the convention. If there is a duplicate payment, the larger amount will be refunded after the convention. If you are unable to mail your form by October 28, 2004 or fax it by November 4, 2004 bring it with you to the convention, where you may register at the on-site rate.

The registration desk will be at the Hyatt Regency's, Atlanta Conference Center level. The desk will be open the following hours:

Sessions chairs and participants arriving on the day of their scheduled session must check in at the registration desk thirty (30) minutes prior to the session in order to receive registration materials, including the Pocket Program, which will list the session's room assignment.

BADGES

Badges must be presented for admission to all sessions, receptions, and the book exhibit. Badges are obtained through the payment of registration fees and should be picked up on site at the conference registration desk.

FEATURED SESSIONS

The Program Committee has organized several special sessions on issues and themes that will be of interest to large numbers of ASA members. The Program Committee's hope is that these sessions will generate extensive conversation among meeting participants about common interests and concerns. Some are also meant to forge a common ground between the ASA and the larger Atlanta public. Most have been scheduled in the late afternoon and evening on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, where they will not compete with regular sessions. In the pages that follow, green text highlights each of the special sessions.

THE INAUGURAL INTERNATIONAL AMERICAN STUDIES INITIATIVE

In light of the internationalization and globalization of the discipline of American Studies due to the global presence of the United States and American culture this year's Annual Meeting will incorporate a series of meetings and roundtables promoting international collaboration and discussion on the future of American Studies.

The International American Studies Initiative will include networking meetings between international association presidents, program directors, and journal editors, and their American counterparts. These meetings may be used to exchange information and to plan joint projects. But more importantly they can be a platform for conceptualizing American Studies on a global scale in terms of scholarship, teaching, and the creation of dynamic associations. There will also be a series of roundtables and workshops discussing particular issues of international scholarship, and teaching.

Whilst many of the Initiative events are restricted to invited participants, we encourage all attendees at the conference to enter into discussion and relationships with friends and colleagues from around the world. This year's conference hosts some 282 sessions with over 117 scholars representing more than 30 different nationalities. The discipline of American Studies has become a truly global subject and it is hoped that this year's conference will encourage the diverse membership of the American Studies community to expand existing friendships and forge new ones, strengthening the network of American Studies scholars across the globe.

Specific International Initiative events are indicated in the program by a "‡."

‡ NETWORKING BREAKFAST FOR AMERICAN STUDIES/ ETHNIC STUDIES PROGRAM DIRECTORS

Please note that the Networking Breakfast for American Studies/Ethnic Studies Program Directors, 7:30 - 9:30 AM, November 11, 2004 requires a ticket. Early reservations are advised because tickets are available in limited quantities. NO tickets will be sold after 5:00 PM, November 10, 2004. Cost of tickets is $15 for regular members and $5 for international members.

‡ INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE RECEPTION

Please note that the International Committee Reception, 6:00 - 7:30 PM, November 11, 2004, requires a ticket. Early reservations are advised because tickets are available in limited quantities. NO tickets will be sold after 5:00 PM, November 11, 2004. Cost of tickets is $15 for regular members, $8 for students and $5 for international scholars.

WOMEN'S BREAKFAST

Please note that the Breakfast for Women in American Studies, 7:00 - 9:00 AM, November 12, 2004, requires a ticket. Early reservations are advised because tickets are available in limited quantities. NO tickets will be sold after 5:00 PM, November 12, 2004. Cost of tickets is $15 for regular members, $8 for Students, $5 for international scholars.

SECONDARY EDUCATION LUNCHEON

George Lipsitz will speak on the subject entitled, "People Get Ready: Transformative Teaching for Tomorrow." Please note that the Secondary Education Day Luncheon, 12:00 - 1:30 PM, November 12, 2004, requires a ticket. Early reservations are advised because tickets are available in limited quantities. NO tickets will be sold after 5:00 PM, November 11, 2004. Cost of tickets is $15 for regular members, $8 for students, $5 for international scholars.

POCKET PROGRAM

The Pocket Program, which lists the locations of all sessions and functions, along with any emendations to the program, will be available upon checking-in at ASA registration at the Hyatt Regency's Atlanta Conference Center. Only one Pocket Program will be distributed to each registered attendee. Safeguard your Pocket Program—lost or missing ones cannot be replaced. Pre-registration is nontransferable and materials can only be picked up by the person for whom the materials were prepared.

ONLINE PROGRAM

The program will be available online in August, at www.theasa.net under "Annual Meeting Information."

BOOK EXHIBIT

The Convention Book Exhibit will be in the Hyatt Regency's Exhibit Level. Admission will be by registration badge only. Hours of the book exhibit are:

HEADQUARTERS HOTEL

The 2004 Convention Headquarters is the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Hotel. ASA's Special Room Rate is no longer available. Though you may be able to book a room during the convention it will be at the regular hotel room rate. Please check with the hotel about room availability. Please send your hotel reservation request and first night's room deposit, directly to the hotel:

Or call either 1-800-233-1234 or 404-577-1234 to make your reservation. You may also fax your reservation to 404-460-6535.

All International Reservations Should Be Made Via Fax to:

Yvonne Carter
Reservation Manager
Hyatt Regency Atlanta
Direct Fax: (404) 460-6535
ycarter@atlrapo.hyatt.com (for questions related to International Reservations)

Rates

ASA's Special Room Rates are no longer available. Though you may be able to book a room at the Hyatt Regency for the convention, it will be at the regular hotel room rates. All rates are subject to Atlanta tax of 15%. Please mention you are attending the ASA annual meeting in Atlanta, Georgia to receive the discounted room rate. Please make your room reservation PRIOR to October 13, 2004. After October 13, all sleeping rooms will be sold on a space available basis and will NOT be subject to the group discount.

SPECIAL STUDENT RATE: SOLD OUT

This rate is for Students only. No additional student rooms available. The hotel front desk will require you to show student identification upon check-in. If you cannot provide student identification upon check- in the student discount rate will not be honored; no exceptions will be made.

Be sure to obtain a confirmation number from the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Bring your confirmation number with you to Georgia in case you are asked for it at the front desk upon check-in. Persons without reservation confirmation numbers may not be able to get a room at the host hotel.

ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATIONS

Please send your hotel reservation request directly to the hotel or reserve a room by going to http://marriott.com:

Or call either 1-888-855-5701 or 404-521-0000 to make your reservation. You may also fax your reservation to 404-586-6299. Be sure to obtain a confirmation number from the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Bring your confirmation number with you to Georgia in case you are asked for it at the front desk upon check-in. Persons without reservation confirmation numbers may not be able to get a room at the Marriott Marquis.

Graduate students and part-time faculty interested in alternative accommodations or the roommate connection service should consult the Student's Committee web site at http://www.georgetown.edu/crossroads/interests/student.

DISABLED PERSONS

The Hyatt Regency Atlanta complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, its regulations, and guidelines. So that the Civic Center and/or hotels can better assist persons with special needs, individuals should indicate their specific needs on the hotel reservation form or in an attached letter and include a telephone number where they can be reached. In addition, they should make their reservations as early as possible, and no later than November 1, 2004. For additional assistance, contact the American Studies Association at annualmeeting@theasa.net.

CHILD-CARE INFORMATION

Individuals requesting bonded and licensed childcare during the ASA Conference can make arrangements by emailing the ASA at annualmeeting@theasa.net, or call 202-467-4783.

TRANSPORTATION: PLANES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES

Driving Directions to Hyatt Regency Atlanta and downtown Atlanta:

From South and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport:
Take I-75/85 north to right-hand exit 248C (International Blvd.). Turn left onto International Blvd. Turn right at the third traffic light onto Peachtree Center Ave. The Hyatt's motor lobby entrance is one block on the left.

From the North:
Take I-75/85 south to exit 249C (Williams Street). Straight off at exit. Turn left at the fourth traffic light onto Harris Street. Take the third left onto Peachtree Center Avenue. The Hyatt's motor lobby entrance is on the left.

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport:
Located approximately 10 miles from downtown Atlanta, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is the busiest passenger airport in the United States. The Ground Transportation Center (located near the baggage claim) houses all transportation services including taxis, rental cars, local Atlanta bus and train services. Phone: 404-530-7700 or 1-800-897-1910, http://www.atlanta-airport.com.

MARTA Bus and Train:
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) covers the metro Atlanta area with scheduled service to and from the airport and downtown Atlanta every 15 minutes. For route maps, visitor's passes, schedules visit the MARTA web site www.itsmarta.com or contact Customer Service weekdays 8.30-5.00: 404-848-4711.

AMTRAK:
The Atlanta AMTRAK Station is located at 1688 Peachtree Street, NW. Local Station Phone: 404-881-3062, http://www.amtrak.com/.

Bus Access:
Greyhound buses have main stations at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and at 232 Forsyth Street in downtown Atlanta. There is also a limited Greyhound service at Atlanta's Amtrak station. For more information and reservations contact 1-888-287-6359, www.greyhound.com.

Cabs and Rental Cars:
For cabs a set fee prevails between the airport and the central business district. A special per-person rate applies for two or more passengers. For Taxi Information call 404-530-6698

Rental Cars located at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport:

ACCESS GUIDELINES FOR ASA CONVENTION SESSION ORGANIZERS AND PANELISTS

The ASA is committed to making arrangements that allow all association members to participate in the conference. Therefore, we request that all session organizers and presenters review the information below and take the necessary steps to make their sessions accessible to attendees with permanent or temporary disabilities. These guidelines are designed to provide access to attendees with disabilities, but will benefit all convention participants.

Room Set-Up

• There is space for two wheelchairs in each meeting room. Please keep this area, the door, and the aisles clear for persons using wheelchairs, canes, crutches, or motorized vehicles.
• People who are deaf or hard of hearing and who use sign language interpreters or read lips should sit where they can see both the speakers and the interpreter. The interpreter may stand close to the speaker within a direct line of sight that allows the audience to view both the speaker and the interpreter. Speakers should be aware of the location of interpreters and attempt to keep this line of vision clear.

Papers, Handouts, and Audiovisuals

• Speakers should bring five copies of their papers, even in draft form, for the use of members who wish, or need, to follow a written text. Speakers who use handouts should prepare some copies in large-print format (14- or 16-point font size) and briefly describe all handouts to the audience. Avoid colored papers. Speakers should indicate where to return their papers and handouts.
• Allow ample time when referring to a visual aid or handout or when pointing out the location of materials.
• When not using an overhead projector, turn it off. This reduces background noise and helps focus attention on the speaker.

Communication/Presentation Style

• Speak clearly and distinctly, but do not shout. Use regular speed unless asked to slow down.
• Because microphones often fail to pick up voices in the audience, speakers should always repeat questions or statements made by members of the audience. In dialogues or discussions, only one person should speak at a time, and speakers should identify themselves so that audience members know who is speaking.
• Avoid speaking from a darkened area of the room. Some people read lips, so the audience should have a direct and clear view of the speaker's mouth and face.

If you have questions, concerns, or comments, please write or call: