Membership - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AES Membership year?

July 1 – June 30

I have attended AES Meetings in the past. Doesn't this make me an AES Member?

No - only after a completed Membership Application Form, approval by the Membership Committee, and dues payment is received, do you become an AES Member.

I submitted an abstract and presented a poster at an AES Meeting. Doesn't that mean I am an AES Member?

No - having an abstract accepted, and presenting a Poster at an AES Meeting does not automatically make you a member.

I was a member two or three years ago...I never got an invoice to renew...I thought my institution was paying for my membership and they did not. Must I apply all over again? Do I need to find a sponsor again?

Yes - once your membership has been lapsed (i.e., last payment was made over 18 months ago) you need to re-apply for membership. Yes, you need to find a currently Active AES Member to sponsor your membership. If you are now a Resident/Student/Fellow, you will need your Training Director to sponsor your Junior Membership.

When are the dues renewal invoices mailed?

First Invoice: April/May - emailed and mailed
Second Invoice: July - emailed and mailed
Final Invoice: Late August/September - emailed and mailed

*New in 2010: Dues must be renewed by October 29 for you to receive the reduced member rate for Annual Meeting Registration. If you have have not renewed by October 29, 2010 (11:59 p.m. ET) you will be dropped from membership. The full registration rate will be charged, if applicable. Reinstatement to membership is always available.

Is a grace period provided in case, for any reason, I don't receive the invoice?

It would be difficult for you NOT to receive an invoice! SIX (total) invoices are sent directly to you; three are emailed, and three are mailed via the United States Post Office. (It is important to keep AES current on your contact information). Dues payments are expected upon receiving the first invoice. The third and final invoice will be mailed around the first week of September. Memberships not renewed will be dropped on October 30. Memberships can be reinstated after October 30, but meeting registrants are not eligible for the reduced registration rate.

Can I renew my membership online?

ABSOLUTELY! Please renew online after April 1st; We encourage renewing online as this helps keep costs of printing and postage to a minimum.

Is my information secure if I renew online?

Yes. AES uses PayPal, a secure online credit card processing service; you will receive an automatic electronic receipt once you have submitted your online dues payment. Do Not send your private financial information (i.e. credit card number) via email!

Which credit cards are accepted by AES?

Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.

I prefer not to renew online. How else can I pay my dues? 

MAIL- a check made payable to "AES."
WIRE TRANSFER - for International members; contact the office for bank details.  
FAX - printable form with credit card information (never email your credit card information; our fax is secure!) to 860.586.7550
TELEPHONE - with your credit card information, call 860.586.7505 ext. 512

All payments should include your name, AES ID#. and the dues renewal invoice. The mailing address is located on both the dues invoice and the downloadable Dues Renewal Form. AES, 342 North Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06117.

A receipt will be electronically mailed to you once the payment has been processed.

How do I access the renewal form?

Go to the top of this page and click Renewal Form. You will need to "login" by using your 5-digit AES ID#/ login name and password; unless you've changed it, your password will be the one provided (member) when you joined. It can be changed at any time by going to myAES link on the homepage of web site.

Should I contact AES if I'm not going to renew my AES membership?

Yes! Contacting the AES Administrator is important as s/he may be able to correct any misinformation or confusion regarding your membership and renewal; you will be taken off the list to receive further membership invoices and mailings. We would request non-renewing members complete this Exit Survey. However, we would like to hear about any problems, concerns, etc. before making your decision to leave AES.

What if my professional, training status, or employer changes?

Contact Us! At certain times, there are reasons you may need to change your member category; i.e., completion of training program, change of employer, title or position, or reaching 65 years old and retirement!

I joined as a Junior Member while in training; I have completed my program and will graduate soon. Do I need to notify AES? 

Yes, contact the AES Administrator. As a Junior Member you are requested to upgrade your status within six months of your completion date. An emailed reminder will be sent to Junior Members prior to the training completion date indicated in the member record. We will request either the member "upgrade" or provide a revised date of completion with an updated sponsor statement from your training director.

I submitted a statement of sponsorship from my Training Program Director when I applied for membership. Do I need to provide another statement of support when I upgrade my member status?

Yes. Contact a currently Active Member of AES to sponsor your request to upgrade membership to either Active or Corresponding. A Statement of Support can be sent directly to your sponsor for a signature, then it can be faxed to the AES office. 

I have changed employers and now am employed by a for-profit company. Do I need to change my member category? 

Yes, most positions in industry require a change in member category to Associate. Complete the Associate Member Information Form and submit with the downloadable Dues Renewal Form.

I have changed employers and now am employed by a for-profit company. My position is not related to the sales and/or marketing of goods or services. Do I need to change my member category?

Not necessarily. In some rare circumstances, although a member is employed by a company, he or she may be so removed from the sales and marketing aspects of the company that another category makes more sense. If you feel that this applies to you, you may apply for an exemption to Associate membership by completing the Exemption From Associate Membership Form. The Membership Committee will determine whether the exemption is justifiable in your case.

I am retired from the field of epilepsy. Is there a category for Seniors?

Yes! If you are an Active (includes Professionals in Epilepsy Care) or Corresponding Member you may apply to the Membership Committee for Senior Membership if your situation fits the following criteria: you are 65 years or older; you have been paying dues for a minimum of 10 consecutive years; you are no longer professionally active, are retired, or have significantly decreased the amount of time working for pay. You would need to complete the Senior Member Request 2010 form which will then be submitted to the Membership Committee for review.

As a Senior Member, would I still pay dues?

No! Senior members do not pay dues, but also will not receive the Epilepsia or Epilepsy Currents subscriptions, and are not eligible to vote in Society matters. AES provides this upgrade as a benefit of long-time support and dedication to the profession through AES Membership.

I am 65 years old and have retired. Am I required to change member categories and become a Senior Member? 

No! You are not required to change status and may continue receiving all the benefits of Active or Corresponding membership while still paying dues.

Can I register for the Annual Meeting before renewing my membership?

Yes, but you will be charged the balance of registration fee (non member rate) if your renewal isn't received by Friday, October 29, 2010 11:59 p.m. ET. No Exceptions!

You can renew your membership now, safely and securely, once you are logged into myAES.