NCS 82nd Annual Meeting
September 24-27, 2008
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Chicago, Illinois 60601

President’s Message

Jay B. Hollander, MD

My wife Jill and I have enjoyed participating in the planning of this year’s North Central Section meeting in Chicago. The weather is predicted to be wonderful September 24th – 27th. It should be a great meeting for members to bring spouses or guests.

Chicago is our section’s greatest city with shopping, museums, dining and waterfront activities second to none. Howard Winfield has put
together an academic program that should interest our most ardent researchers and those preparing for recertification or maintenance of certification. Our invited speakers, special educational seminars and resident “Urology Bowl” competition will provide added attractions. The Thursday night dinner at the Adler Planetarium will include a special show in the planetarium itself. Friday night we hope to celebrate our sectional meeting with dinner, dancing and fun with friends and colleagues. It is with great pride that I can honor my mentor, Dr. Ananias Diokno, and extend a special invitation to all of you who have trained under or worked with him. We hope you can attend.

We thank the Program Committee, Howard Winfield, secretary, Gary Faerber, local arrangements chair, and Peter Knapp, treasurer, in addition to Wendy Weiser and Associates for helping to make another successful North Central Section meeting that will be very special for us.

Secretary’s Report

Howard Winfield, MD

As we are in the beautiful summer months, after an unusually bitter winter, the Planning Committee of the NCS is putting the finishing touches on what is anticipated to be an outstanding 82nd Annual Meeting, to be held in Chicago on September 24 – 27, 2008.

A robust and fast moving program is planned with over 220 high-quality presentations, three video sessions, pro-con debates and round table discussions of controversial and cuttingedge topics. The invited guest speakers include Drs. Gerald Jordan, Elspeth McDougall, Curtis Nickel and Brantley Thrasher, all of whom are authoritative leaders in their respective subspecialty fields. Due to the increased importance of GU ultrasonography, a pre-meeting hands-on course will be offered on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 directed by Dr. Patrick Fulgham. The three-hour morning didactic session is open to all attending the NCS meeting but the three-hour hands-on afternoon portion is limited to the first 36 urologists who register for the full course. Wednesday will also offer a GU research forum, which is anticipated to allow an important exchange of ideas and generate future collaborations between many of our sectional research leaders. The Young Urologist Committee will also meet on that day from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. with an emphasis on the financial aspects of today’s urologic practice. Keynote speaker Martin A. Lariviere, PhD, will address the topic of “Managing Patient Flow: A Critical Look at Clinical Operations”.

The early morning courses on Thursday and Friday, from 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m., are designed to give a rapid one-hour up-to-date overview on the subjects of pediatrics, female and male urinary incontinence, infertility, urolithiasis and renal malignancies. With the increasing requirements of recertification and maintenance of certification, such courses are expected to be increasingly in demand. In addition, new advances on single port access laparoscopy and robotics will be covered. We are fortunate to have a number of medical education lunch seminars covering important subjects and fully supported by our industry partners.

On Friday, September 26, we will again have the Presidential Round Table Discussion including AUA president John Barry, MD, AUA
secretary Robert Flanigan, MD and AUA past-president Larry Ross, MD. Our NCS president Jay Hollander, MD, will moderate the panel and undoubtedly stimulate a lively discussion. After the overwhelming success of last year’s Resident GU Bowl, we will again be undertaking this with a preliminary one-hour question session early on Saturday, September 27, followed by the finale Super Bowl 30-minute round later in the morning. It is expected to create great interest and entertainment as well as determine which programs have the “top gun” residents within the North Central Section.

As always, the NCS social program will be enjoyable and a great opportunity to mingle with old and new friends and colleagues. The
welcoming reception will be held on the evening of September 24, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. On Thursday, September 25, the theme night reception will be held at the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum. Finally, an elegant, black-tie-optional, President’s Annual Banquet will be held on Friday, September 26 in the Hyatt Regency Crystal Ballroom. We are anticipating a large turnout at this meeting.

We continue to accept nominations for the treasurer-elect position. The chosen person will begin working closely with Dr. Knapp, our
current treasurer, following our September meeting in Chicago and take over the reins at the conclusion of the 2009 annual meeting. The NCS Nominating Committee hopes to hold brief interviews with all interested candidates on Wednesday, September 24, 2008. Other important news, on a national level, is that the NCS has submitted the name of Richard Memo, MD, for the position of AUA treasurer. Dr. Memo has always held the torch high for NCS and we truly believe that he would be the right person for the AUA.

Finally, the NCS submitted the names of many of our leaders within the Section for AUA Awards 2008 – 2009. This year, Andrew Novick, MD, of Cleveland won the Ramon Guiteras Award, which is awarded annually to an individual who is deemed to have made outstanding contributions to the art and science of urology. Dr. Kenneth Kropp of Toledo won the Certificate of Achievement Award. This award, established in 1991, is presented annually to recognize lifetime career achievements in urology. We are extremely proud of these individuals and we send our heartfelt congratulations.

In closing, Lori and I wish you all a wonderful summer and we look forward to seeing you in Chicago, September 24 – 27.

Howard N. Winfield, MD

Treasurer’s Report

Peter M. Knapp, Jr., MD

The North Central Section of the AUA remains a strong and vibrant section of the AUA. The Interim Board Meeting held in Chicago, in February of 2008, brought together both experienced and new board members for an energized, constructive meeting. Our new president, Dr. Jay Hollander and new NCS secretary, Dr. Howard Winfield, conducted an excellent meeting addressing all of the challenges and opportunities facing the NCS.

The Finance Committee met at the NCS Interim Board Meeting in Chicago and reviewed the financial status of the North Central Section including the Annual Meeting and Educational Fund. The 2007 Annual Meeting was a financial success with moderate cash surplus. The Educational Fund demonstrated good financial returns for the first three quarters of 2007. The fourth quarter of 2007 met with a general market decline, resulting in only modest asset appreciation and earnings for the Educational Fund in 2007. The Educational Fund asset allocation fortunately was overweight in cash, thus minimizing the impact of the general market equity decline. Overall, the NCS was cash-flow positive for 2007 positioning us well for 2008.

Historically, the NCS has supported an AUA Foundation (AUAF) research scholar annually with a $30,000 grant from the NCS Educational Fund. Last year, the AUA initiated a matching program to fund the research scholars in perpetuity. The various sections of the AUA were asked to make a one time contribution of $125,000, to be matched by the AUA to create a fund whose earnings would support the various scholars annually. The NCS board approved the $125,000 contribution, which was paid earlier this year. The 2008 AUAF scholar will be paid by the NCS section, however, future NCS-sponsored AUAF scholars will be supported by the earnings from the new AUAF fund. The NCS Board and Executive Committee worked diligently with the AUAF in order to ensure proper funding and continued support of the AUAF Scholar Program. The AUAF Scholar Program is an example of the North Central Section’s commitment to support continued education and research.

I have continued to participate in the AUA Investment Committee, as the committee reviews the AUA Educational Fund asset allocation and investment strategy. Our involvement has benefited the NCS by giving us insight into the AUA investment advisors approach to Educational Fund investments and has assisted us in developing the investment strategy for the NCS Educational Fund.

President, Dr. Jay Hollander and secretary, Dr. Howard Winfield, have been working together to plan another outstanding NCS Annual Meeting this year in Chicago. The program will be filled with many outstanding state-of-the art presentations, as well as a new ultrasound training course. Local arrangements chairman, Dr. Gary Faerber will ensure that all attendees have an excellent experience in Chicago. I encourage all of you to block your calendars and plan to spend a few days with us in Chicago this fall. The program committee and local arrangements chairman have ensured us it will be an excellent educational opportunity and a chance to visit with your friends in the North Central Section.

We look forward to seeing all of you in Chicago.

Peter M. Knapp, Jr., MD

Message from the Local Arrangements Chair Couple

Gary Faerber, MD and Kathleen Cooney, MD

Kathy and I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to the 82nd Annual North
Central Section meeting in the wonderful and exciting city of Chicago, hosted at the Hyatt Regency Chicago Hotel on the Riverwalk. Dr. Hollander and the Planning Committee have arranged a fantastic meeting agenda, which promises to be one of the best. In keeping with the outstanding scientific meeting, the social events planned for the meeting should be fun filled and memorable. We hope you join us in Chicago!

Meeting Format
This year’s meeting will run from Wednesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 27, 2008. In addition to the scientific sessions, a special course, entitled “Ultrasound in the Office” will be offered on Wednesday, September 24 and promises to be very informative and highly sought after. Limited space is available so be sure to pre-register. Also offered on Wednesday are the Young Urologists Session, the Research Forum, and an Industry Sponsored Luncheon. Please sign up for these events on the enclosed registration form.

The highly informative early morning Breakfast Sessions will be offered on Thursday, September 25 and Friday, September 26 beginning at 6:30 a.m. The General Sessions will kick off at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, with an introductory welcome from Dr. Hollander, our NCS president. Sessions will run from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. in the form of podium and poster presentations, interspersed with special guest lectures, point / counterpoint and panel discussions for both days. The morning of Saturday, September 27, will consist of podium presentations, a special lecture and, back for its second year, the North Central Section Resident Bowl. The scientific meeting will conclude on Saturday with award presentations and final remarks by the incoming president.

Spouse / Guest Hospitality
The Spouse / Guest Hospitality Suite will be located in the Grand Suite #3, Gold Level, and remain open between 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. Breakfast will be available daily for registered spouses / guests (badges required). A representative from the Local Arrangements Committee will be available between 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. each morning to assist in answering questions about activities and evening functions. In addition, maps and guidebooks of the Chicago area will be available.

Evening Functions, Optional Tours
President Jay Hollander and his wife Jill will greet members and guests at the President’s Reception at the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum. Members and guests will be able to explore the fantastic exhibits, which include a voyage through our solar system, a three-dimensional tour of the Milky Way, and the exhilarating adventure of man’s quest to land on the moon. As an added bonus, we will be treated to a private show in the Sky Theater. Finally, the Annual Banquet will be held at the Hyatt Regency in the Crystal Ballroom, beginning with cocktails at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. This event will feature delicious culinary delights, music and dancing.

Hotel Information
The North Central Section has selected the Hyatt Regency Chicago to host the 79 th Annual Meeting. In the heart of the city’s shopping and business district, Hyatt Regency Chicago is ideally located among luxury hotels in Chicago — at the top of the “Magnificent Mile,” on Chicago’s Riverwalk. Newly renovated among downtown Chicago hotels, the Hyatt Regency Chicago is just steps away from the theater and business districts, parks, museums and cultural attractions of the Chicago Loop. You can look forward to an exciting stay in the Windy City!

Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
Main Telephone Number: (312) 565-1234
Main Fax Number: (312) 565-2966
Toll Free Reservations: (800) 233-1234 or Hyatt Regency Hotel Rooms for NCS
Website: www.chicagoregency.hyatt.com

Room Rates and Reservations
The North Central Section has blocked rooms at the Hyatt Regency Chicago at a discounted rate of $217 for Single / Double Occupancy rooms. One night’s room and tax (currently 15.4%) will be due at the time the reservation is made. To make your reservation, please contact the Hyatt Regency Chicago (800) 233-1234 or (312) 565-1234. In order to receive the discounted room rates, please make sure to mention that you are a participant of the North Central Section meeting. The deadline to receive these special room rates is Wednesday, August 20, 2008. Make your reservations early!

Check In/Check-out Times
Please note that the check-in time at the hotel is 3:00 p.m. and the check-out time is 12:00 p.m.

Travel and Transportation Information
Ground Transportation

Car Rental
Avis Rent-A-Car is the official rental car company for the NCS Annual Meeting. You are not required to use them, but we encourage you to take advantage of their special offer.

You must return the car at the same renting location, or additional surcharges may apply. All rates include unlimited free mileage. Rates do not include any state or local surcharges, tax, optional coverage or gas refueling charges. Weekend daily rates are available from 12:00 p.m. Thursday through 11:59 p.m. Monday. When making your reservations, dial (800) 331-1600 and mention code “J901555” to receive the discounted rates.

Taxi
Yellow Cab
(312) 829-4222
yellowcabchicago.com

Airport Service
Continental Airport Express
888-2THEVAN ((888) 284-3826)
Online reservations can be made at www.airportexpress.com.

Childcare
For information on available childcare service during the meeting, please visit www.americanchildcare.com.

2008 NCS NEEDS, OBJECTIVES AND CME ACCREDITATION

Needs Assessment
The field of urology continues to rapidly grow. Urologic abnormalities can present with a myriad of clinical symptoms and signs. Thus, accurate evaluation, differential diagnoses and disease management, which meet current standards of care, require ongoing review of the presentations of various urologic abnormalities. In addition, the appropriate use of safe and cost-effective imaging modalities as well as various pharmacologic, minimally invasive, and operative management options are paramount to the safety of our urologic patients. Advancements in medical science and progress in the management of various urologic diseases require basic and clinical research. Presentation and discussion of such peer-reviewed investigations provide “cutting-edge” updates for practicing clinicians and essential feedback to researchers on the practical applications and translation of their investigations to clinical practice. Finally, the program was created using available membership feedback from previous meeting surveys. Specifically, socioeconomic issues, practice patterns and “future of urology issues” were all emphasized in the program, in addition to the typical science. Furthermore, trends in minimally invasive therapy, new advances in uro-oncologic pharmacotherapy as well as preparatory courses for GU certification / recertification examinations were emphasized. With increasing pressure from the field of radiology an optional hands-on course in urologic ultrasound (AUA – Course of Choice) is offered with Level 2 verification of skills.

Educational Objectives
At the conclusion of the meeting participants should be able to:

• Recognize clinical presentation and treatment options of various urologic abnormalities
• List the various minimally invasive treatment options for BPH and their risks / benefits
• Review the current evaluation and management of prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain
• Review urologic laparoscopic applications in adult and pediatric patients, and receive an introduction to single-port laparoscopic interventions
• Evaluate data pertaining to various pharmacologic, surgical and medical treatment options for voiding dysfunction and urinary incontinence
• Evaluate presented data comparing open versus perineal versus robotic prostatectomy for management of prostate cancer
• Describe current medical and surgical evaluation and management options for urolithiasis
• Recognize new and modified treatments for erectile dysfunction, infertility, and penile / urethral pathology
• Assess current and novel treatment options for complex urethral stricture disease and genitourinary organ trauma
• Evaluate results of various laparoscopic approaches and techniques for benign and malignant urologic diseases
• Evaluate research results and clinical series on management of prostate cancer and early diagnosis / screening techniques for prostate cancer in various patient populations
• Review common pediatric urologic diseases and treatment updates
• Describe prognostic significance and treatment options of various stages and grades of bladder cancer in addition to urinary diversion approaches
• Analyze and discuss the current status of surgical simulation in urologic training
• Name socioeconomic factors affecting urologic training and clinical practice
• Report an update in medical oncology and chemotherapy in GU cancers, focusing primarily on renal cell cancer
• Formulate issues related to the future of urology practice
• Analyze application and results of robotic surgery, in particular prostate procedures

UROLOGIC ULTRASOUND COURSE
September 24, 2008

Target Audience
The program is designed for urologists and urology residents.

Course Description / Purpose / Need
The increasing use of diagnostic ultrasound in urology indicates the need for didactic and hands-on training in urologic ultrasound and for urologists to demonstrate proficiency in performing and documenting studies.

Pre-Requisite
Attendees are encouraged to complete the AUA Basic Ultrasound DVD and take the online test prior to attending the ultrasound course to enhance their understanding and clinical benefit from the course.

Course Goal
This course is designed to provide urologists with the knowledge and skills for performing urologic ultrasound. There will be a combination of didactic training, hands-on instruction and evaluation of proficiency. All course attendees will receive CME credit.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:

• Apply the physical principles of ultrasonography to urologic ultrasound
• Employ the various ultrasound probes and machine settings to optimize imaging
• Describe the indications for ultrasound for the kidney, bladder, scrotum, and prostate
• Identify normal ultrasound anatomy and the most common abnormal findings of the kidney, bladder, scrotum and prostate
• Successfully perform and document examinations of the kidneys, bladder, and scrotum (hands-on labs do not include transrectal ultrasound of the prostate)

Accreditation Statement: The American Urological Association (AUA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The AUA takes responsibility for the content, quality, and scientific integrity of this CME activity.

Credit Designation: The American Urological Association designates this educational activity for a maximum of 28.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

AUA Disclosure Policy: As a provider accredited by the ACCME, the AUA must ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all its activities.

All faculty participating in an educational activity provided by the AUA are required to disclose to the audience any relevant financial
relationships with any commercial interest to the provider. The intent of this disclosure is not to prevent faculty with relevant financial relationships from serving as faculty, but rather to provide members of the audience with information on which they can make their own judgments. The AUA must resolve any conflicts of interest prior to the commencement of the educational activity. It remains for the audience to determine if the faculty’s relationships may influence the educational content with regard to exposition or conclusion. When unlabeled or unapproved uses are discussed, these are also indicated.

Unlabeled or Unapproved Use of Drugs or Devices: It is the policy of the AUA to require the disclosure of all references to unlabeled or unapproved uses or drugs or devices prior to the presentation of educational content. The audience is advised that this continuing medical education activity may contain reference(s) to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please consult the prescribing information for full disclosure of approved uses.

Disclaimer: The opinions and recommendations expressed by faculty, authors, and other experts whose input is included in this program are their own and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of the AUA.

Evidence-Based Content: As a provider of continuing medical education, accredited by the ACCME, it is the policy of the AUA to review and certify that the content contained in this CME activity is valid, fair, balanced, scientifically rigorous, and free of commercial bias.

Special Assistance: We encourage participation by all individuals. If you have a disability, advance notification of any special needs will help us better serve you. Call (847) 517-1544 if you require special assistance to fully participate in the meeting.

North Central Section of the AUA, Inc.
PROPOSED BYLAWS CHANGES 2008

Article IV – COMMITTEES
Section 11 – Education Committee
(a) The Education Committee will evaluate educational opportunities, approaches and philosophies as they relate to the Section. Specifically, the Committee will address the content and approach of the Annual Meeting, ongoing educational issues of section members, and any concerns the members may have as they relate to urologic education within the Section. They will be advisory to the Board of Directors.
(b) This Committee will meet annually, at the Annual Meeting.
(c) The Committee will be comprised of a chair (selected by Board), one “at large” Board member (selected by the Board), the current year local arrangements chair, the next year’s local arrangements chair, and the NCS Secretary. The term of the chair will be 3 years, renewable once. The other positions will rotate as their Board positions rotate. At the discretion of the Chairman, one member of the committee will report to the Board of Directors and the members of the section (Annual Business Meeting).

Article II – OFFICERS
Section 1 – Officers and Executive Committee

The Officers shall be the President, the President-Elect, the Immediate Past President, the Secretary, the Secretary-Elect, the Treasurer, the Treasurer-Elect and the Historian. Each Officer shall serve without financial remuneration from the termination of the Annual Meeting at which he or she is elected until the termination of the Annual Meeting at which his or her successor has been chosen or until his or her successor has otherwise been chosen. No member shall serve more than one term in any office, provided a member can serve up to three one-year terms as Historian and a member can serve in more than one office, though not concurrently. Each Officer must be an Active or Senior Member in good standing and elected by a majority vote at the Annual Business Meeting. Vacancies that occur in any of the offices may be filled for the unexpired term by a majority vote of the Board of
Directors. The officers shall comprise “the Executive Committee”. The Executive Committee is empowered and may, on occasion, make policy and/or other decisions, but remain primarily advisory to the Board and Long Range Planning Committee to present issues to the Board for decisions on matters of the Section.

Article IV – COMMITTEES
Section 14 – Long Range Planning Committee
The Committee shall consist of the President, the President-Elect, the Treasurer, the immediate Past-President, the Representative to the AUA, the Chair of the Young Leadership Committee, the Chair of the Education Committee, the Secretary-Elect and the Treasurer-Elect. The Secretary shall serve as the Chair of the Committee. It shall assess the Section’s activities and membership needs and be primarily advisory to the Board of Directors regarding policy and programs.

PROPOSED BYLAWS CHANGES
All proposed amendments to the Bylaws shall be submitted to the Board of Directors for consideration prior to being published, sixty
(60) days before the annual meeting.

About Chicago, Illinois

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the heart of the Midwest, Chicago is home to the blues, several sports teams, an internationally acclaimed symphony orchestra, spectacular live theater, celebrated architecture, and thousands of restaurants, museums and shops.

Restaurants
Chicago features thousands of restaurants that offer culinary favorites to suit every taste, budget, and mood. Whether the preference is Chicago-style hot dogs or a burger, fried clams or smoked ostrich, pirogues or pizza, Chicago has it all. Soul food, Italian, Chinese, French, Japanese, Mexican, Asian, or Spanish...Chicago offers a virtual United Nations of eating choices. Ethnic
neighborhoods such as Chinatown, Greektown, West Rogers Park, and Pilsen are among those offering tempting tastes from around the world. Chicago is also proud to be home of award-winning restaurants and world-renowned chefs, as well as home to deep-dish pizza — one of Chicago’s most important contributions to 20th century culture.

Museums
Chicago is world-renowned for its diverse collection of museums, which explores a variety of subjects including Chicago history, art, African-American culture, astronomy and natural history.

Those visiting Chicago should plan on spending time at Chicago’s Museum Campus. The scenic park conveniently joins the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, the Shedd Aquarium / Oceanarium, and the Field Museum of Natural History, with easy access to all three locations.

The Shedd Aquarium offers the world’s largest array of more than 8,000 aquatic mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and fish. After exploring the oceans, attendees can gaze up at the heavens in the nearby Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum. The Field Museum offers exciting displays of mummies, Egyptian tombs, Native American artifacts, and dinosaur skeletons.

Other Chicago museums include the Chicago Historical Society (the city’s oldest cultural institution), the Museum of Science and Industry, the DuSable Museum of African-American History, the Art Institute of Chicago (one of the world’s leading art museums), the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Museum of Contemporary Photography.

Attractions
In addition to world-renowned museums, Chicago is home to a variety of spectacular attractions including Navy Pier — the city’s lakefront playground and the state’s most popular attraction. Navy Pier offers visitors a unique blend of family-oriented attractions, from the thrilling ride on the Wave Swinger in Pier Park to the 3-D Time Escape ride. The Pier also boasts the 150-foot high ferris wheel, a musical carousel, the Chicago Children’s Museum, a variety of restaurants and the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.

In addition, Chicago’s latest showcase — Millennium Park — opened in July 2004. The 24.5-acre park has instantly become a world-class attraction and a Chicago landmark. It contains an outdoor performing arts pavilion, an indoor year-round theatre, restaurant, ice-skating rink, contemporary garden, public art, fountains, promenade area for special events, and landscaped walkways and green spaces.

Other attractions not to miss include Buckingham Fountain at Grant Park, the Hancock Observatory, and the Sears Tower Skydeck.

Shopping
A visit to Chicago would be incomplete without a shopping spree. Shopping in Chicago began on State Street, with the opening of the original Marshall Field’s department store in 1852. Today, shoppers at Macy’s (the old Marshall Field’s flagship store) will find an outstanding selection of men’s and women’s apparel, an extensive house wares department, several fine restaurants, a food court and a visitors’ center. State Street is also home to another famous Chicago department store, Carson Pirie Scott, where customers are drawn into the entrance of the store by the ornate ironwork designed by Chicago architect Louis Sullivan in 1899.

A shopping spree must include a visit to the famed “Magnificent Mile,” which runs along Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to the Chicago River. Amidst department store giants such as Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s, are hundreds of specialty shops and boutiques offering goods from around the world. Oak Street, just west of Michigan Avenue, is a boutique shopper’s dream.

An abundance of shopping can also be found at The Shops at North Bridge, Water Tower Place, the 900 North Michigan Avenue Shops, Chicago Place Shopping Center, Navy Pier, dozens of Chicago neighborhoods, and The Shops at the Mart, located at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart.

Architecture
Visitors from around the world come to Chicago, the birthplace of the modern building, to admire its architectural marvels. From historic landmark buildings to contemporary technological masterpieces, Chicago is built of the unique and innovative designs that have shaped American architecture. The city is a living museum of architecture, thanks to the work of such greats as Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Helmut Jahn and hundreds of others.

Chicago is home to the world’s first skyscraper, designed by William Le Baron Jenney in 1885. Although the Home Insurance Building no longer stands, today Chicago is also home to three of the world’s 10 tallest buildings, including the Sears Tower, which opened in 1974. Other city landmark buildings include the Chicago Cultural Center — completed in 1897 in the Beaux Arts style, Adler and Sullivan’s 1889 Auditorium Building, and the Art Deco-era Chicago Board of Trade Building, designed by Holabird and Root in 1929.

To learn more about Chicago’s acclaimed architecture, the Chicago Architecture Foundation offers more than 50 walking or bus tours, conducted by knowledgeable guides. Architectural boat cruises on the Chicago River, as well as self-guided, taped walking tours, are also available.

Weather
In September, the temperature ranges from an average low of 57° F to an average high of 76° F.

Complimentary Trolley Service
Chicago’s Free Trolley System offers service to some of the city’s most popular museums, shopping destinations and visitor attractions. The trolleys travel to and from Navy Pier, the Museum Campus, Lincoln Park Zoo, Michigan Avenue and State Street, with many stops in between. The trolleys require no ticket or reservation — simply catch a trolley at a stop marked by a “Free Trolley” sign. Free trolleys are marked with signs in their front windows. Riders must board 30 minutes before service ends. In September, there will be weekend service only, on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The Hyatt Regency Chicago Concierge staff will be happy to offer you additional information and ideas regarding transportation, sightseeing, shopping, dining and entertainment, so that you can make the most of your time in Chicago.

GENERAL MEETING INFORMATION

NCS Pre-Registration
The Executive Office of the North Central Section manages registration for the 82nd Annual Meeting of the North Central Section. Please
call the NCS office at (847) 517-1544 if you have any questions.

Registration Fee Includes:

• Scientific Sessions
• Continental Breakfasts
• Breakout Sessions
• Technical Exhibit Entrance
• One Ticket to Welcome Reception
• One Ticket to President’s Theme Night
• One Ticket to Annual Banquet
• Box Lunch

Spouse / Guest Registration Fee Includes:

• Hospitality Suite
• One Ticket to Welcome Reception
• One Ticket to President’s Theme Night
• One Ticket to Annual Banquet

Deadline: September 5, 2008 is the deadline for receipt of the NCS Meeting Pre-Registration Form. All registration forms received at the North Central Section Executive Office after September 5, 2008, will be considered on-site registration and will be assessed the onsite registration prices. All on-site registration in Chicago, Illinois will also be charged the higher, on-site registration prices.

Refunds: Requests for registration refunds must be submitted in writing to the NCS Executive Office and must be received by September 5, 2008. All refund requests will be subject to a $100 processing fee. NO REFUNDS will be made after September 5, 2008.

NCS Pre-Registrants: NCS pre-registrants will receive a complete registration packet on site at the registration desk located off the hotel lobby. The packet will include badges, NCS social tickets, and general meeting information.

On-Site Registration: On-site registration will be located at the Grand Registration South Desk, Gold Level.

Registration Hours are as Follows:
Wednesday, September 24, 2008         8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 25, 2008          6:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday, September 26, 2008            6:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 27, 2008          6:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Important Pre-Registration Information

• Pre-register by September 5, 2008, to avoid being charged the on-site registration prices.
• No meeting registration refunds after September 5, 2008.
• Cancellations must be in writing; refunds requested before September 5, 2008 will be subject to a $100.00 processing fee.
• No refunds will be issued at the on-site registration desk for optional tours and event cancellations.

Spouse / Guest Hospitality Suite
The Spouse / Guest Hospitality Suite will be located in Grand Suite 3, Gold Level, East Tower, from 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., serving a buffet breakfast each morning until 10:00 a.m. For the remainder of the time, the suite will host snacks and beverages until closing.

Please note that the suite is for registered spouses / guests only; badges will be required for entry.

Evening Functions
One ticket to each evening function is included in your registration fee.

Welcome Reception with Wine Tasting
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Attire: Business Casual
Location: Exhibition Hall, Hyatt Regency Chicago

President’s Reception
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2008
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
        (7:00 p.m. – Bus departure from West Tower Lobby)
Attire: Business Casual
Location: Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum

Annual Banquet
Date: Friday, September 26, 2008
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Annual Banquet Reception
         7:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Annual Banquet
Attire: Black Tie Optional
Location: Crystal Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Chicago

Current List of Exhibitors (as of 08/08/08)