ACTalks Blogs

First and foremost, I'd like to thank all of our Committee members and member volunteers who helped throughout the year planning all the events and activities that will be offered at the Annual Meeting. And, thank those of you who are helping in a volunteer capacity at the meeting.

The Annual Meeting provides an ideal venue for keeping abreast of emerging trends in the discipline of toxicology, for staying connected with friends and colleagues, and for making new connections. ACT Council and our Program and Education committees continue to ensure development of Symposia and Continuing Education courses that are directly applicable to the daily practice of toxicology. ACT’s Annual Meeting is an ideal size for those who enjoy interacting personally with speakers, Council, and other colleagues in the field. This year’s Annual Meeting will include a world-class scientific program, an exciting welcome reception and dinner at the Baltimore National Aquarium, a members-only mixer, two different Poster Sessions, the 3rd Annual ToxTrot, and other social events hosted in the exhibit hall to enhance broad interactions among attendees, students, and exhibitors, and much, much more. The ACT Annual Meeting offers the perfect blend of educational content and opportunities for interpersonal engagement for toxicologists working to stay at the top of their game. Please join ACT in Baltimore for what is sure to be another memorable ACT Annual Meeting!

Golf Outing

Saturday, November 5

10:00 AM–4:30 PM
Tee Time: 10:00 AM Shotgun start
The Woodlands Golf Course

Fee: $100.00 ACT members; $120.00 Nonmembers

(This Is a Ticketed Event. Advanced Registration Is Required and Space Is limited.)

Arrive early to enjoy some of the most beautiful surroundings that Maryland has to offer while playing a round of golf at the Woodlands Golf Course. The Woodlands takes golfers on a scenic journey through a world of tall, hardwood trees that guard the lush Bent Grass fairways and undulating greens of the course's enjoyable and challenging 18 holes. This par 72 course was designed by renowned golf course architect Lindsay Ervin and opened in 1998. Ervin himself said The Woodlands "truly ranks as my best design," and Golf Digest has rated The Woodlands a "Four Star Places to Play Award Winner." This is a great opportunity to build relationships in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying Maryland’s rolling hills and an exciting challenge. This event is played in a fun format that accommodates all levels of golfers.

The player fee includes transportation to and from the course, 18 holes of golf with a cart, practice range usage, a light reception, and participant door prizes.

Continuing Education Courses

Sunday, November 6

8:00 AM–11:30 AM and 1:00 PM–4:30 PM

See Annual Meeting website, moblie app, or on-site Program for full details.

Early Career Professional Speed Networking

Sunday, November 6

5:00 PM–6:30 PM

(Open to All Attendees with Less Than 10 Years of Professional Experience. Space Is Limited. Sign Up at the Registration Desk.)

Back by popular demand: attend the ACT Early Career Professional Speed Networking event! Enjoy wine and cheese with your peers in the toxicology community. This dual event will allow mentees and mentors in the ACT Mentorship Program to meet face-to-face to catch up and strengthen their relationship. Early career professionals will then have an opportunity to talk with experienced leaders in toxicology about different career paths, challenges, and professional growth areas. This event is free and open to ACT Annual Meeting attendees with less than 10 years of professional experience in toxicology; members and nonmembers welcome. Advanced registration is required and space is limited, stop by the Registration Desk to sign up.

Welcome Reception and Dinner

Sunday, November 6

7:00 PM–10:00 PM
Off-Site: Baltimore National Aquarium
Ticket: $50.00

(This Is a Ticketed Event. All Registered Attendees and Guests Can Attend with the Purchase of a Ticket.)

Join ACT as we celebrate the opening night of our 37th Annual Meeting exploring the Baltimore National Aquarium. Once the Aquarium closes to the public, you will take part in a true VIP experience. A self-guided, strolling tour will allow you to discover a sea of variety in Blacktip Reef, where you can spot everything from Blacktip Reef Sharks to Emperor Angel Fish, learn about four Maryland habitats and saunter through a diverse gallery of animals who have had to adapt to their surroundings in order to survive. Once you finish the self-guided Aquarium tour, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your dinner. This will be a great opportunity to mingle with colleagues and friends.

Don’t get caught like a fish out of water, be sure to purchase your ticket in advance!

Ticket includes after hour’s access to the Blue Wonders and Pier 4 buildings of the Baltimore National Aquarium, hors d’oeuvres, supper stations, and two drink tickets. The Baltimore National Aquarium is within walking distance of the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, but transportation will be provided by ACT.

Two-Minute Oral Poster Presentation Contest: Fast fACTs

Monday, November 7

7:00 AM–8:00 AM

Are you a student, postdoc, or new investigator who has submitted a poster for presentation at ACT? Sign up for a chance to win up to $500 for two minutes of your time! The rules of this contest are simple: you get one PowerPoint slide (no additional props, please) and two minutes to deliver a presentation that describes the work presented on your ACT poster to an audience of ACT attendees and a panel of judges. Your presentation will be judged on how well it demonstrates your presentation skills, understanding of the subject, clarity of the results, impact of the research, and your ability to convey enthusiasm and hold the attention of the audience and judges for two minutes. Number of presenters is limited to 25; the contest is focused to give students, postdoctoral fellows, and new investigators a chance to present their work to ACT attendees. Cash prizes will be awarded by Charles River for 1st ($500), 2nd ($300), and 3rd ($200) place.

Plenary Lecture: The Great U.S. Cannabis Experiment: From the Street to the Clinic

Monday, November 7

8:00 AM–8:55 AM

Marilyn A. Huestis, PhD 

Awards Ceremony and Luncheon

Monday, November 7

12:00 Noon–2:00 PM

(This Is a Free and Open Event, All Registrants Are Invited.)

Listen to a keynote presentation by the Distinguished Scientist Award recipient at this lunch, which is included as part of your Annual Meeting registration. Awards will be presented to the recipients of the ACT Service Award, Carol C. Lemire Unsung Hero Award, Young Professional Award, and the President’s Award for Best Paper Published in the International Journal of Toxicology. The ACT Furst Award for best student poster presentation will be announced as well as the Student Travel Award, North American Graduate Fellowship, and International Travel Grant recipients.

Symposia

Monday, November 7

2:00 PM–5:00 PM

See Annual Meeting website, moblie app, or on-site Program for full details.

Poster Session I with Wine and Cheese

Monday, November 7

5:30 PM–7:00 PM

(This Is a Free and Open Event, All Registrants Are Invited.)

This is the opportunity to discuss the latest research findings and methodology with poster presenters and visit with exhibitors. During the Poster Session I with Wine and Cheese you will be able to view and interact with the first half of the poster authors. Attend both sessions to see some of the latest and innovative work in the field. Two drink tickets and light fare will be offered and is included in the Annual Meeting registration fee.

Early Career Professional Tailgate

Monday, November 7

7:30 PM–9:30 PM 

(This Is a Free Event. Advanced Registration Is Required and Space Is Limited.)

Get ready for Monday Night Football and tailgate with ACT’s Early Career Professional Outreach Subcommittee while learning about the Mentorship program. This event will surely be a touchdown with excellent networking opportunities for mentors and mentees, games, and grub. You won’t want to miss out on the action, so stop by the Registration Desk if you would like to attend this event.

ACT’s 3rd Annual ToxTrot

Tuesday, November 8

6:30 AM–7:30 AM 

(This is a Free Event; In Order to Rreceive a T-shirt Register before October 3rd. Proceeds from the ToxTrot Will Benefit the ACT Endowment.)

Start your morning off with some exercise by joining members from ACT’s Council as they walk, trot, and run through the 5K course, with Baltimore’s Inner Harbor as your picturesque backdrop. The Inner Harbor is a historic seaport and landmark of the Baltimore area. The Inner Harbor is located at the mouth of Jones Falls and was described by the Urban Land Institute as the “model for post-industrial waterfront redevelopment around the world.” The course will take you past Pierce’s Park, the Baltimore National Aquarium, the Harborplace shops, and offers excellent views of the Patapsco River where several historic ships are docked. Don’t miss your chance to take in the sights!

Symposia

Tuesday, November 8

9:00 AM–12:00 Noon and 2:00 PM–5:00 PM

See Annual Meeting website, moblie app, or on-site Program for full details.

Poster Session II with Champagne Breakfast

Tuesday, November 8

7:30 AM–9:00 AM

(This Is a Free and Open Event, All Registrants Are Invited.)

This is the opportunity to discuss the latest research findings and methodology with poster presenters and visit with exhibitors. During the Poster Session II with Champagne Breakfast you will be able to view and interact with the second half of the poster authors. Attend both sessions to see some of the latest and innovative work in the field. One drink ticket and breakfast will be offered and is included in the Annual Meeting registration fee.

ACT Members’ Meeting

Tuesday, November 8

5:00 PM 6:30 PM

(All ACT Members are Invited.)

Come to the meeting to hear the latest ACT business and provide feedback for the future.

Plenary Lecture: The Human Superorganism

Wednesday, November 9

8:00 AM–8:55 AM

 

Rodney Dietert, PhD

Book Signing with Plenary Speaker Rodney Dietert

Wednesday, November 9

10:00 AM–10:50AM

(Registration Area, Fourth Floor. Bring Your Own Book Copy or Purchase a Copy On-Site.)

Forum for Students and Early Career Professionals:CV Building and Interviewing Skills to Help Land Your Dream Job

Wednesday, November 9

12:00 Noon–1:30 PM

(This Is a Free and Open Session. Advanced Registration is Required.)

I’m smart, have lots of publications on the XYZ receptor, and did awesome research in graduate school. Why did someone else get that job and not me? I’m just as qualified! The truth is we are all probably qualified for most of the jobs for which we apply and interview. However, it can often be difficult to get our foot in the door. The goal of this interactive session is to help you prepare for your next interview and get your dream job. We will have a short introductory session on résumé building and interviewing, followed by a hands-on mock interview session. Job positions will be posted online for a variety of positions in the pharmaceutical industry, contract research, academics, and government. Participants will prepare a mock cover letter and résumé. Our mentors will be there to interview you for your selected position and provide feedback on both your interviewing skills and résumé presentation. Please sign up in advance and select a position for which you would like to interview, prepare your résumé, and play the part so that we can make the most out of this session.

Symposia

Wednesday, November 9

2:00 PM–5:00 PM

See Annual Meeting website, moblie app, or on-site Program for full details.

ACT Member Mixer—Meet Incoming President Tracey Zoetis

Wednesday, November 9

5:00 PM–6:30 PM

(Free Event for ACT Members Only, Advance Registration Is Required.)

Download the Annual Meeting mobile app from Google Play or the App store, search ACT2016, and start planning your schedule!