Join us as we officially celebrate the opening of this year's 92nd Annual Meeting. Visit with our valued exhibitors and supporters, learn cutting edge techniques, and discover groundbreaking new products while networking with other attendees. Don't miss the Operating Rooms of the Future: Hybrid Technologies^© where you can experience live demonstrations that showcase the newest equipment and latest technological advances. The Welcome Reception is THE place to be as you relax with great food, beverages, and entertainment before heading out for a night on the town!

Don't miss this year's reception at the unique and beautiful California Academy of Sciences and experience the only place on the planet with an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum, and a four-story rainforest, all under one living roof.

As part of the evening, you are invited to participate in the "Battle of the Valleys" wine tasting competition. Native wines from Napa and Sonoma valleys will be sampled and your wine tasting palette put to the test. Can you identify which wine hails from Napa and what subtle nuances suggest a Sonoma varietal? Study the vineyards, consult your wine taster's guide, complete and return the scorecard, and you could be the winner of the perfect wine connoisseur's gift.

In addition to enjoying the wine, other libations and passed hors d'oeuvres will be served and one of the top swinging jazz bands in the world will provide musical entertainment.

Shuttles Transportation will be provided to the California Academy of Sciences from the:

Beginning at 6:45 p.m. through 10:00 p.m.

San Francisco is well-known as one of the world's most charismatic and cosmopolitan cities. Her world famous landmarks and hidden treasures are the highlights of this fascinating tour. Spectacular scenery, the city's diverse cultures, and a colorful past, are brought to life through the dynamic narration of knowledgeable guides. Enjoy lush parks, sparkling waterfronts, pristine shop windows, classic San Francisco landmarks along with unparalleled views, all while learning about the unique history of the City by the Bay. The afternoon may include sights of the Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks, Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39, along with Chinatown, Union Square and much more.

The word diversity, describes the Sonoma wine region better than any other word: diversity in the wines produced there, diversity in the local climate, diversity in geography and in the spectacular scenery.

Sonoma County produces a greater variety of wines than any other wine-producing area in the world. It hosts the oldest commercial premium winery in California, Buena Vista, founded in 1857 in the town of Sonoma. The rolling hills of Sonoma County provide the ideal backdrop for enjoying a relaxing day for tasting and tours.

Mixed in with the winery visits, you will also stop in Sonoma Square and it's historic Plaza – site of the Pomo and Miwok Indians' sacred meeting ground, the Bear Flag Revolt and home of California's last mission. Enjoy boutique shops, art galleries and even a visit to a local cheese factory.

Venturing beyond the golden city of San Francisco and you will find a combination of lush vegetation, majestic wooded areas, rugged coastline and the beautiful ancient grove of mighty redwoods. Muir Woods is the closest grove to San Francisco and one of Northern California's most enchanting treasures.

Next, you will travel to the quaint town of Sausalito. Formally an Artist's Colony, Sausalito is surrounded by breathtaking views of San Francisco, Tiburon and Angel Island. This charming waterfront village is now famous for its exquisite art galleries set in a Mediterranean atmosphere. Sunny Sausalito is a delightful place to stroll down charming little streets, window-shop in trendy boutiques, and enjoy lunch in a cafe.

Enjoy the day visiting two spectacular botanical locations found in Golden Gate Park. The first stop will be the beautifully restored Conservatory of Flowers. It is an impressive living museum of rare and beautiful tropical plants under glass. From Borneo to Bolivia, the 1500 species of plants at the Conservatory represent unusual flora from more than 50 countries around the world. Opened in 1879, the wood and glass greenhouse is the oldest existing conservatory in the Western Hemisphere.

The next destination is the Japanese Tea Garden which is the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States. It was originally built as the Japanese Village for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition. Today, the Tea Garden is one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco, featuring beautiful monuments, bridges, native Japanese plants and ponds. Guests can also enjoy the tea house and gift shop.