This second workshop initiated by HFAG follows a series of similar workshops that have been organized by the B Factories over the past decade. These informal meetings are designed as a venue for the exchange of ideas between the theorists and experimentalists working on semileptonic B decays and related topics.

Purpose

The workshop will focus on inclusive and exclusive semileptonic decays and related theoretical computations, paying particular attention to the interpretation of the current data and improved strategies to analyse data from the B-Factories, as well as data from the Tevatron experiments, and soon also from LHCb and BESIII. Complementary information on purely leptonic and radiative B decays will be included. The Vxb Workshop will not be another heavy flavor conference, but a forum for lively exchange of ideas through extensive informal discussions.
The Workshop webpage is still under construction, you can find it via Google as "Vxb2009".

Scientific Program

The program is still being developed. Preliminary versions will be available on the web by late September. The Workshop will begin with registration, starting Thursday, October 29th, at 13:00, and end with a concluding discussion on Saturday, October 30th at 18:00. We foresee plenary sessions only. The introductory session with some longer talks on Thursday afternoon will followed by four sessions on inclusive and exclusive B to Xc l nu and B to Xu l nu decays on Friday and Saturday. As in the past, most of talks should be very short, focusing on the essentials, stressing uncertainties and problems, and also give a projection for future improvements.

Registration

Registration will be via the web, ready after September 1st. The registration fee of $40
will be collected upon arrival in form of cash or a check drawn from a US bank. Credit cards or foreign checks cannot be accepted.

Social Event

We have arranged for a no-host dinner at Hunan Gardens, a favorite Chinese restaurant in Palo Alto, on Friday evening, beginning at 19:00. Please indicate on the registration page, if you attend the dinner and whether you will be accompanied by a second person. The charge for the dinner, including beer and soft drinks, will be $35 per person. The fees will be collected upon arrival on Thursday in form of cash or a check drawn from a US bank. Credit cards or foreign checks cannot be accepted.

Accommodation

Information on accommodation near Stanford is available on the web: Stanford Guest House, Hotels. If the Guest House staff claims that there are no more rooms available, please mention that you will be attending a BABAR related workshop. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Stanford Guest House for this workshop and other BABAR related activities.

Local Transportation

There is also a link to local transportation, primarily transport from the airports to SLAC or a hotel. If you decide not the rent a car, the choice is a shuttle service, either Super Shuttle, Tel. (1) 800-258-3826 or http://www.supershuttle.com/SFO_shuttle.aspx or even better, the South and East Bay Shuttle, Tel. (1) 800-548-4664 or http://www.southandeastbayairportshuttle.com/. You can make reservations in advance or pick up the shuttle at the center isle at the departure level at SFO airport or at the curb at SJ airport. If you choose Caltrain, please get off at Palo Alto, not Menlo Park, since there are no taxis available at the Menlo Park Station. Remember that, except for the Stanford Van Service, there is no public transportation to and from SLAC.

U.S. Visa

Non-Citizens should consult the web for visa requirements. Most of the Western European countries participate in the visa waiver program. For information on this and other visa issues please consult the web:
http://www-conf.slac.stanford.edu/ssi/2009/visa.asp.

Financial Support

Participants are expected to make their own travel and lodging arrangements and to cover the expenses. However, there will be very limited funds to cover some fraction of the travel expenses for a small number of invited participants. Reimbursements can only be made to U.S. citizens or residents or foreign nationals in possession a B Visa. Furthermore, airfares can only be reimbursed if travelers use a U.S. Carrier for international flights. Any questions or requests should be addresses to one of the local organizers, Vera Lüth (luth@slac.stanford.edu).

Contact

Please address any questions or suggestions via e-mail to: Vxb2009@slac.stanford.edu.