Agenda · Social events & tours · Visit Tucson guide for AMSMIC attendees
Vice chairs: registration opens November 16 through December 18, on a space-available basis. Log in to your member account to register; non-members must join AMSMIC first.
Invitation to attend
It is my pleasure to invite you to the AMSMIC Annual Meeting, a conference dedicated to the challenges facing academic leaders in microbiology and immunology. It's designed for department chairs and vice chairs of microbiology and immunology units within schools of medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, and public health. If you don't hold one of these roles, please forward this invitation to the appropriate chair at your institution.
As at earlier AMSMIC meetings, the conversations with colleagues at social events are often as important as the programming in the conference room, and you'll have plenty of time for both. Arrive early or stay later for a day trip to Biosphere 2, historic Tombstone, or Kartchner Caverns.
If you've attended before, you know the value of sharing leadership strategies with your peers. If you've never attended, you're overdue, and we're ready to help. I hope you'll join us in January for a stimulating meeting in this spectacular setting.
Bethany Moore, PhD
AMSMIC President
Your home for the week
Meeting highlights
Beyond the sessions
- "Adobe & Agave" sunset welcome reception
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum excursion with a sunset reception
- Falconry experience
- Farewell dinner under the stars, with a professional astronomer and telescopes
- New Chairs and Women Chairs networking breakfasts
Optional tours
- Sabino Canyon hike or tram, Friday afternoon
- Sound bath, Friday evening
- Jeep desert eco-tour, Saturday afternoon ($140)
Social guest program
- History tour of the ranch, morning yoga, and tai chi
Explore beyond the resort
What's included
| Registration includes | Chair | Social guest |
|---|---|---|
| Registration materials and educational sessions | ✓ | — |
| Welcome reception | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daily breakfast buffet (2 people per room) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daily coffee breaks | ✓ | — |
| Social guest activities | — | ✓ |
| Group lunch on Thursday | ✓ | ✓ |
| Desert Museum group excursion | ✓ | ✓ |
| New Chairs breakfast (chairs in years 1–3) | ✓ | — |
| Women Chairs breakfast | ✓ | — |
| Farewell group dinner | ✓ | ✓ |
Not included: hotel nights, flights, airport transportation, optional tours, and incidentals.
How to register
- Log in to your AMSMIC member account and register. Chairs by November 15; vice chairs November 16 – December 18.
- Book your hotel in our group block (link below). All non-local attendees stay on property.
- Adding a social guest or tour? Register yourself first, then email karen@amsmic.org and we'll send an updated invoice. Guests and tours can be added any time before the registration deadline.
Hotel: Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort
5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road, Tucson, Arizona
$289/night single or double, plus tax and housekeeping gratuities. Need extra nights? Book your room first, then email us to extend.
Every AMSMIC room includes
- Daily breakfast buffet
- Welcome amenity and nightly turndown
- 15% off spa services
- Free valet and self-parking
- Keurig coffee maker, robes, and mini fridge
- Wi-Fi, fitness center, and morning newspapers
Getting here
- Fly into Tucson (TUS), about 20–25 minutes from the resort. Phoenix (PHX) is a scenic 1.5–2 hour drive.
- Airport transportation is on your own: taxi, Uber/Lyft, or a rental car. Parking at the resort is free.
- January weather: sunny and mild, typically 60s–70s°F, with cool evenings perfect for stargazing. Bring layers.
Travel insurance
Registration doesn't include insurance for accident, illness, cancellation, or lost property. We recommend a policy that covers travel, lodging, cancellation, and personal effects.
Top-rated providers: Travelex · Seven Corners · Berkshire Hathaway · Tin Leg · WorldTrips · Allianz · Travel Insured International
Vaccinations
Stay up to date on routine immunizations such as COVID, hepatitis B, flu, MMR, polio, and tetanus. Ask your doctor what's recommended for your travel.
Family-friendly attendance policy
AMSMIC supports working parents, including those who need to travel with children to attend. To keep the meeting welcoming and focused, registration means you agree to the following:
- Responsibility for minors: you remain fully responsible for the supervision, safety, and behavior of any child under 18 who comes with you. The conference doesn't provide childcare and isn't liable for minors at any time, including on group or optional excursions.
- Meeting spaces: children are welcome in sessions when quiet. If a child becomes disruptive, please step out until things settle.
- Shared spaces: use foyers and hallways to comfort or entertain children, and mind noise near meeting rooms.
Thank you for helping us keep the experience positive and productive for everyone.
Become a sponsor. Email karen@amsmic.org for details.
Questions? Email karen@amsmic.org or call 305-661-5581.