TRAVEL

You have been invited, along with other senior decision makers in information technology, biopharmaceuticals and pharmaceuticals, academic research, and Government communities, to attend the National Cancer Institute's cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid (caBIG™) Community Outreach Summit, Thursday, November 8, 2007, and Friday, November 9, 2007. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of cancer research informatics, and we welcome your participation.

The meetings will take place at the newly renovated and conveniently located DoubleTree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center in the heart of Bethesda, MD.

The caBIG™ Summit registration desk opens at 4:00 p.m. November 8. The welcome reception begins at 5:00 p.m., followed by an introduction to caBIG™ and a visionary keynote speaker presentation. On the following day, November 9, the caBIG™ Summit will convene promptly at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 5:00 p.m. Please refer to the Agenda page of the Web site in the coming weeks as details of the meeting schedule are posted. Although this event is by invitation only, you are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of your own travel, ground transportation, and hotel accommodations. We have provided you with the meeting start and end times, to better assist you in planning your schedule to attend the summit.

Air Travel

Airports
Three major airports serve the Washington, DC, area: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI). Reagan National is located approximately 15 miles (30 minutes) from the DoubleTree Hotel in Bethesda, MD. Dulles is located approximately 27 miles (35 minutes), and BWI is located approximately 38 miles (43 minutes) from the hotel.

Airport Security Information
If you are planning to travel by air, remember that heightened security has been implemented at all airports. Please be prepared to furnish e-ticket itineraries and receipts, along with valid Government-issued photo identification, upon check-in. Travelers are advised to arrive at the airport 1½ to 2 hours prior to their scheduled departures to ensure ample time to clear security. Also, please keep in mind that check-in procedures and policies vary according to each airport and airline. Upon arrival at the airport, we suggest that you ask airline personnel about specific check-in procedures.

Train Travel

Amtrak service is available into Washington, DC, via Union Station. Amtrak is a convenient option for many people who will be traveling from various points along the east coast. To make Amtrak reservations, call (800) USA-RAIL or visit www.amtrak.com.

Ground Transportation

The Washington, DC, area is served by a variety of ground transportation options. Below are several options for traveling from the airport or train station to the hotel. All fares are one way and per person, unless otherwise specified.

SuperShuttle
Shuttle services are available to the DoubleTree Hotel for approximately $26.00 from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Dulles International Airport (IAD), and $33.00 from Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI). Shuttle reservations, one way or round trip, can be made by calling (800) BLUE-VAN or via the Internet at www.supershuttle.com. Reservations are required at least 12 hours in advance.

Taxi
Taxi stands are located at the baggage claim area of all major airports and at the front entrance of Union Station. The approximate one-way fares are as follows: Reagan National-$40.00; Dulles-$45.00; BWI-$62.00; and Union Station-$25.00.

Metro
The DoubleTree Hotel in Bethesda is located 4 blocks from the Metro's Medical Center station on the Red Line. For your convenience, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to and from the Medical Center Metro station. The shuttle departs from the DoubleTree Hotel to the Metro on the hour 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. If you are arriving by Metro and require shuttle pickup to the DoubleTree Hotel, please call (301) 652-2000 upon arrival at the Medical Center Metro station and a shuttle will be dispatched to pick you up. Public phones are accessible at all Metro stations.

You can access the Ronald Regan Washington National Airport Metro station located on the main level of the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. A complete Metrorail System map can be accessed online at http://www.wmata.com/metrorail/systemmap.cfm?PrintFriendly=Y.

Please contact Susan Frate, ESI Meeting Planner II, at (240) 744-7092 or susanf@esi-dc.com if you have any questions or require further assistance.