ASHG 2009 Annual Meeting to discuss the cutting-edge developments in human genetics and genomics research

World's top genetic scientists to present latest research findings at ASHG 2009 Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii -- Oct. 20-24, 2009, Hawaii Convention Center

The world's top scientists and clinicians in the human genetics field will gather in Honolulu, Hawaii to present their latest research findings at the 59th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics, from Tuesday, October 20, through Saturday, October 24, 2009, at the Hawaii Convention Center.

Founded in 1948, the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) is the primary professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide, representing nearly 8,000 researchers, academicians, clinicians, genetic counselors, nurses and others with a special interest in this area. The Society's Annual Meeting is the world's largest gathering of human genetics professionals and a forum for renowned experts in the field to share their latest research results.

With more than 260 platform and plenary presentations, 2,828 posters, 24 invited sessions and special symposia, and a number of press briefing events that will be webcast to the media, the 2009 ASHG Annual Meeting will provide journalists with a rich resource of new information about cutting-edge developments in human genetics and genomics research. In addition, nearly 250 U.S. and international exhibitors at this year's ASHG Exhibitor Trade Show will offer an unprecedented opportunity to view the latest advances in genetics-related products and services derived, in part, from work presented at previous ASHG meetings.

ASHG has planned three press briefing events that will be held in the Hawaii Convention Center during the week of the Society's 59th Annual Meeting. The Society will be webcasting this year's press briefing sessions, allowing credentialed members of the media who are unable to attend the ASHG 2009 meeting in-person to view the events through an online Web portal.

REGISTRATION:

The ASHG 2009 Annual Meeting is open to print, online and broadcast news media, as well as health, medical and science reporters, and freelance writers on a verifiable assignment from an established news source. Complimentary meeting registration will be available to members of the media who provide appropriate press credentials and identification. The Society offers reporters many resources onsite at the meeting, including news releases, press conferences, media interviews with top experts in the field, and a press room with free Internet access and complimentary refreshments.

Press attendees are strongly encouraged to pre-register onlin for the 2009 meeting in advance; however, we will continue to offer onsite press registration in the ASHG Press Office as well (located on the third floor of the Hawaii Convention Center, in Room 318).* To pre-register for the ASHG 2009 meeting, please complete the online press registration application form at the following URL: http://www.ashg.org/2009meeting/pages/press_register.shtml/.