Opening Reception & Exhibit Show

Please join us in renewing old friendships, welcoming new participants and supporting our exhibitors at this year's Opening Reception and 2006 Exhibit Show on Saturday, July 22, in the Sheraton Hotel Ballroom. The reception will begin at 7:30p.m. and is free for registered participants. All other must purchase tickets for $50. Nametags are required for entry to ballroom.

Banquet and Award Ceremony

Our annual banquet and awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, July 26, at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel (adjacent to the Sheraton). Of all Hawaii hotels, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel has remained an icon of luxury and romance for over a century. This legendary Waikiki Beach hotel known as "The Pink Palace of the Pacific," is recognized around the world. Winners of the 2006 Poster Prizes will be announced, along with a presentation by Louis Delbaere, currently ACA President, who will present his Past President's Address. Reception with cash bar begins at 6:30p.m. with dinner beginning at 7:30p.m. Dinner tickets for registered students are $25. Tickets for all others are $55. The menu will include a three-course meal with your choice of beef, chicken or vegetarian entree. Please indicate your entree preference on the registration form.

Mentor/Mentee Dinner

Since 1995 the ACA has sponsored a Mentor/Mentee Dinner to provide a relaxed atmosphere for young scientists to network and seek mentors within the crystallographic community.

On Monday July 24, young scientists will have the opportunity to discuss their science and career aspirations with the mentors present. While there is no obligation to maintain contacts made during this event, we hope that both Mentors and Mentees will find it a rewarding experience.

Mentees are usually considered students, post-docs, and early career teachers/scientists (i.e. non-tenured assistant professors) while Mentors are typically more experienced researchers, although assistant professors wishing to mentor are more than welcome to do so. Since the success of this event depends strongly on Mentees being able to interact individually with Mentors, this year we are hoping to have a equal number of Mentors and Mentees. Therefore, if you feel able to offer your time as a Mentor, it would be greatly appreciated by the Young Scientists.

The location of the dinner will be at an area restaurant within walking distance of the meeting site. Participation in the event is $20 per ticket for Mentees and $30 for Mentors. Tickets must be purchased by June 1.

Young Scientist Mixer

The Young Scientist Mixer is one of the meeting's most popular events. The mixer provides a great opportunity for young scientists (students, postdocs, and early career scientists/teachers) to network and socialize. The 2006 Mixer is scheduled for Sunday, July 23 on the Diamond Head Lawn, beginning at 8:30pm. The mixer is enthusiastically supported largely by Nextal Biotechnologies, a Qiagen company. There will be no charge for registered students or postdocs but you must indicate on your registration form if you wish to attend. Tickets will be available for $12 for all others and guests.

Polynesian Cultural Center Excursion

A tour to the Polynesian Cultural Center has been organized for Friday, July 28. At this lush 42-acre cultural park, living history meets fun-filled humor for the whole family to enjoy. Families love the jokes that real native islanders share as they illustrate the lives of villagers from Samoa, Tonga, Aotearoa New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, Old Hawaii, and the Marquesas. The curious can learn how to play the nose flute, weave baskets, blow conch shells, make coconut bread and much more.

#1 Ali'i Luau Package

Far more than an ordinary Waikiki l'au, the award-winning Ali'i Luau celebrates the ancient tradition of Hawaiian royalty. This must-see experience includes a re-enactment of the royal court procession, the traditional ritual of removing the roasted pig from underground fire pit (or imu), a feast fit for a king and the best entertainment from old and new Hawaii. Package includes:

o 12:00p.m. admission to 7 villages

o Canoe rides

o "Raindrops of Paradise" long canoe pageant

o Tram tour of Laie

o IMAX™ film presentation

o Ali'i Luau dinner and "Horizons" show

o Preferred seating at night show

o Fresh Flower Lei

o "Free within Three"

o Transportation to and from the Sheraton Hotel

Adult tickets are $78; Children ages 3-11 $59

#2 Admission/Show Package

The Admission/Show package lets you stroll through the authentic villages of seven Polynesian cultures. Experience firsthand the islands' only canoe pageant, an IMAX™ film, a tram tour of Laie, canoe rides and reserved seating at our famous "Horizons" evening show. Dinner may be purchased separately at one of the on-premise restaurants. Package includes:

o 12:00 admission to 7 villages

o Canoe rides

o Long canoe pageant

o Tram tour of Laie

o Reserved seating at night show

o IMAX™ film presentation

o "Free within Three"

o Transportation to and from the Sheraton Hotel

Adult tickets are $56; Children ages 3-11 $43

For more information, visit www.polynesia.com

Tickets for the excursion must be pre-purchased on the Advance Registration Form. Busses will leave the Sheraton Hotel at approximately 12:15p.m. and return around 9:00p.m.