On this page:

• Atlanta Basics: Weather, Exchange Rate and More
• Travel, Transportation and Insurance
• Joint Meeting Highlights for International Attendees
• Atlanta City Highlights

Atlanta Basics

Language
Most sessions and events at the Joint Meeting are conducted in English. There are a few Breakfast With the Experts roundtables that are in Spanish, as well as the "Best of the Academy" session on Wednesday. View these sessions and more on the Online Program and at Highlights for International Attendees.

Venue
The 2008 Joint Meeting will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) in Atlanta.

Weather
In November, Atlanta has average highs of 63°F (17°C) and average lows of 44°F (7°C). Get the Atlanta 10-day weather forecast.

Exchange Rate
Convert your currency to U.S. dollars.

Tipping
Tipping in the United States is customary. Fifteen to 20 percent is usually expected in restaurants, taxis, and for services you receive.

Etiquette
Useful etiquette articles and helpful tips for conversation, networking, negotiating and more.

Time
Atlanta is in the Eastern time zone. Eastern Standard Time is -5 hours UTC/GMT. (Daylight Saving Time [-4 hours UTC/GMT] ends on Nov. 2.)

Electricity
Voltage 120, Frequency 60 Hz.  Adaptors that may be required are: 

two flat blades; or	two flat blades with a round grounding pin.

Telephone
U.S. country code: +1
Atlanta area codes: 404, 678 and 770
U.S. telephone numbers have seven digits (e.g., 555-1234) 

To make a local call in Atlanta, dial "1" + area code + seven-digit number. 

To call internationally from Atlanta, dial "011" + country code + area code + number.

Internet
Most hotels offer high speed Internet connections and Internet cafes are plentiful.

Wi-Fi access will be available in the AAOasis areas at the GWCC in Hall B-1, Booth 141; and Hall B-5, Booth 5233.

Emergencies
Inside the convention center (GWCC), dial 4911 or pick up any red house phone to report an emergency. Outside the convention center, dial 911 from any phone.

Business Hours
Standard business hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Dress
Business conservative or business casual attire is appropriate for all meeting events. If you wish to wear traditional clothing from your country, feel free to do so. Wear comfortable shoes, as there are long walking distances within the convention center.

Travel, Transportation and Insurance

• Most international Joint Meeting attendees will require a visitor visa to enter the United States. Apply early: for scientific conferences, visa applications should be made no later than 90 days prior to travel. Consult Visitor Visas for details and helpful links. Discover America—Entry Requirements also has many helpful hints and tools.
• Personalize the Letter of Invitation to the Joint Meeting to assist in your visitor visa application process.
• Book your flight and car rental; see what ground transportation options are available.
• Your current insurance may not cover your needs while traveling to the United States. Learn what travel insurance plans are available.

Joint Meeting Highlights for International Attendees

• Highlights for International Attendees include the International Center and several programs and events.
• The Academy offers a wide variety of sessions at the Joint Meeting, including Skills Transfer Labs. Search the Online Program by topic, instructor, type or other criteria. 
• Learn more about the Scientific Program; plan your visit to the Exhibition.

Discover America, Discover Atlanta
Atlanta is a unique, vibrant, exciting city that welcomes visitors from around the world. Spend some time before or after the Joint Meeting exploring this fascinating historical destination. View Atlanta City Highlights or Discover America—Atlanta for ideas.