Health and Wellness at the 104th Annual Meeting

From its inception, the AMS has been committed to health and safety, and we are striving to prioritize the overall wellness of presenters, attendees, exhibitors, program chairs, staff, and any volunteers who attend our meetings in-person and virtually. For the 104th Annual Meeting, the highest priority remains the health and safety of everyone attending the meeting, as well as the community of Baltimore, MD. AMS provides a number of resources to help promote and maintain a supportive and positive meeting environment. We encourage all meeting participants to be mindful of their fellow attendees’ physical, emotional and social well-being throughout the meeting.

We encourage you to visit the Annual Meeting Health and Wellness page for more information and a complete list of resources.

Safety at the 104th Annual Meeting

In order to maintain a safe environment at every meeting both inside and outside, AMS recommends the following safety tips for all attendees.

• While off-site meeting grounds, remove your badge or tuck it into your clothing so it is not visible.
• Do not leave your badge unattended at any time. In addition, do not let anyone have access to your badge for any purpose.
• Never give a stranger your hotel room number.
• When out in an urban area, travel in groups or pairs.
• Plan your route before you go so you do not get lost
• Keep your valuables out of sight.
• Know how to get help if you need it. 
• Do not leave valuables in your hotel room. If you must, please use the safe in your room.
• Remember to lock the deadbolt in your room when you are inside your room.
• Check the lock on any rooms connecting to yours.

If there is a Security Issue during the AMS Annual Meeting, you should seek out an AMS Staff Member (identified with a blue “STAFF” ribbon on his/her conference badge (many Staff can be found at the AMS Registration Desk, Info Desk, or Speaker Ready Room)).

Examples of security issues, which include ANY unsafe, unruly, or disruptive behavior in the Convention Center or AMS HQ Hotel, include:

• Disruption of a session or presentation
• Any filming in a session room
• Filming without permission in Exhibit Hall
• Altercation of argument of any kind

If you witness or experience behavior that constitutes an immediate and serious threat, please call 911.

The Downtown Baltimore Guides by Baltimore Downtown Partnership (“DBGs”) serve as goodwill ambassadors, information sources, and positive welcoming advocates. Their many responsibilities include:

• Hospitality: Creating a hospitable presence on the streets.
• Safety Patrols: Patrolling designated areas on foot as “eyes and ears” of the community.
• Emergency Assistance: Assisting with emergency situations.
• Crime Monitoring: Monitoring criminal incidents but not physically engaging. If they witness criminal or unsafe activity, DBGs contact the Police and follow up with victims.
• Homeless Assistance: Assisting homeless individuals and others in need and attempting to connect such persons to services or housing.

You can request a free security escort to-and-from Downtown destinations by filling out a service request form. Or call (410) 802-9631 (10:30am-7pm) and (443)401-3156 (7-10:30pm)

You can also visit the Baltimore FAQ page for more safety information.

Inclusivity at AMS

 AMS is committed to creating an environment for meetings that “embraces diversity through the inclusion of individuals across age, gender, race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, physical ability, marital status, sexual orientation, body shape or size, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic status, and other facets of social diversity” (see: Diversity and Inclusion at AMS).  

Equity, Accessibility, & Inclusivity at the 104th Annual Meeting

At the core of the AMS’s mission is the personal and professional well-being of the AMS members, staff, and the communities the Society serves. The AMS is committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming culture that fosters creativity, innovation, and collaboration.

• Meeting participants can share the languages they speak with a sticker for their badge.
• Meeting participants can share their pronouns on their badge.
• AMS has child care grants to assist Annual Meeting attendees.
• AMS Meetings staff provide accessibility accommodations in accordance with the ADA.
• AMS, with guidance from the BRAID Committee on Accessibility, provides oral and poster presenters with tips to help them make their presentations accessible to all.
• AMS meeting space has all gender restrooms.
• AMS has developed and continually ensures that all attendees follow its policy “Professional and Respectful Conduct at AMS Meetings" while attending the 104th Annual Meeting.
• A lactation room will be available at the Baltimore Convention Center.
• The Quiet and Meditation Rooms are open to all attendees.
• In keeping with our goal to ensure that anyone who wants to participate in the Annual Meeting can do so - the AMS supported a program to provide financial support for complimentary and reduced registration fees.
• BRAID has developed a list of Presenter Accessibility Recommendations to ensure inclusivity and accessibility to all participants 

The Fifth Symposium on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is sponsored by the American Meteorological Society and organized by the AMS Culture and Inclusion Cabinet.  Sessions will be held Wednesday 31 January and Thursday 1 February.

The Coriolis Committee of the Board on Representation, Accessibility, Inclusion, and Diversity (BRAID) is proud to announce three events for the AMS lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersexual, asexual, and two-spirited (LGBTQIA2+) communities and their allies planned for the 2024 AMS Annual Meeting in Baltimore:

• The 15th annual Coriolis Reception will be held in the Pisces Room at the Hyatt Hotel on Monday, January 29, 2024 from 7:30-10:00PM EST. This reception provides opportunities to mentor, network, and connect with individuals who share common professional and personal interests. Students and professionals at all stages of their careers and their spouses or partners are encouraged to attend. Light refreshments and a cash bar will be provided.
• An inclusive support space for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals and their allies on Tuesday. The location will be shared shortly. This year’s event, titled “Transcending Barriers: Earth Sciences through Trans and Non-Binary Lenses” will commence with a brief group activity promoting collaboration and community-building. The remainder of the time will be dedicated to networking and socializing, providing an opportunity to connect with both old and new friends and build meaningful connections. Whether you prefer to join virtually or in person, this event will be open to all.

• BRAID will host networking pods throughout the week. This space will provide non-enclosed seating options for attendees to chat informally. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the Annual Meeting to build your network. Check the online program and Annual Meeting website for the schedule.

Attendees can follow AMSBRAID on Facebook and @amsbriad on Twitter for relevant updates and announcements.

Please reach out to Katy Putsavage [email protected] (Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion) or Jen Ives [email protected] (Director of Meetings) if you have any questions.