XV International HIV Drug Resistance Workshop

The XV International HIV Drug Resistance Workshop has gained a reputation over the last 14 years as being the premier meeting on HIV drug resistance. Leading laboratory and clinical scientists present their latest, research at this Workshop, which often results in innovative approaches to antiretroviral therapy. The Workshop is renowned for the quality of the data presented and the depth of the scientific interaction and debate.

This year the Workshop is being held at the Meliá Sitges in Sitges, Spain on June 13-17, 2006. The Workshop continues to attract the most prominent scientists and clinicians, thereby, maintaining the Workshop's excellent reputation for cutting-edge science and service. Additionally, through support of our Funding Partners, scholarships are available for young scientists and community representatives.

NEW for 2006!
In view of the rapidly expanding area of HBV/HCV drug development and the many parallels with antiretroviral therapy, the Scientific Committee would like to expand the content of this year’s Workshop to include HBV/HCV drug resistance. The Committee feels that there are potentially lessons to be learned from the HIV drug resistance field, which could benefit/enhance the use of new HBV/HCV drugs.

APPLICATION
As the XV International HIV Drug Resistance Workshop is a closed workshop, with a limited attendance of 250 delegates. Priority will be given to the presenting authors of submitted abstracts.

An on-line application is available on this Workshop Website. All applications will be acknowledged, but this acknowledgment does NOT represent a confirmation of acceptance to register.

Applications sent via E-mail cannot be accepted.

WORKSHOP VENUE
The entire Workshop will be held in Sitges, Spain:

Meliá Sitges
Joan Salvat Papasseit, 38
08870 Sitges (Barcelona)
Spain

ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodation at the Meliá Gran Sitges is included in the registration package. All confirmed, registered delegates will have a single-occupancy room reserved for four (4) nights, June 13-16, 2006, inclusive. Any additional nights and incidentals will be the responsibility of the delegate. The discounted group rate is subject to rate and space availability prior to and after the meeting.

CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION

Workshop Objectives:

Provide an update on resistance to new antiretroviral agents
Review mechanisms of HIV drug resistance
Present topics specific to HIV pathogenesis, fitness and resistance
Expand the scope of the clinical implications of resistance
Present new developments in epidemiology
Introduce new resistance technologies and interpretations

Statement of Need
The content of the XV International HIV Drug Resistance Workshop was determined by assessment of educational need, including feedback from prior programs and new medical knowledge.

Target Audience
This Workshop was designed to interest physicians, clinicians, scientists and clinical researchers in the HIV resistance arena.

Accreditation
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education ("ACCME") through the joint sponsorship of the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and Informed Horizons, LLC. The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 16.25 category 1 credits toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those credits that he/she actually spent in the educational activity.

REGISTRATION FEE INFORMATION
Upon notification of acceptance, the delegate must REGISTER for the Workshop by May 23, 2006. Failure to register on or before the deadline may result in the loss of your acceptance in the Workshop.

Payment of the Workshop registration fee includes the following:

Entrance into all scientific sessions, including poster area
Single-occupancy accommodation for four (4) nights – June 13-16, 2006
Official Workshop materials
Social functions, including a Welcome Reception on Tuesday evening, June 13, 2006 and a social on Friday evening, June 16, 2006
Breakfast, lunch and refreshment breaks during the days of the conference

Payment of the Accompanying Guest registration fee includes the following:

Social functions, including a Welcome Reception on Tuesday evening, June 13, 2006 and a social on Friday evening, June 16, 2006
Breakfast, lunch and refreshment breaks during the days of the conference

Registration Fees (Payable in US dollars)
Workshop registration fee $1000
Accompanying guests, sharing room with delegate $450

Cancellation Policy
Due to nature of this closed Workshop and the proximity of registration to the commencement of the Workshop itself, all registration fees are nonrefundable.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

PASSPORT INFORMATION

The documents you need to travel to Spain vary depending on where you are from. The current conditions are noted below. However, as conditions can change unexpectedly, we strongly recommend you contact your local Spanish Consulate or Embassy to get more information on these requirements.

If you are a citizen of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein: all you need is your Identification Card, or a valid passport. Minors travelling with their ID card must have a document that shows parental authorisation.

If you are from any of the following countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Korea, Romania, San Marino, the Holy See, Singapore, Uruguay, and Venezuela: all you need is a valid passport to enter Spain, where you can stay for a maximum of 90 days.

If you are from any other country, according to the criteria of the EU: you must request a visa at the Spanish Consulate of your country of residence. You will also need a valid passport.

For these cases, the Spanish authorities may ask documents showing where you will stay, confirmation of an organized tour, return air tickets, tourist circuit, or a personal invitation letter. You may also be asked to show proof of having enough financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Spain.

BARCELONA AIRPORT
The Meliá Sitges is located within a 30-minute drive of the Barcelona Airport (BCN).

COMPLIMENTARY AIRPORT SHUTTLE
HOURS OF OPERATION:
The HIV Drug Resistance Workshop is pleased to offer a complimentary airport shuttle service on the days of June 13 (for arrivals) and June 17 (for departures) to and from the Barcelona International Airport (BCN). Once you have collected your baggage and exit customs you will be greeted by a representative holding a HIV Drug Resistance Workshop sign. You will then be escorted to the shuttle and then onto the Melia Sitges Hotel.

AIRPORT TO HOTEL
Tuesday, June 13, 2006: 08:00 hours - 18:30 hours
Shuttles depart every 30 minutes on the half hour.

HOTEL TO AIRPORT
Saturday, June 17, 2006: 06:30 hours - 15:00 hours
Shuttles depart every 30 minutes on the half hour.

If you are arriving or departing outside of the shuttle times, taxis can be hailed immediately outside of the airport or from the concierge of the Melia Sitges Hotel. A taxi from the Barcelona International Airport to the hotel is approximately 50 Euros and is about a 30-minute ride.

CAR RENTAL
If you interested in renting a car, please find the suggested car rental companies that are available at the Barcelona Airport:

Budget: www.budget.com
Thrifty: www.thrifty.com
Europcar: www.europcar.com
Hertz: www.hertz.com
National/Alamo: www.nationalcar.com

To drive in Spain you must be at least 18 years old. To rent a vehicle, you must be at least 21.

If you are a citizen of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein: all you need is your valid driver's licence. If you are other country, you will need an International Driver's Licence.

Since conditions may vary, we recommend you contact your local Spanish Consulate or Embassy for more information on these requirements

DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM BARCELONA AIRPORT
Please visit www.meliasitges.solmelia.com for driving directions the Meliá Sitges.

SITGES INFORMATION

Climate
Spain's predominant climate is Mediterranean-temperate with warm dry summers. The average temperature in June is 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the evenings.

Credit Cards, Currency and Exchange
All major international credit cards are accepted. Foreign currency and traveler's checks can be exchanged at the foreign-exchange office in the airport or at most hotels, shops and restaurants. The currency system in Spain is the Euro.

Electrical Power
Electric appliances in Spain work with 220 volts, CA. 50 Hz and plugs conform to the European system of round pins with two holes. If you will need to use an adapter, please be sure to use an appropriate transformer as well.

Tipping
In restaurants, hotels, taxis, hairdressers and so on, gratuity is already included in the price. Although optional, tips are readily accepted and a general guideline is 5 to 10% of the bill, depending on the quality of the service. Hotel and airport porters will take, depending on the luggage you have, $1 Euro per bag.

Official Language
English will be used throughout the Conference. Simultaneous translations will not be made available.

Letter of Invitation
International registrants who require a letter of invitation to obtain a travel visa may contact Informed Horizons directly by email at info@informedhorizons.com. Please include your name, address, fax number and note requesting a letter of invitation. Delegates from China should also include their passport number, date of birth and gender. All letters of invitation will be sent by fax unless otherwise requested.

Scholarship Fund
A limited number of scholarships are available for young scientists, age limit of 35 for eligibility, and community representatives. Please indicate on your APPLICATION FORM that you wish to apply. You must also provide a letter from your mentor/supervisor indicating your need for a scholarship and a copy of your passport or driver's license.

HIV HIGHLIGHTS MEETINGS
In an effort to translate the latest findings presented at this year's Workshop to a larger group than those who are accepted to attend the Workshop, we are pleased to announce that a summary will be presented at the HIV Highlights Meetings. These one-day meetings offer a full overview of the most important findings presented at this Workshop, along with a summary of the International Workshop on Clinical Pharmacology of HIV Therapy.

IMPORTANT ADDRESSES
For all inquiries relating to the Conference, please contact the Conference Secretariat:

Informed Horizons, LLC
1631 Phoenix Blvd, Suite 4
College Park, GA 30349 USA

Telephone: +1 770 997 2484
Facsimile: +1 770 997 2488
E-mail: info@informedhorizons.com
Website: www.informedhorizons.com