Biomedical Optics and 3D Imaging
29 April - 2 May 2012, Miami Hilton Downtown, Miami, Florida, USA
Housing and Travel
About Miami, Florida
Experience much more than just the Congress!
Miami is often referred to as the epicenter of 'cool' and is located on the south-easterly tip of Florida. Famous for many things, Miami is best known for its extremely sunny weather, golden beaches, Art Deco character and lively nightlife. Also known as the 'Gateway to the Americas', the 15 miles / 24 km of glorious beaches make Miami a little different to other large cities and it is understandably popular with all ages, attracting a broad spectrum of tourists.
Miami is a major center and a leader in finance, commerce, culture, media, entertainment, the arts, and international trade. In 2010, Miami ranked seventh in the United States in terms of finance, commerce, culture, entertainment, fashion, education, and other sectors. It ranked thirty-third among global cities.
Order your Miami Planner now!
Please visit the Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau website for more information.
Travel
Weather
Miami enjoys beautiful weather year round with an average daily temperature of 77°F (25°Celsius).
April/May Weather in Miami
Average High Temperature: 82.7 °F (28°Celsius)
Average Low Temperature: 68.0 °F (20°Celsius)
Average Rainfall: 3.14 inches
For the most current weather forecast, please visit here.
Electricity:
Standard 120v/60Hz voltage electricity is used in the United States. More information on international electricity.
Currency
The US Dollar (USD) is the currency of the United States. Credit cards are widely accepted; VISA and MASTERCARD are the most popular. Traveler’s checks are accepted at currency exchanges or banks, but are not as widely accepted. For the latest currency exchange click here.
Hotel Reservations
Miami Hilton Downtown
1601 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, Florida, United States 33132
HOUSING IS STILL AVAILABLE
With its refreshing new guestrooms, the Hilton Miami Downtown is an alluring South Florida address. Discover the finest in downtown Miami accommodations, where engaging colors, sharp lines, and modern design elements welcome leisure and business travelers. Within, you'll love our majestic skyline views and first-class service. Outside, the best of downtown is just minutes away - from South Beach nightlife and NBA action at American Airlines Arena to Bayside Marketplace, the city's best food, fun, and shopping. Book one of our newly renovated Miami Florida hotel rooms and discover this inviting new destination.
- Centrally located on Biscayne Boulevard in the heart of downtown Miami, Florida
- Only 5 minutes from the Port of Miami
- Approximately 3 miles from South Beach
- Just 15 minutes from Miami International Airport
View the printable On-line Brochure to learn more about the Hilton Miami Downtown.
*SPECIAL OFFER! Brisa Bistro, Hilton Miami's in-house restaurant is offering OSA Congress attendees a 10% discount off restaurant menu prices, all you have to do is show your badge!
Stay within the block!
Book your Hotel Reservation
- ONLINE
Please note that our online system will only accept reservations that are within the contracted dates. Any guests requesting to extend their stay outside of the block must call our reservation's team
- Call Toll free: + 1 800.HILTONS (445. 8667) or +1 305.374.000
The reservations desk is open 24 hours
Request: 2012 OSA Biomedical and 3D Imaging Congress.
If you book within the block, the following services are complimentary to make your stay more enjoyable:
- High Speed Internet Access in All Guest Rooms and Meeting Rooms
- Daily bottle water in your guest room.
Check-in: 16:00
Check-out: 11:00
Room Rates
Rates will be honored 3 days prior and post conference dates
|
Single/Double |
US$169 |
| Extra Person |
US$20 |
| State and Local Taxes |
13% (taxes are subject to change) |
For the latest currency exchange click here.
All reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card. Hotel will charge one night’s room and tax at the time of reservation. This amount will be refundable up to 72 hours prior to scheduled arrival date. In the event of a no show, one night’s room and tax will be charged and the reservation will be canceled.
Hotel Parking
24-hour Valet Parking is provided through the hotel and allows for unlimited in-out privileges. Self-Parking is also available through an unaffiliated company but allows for no in-out privileges.
Hotel Restaurants & Lounges
Services and Amenities
Local Attractions
Transportation
Area Airport
Miami is served by Miami International Airport.(MIA) It is approximately 8 miles or 15 minutes east of Hilton Miami Downtown.
Real time flight information
Airline Discount
American Airlines
For your convenience, OSA management has arranged discounted air travel with the American Airlines. You may visit the American Airlines website at www.aa.com to search for available flights and use the authorization code 8142AX to receive your discount. You may also call the American Airlines Meeting Services Desk directly at 1 800.433.1790 for assistance with reservations and ticket purchases.
By Ground
SuperShuttle
SuperShuttle is the nation's leading shared-ride airport shuttle, providing door-to-door ground transportation and provides service to and from 28 major airports in 23 cities. Shared van service is available at Miami International Airport (MIA) to Hilton Miami Downtown for approximately US$16 one-way per person. Reservations may be made by phone at 1 800.BLUE VAN (258.3826) or +1 305.871.2000. SuperShuttle does not except on-line reservations for the Miami International Airport.
Taxi
US$22 – Miami International Airport (MIA) to Hilton Miami Downtown.
All prices are estimates, and taxis are metered fares.
Bus and Rail Information
Miami-Dade Transit provides service daily to thousands of regular, first-time, and occasional public transit customers. Click Here for more information on Metrobus, Metrorail, Metromover and other forms of public transportation. Metro Mover Map
Rental Car
Avis Rent-a-Car is pleased to offer low rates with unlimited mileage to participants attending OSA Biomedical and 3D Congress. For reservations call 1 800.331.1600 and refer to Avis Worldwide Discount # D004076. Reservations may also be made on the Avis website or by phone (World Wide Telephone Numbers).
Additional car rentals are available at Miami International Airport.
Find your ground transportation at Miami International Airport
Taxicabs and SuperShuttle 
lower arrival level
Taxicabs and SuperShuttle (+1 305-871-2000) vans are available only on the arrival (ground) level of the airport, outside of the baggage claim areas.
Hotel Shuttles: 
upper departure level
Hotel shuttles pick up and drop-off areas are located on the upper (departure) level of the airport (view map).
Car Rental Shuttles: upper departure level
Hotel shuttles pick up and drop-off areas are located on the upper (departure) level of the airport (view map). View Car Rental directory.
Driving Directions to Hilton Miami Downtown
From Miami International Airport: Follow Airport exit signs to State Road 112, towards Miami Beach. Continue 4 miles through the toll plaza and follow the signs to I-195 east (Miami Beach). Exit at Biscayne Boulevard (second exit, 1/2 mile). At the traffic light, turn left onto Biscayne Blvd. The hotel will be on your left at 16th street on Biscayne Blvd.
From Fort Lauderdale Airport: Follow signs to 595 west, then to I-95 south. Take I-95 south to exit #5 to I-395 east. Continue on I-395 for 1/2 mile and exit at Biscayne Boulevard. Turn left onto Biscayne Blvd. The hotel is 4 blocks ahead on the right at 16th street.
Driving Directions from Interstate 95: Exit onto I-395, taking I-395 east to Biscayne Boulevard. Follow Biscayne Boulevard north to 16th Street. Hotel is located at 16th Street and Biscayne Boulevard.
Parking: 24-hour Valet Parking is provided through the hotel and allows for unlimited in-out privileges. Self-Parking is also available through an unaffiliated company but allows for no in-out privileges.
Letters of Invitation
Important information regarding Topical Meeting Visa Invitation Letters (please read):
Invitation letters take OSA Management 7-10 days to process. Please fill out all the required information on the form completely to the best of your ability. If you are presenting a paper, include the title and session in which the paper will be presented, or if you are exhibiting, please indicate so in your request. Please note that each individual requesting an invitation letter must fill out a separate form. All letters will be sent in PDF form to the email address provided. If a paper letter is required, please respond to the email. Requested paper letters will be sent complimentary through airmail. This option may take a few weeks to arrive. If you wish to expedite the process, letter will be spent through Federal Express with the recipient’s Federal Express account number or credit card number with an expiration date, please also include your billing address in the request email. OSA Management reserves the right to request further information regarding the company or affiliation of the attendee to ensure the validity of requests.
Meeting attendees do not need to wait until your paper is accepted to request a Visa Invitation Letter.
Individuals requiring letters of invitation to obtain travel visas must apply using the online form.
Biomedical and 3D Imaging Devices Letter of Invitation Request Form
The visa application process to enter the United States has become subjected to greater degrees of scrutiny than in the past. For this reason, the application process can take up to six months or more. You will need to apply for your visa as early as possible but no later than three months before you wish to enter the United States. One factor contributing to the increase in the processing time is a personal interview that is now required for most applicants as a standard part of visa processing. Once it is known that a visa is necessary for travel, the individual needs to contact the embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment for screening. OSA is not able to contact U.S. embassies in support of an individual attempting to gain entry into the host country to attend the conference.
For detailed information about applying for a visa refer to the U.S. Department of State website and the National Academies International Visitors Office website.
If you have any questions about the visa invitation letter application process, please contact:
- Fax: +1 202.416.6100
- Mail: OSA Management – Invitation Letter
Optical Society of America
2010 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20036
- Email: invitations@osa.org (Please only email with questions- DO NOT use for applying. Apply using the online form.)
There are 27 countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program. If your country is on this list, and you are traveling to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or less with a valid passport that meets U.S. requirements, and the listed conditions do not apply to you, you do NOT need a visa. Otherwise, you need to obtain a visa.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Travel Guide
Visa Waiver Program Frequently Asked Questions
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
As of 12 January 2009, all nationals and citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries will be required by law to obtain a travel authorization prior to initiating travel to the United States under the VWP. This authorization may be obtained through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a free internet application administered by the Department of Homeland Security though a U.S. government Web site.
See you in gorgeous MIAMI!
