Abstracts
Presenting
Registration
Hotel
Travel 
Students

General

Where is the SSSA 2024 Bouyoucos Summer Conference?
The SSSA 2024 Bouyoucos Summer Conference is in San Juan, Puerto Rico at the Caribe Hilton.

When does the in-person SSSA 2024 Bouyoucos Summer Conference begin and end?
The Conference program runs from Monday, June 10 through Wednesday, June 12. The program begins Monday morning with a welcome message and concludes Wednesday with the Closing Reception beginning at 5:00 pm. There are workshops and tours available Sunday- Thursday, June 9-13, 2024 that require an additional registration fee to attend.

Do I need to be a member to attend?
No, but registration rates are reduced for members.

What meals are included with registration?
Breakfasts, daily breaks, Tuesday/Wednesday lunches, and the Monday and Wednesday evening receptions are included with registration.

Is the program posted online?
Please find the program here.

What should I wear to the Conference?
Although some may choose to dress more formally during their presentations, the Conference is suggesting "Resort Casual" dress overall. (Think polo shirts, dress shirts, linen pants, and comfy skirts or dresses.) The meeting rooms are often kept at cool temperatures so layered clothing is recommended. Check the weather in San Juan here.

Is there a conference app?
No need for an app, as the online program and website will provide all information needed.

How can I follow the SSSA 2024 Bouyoucos Summer Conference on social media?
Follow @ASA_CSSA_SSSA on Twitter or @SSSA.soils on Facebook or SSSA on LinkedIn for news and updates. Posts about the Conference will use the hashtag, #SSSAConf.

Is there a room available where I can nurse in private?
Yes. It is located off the main lobby.  Please ask for the key at the Front Desk. 

Is childcare available?
SSSA does not offer childcare services at the conference. The hotel can provide childcare at an additional charge.  Contact the concierge via email at Send Message or by phone at 787-721-0303 from 9 am to 6 pm.

Is a gender-neutral bathroom available?
Yes, an all-gender bathroom is available. 

Whom can I tell about a dietary restriction? The welcome reception and closing reception are buffet-style functions, which will allow you to select foods to meet your needs. Attendees who register and pay for a meal function will confirm dietary restrictions during the registration process.

 

Poster Abstracts

When is the deadline for poster abstracts?
Poster abstract submissions closed April 23, 2024. Please note that your abstract can be edited through the dates of the conference.

What if I don't have enough detail for a poster abstract before the submission deadline?
Not a problem! Please note that poster abstracts at this point are “holding slots” that reserve your spot in the desired session. The Program Planning Committee will require a title, full payment, and just enough abstract content to ensure your submissions are placed in proper sessions. Research details and more solid content can be added through June 12th. Edits to your poster abstract will be reflected in the online version of the program - even while onsite in San Juan.

Does submitting a poster abstract register me for the Conference?
No. Meeting registration is a separate process that is required for all presenters.

When will I receive notification of my poster abstract acceptance and presentation time?
Submitting authors will be notified of their abstract acceptance and presentation scheduling in May.

Why haven’t I received any correspondence about the poster abstract I submitted?
Most often this is a mistake in the presenting author’s email address (a typo or outdated address entered during abstract submission). Please make sure you’re listed as the presenting author and have the correct email address entered. If that is correct, please check your organization’s spam filter.

How do I cancel my poster abstract?
Please email your request (including your abstract ID number for expediency) to the Technical Program Manager.

How do I get a receipt?

Presenting My Poster at the Conference

What format of presentations are available for contributing authors?
Contributed poster presentations are the only format available. (There are no contributed orals for the Puerto Rico conference.)

What size should I make my poster?
Each presenter is provided with a half-size 4-foot high by 4-foot wide poster board (1.2 m by 1.2 m). Poster boards have a 1-inch frame so we recommend that your poster be no larger than 45 inches high by 45 inches wide. Posters can be any size within these maximum dimensions.

What can I use to hang my poster?
Velcro must be used to hang your poster. No push pins are allowed. Velcro will be available at the Poster Information table while supplies last.

Where and when do I hang up my poster?
All poster sessions will be in the Poster Hall. Every poster presenter will receive specific instructions, including their assigned board number, in an email before the meeting. Otherwise, you can locate your poster listing in the online program to find your assigned board number.

Depending on the poster number, presenters will present their poster for one day - but all posters will remain on display both Tuesday and Wednesday:

Tuesday
Presentation Time: 11:00 am–12:30 pm

Wednesday
Presentation Time: 3:30–5:00 pm*

Presenting poster authors are asked to be next to their poster during their specific poster session time.
*Note: posters remaining after 5:15pm on Wednesday will be removed and discarded.

 

Registration

Am I Registered?
1) Go to our society website: https://web.sciencesocieties.org and Sign In.
2) Click on My Account.
3) Click on My Registrations – it should show the 2024 SSSA Summer Conference if you are registered.
4) If nothing is there, Click on Events and choose the 2024 SSSA Summer Conference and it will take you to online registration.

Do I need to be a member to attend?
No.

What does the registration fee include?
Access to the opening and closing receptions, daily breakfast and breaks, Bouyoucos Plenaries, Featured Symposia, and Poster Sessions.

How do I print registration and/or an abstract submission receipt?
To print a receipt for your registration, please follow these steps:
1) Go to our society website: https://web.sciencesocieties.org and Sign In.
2) Click on My Account.
3) Click on My Invoices.
4) Click on the invoice number. This will take you to a screen where you can view and print your receipt.

When do I need to add an optional ticketed event (lunch, tour, and workshop) to my conference registration?
Registration for lunches, tours, and workshops closes on May 15, 2024.  No late or on-site registrations will be accepted.    

How do I add an optional ticketed event (lunch, tour, and workshop) to my conference registration?

To make changes to your registration, please follow these steps:
1) Go to our society website: https://web.sciencesocieties.org and Sign In.
2) Click on My Account and click on My Registrations.
3) Click on View/Edit Details
4) Click on Edit next to your name. This will take you back to the registration page and you can update your address/badge as well as add sessions.
5) Click on Check Out when you are done. This will take you to a screen where you can pay with your credit card.

What is the cancellation/refund policy?
Registration pricing and cancellation information are available here.

How do I request a letter of intended participation for my visa application?
You may request a letter of intended participation here.

 Hotel & Travel

When and how can I reserve my hotel room, learn more about payments, and find a cancellation policy?
SSSA have negotiated discounted rates for you at the Caribe Hilton. All reservation information is available here.

Which airport is closest to the conference?
The Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is a joint civil-military international airport located in suburban Carolina, Puerto Rico, three miles southeast of San Juan.

Do I need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico?
No, if you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico. A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, is sufficient.

What is the official language in Puerto Rico?
The official languages are both Spanish and English. While Spanish is more widely spoken, many people, especially in tourist areas, speak English.

What currency is used in Puerto Rico?
The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD).

Do I need any vaccinations before traveling to Puerto Rico?
No specific vaccinations are required for entry into Puerto Rico. However, it's always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider for any recommended vaccinations.

Is tap water safe to drink in Puerto Rico?
Tap water is generally safe to drink in most urban areas of Puerto Rico. However, in more rural areas, it's advisable to drink bottled or purified water.

Are there any safety concerns in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is generally safe for tourists, but like any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings. Exercise common safety precautions, such as not leaving valuables unattended and being cautious in unfamiliar areas.

Are there any cultural customs or etiquette I should be aware of?
Puerto Ricans are known for their friendliness. It's customary to greet people with a friendly "hola" (hello) or "buenos días" (good morning). Tipping is also customary in restaurants, typically around 15-20%.

Can I use my cell phone in Puerto Rico?
If you have a U.S. phone plan, you should be able to use your phone in Puerto Rico without additional charges. However, it's always wise to check with your provider regarding international coverage.

What are some fun things to do in and around San Juan?
The Travel webpage can provide you with suggestions on where to eat and what to do in San Juan.

Students

Is there travel support for undergrads attending the conference?
A travel grant application opportunity was open from January 29 through February 25, 2024. Students were notified by March 15 regarding their selection status.

There is no endorsement intended by SSSA for attractions, products, services, or vendors mentioned on these pages, nor is any criticism implied of similar attractions, services, or vendors not mentioned. NOTE: Please confirm the above information, as it is subject to change.