Frequently Asked Questions

How do I submit an abstract? To submit an abstract, it is first necessary to log into ProgramMaster. If you have not used ProgramMaster before, you will need to register. Registration is free. If you are a TMS member, you may use your member information to log in. Once you are logged in, select "Submit an Abstract" from the main menu.

How long should my abstract be? Abstracts should be no longer than 150 words.

How should the text be formatted? The abstract should be typed in plain text, which you will copy and paste into the ProgramMaster block.

Do I need to submit an extended abstract? No, unless it is specified for your symposium.

What is the abstract deadline? The abstract deadline is July 1, 2019. While a short deadline extension is customary, not all organizers agree to this extension if their symposium is full. It is best to submit your abstract by the published deadline, July 1. Failure to do so may jeopardize your ability to participate.

What are the abstract topics? Technical topics for this year's meeting can be found here.

Do I have to be a TMS member to submit an abstract? No, you do not need to be a TMS member. But if you are not a member, you must create a login on ProgramMaster in order to submit your abstract. This process is free. (Members do not need to create a registration; they can log in to the ProgramMaster system using their TMS member login information.)

I’m only submitting a poster; what process should I use? Posters are submitted through ProgramMaster as well. Select the appropriate symposium from the list available on the ProgramMaster site, then follow the instructions for submitting an abstract.

What happens if I save my abstract in ProgramMaster but do not submit it? No one will see your abstract until you hit the submit button. Once you have saved your abstract, you may go back and edit your submission, but TMS does not receive it until you press submit.

How can I edit an abstract? Only abstracts with the following statuses can be edited: "Submitted" or "Saved But Not Submitted." You can edit the abstract via the "Presenter/Author Tools" link from the main menu of ProgramMaster. You will see which items are available for viewing only and which are available for editing.

Does TMS offer airfare discounts? No. Transportation arrangements to/from the Annual Meeting are the attendee’s responsibility.

What is the closest airport to the meeting site? The San Diego International Airport is located three miles from downtown San Diego and 10 minutes from the San Diego Convention Center.

What is the primary language of the meeting? All presentations, proceedings, documents, and communications are in English.

What is the currency? All transactions related to TMS2020 are in U.S. dollars.

What is the time zone in San Diego, California? The time zone is Pacific Standard Time.

Will I need a voltage adaptor if I’m visiting from outside the United States? North American electricity is generated at 120 volts/60 Hz. If you come from a country with a different standard, you will need a voltage adaptor.

What is the weather like in San Diego? The weather is temperate year-round in San Diego, with average temperatures in February ranging from 51°F to 66°F. Weather forecasts can be accessed at The Weather Channel website.

What are the dates of the Annual Meeting? The meeting starts on Sunday, February 23, and ends on Thursday, February 27. Registration opens Sunday morning. You should plan to attend the entire meeting.

Does my presentation need to be in a certain format? It is recommended, but not required, that you use the TMS PowerPoint template. This template will be available in the near future in the Attendee Toolbox section of the website. Laptop computers and LCD projectors will be available in each session room for PowerPoint presentations. Please bring a USB drive to upload your presentation to the laptop computer in your session room. Because laptops will be provided, computer switching docks will not be available for this meeting. If you plan to use your computer for your presentation, please make sure to bring the necessary adaptors to connect your computer onsite.

What are the time constraints for presentations? In general, contributed presentations should last about 20 minutes. Please do not extend your presentation beyond your assigned time as a courtesy to all presenters. If you need a question and answer period, this consideration must be incorporated in your assigned speaking time.

Do you offer a speaker-ready room? We do not have a speaker-ready room, but there will be an opportunity to practice your presentation in your assigned room before the session begins.

Since I am a presenter, do I have to pay to attend? Yes, but be sure to register at the discounted presenter’s rate.

Do I need to use a poster template? No, but each poster presenter may use up to a 4' x 4' space (approximately 122 cm x 122 cm). Any visual aids which might clarify the results of your own work are encouraged. These can include diagrams, charts, figures, illustrations, etc. Do not, however, post your paper text. Graphics should be simple, colorful, well labeled, and clear. The title should be written in letters 1-2 inches (2 to 5 cm) high, and all material should be readable from a distance of 7 feet (2 m).

Since I am a poster presenter, do I have to pay to attend? Yes, but be sure to register at the discounted presenter’s rate.

What should I do when I arrive? Pick up your name badge and conference guide at the Registration desk. You can obtain a receipt at this station. Please notify the registration staff if a stamp is required for the receipt.

How do I find my session room for presentation? The session rooms and presentations are listed in the Final Program, available through the TMS2020 app and on the TMS2020 website. Print copies of the final program will also be available at the conference for those desiring them.

How do I access WiFi? Specific information about wireless internet access and locations will be available in February 2020.

Who do I contact with questions related to my presentation? The Technical Programming Support Desk will be open each day to answer any questions that presenters may have about the program. Specific information about the Technical Programming Support Desk location will be available in February 2020.

Are participation certificates available? Certificates will be available for Organizers, Session Chairs, and Presenters at the Technical Programming Support Desk beginning on Tuesday, February 25.

How do I provide comments about the meeting? All conference participants are asked to complete the attendee survey which will be sent via e-mail after the conference.

What if I lost my receipt? If you need a receipt for your conference registration, contact TMS Customer Service.

What if I lost my certificate? ? If you need a certificate of participation, contact the TMS Programming Department. Include the title of your presentation and the name of your symposium in your e-mail request.