ON-SITE REGISTRATION HOURS
Saturday, September 13, 2008 - 11:00 - 17:00
Sunday, September 14, 2008 - 06:30 - 17:30
Monday, September 15, 2008 - 06:30 - 12:30
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 - 06:30 - 17:30
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 07:00 - 11:30

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
The official language of the conference is English.  Simultaneous translation will not be offered.

SHUTTLE SERVICE
No shuttle service will be provided to other area hotels.  Self-parking is available at the hotel for $20 per day with in/out privileges as well as valet parking for $28 per day.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
This congress is designed to provide surgeons with in-depth and up-to-date knowledge relative to surgery of the colon, rectum and anus, with special emphasis on worldwide exchange of knowledge and techniques related to patient care, teaching and research.  Presentation formats include formal papers, panel discussions, poster sessions and an audio-visual program.  The purpose of all sessions is to enhance individual knowledge in order to improve the quality of care of patients with diseases of colon, rectum and anus. 

At the conclusion of this event, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the newest diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives in the management of rectal cancer.
• Understand the current standards of medical and surgical management of inflammatory bowel disease
• Prioritize the evolving alternatives in the use of minimally invasive techniques to manage benign and malignant disease
• Identify 5 new useful technologies for the management of colorectal diseases
• Integrate into ones clinical practice new therapeutic options for the management of anorectal fistula disease

ACCREDITATION

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essentials and Standards of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES). SAGES is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. SAGES designates this Continuing Medical Education activity for 26 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

IMPORTANT U.S. VISA INFORMATION
For more than 50 years, the United States of America has required visas to be issued to those wishing to study, visit, or conduct business in the U.S.  While changes have been made recently to visa law, many procedures remain the same.  More importantly, you must APPLY EARLY for a visa, as processing time has increased in some instances.  For information about obtaining a visa, please visit the following website: www.unitedstatesvisas.gov.