Our welcoming dinner reception will be held with our conference's exhibitors. Take time to learn what the latest technology has to offer, establish new contacts, reacquaint with old friends, and register for giveaways.

Elmer Gordon was a forensic toxicologist from the United States who treasured annual SOFT meetings for their ability to allow for discussion of the day-to-day challenges we face with our fellow toxicologists. While it has been some time since Elmer passed away, a tradition of SOFT has been to honor him with an open forum. These sessions offer the attendees a chance to share and debate their occupational challenges with their colleagues and search for common solutions while enjoying a wonderful selection of desserts and coffees.

The official start of the 2004 Joint Meeting of the Society of Forensic Toxicologist and the International Association of Forensic Toxicologists. Join your colleagues and the planning committee in the welcoming ceremonies and presentations by keynote speakers. As a special treat, we will hear from two of our field's most famous members as they compare today's practice of toxicology to past practices.

Following lunch on your own at one of Old Town's many cafes, restaurants, or fast food shops and visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center located next to the river's edge. During the World Wars it served as a naval torpedo shell case factory. Today it houses a collection of studios for nearly 200 juried artists. Take time to visit the many unique shops within the Torpedo Factory before taking a stroll down old King Street, browsing its many quaint boutiques. Return to the hotel having gained an understanding of why George and Martha Washington were so attracted to this lovely area.

Enjoy some time with the conference's exhibitors. As you learn about the newest advances in technology, be sure to thank them for their sponsorship.

You are invited to climb the imposing steps to the entrance of this unusual and exclusive event site. Enter the Rotunda and find yourself in a space as stunning in its architectural design as in its exhibits. A series of Corinthian columns climb to meet the dome, whose height dwarfs even that of the gargantuan elephant in its center. As the sun's light fades, the amber shades of dusk filter in through the dome's skylight and ornate arched windows. In this setting, take part in an event with all the earthy grace of the natural world.

This will be a fun-filled day for you to explore Washington, DC! Your Tourmobile Pass gives you ready access to all of DC’s major monuments, memorials and museums. Stops include: Arlington Cemetery, Kennedy Center, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Korean Memorial, White House, Washington Monument, Smithsonian Castle, Arts & Industries Building, Air & Space Museum, US Botanic Garden, Union Station, National Postal Museum, US Capitol, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, National Gallery of Art, National Museum of American History, Bureau of Engraving & Printing, US Holocaust Memorial Museum, Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, Old Post Office Pavilion, Ford’s Theater, FBI, National Archives, US Navy Memorial, FBI, National Law Enforcement Memorial, National Museum of American Art, National Portrait Gallery, and the MCI Center. The afternoon is yours to enjoy visiting the sites that you find most interesting.

This evening will encourage interaction with your colleagues from around the world. We will start with a cocktail reception, followed by a formal dinner of International cuisine, presentation of awards, and dancing. Our last night together will surely be a night of enjoyment and fond memories.

Our closing ceremony will celebrate the end of a successful joint meeting of SOFT and TIAFT. During the ceremony we will pass the baton to Nashville and Seoul – the hosts of the 2005 meetings of SOFT and TIAFT.