Sunny San Diego – the perfect location for the 2011 Congress

I’m in sunny San Diego, California for the final site visit for the 2011 Annual Congress (January 15-19, 2011.)   As I am frequently asked about Congress and how it all comes together, I thought I would take this opportunity to make a few postings  on this subject.

The San Diego Marriott, pictured here, was booked several years ago (we typically select Congress sites 6-10 years in advance) as one of our housing options for registrants. It is undergoing extensive renovations which are expected to continue for at least another year. Guest rooms have been updated to a modern style, and public areas are scheduled to be renovated throughout the next year.   The last time we were in San Diego (2002) the Convention Center proved a bit tight, so in 2011 we will make use of the newer side of the Center which has larger rooms.

If you are not familiar with the San Diego Convention Center and complex of hotels that flank it, you have a treat in store.  The Convention Center is only 15 minutes from the airport by cab and located downtown along the majestic San Diego Bay with the vibrant Gaslamp District and the San Diego Padres’ PETCO Park at our doorstep.  The Gaslamp District is  San Diego’s dining, entertainment and urban shopping district, complete with a large outdoor mall.  Of course the famed San Diego Zoo, bay cruises, Seaworld, and tours into Mexico are all part of the San Diego experience, which you won’t want to miss during your visit.

The Congress Program Committee has been busy putting together a fantastic educational event.  The Program Committee does most of their work online throughout the year in the Society’s iRooms and by conference calls.  Additionally there is a working visit by the committee’s Co-Chairs at SCCM HQ each Spring followed by one full meeting at SCCM HQ in September by the entire committee.  Another meeting at Congress focuses on the next Congress.  So in essence by the time you attend a Congress, the Program Committee is already well into planning the next event.

The 2011 Congress marks the 40th anniversary meeting of the Society, so look for a number of special activities highlighting this event including a free book on the organization’s history for all full registrants.  Many past SCCM presidents and founders of the modern critical care movement will be on hand to tell you about the early development of critical care and to sign your copy of the anniversary publication.

Last night, having some free time I took the opportunity to try out the San Diego Opera.  It’s a short 10 minute walk from the convention hotels to the Civic Theater.   Last night’s opera was the third of four productions in San Diego Opera’s 2010 season.  Gounod’s “Romeo and Juliet” featured beautiful music, the famous balcony scene, some well-choreographed fighting and the world-class voice of recent Met star Stephen Costello.  In short, if you can squeeze it into your schedule, don’t miss a chance to see this stellar opera company.

Full registration and additional information will be available starting June 1, so watch the Society’s Congress webpage to reserve your place at this special anniversary event.