Whether SIR 2023 is your first or 15th meeting, every year brings new surprises and experiences. As you plan your trip to Phoenix, consider some of the tips below to ensure SIR 2023 is your best conference yet.
Before the conference
Plan ahead
Plan to stay for the whole conference. Every day is filled with great learning opportunities, so don’t skip the final day—you might miss a real practice-changing session.
Spouses, family and guests are not permitted at any conference event unless you have specifically registered them for that event, and guest registration is not available for children under 16. There is a lactation room available for nursing mothers.
Get connected and set your schedule
SIR 2023 does not offer a printed program, so please download the SIR 2023 app to your mobile device in order to make the most of your meeting. Our website also offers an online personal planner, which you can use to plan your meeting weeks in advance. Download the SIR 2023 mobile app and follow the Society of Interventional Radiology on social media.
When planning your schedule, plan to attend a variety of events to take advantage of all SIR 2023 has to offer. Try a bit of everything, from networking events to sessions that might be out of your comfort zone.
At the conference
Watch for updates
Stay up to date on changes during the meeting by following the #SIR23PHX hashtag on Facebook and Twitter. Start using the hashtag today! Just follow or like the Society of Interventional Radiology on social media platforms.
Check the app or online planner for a list of SIR 2023 exhibitors at the Expo, or watch for daily SIR Today updates of corporate opportunities.
Make the most of networking
The annual scientific meeting offers many networking opportunities, including the Open Reception, enhanced Expo breaks and more. Check the lineup of speakers and Expo presenters ahead of time so you know who you want to meet. Follow them on social media and plan to attend their sessions and ask questions.
Before attending a session, make sure to bring business cards or have your LinkedIn QR code ready. Take pictures of the business cards you receive to ensure you don’t lose people’s contact information.
If you see somebody standing by themselves, start a conversation. Most people will be grateful to you for making the effort, and you never know who you might run into.
SIR 2023 will also be full of opportunities to meet new people and catch up with old friends. Need a dinner recommendation? Check out the bars and restaurants recommended by Phoenix-area IRs.
Stay safe and take care of yourself
Make sure you have water and some snacks with you in the convention center. Sometimes you need a little bit of energy. Having something like nuts, fruit and a bottle of water is a good idea.
Remove your name badge outside the convention center and when not attending meeting-related events. Use the buddy system when traveling during the evening—there’s safety in numbers—and look for well-lit streets and select routes that are the shortest between your destination and hotel or conference center.
Make sure to always have your SIR 2023 survival pack:
- Business cards
- Device chargers
- Pens and paper
- Snack
- Bottle of water
Getting around Phoenix
SIR 2023 is held at the Phoenix Convention Center mere miles from the international airport, and is central to everything there is to do in Phoenix.
When coming from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, the Valley Metro Light Rail and free PHX Sky Train can help you get to the convention center. Running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the PHX Sky Train and airport shuttles are free and designed for travelers with luggage.
To get to the Phoenix Convention Center, take the PHX Sky Train from Level 3 of Terminal 4 to the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station. From there, take the elevator or escalator down to the platform of the 44th St/Washington Valley Metro Rail stop. If traveling from Terminals 2 or 3, take the free black and silver PHX Airport Shuttle to Terminal 4 and then proceed to Level 3 to connect with the PHX Sky Train.
The Valley Metro Light Rail operates 18–22 hours per day, seven days a week, and stops every 12–20 minutes along the 28-mile line linking Phoenix to neighboring communities and attractions. A one-ride pass is $2, and an all-day pass is $4. People 65 and older, persons with disabilities and youth 18 and younger qualify for a 50% reduced fare.
The Third Street/Washington and Third Street/Jefferson Light Rail Stations serve the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues, with a dedicated stop at the convention center. Visit the Valley Metro Light Rail website to find out more and plan your trip.
Want more information or recommendations? The Visitor Information Center, located in the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues West Building, provides information about restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions. Staff can also assist with making reservations and planning excursions. The Visitor Information Center can be reached at (602) 254-6500.
