Thousands of Pulmonologists Convene in New Orleans for ATS's International Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2010

Thousands of Pulmonologists Convene in New Orleans for American Thoracic Society’s (ATS) International Conference
ATS partners with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Foundation to present 3-D Giant Lung Simulator, which will demonstrate the harmful effects of smoking to teens and young adults

WHAT: ATS’s 2010 International Conference

WHERE: New Orleans Morial Convention Center (NOMCC) Halls E, F and G

WHEN: May 14-19, 2010

DETAILS:
ATS, the world's leading medical association dedicated to advancing clinical and scientific understanding of pulmonary diseases, critical illnesses and sleep-related breathing disorders, will convene in New Orleans May 14-19 for an international conference titled, “Where Today’s Science Meets Tomorrow’s Care.”

In addition to more than 160 pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, publishers, patient interest organizations and healthcare recruiters featured at the ATS 2010 Exhibit Hall, this year’s conference will also boast “product theaters,” where attendees can learn the latest information about specific medications, devices and other products.

ATS has also partnered with the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Foundation this year to bring a Giant Lung Simulator to the show, where media, attendees and students from local schools will be offered a five-minute microscopic journey into the human lungs. COPD Shuttle: Journey to the Center of the Lung, which is mounted on the back of a custom-built tractor/trailer, is a 20-seat motion simulator capsule that couples high-definition imagery, surround-sound audio with precise, computer-driven motion control and allows riders to witness the devastating effects of smoking and other pollutants on lung tissue.

As an additional benefit to the public, ATS will also hold its fourth annual patient-focused forum titled “Breathing Better with the ATS” at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature five renowned panelists that include doctors and lung specialists. Patients will also have the opportunity to participate in a “Meet the Expert” segment to discuss the latest in research, clinical trials and clinical care.

ATS’s last meeting in New Orleans was in 1996, and this year’s International Conference anticipates 13,000 attendees, generating millions of dollars in economic impact.

WEBSITE: www.thoracic.org

MAJOR EVENTS:

• Fri, May 14: Media Day for Giant Lung Simulator sponsored by COPD Foundation. Media will be invited to take a “simulated ride” on the 20-seat, state-of-the-art mobile motion simulator called COPD Shuttle: Journey to the Center of the Lung, Entrance of Exhibit Hall, Hall E, Booth 101, 10 a.m.-Noon Link to more information: http://ats 365.ascendeventmedia.com/Highlight.aspx?p=44&id=595
• Sat, May 15: “Breathing Better with the ATS” roundtable discussion, Hilton New Orleans Riverside Grand Salon, 1-4 p.m.
• Sat, May 15: COPD Education Day, Hilton Riverside Hotel, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Sun, May 16: Official COPD Shuttle Launch at the Opening of the ATS exhibit hall, Hall E, 9:45 a.m.
• Mon, May 17:“Keeping the Immunosuppressed Well: Clinical Infectious Challenges in Emerging Immunosuppressed Hosts,” featuring Colorado Rockies outfielder Ryan Spilborghs, NOMCC, Hall J, Rm. 295-296, 8:15-10:45 a.m.

EXHIBIT HALLS: E, F and G

HOURS:
Sun, May 16: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Mon, May 17: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tues, May 18: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

PRESS ROOM: Hall E, Room E1
HOURS:
Sun, May 16-Tues, May 18: 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Wed, May 19: 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
ATS: Brian Kell, 516-305-9251, bkell@thoracic.org; Keely Savoie, 917-860-5814, ksavoie@thoracic.org
New Orleans CVB: Tara Letort, 504-566-5048, tletort@neworleanscvb.com: Kelly Schulz, 504-421-0962, kschulz@neworleanscvb.com
NOMCC: Rosalie Mortillaro, 504-582-3027, rmortillaro@mccno.com 
COPD: Ihor Andruch, 201.641.1911 x50, iandruch@cpronline.com; Ifdy Perez, 202-591-7565 iperez@copdfoundation.org

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