FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the 2012 Annual Meeting

Quick Links
Where and when is the Annual Meeting this year?
When will I find out if my abstract was accepted?
Hotel Information
Can I register and obtain housing for the Annual Meeting online?
What are the registration and exhibit hall hours for the general meeting?
Where is the Speaker Ready Room?
Ground Transportation
Is there parking available at the Dallas Convention Center?
Are there any tours this year?
How many Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit hours are being offered?
Are Continuing Education Units (CEUs) being offered?
When is the early registration cut-off-date?
When is the last day to register?
Will I receive my badge in the mail if I registered early?
Can I submit an abstract or symposium proposal for this year?
What is the cancellation policy?
Exhibiting Opportunities - How can my organization exhibit at a NASS Annual Meeting?
Will there be a Hands-on Course offered?
What technique workshops will be offered?
What are the other Instructional Courses?

Where and when is the Annual Meeting this year?

Where:
Dallas, Texas at the Dallas Convention Center

When:
October 24 – 27, 2012

When will I find out if my abstract was accepted?
Notifications will be sent via email to submitting authors on May 1, 2012. Please contact Erica Taffs with any questions.

Hotel Information

Meeting registration MUST be completed in order to secure housing for the Annual Meeting. Participants will not be permitted hotel reservations until their meeting registration is complete. NASS will monitor the housing reservations list to make sure that all individuals with reservations also are officially registered for the Annual Meeting. NASS reserves the right to cancel reservations that do not meet these criteria.

Headquarters Hotel

Hyatt Regency Dallas
300 Reunion Blvd
Single/Double: $229

Additional Hotels

Crowne Plaza 1015 Elm St Single/Double: $159	Adolphus Hotel 1321 Commerce St Single: $192, Double: $202	Aloft Dallas Downtown 1033 Young St Single/Double: $179	Magnolia Hotel 1401 Commerce St Single/Double: $189


Marriott City Center 650 North Pearl St Single/Double: $199	Omni Dallas Hotel 555 S Lamar St Single/Double: $245	Sheraton Dallas Hotel 400 N Olive St Single/Double: $199

Can I register and obtain housing for the Annual Meeting online?
Yes, you can register and obtain housing online via the NASS Annual Meeting website: www.NASSAnnualMeeting.org.

April 24, 2012: Members only registration and hotel reservations begins.
May 8, 2012: Registration and hotel reservations opens for all.

What are the registration and exhibit hall hours for the general meeting?

Dates	Instructional Course/ Technique Workshop Registration Hours	Conference Registration Hours	Exhibit Hall Hours
Tuesday, October 23	12:00 – 5:00 p.m.	12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 24	6:30 – 10:00 a.m.	6:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.	10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 24	CLOSED	6:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.	9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, October 26	CLOSED	7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.	9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 27	CLOSED	7:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Where is the Speaker Ready Room?
There will be no Speaker Ready Room at the 27th Annual Meeting. Symposia and Special Presentations Speakers may upload presentations at the Speaker Information Center (SIC) in the Lobby A/B at the Dallas Convention Center.

Speaker Information Center Hours
Tuesday, October 23   12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 24   6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Thursday – Friday, October 25-26 6:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 27   7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Instructional Course Faculty: Detailed instructions will be provided by your course staff liaison.

Symposia Faculty and Special Presentations Speakers (OPAs, Research Awards):
Symposia faculty and Special Presentation speakers may upload their presentations to the Submission Management System (http://sms.spine.org) between August 20 and September 21. After September 21, speakers should bring their presentations to the Symposia Upload Station in the LOCATION TBA at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the session. Speakers will not be permitted to use their own laptops for their presentations.

Podium, Focused Paper and ePosters Presentations:
Presentations must be uploaded to the Submission Management System (http://sms.spine.org) between August 20 and September 21. Required changes from the Content Review process will be forwarded to Presenting Authors on October 8, and any required changes must be made and uploaded by October 15.

Changes to Podium and ePoster Presentations will NOT be permitted after September 21st, unless required by the content review process. Symposia and instructional course presentations may be uploaded or amended at any time.

Ground Transportation
SuperShuttle operates 24 hours a day out of both Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas-Love Field. The cost from either airport to the downtown hotels near the Dallas Convention Center is $17 each way for a shared ride. After you claim your luggage, locate the Information Board/Phone at the Baggage Claim area. Press the appropriate number for SuperShuttle. After giving your location (the terminal and section are on the phone) to the Guest Services Representative, proceed outside to the orange "Shared Ride" area and look for the blue SuperShuttle van. For more information go to: www.supershuttle.com or call 817-329-2000

GO Yellow Checker Shuttle also provides shuttle service between both Dallas airports to all downtown Dallas hotels. The shuttles leave DFW Airport every 20-30 minutes and Dallas-Love Field every 45 minutes. Reservations are required if you are traveling to either airport. The last shuttle departs each airport at 10:30pm for downtown. The cost is $19 each way from either airport to any of the downtown airports. For more information go to: www.yellowcheckershuttle.com or call (214)841-1900.

The Dallas Convention Center has installed a new electronic kiosk in Lower C Lobby, where you can order transportation to hotels and the airports. The kiosk is sponsored by Yellow Cab Company.

Taxi & Limo Service Information
Alamo Cab Company: (214) 688-1999
Ambassador Cab: (214) 905-1111
Checker Cab: (972) 222-2000
Cowboy Cab Co. / Ranger Taxi Co.: (214) 428-0202
Diamond Taxi: (214) 349-3333
Eagle Cab Company: (214) 421-7788
Executive Taxi / Taxi Dallas / Golden Cab Co: (972) 554-1212
Freedom Cab: (214) 712-0800
Jet Taxi Inc.: (800) 538-8294
Star Cab: (214) 252-0055
State Taxi Cab Co: (214) 630-9595
Texas Cab Co: (214) 599-9483
United Cab Services: (817) 819-7787
Yellow Cab Co: (214) 426-6262

Approximate taxi cab fares from DFW Airport to the downtown hotels are $45-$50. Approximate taxi cab fares from Dallas-Love Field are $20-$25

DART – Dallas Rail stops at the ground level at the Convention Center Station underneath Exhibit Halls E & F. From the stopped train, walk toward Lamar then turn left or north on Lamar to the driveway and access lobbies of the DCC via the stairs, escalators or elevators.

Is there parking available at the Dallas Convention Center?
Yes- There are 2 separate parking garages at the Dallas Convention Center beneath the main level of the exhibit spaces that can accommodate 1200 vehicles. Parking Lot C has 170 spaces and Parking Lot E has an additional 1584 spaces. The main garage entrance is on Griffin between Memorial and Canton St. Only Lot C can be entered on Lamar between Ceremonial and Young. For detailed directions go to: www.dallasconventioncenter.com and click on Maps & Parking. The parking rate is a flat fee of $12 per day per entry vehicle. No In & Out privileges.

Are there any tours this year?
Dallas delivers the ideal combination of sophisticated, modern city with western tradition and heritage. Home to some of the best dining, shopping, art and nightlife in the country along with a wealth of activities and attractions, there are more than enough ways to keep yourself entertained in Dallas for weeks. For information on tours, local attractions, dining and activities in and around Dallas, visit the Tourist Information Center located in the Old Red Courthouse in downtown Dallas. Before your visit, make sure to check out www.visitdallas.com for up to the minute information on what to see and do while you're in Dallas.

How many Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit hours are being offered?
The North American Spine Society is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education. The North American Spine Society designates this live activity for a maximum of 20.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (exact number subject to change). Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. The American Medical Association has determined that physicians not licensed in the US who participate in these CME activities are eligible for AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credits™.

However, you can earn additional CME credits by attending the instructional courses and technique workshops.

To claim CME credit and to print certificates after the meeting, please visit www.spine.org/myaccount. Usernames and passwords can be requested from the log-in page.

Are Continuing Education Units (CEUs) being offered?
NASS is proud to offer other types of continuing education units (CEUs) to accommodate nonphysician attendees' certification requirements.

The following categories indicate the status of CEU accreditation for nonphysician attendees:

Professional Coders—Coding Update 2012: Essentials and Controversies of Operative and Nonoperative Spine Care Coding has prior approval of the American Academy of Professional Coders for 12 Continuing Education Units. Granting of this approval in no way constitutes endorsement by the Academy of the program, content or the program sponsor.

Nurses—This activity has been submitted to the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, Inc. for approval to award contact hours. The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, Inc. is accredited as an approver of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

Activities that are approved by AORN are recognized as continuing education for registered nurses. This recognition does not imply that AORN or the ANCC Commission on Accreditation approves or endorses any product included in the presentation.

Physician Assistants—The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accepts Category 1 credit from AOACCME, prescribed credit from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credits™ for the Physician's Recognition Award from organizations, such as NASS, accredited by the ACCME.

Chiropractors—Application is pending for Chiropractic continuing education credentialing through the National University of Health Sciences (NUHS). Please look for a list of approved states on the NASS website (www.nassannualmeeting.org) and in the Final Program distributed on-site.

Nurse Practitioners—Application is pending for continuing education credentialing through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Please look for information on the NASS website (www.nassannualmeeting.org) and in the Final Program distributed on-site.

To claim CME credit and to print certificates after the meeting, please visit www.spine.org/myaccount. Usernames and passwords can be requested from the log-in page.

Please send any questions about CME/CE credit to education@spine.org.

When is the early registration cut-off date?
The cut-off date is August 14. Registrations will increase $200 after August 14.

When is the last day to register?
Registration will remain open throughout the meeting. Please note that if you register after September 26, your registration fee will increase by $100.

Will I receive my badge in the mail if I registered early?
All attendees are required to pick up their badges on-site with photo identification. A final confirmation letter with barcode will be emailed early October. Please bring the confirmation letter with you to print your badge at "Already Registered" kiosk. If registering as a student or resident in training, identification is also required to pick up your badge.

Can I submit an abstract or symposium proposal for this year?
The committee has already selected the abstracts and session proposals. You may submit your abstract, symposium, special interest group discussion or instructional course ideas for the 2013 Annual Meeting between September 1, 2012 and February 1, 2013. Look for information at the NASS Resource Center or on our submission website – http://sms.spine.org.

What is the cancellation policy?
Refunds will be allowed less an administrative fee, if cancellation is made in writing by September 25, 2012; no refunds will be made after that date, regardless of cause.

Administrative Fees: Conference Registration - $125 fee; technique workshops - $75 fee; Instructional courses - $25 fee; and Guest Registration - $50 fee.

Exhibiting Opportunities – How can my organization exhibit at a NASS Annual Meeting?
Please contact Rick Bacon, Senior Manager of Exhibits and Corporate Relations, for information on exhibiting at the NASS Annual Meeting. He can be reached at (630) 230-3662 or rbacon@spine.org. The Exhibitor Prospectus is available online at the NASS Annual Meeting website (www.nassannualmeeting.org).

Will there be a Hands-on Course offered?
Two hands-on cadaver-based courses will be offered at the 27th Annual Meeting. Both courses will be held at the Dallas Convention Center. Please check your confirmation letter for specific course/room locations.

Tuesday, October 23
1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Wednesday, October 24
7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cervical Spine Surgery

What technique workshops will be offered?
One sawbones-based technique workshop will be offered at the 27th Annual Meeting. This course will be held at the Dallas Convention Center. Please check your confirmation letter for specific course/room locations.

Wednesday, October 24
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Spinal Deformity

What are the other Instructional Courses?
All instructional courses are ticketed sessions; registration fees are not included with your general meeting registration fee. All instructional courses have been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credit™ . Specific hours available for each course are listed below each activity.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Coding Update 2012: Essentials and Controversies of Operative and Nonoperative Spine Care Coding 11.5 AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credit™ (for full-two day course)		7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Fundamentals of Evidence-Based Medicine Part I: Asking Answerable Questions, Searching the Literature and Rating the Evidence 5.25 AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credit™		7:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Coding Update 2012: Essentials and Controversies of Operative and Nonoperative Spine Care Coding (continued) 11.5 AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credit™ (for full-two day course)		7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Section on Rehabilitation, Interventional Medical Spine (RIMS) 3.75 AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credit™		8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Section on Motion Technology 3.75 AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credit™		8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Section on Biologics & Basic Science: BMPs: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 3.75 AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credit™		8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Fundamentals of Image-Guided Spinal Surgery 3.75 AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credit™		8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Leadership Development 3.75 AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credit™		8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Fundamentals of Evidence-Based Medicine Part II: Critically Appraising the Literature 2.5 AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credit™		6:45 – 9:30 p.m.

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