General Meeting Information

American Society of Gene Therapy Mission and Goals
The American Society of Gene Therapy (ASGT) is a professional non-profit medical and scientific organization dedicated to the understanding, development and application of gene and related cell and nucleic acid therapies and the promotion of professional and public education in the field. ASGT is the largest medical professional organization representing researchers and scientists dedicated to discovering new gene therapies. ASGT was established in 1996, and has grown to close to 2,500 members from around the world. The Society’s goals are to:

• Promote Research, Development and Application
• Exchange Information and Promote Education Among Professionals and the Public
• Promote Development of Clinical Translations

The ASGT 9th Annual Meeting will serve as a comprehensive forum to achieve these goals.

Needs
Clinical gene transfer has become more and more complex due to ongoing developments in the fields of gene therapy itself, together with bioethics, research integrity, and financial conflicts, as well as federal mandates, regulations and guidelines. Oligonucleotide Therapies, Novel Vector Development, Host-Vector Interactions and Vaccine Therapies will be discussed as well as many other scientific topics. This meeting will provide an educational forum for scientists and clinicians to expand their knowledge about the broad developments in these fields.

Educational Objectives
At the conclusion of the activity, the participant should be able to:

• Discuss key aspects of the current laboratory and/or clinical research in gene therapy.
• Demonstrate knowledge of methods being used by gene therapy researchers and practitioners.
• Describe one or more stimulating new areas of inquiry in the area of gene therapy.
• Demonstrate familiarity with federal regulations and guidelines for clinical gene transfer studies.

Educational Methods and Materials
Lectures, Case Presentations, Panel Discussions, Question and Answer Sessions, Workshops, Audio/Video Presentations, Abstracts, Posters, Executive Summary.

Target Audience
The target audience includes basic science and translational researchers, clinical investigators, physicians, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, employees of federal government and regulatory agencies, and other healthcare professionals with an interest in the latest advancements in the field of gene therapy and related cell and nucleic acid therapies.

Evaluation Method
Evaluation by questionnaire will address program content, presentation, and possible bias. Please take time to complete the evaluation forms distributed at each session you attend. Your input and comments are essential in planning future educational sessions. When completed, evaluations can be returned to the users at your session or dropped in the evaluation drop boxes located throughout the convention center.

Accreditation /Credit Designation*
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of Stanford University School of Medicine and the American Society of Gene Therapy. Stanford University School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Stanford University School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 30 category 1 credits toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit that he/she actually spent in the activity.

* Sessions designated with an asterisk (*) are not part of the CME Program.

Disclosure
It is the policy of Stanford University that the provider and faculty/presenters disclose any significant financial or other relationships with commercial companies whose products may be discussed in the activity, or the commercial supporters, if any. Stanford University also requires that faculty disclose any unlabeled use or investigational use (not yet approved for any purpose) of pharmaceutical and medical device products. Specific disclosure will be made to the participants prior to the educational activity.

Faculty, topics, program schedule, and credit are subject to change.

Audio or videotaping is prohibited without written permission from the Program Director and the Office of Continuing Medical Education, Stanford University, Stanford, California.

CME Certificates
CME Certificates will be available at the CME desk for participants requiring CME credit for this meeting. All participants requiring CME credit must sign in at the CME desk, each day they are in attendance at the ASGT 9th Annual Meeting. The CME desk is located near the ASGT registration area in the Pratt Street Lobby. A CME Certificate will not be available unless you sign in each day at the meeting.

Abstract Volume - Molecular Therapy
All abstracts accepted for presentation at the ASGT 9th Annual Meeting have been published in the May supplement of Molecular Therapy. Each attendee will receive one copy of the supplement along with their registration materials.

Admission to Sessions
Official name badges will be required for admission to all ASGT sessions. All Annual Meeting attendees receive a name badge with their registration bag. Name badges should be worn at all times inside the convention center, as badges will be used to control access to sessions and activities. Attendees are cautioned against wearing their name badges while away from the convention center as badges may draw unwanted attention to your status as visitors to Baltimore.

Admission by Tickets
The Meet-the-Investigator sessions require tickets for admission. Tickets for these sessions are not included in the meeting’s regular registration fees. Tickets will be collected at the door by ushers. There are still a limited number of tickets available which may be obtained at the Registration Desk. Tickets are $20 and include a light breakfast or lunch.

Business Center
A Business Center is available for attendees at Baltimore Convention Center and area Hotels. Please stop by the individual Business Center for a complete listing of their fees, services and hours.

Business Meeting
Saturday, June 3, 2006
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Ballroom
All members Welcome!

The ASGT Business Meeting will take place in the Ballroom on Saturday, June 3, during the Presidential Symposium from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.

All ASGT members in good standing are welcome to attend. Election results will be announced, new officers will be installed and the Society’s finances and membership statistics will be reviewed. We welcome your input and participation.

Committee Meetings
Click here for Committee Meeting information.

Guest Attendance
ASGT asks registered attendees to refrain from taking unregistered children, spouses, or guests to any educational session or functions offered at the 9th Annual Meeting.

Cell Phone Protocol
Please ensure that cell phone ringers are turned off during all sessions to not interrupt attendees and faculty members.

No Smoking
Smoking is prohibited at all 9th Annual Meeting sessions and events.

ASGT Job Bank
All openings posted as of May 10, 2006 on the ASGT Job Bank have been included in the Jobs Available Booklet found in the registration bags. Contact information is included in the booklet. Job postings for open positions and résumés may be posted in the Job Posting boards near the registration area in Pratt Street Lobby. Please have multiple copies of your posting. Please do not post job openings or resumes on the ASGT Message Board.

Internet KIOSK Policy
Internet access will be available to meeting attendees near the Registration Desk and meeting rooms. When others are waiting, please limit your Internet use to 15 minutes at a time so other attendees can access the internet as well.

Shuttle Bus
ASGT will not be providing shuttle transportation for the 9th Annual Meeting. The Baltimore Convention Center is located within 3-4 blocks of the ASGT Annual Meeting Hotels.

Special Accessibility Needs
We encourage participation by all individuals. If you require special accommodations and did not previously contact the ASGT Executive Office, please go to the Registration Desk. The ASGT staff will be happy to assist you with your specific needs.

Exhibits
Exhibits will be located in Halls Swing and F, one level below the ASGT registration area. All participants are urged to allow adequate time in your daily schedule to visit the exhibits. The companies, organizations and institutions exhibiting at the ASGT Annual Meeting will be providing you with the latest information on products and services directly related to your professional needs, as well as recruiting for open positions.

New this year - Exhibit Hall hours have been enhanced based on suggestions from our attendees! An Exhibit Hall Social will be held on Wednesday evening and lunch will be offered on Friday in the exhibit hall.

Exhibit Hall Hours
Exhibits will be open Wednesday, May 31 through Friday, June 2, 2006.

Lead Retrieval
A lead retrieval system has been made available to all exhibitors of the ASGT 9th Annual Meeting. Exhibitors may ask to scan attendee name badges with a hand held scanner in order to obtain attendee contact information.

Media
Members of the working media may register without charge for the 9th Annual Meeting. Interview space, computers, telephones, and facsimile service will be available on-site for the convenience of press representatives. Only members of the media and invited delegates will be allowed access to the Press Room. Members of the media will be required to provide their media credentials.

Poster Sessions

Thursday, June 1
Abstract Poster Session I

Friday, June 2
Abstract Poster Session II

Saturday, June 3
Abstract Poster Session III

Posters
Abstract Posters will be on display in Halls Swing and F.

Press Room
The Press Room is located in Baltimore Convention Center, Level 300, Room 330.
Members of the working media may register for the 9th Annual Meeting in the Press Room. Press conferences on previously selected newsworthy abstracts, along with other scientific sessions, will be conducted throughout the meeting. Interview space, computers, telephones, and fax services are available for the convenience of media representatives covering the meeting. Press must register, provide credentials, and wear their press badge for admittance to ASGT sessions.

Press Room Hours

Registration Desk
Name badges, final programs, and abstract supplements will be distributed at the registration desk located in the Pratt Street Lobby of the Baltimore Convention Center.

Registration Desk Hours

Restaurant Information KIOSK
Baltimore offers a variety of restaurants from casual to elegant, with prices and cuisine to meet all tastes and budgets. The Visitor Information Kiosk, located on level 300, is staffed by the Baltimore Area Convention & Visitors Association, to help you make the right dining choice. Staff will have sample menus from area restaurants and will be able to assist you in making your reservations.

Speaker Ready Room
The Speaker Ready Room is located near the registration area, in Room 336 of the Baltimore Convention Center.
All faculty must deliver their presentations to the Speaker Ready Room the day before their session or at least five hours prior to their presentations. Equipment is available for faculty to review their materials. Audiovisual personnel will be available for assistance. Please mark your materials (your name, session and speaker order) so the information can be returned to you.

The Society strongly encourages faculty to pre-load presentation in the Speaker Ready Room; those faculty that load presentations during the session will have that time deducted from their presentation time by the Chair or Moderator.

Speaker Ready Room Hours - Room 336