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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 research. AMSMIC is involved in many activities ranging from public policy initiatives to educator workshops, and this conference is intended specifically for department chairs and vice chairs of microbiology/immunology units within schools of medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, and public health. If you do not currently hold one of these roles, we would be grateful if you could forward this invitation to the appropriate Chair at your institution.
The meeting will take place on January 19-24, 2027, at the Hacienda del Sol Resort in Tucson, Arizona. Like earlier AMSMIC meetings, the conversations with colleagues at the social events are sometimes just as important as the programming in the conference room, and you will have plenty of time in both settings.
Registration includes an "Adobe & Agave" welcome reception at sunset, a group excursion to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and a farewell dinner with stargazing under the desert sky. Social Guest activities include a history tour, and morning yoga and Tai Chi classes. Optional activities like hiking in Sabino Canyon or an evening Sound Bath experience are also available. To extend your networking time, we invite you to arrive early or stay later to take a day trip to Biosphere 2, historic Tombstone, Kartchner Caverns, or other local area highlights.
If you have attended an AMSMIC meeting previously, you already know the value of talking with your academic cohorts and sharing their strategies for leadership. If you have never attended, you are overdue for this important networking and career development opportunity, and we are ready to help. I hope you will be able to join us in January for a stimulating meeting in this spectacular setting.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can answer any questions about AMSMIC or its annual meeting.
Bethany Moore, PhD
AMSMIC President
Meeting LocationTucson offers a rare combination of vibrant desert landscape, rich cultural history, and some of the darkest, clearest night skies in the country — a big reason our week culminates in a private stargazing dinner with a professional astronomer and telescopes. Beyond the resort, you'll find:
| Registration FeesMember Chair $1,430
Social Guest +$680 *Non-members must join AMSMIC & pay annual dues to attend PLEASE NOTE:
Registration Fee Inclusions
Optional Tours are available for attendees and social guests to book separately. Visit the Social Events & Tours page for more details
Getting to TucsonBy Air Fly into Tucson International Airport (TUS), just a short drive from the resort, with direct flights available from many major U.S. hubs. Travelers connecting through Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) can also make the scenic ~1.5–2 hour drive south via I-10. Getting to the Resort Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort is located at 5501 North Hacienda del Sol Road, Tucson, AZ — approximately 20–25 minutes from Tucson International Airport. Group and individual transportation details, including shuttle information, will be shared closer to the meeting. Weather in January Expect classic Tucson winter days — sunny and mild, typically in the 60s–70s°F, with cooler evenings perfect for stargazing. Layers are recommended for evening events. |
Become a Sponsor!
Contact karen@amsmic.org for details
Family-Friendly Attendance Policy
AMSMIC values and supports working parents, including those who may need to travel with their children to attend conferences. To ensure a welcoming environment for all attendees, while also maintaining the professional focus of the meeting, we ask that all participants review and acknowledge the following guidelines:
- Responsibility for Minors. By registering for this event, attendees agree that they remain fully responsible for the supervision, safety, and behavior of any child under the age of 18 who accompanies them. The conference does not provide childcare services and is not liable for the care or oversight of minors at any time, including during any group or optional excursions.
- Access to Meeting Spaces. Children are welcome in meeting areas when they are quiet and non-disruptive. If a child becomes restless, upset, or otherwise disruptive to the session, we kindly ask that the parent or guardian step out of the room until the situation is resolved. This helps ensure that presentations and discussions can proceed smoothly and respectfully for all participants.
- Considerate Use of Shared Spaces. Parents are encouraged to use foyer areas, hallways, or other designated spaces to comfort or entertain children as needed. Please be mindful of noise levels in areas adjacent to meeting rooms.
- Acknowledgement of Policy. Completion of conference registration serves as acknowledgement of this policy and agreement to follow these guidelines.
We appreciate the many demands working parents balance and strive to make our meetings as inclusive and supportive as possible. Thank you for helping us maintain a positive and productive experience for all attendees.
Travel Advisories & Insurance
The registration fee does not include insurance of participants against personal accident, illness and cancellation by any party, theft, loss or damage to personal property. Participants are advised to take out sufficient personal insurance to cover travel, accommodation, cancellation and personal effects. Below are a few top-rated companies:
U.S. Dept of State Travel Info
Vaccinations
Regardless of where you plan to travel internationally, it's always recommended to be up-to-date on routine immunizations like COVID, hepatitis B, flu, measles (MMR), polio, and tetanus. Ask your doctor for recommendations based on where you plan to travel.