SMA 2009 will be held at the Asheville Renaissance Hotel in Asheville, North Carolina, November 11 through November 14, 2009.

Make your plans now for SMA 2009, Wednesday November 11 through Saturday November 14 at the Asheville Renaissance Hotel in Asheville, North Carolina.  Our location is a beautiful city in the mountains of western North Carolina. This is likely to be a popular destination, so reserve your room and make your travel plans as soon as possible.
In addition to our ideal location, the program promises to be stimulating and engaging.  With an acceptance rate of approximately 50%, the program will include 200 papers, cases, workshops, and symposia across eight tracks, including the second offering of the Paper Development Workshop and the winner of our “Most Innovative Session” award. Highlights are our annual business meeting, several receptions, and a conference party on Friday night.

In recognition of our mountain-town location, the dress code for the meeting will be business casual for sessions, and casual for all non-session activities. You will want to check the weather ahead of your departure and plan accordingly. November in the mountains can bring a range of weather conditions, including colder temperatures. All conference activities will be held at the Asheville Renaissance Hotel. However, Asheville is a very walkable city and our hotel is located in the downtown area. There are many good eateries (from casual to fine dining), art galleries, and entertainment options within minutes of our hotel. Even if the weather turns a little cold, you will want to get out and around in the city. Beyond immediate walking distance, the Asheville area offers beautiful mountain scenery and related activities, as well as other sightseeing destinations including the Biltmore Estate, the largest private residence (now open for tours) in the United States.

To make your plans to attend visit the SMA website and click on the 2009 Meeting interface.  You will find the registration and lodging information ready and available.  Register now and then come early and plan to stay late to enjoy the stimulation of an excellent program as well as the offerings of Asheville and western North Carolina. I look forward to seeing you there.

Mark Gavin
Vice President and Program Chair