28 January 2014
Hawaii Convention Center
Honolulu, HI
23-28 February 2014
Contact:
Mary Catherine Adams
+1 202 777 7530
[email protected]
Contents of this message:
- Discover the latest in the ocean sciences at the 2014 Ocean Sciences Meeting
- Press Registration information
- Press Room information
- Hotel information
- U.S. visa regulations for international reporters
1. Discover the latest in the ocean sciences at the 2014 Ocean Sciences Meeting
Over 5,000 researchers are expected to present the latest research findings about the world’s oceans at the Ocean Sciences Meeting this 23-28 February at the Hawaiian Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. The biennial meeting is the largest international assembly of scientists, engineers, students, educators and policy makers, who gather to share and discuss new scientific findings, research applications, education, and policy about the oceans.
At the conference, 141 scientific, educational, and policy sessions will cover topics as wide-ranging as human-marine environment interactions, climate change, ocean acidification, renewable energy, sea level rise, ocean pollution, and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. The conference includes plenary and keynote talks on phytoplankton, coral reefs and climate change, camouflage/communication among sea creatures, and Hawaiian traditional culture’s contributions to ocean science and protection. For the complete scientific program, please visit the 2014 Ocean Sciences Meeting website.
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2. Press Registration information
Registration is complimentary for members of the news media. For eligibility requirements, please see below.
Online registration: We encourage you to register in advance online. To register online, please complete this form. You may also register on-site at the Ocean Sciences Meeting Registration Desk at the Hawaii Convention Center.
International Reporters: See important Visa information below if you are planning to attend the 2014 Ocean Sciences Meeting and are not a citizen or resident of the USA.
Eligibility for media registration is limited to the following persons:
- Working press employed by bona fide news media outlets who regularly report news on the earth sciences. These registrants must present a press card, business card, or a letter from an editor of a recognized news media outlet assigning you to cover 2014 OSM.
- Freelance science journalists and science bloggers who present evidence of three (3) bylined news reports in the earth sciences intended for the general public and published in 2012 – 2014.
- Creators of long-form stories or compositions about earth sciences, such as books/feature-length documentary films, who are currently working on one or have published at least one in 2012-14.
- Public information/press officers of scientific societies, educational institutions, and government agencies.
Note: Scientists who will be presenting at the meeting and who are also reporting from the meeting for bona fide news media outlets may be issued News Media credentials at the discretion of 2014 OSM Press Office Staff. Everyone who presents at the meeting must also register for the meeting as a presenter and pay the appropriate fees.
Representatives of publishing houses, the business side of news media, political action committees or similar, and for-profit corporations must register at the main registration desk at the meeting and pay the appropriate fees, regardless of possession of any of the above credentials; they will not be accredited as News Media at the meeting. All press badges will be issued solely at the discretion of the 2014 OSM Press Office.
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The Press Room is Room 302B in the Hawaii Convention Center. The Press Room provides working space for reporters, including computers, a printer, Wi-Fi, and space for working and networking with colleagues. Light refreshments will also be provided in the Press Room. The main phone number in the Press Room for incoming calls is 808-792-6621
Press Room Hours:
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Mon., Feb. 24 – Thu., Feb. 27
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Press registrants may reserve rooms at Honolulu hotels with special meeting rates. Deadlines for special rates are approaching or have passed for several of the hotels, so book your room as soon as possible to get the best rate. Visit the Accommodations page on the 2014 Ocean Sciences Meeting website for more information about booking a hotel room.
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5. U.S. visa regulations for international reporters
All journalists who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States need a visa to cover scientific meetings in the U.S. This also applies to journalists from “Visa Waiver Program” countries (e.g., Western Europe) who do not normally need visas to enter the U.S. as tourists. This is not a new requirement, but it is now being strictly enforced.
The required visa is a “Media (I) Visa” issued by an American Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Journalists traveling internationally to attend the Fall Meeting should apply as soon as possible for a “Media (I) Visa.” The application procedure is simple but can be timely due to a high volume of applications.
The U.S. Department of State has “Media (I) Visa” information for journalists available on its website.
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