General Meeting Information
Where is INfluence 2017, the 2017 AACP INterim Meeting, being held?
All programming will be held at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, Feb. 25–28. Please refer to the Hotel & Travel portion of the forthcoming AACP INfluence 2017 Web site for more information regarding room reservations.
What is the closest airport to the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa?
The closest airport to the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa is the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU), located 19 miles from the hotel.
Can I bring a guest to the meeting?
Yes! Guest registration is $175 and includes entrance to the Welcome Reception on Saturday, Feb. 25; continental breakfast before the sessions; and programming on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. This registration does not apply to faculty, administrators and/or staff of pharmacy schools. The CEO Deans Networking Reception is not included
This is my first Interim Meeting, what should I expect?
Welcome! We are glad you have chosen to attend INfluence 2017. Network and socialize during our Welcome Reception on Saturday, Feb. 25. Share and learn from your colleagues during the plethora of social and professional opportunities we have planned for you.
Is my child permitted to attend INfluence 2017?
For health and safety considerations, children under the age of 16 are not permitted to attend any functions. Those 16 years old or older must still be registered as a guest.
Will child care be provided?
AACP does not provide child care services. The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa does not have nanny services available.
What is the dress code?
Attire at the AACP sessions is business casual. Feel free to be comfortable in slacks, polo shirts, cardigans (for chilly meeting rooms), blazers, blouses and most importantly, comfortable shoes. Attire for the Welcome Reception on Saturday evening is business casual.
Is there accessibility for persons with disabilities?
The goal of the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa is to meet every person's needs. For people with disabilities, that means providing a fully accessible environment. The hotel complies with the regulations set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Please make special arrangements ahead of time by contacting the hotel concierge.
Who do I contact if I have hotel and travel inquiries, meeting programming and/or general meeting questions?
For general meeting questions, please contact Karli M. Clark, meetings coordinator, at 703-739-2330 ext. 1007.
Hotel & Travel Information
What is the AACP hotel group rate and how do I reserve a room?
The AACP single/double occupancy group rate is $209 (+11% tax), inclusive of resort fee. Discounted guestroom rates will be offered, based on availability, three days pre- and post-meeting dates.
There is a one-time Bellman Gratuity charge of $7 per adult (+11.5% tax), and a Maid Gratuity charge of $2.50 per room per night (+11.5% tax).
There is a #40.00 per adult, per night (+11.5% tax) charge for the 3rd & 4th adult in room.
To reserve a room, please book online or call 1-800-474-6627 and identify yourself with AACP to receive the group discounted rate. The guest room reservation room cut-off date is Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, or until allotted guestroom are sold-out. A one night deposit of room & tax will be charged per room within 60 days of arrival date in order to guarantee. Reservations without a deposit are subject to cancellation without prior notification. Guests have up to 7 days prior to arrival date to cancel for a full refund of deposit. Cancellations made within 6 days or less of arrival date shall forfeit the deposit as penalty.
Staying at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa will allow AACP to keep your registration fees at the current rates. If AACP does not achieve a minimum number of overnight accommodations, the price of services will increase registration fees for future programs. Without your support, AACP faces huge financial penalties for unused sleeping rooms.
What are my transportation options once I arrive?
Hotel Shuttle: The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa is accessible via Luis Munoz Marin International Airport - SJU (19 miles). Rico Sun Tours (RST) is available for $75 roundtrip per person shared shuttle (direct to the hotel) using the AACP discounted rate. Sales tax is included. Advanced reservations are required and can be made online. This discounted rate applies to roundtrip fares only. RST uniformed and multi-lingual staff authorized by the Ports Authority will provide a meet & greet at the baggage claim area bearing a computerized sign for INfluence 2017 AACP attendees. An RST representative will be present at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa lobby to assist with departure transfers throughout the meeting.
Parking: Valet parking is available for $20 daily. Self-parking is available for $15 daily. Short Term Valet (Day Time Only) is available for $3 for the first hour and $2 for each additional hour.
What is the weather like in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, during the meeting dates?
Typical temperatures in Puerto Rico during the meeting dates tend to range from the low 70s to 80s. We recommend packing layers to accommodate various weather conditions.
Is the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa hotel pet-friendly?
The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa is a pet-friendly hotel. Pet-friendly rooms are available at $50 per pet per stay. You must notify the hotel that you are requesting a pet-friendly room when you book your reservation.
Will I have wireless Internet access in my Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa guestroom?
The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa offers complimentary Wi-Fi in their guestrooms.
Registration
How can I register for the meeting?
Registration for INfluence 2017 will open at the end of October. Visit the Registration portion of AACP’s INfluence 2017 Web site for more information regarding registration. Reminder: members must be logged into the AACP Web site with their username and password to access the member registration rates.
Will I receive a refund if I cancel?
Refunds will be processed on all cancellations received in writing by Wednesday, Feb. 1, excluding a $75 administrative fee. Due to meeting costs, no portion of the registration fee will be refunded for cancellations after Feb. 1. For meeting cancellation, please contact Janet Mudd, staff accountant, at 703-739-2330 ext. 1023.
When does online pre-registration open and close?
Early-bird registration rates expire on Wednesday, Feb. 1. If you are pre-registering for online special rates, credit card is the only form of payment accepted. Last Call registration rates will apply during Feb. 2–13 and may be made online. Meeting registration will also be available onsite at the AACP Registration and Information Desk located in the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa.
Who do I contact to make a change in my meeting registration?
For any meeting registration questions related to payments, please contact please contact Janet Mudd, staff accountant, at 703-739-2330 ext. 1023.
What if I misplaced my membership number or password, and/or who do I contact to renew or reinstate my membership
Please contact LaToya Casteel, member services associate, at 703-739-2330 ext. 1000.
What are the AACP Registration and Information Desk hours?
- Saturday, Feb. 25: 8:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Feb. 26: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Monday, Feb. 27: 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, Feb. 28: 7:00 a.m.–8:30 a.m.
Where do I pick up my name badge and materials?
Your name badge will be available onsite at the AACP Registration and Information Desk located in the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa.
INfluence 2017 Programming
Who are CEO Deans?
CEO Deans are the head of a College or School of Pharmacy.
Will AACP hold a New Deans Orientation?
Yes. There is an AACP information session targeted to new and interim deans on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided so please remember to include this as an event when you register for INfluence 2017.
Is there programming for the Administrative and Financial Officers SIG members?
The Administrative and Financial Officers SIG will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 28. While the leadership topics presented at INfluence 2017 are valuable to all college and school of pharmacy faculty and staff, on Tuesday morning, INfluence 2017 programming will be of interest to the AFO SIG members. AACP recommends they participate and it will be included in registration. Those interested in the attending the AFO SIG programming must be registered. There are two options: one-day registration for $265 or if attending the full conference, please include this as an event when you register for INfluence 2017, for $35. Registration for this program include breakfast, lunch, two beverage breaks and Tuesday’s programming.
Is there an INfluence 2017 Pre-Session?
No. There is no general pre-sessions at INfluence 2017.
Who should attend INfluence 2017?
Deans, associate/assistant deans, department chairs, professional staff and aspiring leaders in the Academy should attend as a team from their School or College of Pharmacy.
Is there an organized fitness activity during INfluence 2017?
Yes, on Monday, Feb. 27, AACP will offer a free moving yoga class that welcomes all experience levels on the beach. This class will focus on deep breathing with synchronized movement to warm up your body, increase strength, circulation, flexibility, concentration, and balance as the instructor takes you along the beachfront. Mats are not required; however, mats will be available for rent on a first-come-first-serve basis. Pre-registration is recommended.
Continuing Education
Does AACP provide CE credits during INfluence 2017?
Yes. Attendees will be able to earn up to 14.5 hours CE credits during INfluence 2017.
AACP is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. Attendees may earn up to 14.5 hours of CE credits following the successful completion of the CE activities at INfluence 2017. INfluence 2017 participants should access the AACP Continuing Professional Development (CPD) system at: https://aacp.learningexpressce.com using their AACP login and password. Once logged into the system, select each session attended from the list of INfluence 2017 sessions offering CE credit, and with the Access Code provided during the session complete the evaluation form. Completion of the evaluation is required to earn continuing education credit for the session. Please refer to the programming page for more information on the sessions offering CE credit.
Educational Sessions
How do I get copies of the presentations?
Educational presentations will be available on the AACP Community site/Web event app beginning at the end of January.
Zika
AACP is aware of the current public health situation in Puerto Rico and will do everything possible to ensure a healthy and productive meeting for attendees at INfluence 2017. Below are some questions attendees may have regarding Puerto Rico, Zika and options at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa.
What is Puerto Rico doing to prevent visitors from becoming infected with Zika?
Puerto Rico is continuously working closely with the appropriate authorities to ensure that it remains a safe and secure destination for all residents and tourists. Things to know:
- The Government of Puerto Rico decided to declare a public health state of emergency on the Island, thus, providing Puerto Rico access to federal emergency funds to combat the spread of the Zika virus and protect the health of all citizens and visitors.
- The government’s determination to declare a public health state of emergency was not taken lightly or precipitously. Before this decision, a governmental interagency committee, which includes the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and representatives from the private sector, was created to coordinate efforts to educate the public on prevention, and safeguard the health of residents and visitors on the Island.
- The Puerto Rico Department of Health has issued a statement assuring the public it has taken all the necessary measures to keep monitoring the situation and prevent an outbreak. Furthermore, the Health Department organized a plenary session in early February for health professionals of the island to provide details on everything related to the Zika virus. This included the identification and management of clinical cases to the control and the prevention measures used to eradicate the mosquito population.
- As always, all emergency services are available and prepared to deal with any situation or emergency including hospital facilities, fire department, police and ambulances.
- Medical supplies and treatment are readily available in Puerto Rico for any confirmed cases that may arise.
What is the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar doing to protect hotel guests?
Throughout the entire Resort and Rio Mar Community, the hotel sprays mosquito repellent every 2 weeks.
- The Golf courses are treated with pesticides and larger holes are filled to prevent breading in shallow water.
- The hotel security department continually checks the property grounds for standing water.
- All water fountains are treated with pesticides.
How can I protect myself from becoming infected with Zika?
For more information and CDC guidance, visit http://www.cdc.gov/zika/