The 32nd National Agricultural Plastics Congress
Saturday, March 5 to Tuesday, March 8

About Plasticulture 2005 | Preliminary Program | Information for Exhibitors & Sponsors | Our Congress Hotel
Call for Papers

About Plasticulture 2005

The world's leading researchers in plasticulture, the top extension professionals, cutting-edge companies in agricultural and horticultural plastics, and growers will convene in March of 2005 for the 32nd National Agricultural Plastics Congress. This unique gathering has served as the birthplace of innovations that increase agricultural productivity and profitability through the use of plastics since its inception in 1961.

At Plasticulture 2005 you'll experience the diversity that is the hallmark of the American Society for Plasticulture. The Congress brings together presenters from around the world who will offer nearly 60 groundbreaking research reports. For the first time in 2005, the Congress Proceedings will also include additional reports from researchers who are unable to attend, but have information to share. And the 32nd Congress will feature new Technical Shorts where researchers, manufacturers, growers, suppliers, extension leaders and others can give a brief update on products, services, research, and ideas.

The Congress offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to meet and learn from world-renowned researchers and to gather feedback from extension professionals and crop consultants about the application of the technologies in production. The program includes many planned opportunities for vital networking among researchers, extension faculty, growers, and plastics manufacturers and distributors from around the world.

Plasticulture ’05: Where people with ideas . . . Meet people who make things happen

Charleston, South Carolina, is the site for the 32nd National Agricultural Plastics Congress. This charming old Southern vacation city has a wonderful waterfront, many great restaurants, and famous local artistry. Southern Living magazine called Charleston "a vibrant testament to what's special about the south" saying it was "laden with surprises for the intrepid traveler . . . full of coastal charm and Southern Goodness."

The area surrounding this beautiful city also lends itself to the opportunity for our usual agricultural tour to become something truly unique. And we are adding a pre-Congress tour for those who want to explore the heritage of the low country.

We'll be there just as early spring has broken, so you will be able to get outdoors and enjoy the city properly. One of the best places to do that is Waterfront Park. Or experience the City Market, where you'll find bargain hunters searching through sterling silver jewelry, sweetgrass baskets, low country artwork, and other items unique to this area. And the food . . . imagine the famous award winning "She" crab soup, crispy flounder, and deep fried turkey for starters. Are you ready to pack?

Preliminary Program

Saturday, March 5
Registration Desk Open at 3:00 to 8:00 pm

Sunday, March 6
Registration Desk Open 7:00 am to 4:00 pm
Exhibit Area Open All Day

Monday, March 7
Registration Desk Opens at 8:00 am

Tuesday, March 8

Information for Sponsors and Exhibitors

Details about opportunities for companies to become Congress sponsors and/or Exhibitors will be available in September, 2004.

Our Congress Hotel

387 King Street Charleston, SC Direct Phone: 843-722-0600 Call Toll Free: 877-756-2121

The Francis Marion Hotel, in the heart of historic Charleston, was the largest and grandest in the Carolinas when it opened in 1924. Named for General Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox" of the American Revolution, the Francis Marion re-opened in 1996 after a $12 million National Trust award-winning restoration, and is once again Charleston's Grand Hotel.

The Francis Marion Hotel provides all the traditional services one expects from a grand hotel: a doorman and bell service, concierge, valet parking, room service, business center, newsstand and gift shop, and a well equipped fitness center. For a preview of this beautiful hotel, visit the Francis
Marion website at: http://www.thefrancismarion.com/

Room Block Deadline is Friday, February 11, 2005.

After this date the rooms blocked for ASP will be released to the public. After February 11, you will pay regular room rates and availability cannot be guaranteed.

The Special ASP Room Rate:

$119 single/double + state and local taxes (currently 12%). The hotel will extend the group rate three days before and three days after our Congress, based on availability. Once traditional rooms are sold out, deluxe rooms will be offered for pre and post stays at a reduced rate of $149.

To Make Room Reservations by Phone:

Call Toll Free 877-756-2121 or Direct 843-722-0600.
You must mention Plasticulture ‘05 to obtain the group rate.

Online booking Instructions:

Visit www.francismarioncharleston.com and click on the “Reservations” link. After entering your arrival and departure dates, click “Check Availability.” You will be directed to the online reservations page. Click on the Group Block link, enter PLASTICULTURE as the group block code, and click “Next.” Follow the prompt to make a room type selection and to enter personal information. You will have the opportunity to review your reservation prior to confirming it.

Hotel Policy:

Cancel/No Show -- Credit cards will be used to hold individual guest room reservations. Cancellation within 72 hours of scheduled arrival or if the guest fails to check-in will be charged one night’s stay plus tax. Early Departure -- Departure dates of each guest will be verified upon check-in. At that time, the guest may make adjustments to the actual departure date. After check-in, any individual attendee departing prior to their departure date, will be charged an early departure fee of half the room rate plus tax. Children -- under age 12 stay free.

Parking:

Valet parking is $14 per day charged automatically to your room bill. Self-parking in a City Garage next door is $10 per 24 hour period payable to the garage attendant in cash.