If you have looked through the Rainbow Health Ontario (RHO) Conference website and you still have questions about the RHO 2010 Conference, some of the information below may help. If not, please feel free to contact us.
When is the Conference?
The RHO 2010 Conference begins with Registration and a Welcome Reception on the evening of Wednesday March 24th, and then runs for two full days on Thursday March 25th and Friday March 26th, 2010.
Where does the Conference take place?
The RHO 2010 Conference will be held at the Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel located at 525 Bay Street in downtown Toronto.
Who can attend the Conference?
The RHO 2010 Conference is open to anyone interested in LGBT health issues and we welcome health and social service providers, community members, researchers and policy makers from across Ontario and Canada to join us.
How can I register for the Conference?
The easiest way to register is online. Online registration will begin on December 18, 2009 when the full conference program will be available. Until then, pre-registration by mail or fax will be available. Early bird registration provides a discount and ends on February 5, 2010.
What are the registration fees?
The Full Conference registration fee is $350 until February 5, 2010 and $425 after that. Please note that 5% GST will be added to all conference registration fees.
Can I register for a single day?
Registration is available for either Thursday March 25th or Friday March 26th, 2010 at a cost of $225 per person.
Is there a student rate?
Student rates apply to full-time university and college students only. Proof of student status must be sent with your registration to receive the reduced student rates of $275 for the full Conference and $150 for a one day registration.
What does the Conference registration fee include?
The full conference registration fee entitles you to full access to the RHO 2010 Conference including the welcome reception, all conference sessions, the exhibit hall, conference materials, breakfast on Thursday and Friday, lunch on Thursday and Friday, and all refreshment breaks. One day registration fees include conference sessions, conference materials, breakfast, lunch and refreshment breaks on that day only. One day registration does not include the welcome reception.
Can I register now and pay later?
Payment by cheque can follow your online or fax registration. Please make cheques payable to “Rainbow Health Ontario/Sherbourne Health Centre” in Canadian funds. Payment must be received by February 5, 2010 to be eligible for the early bird rate. Registration is not confirmed unless accompanied by the appropriate fee.
Are there any scholarships available?
A limited amount of funding assistance is available by applying to the Conference Access Fund. Access funds can be used to cover conference registration fees, up to two nights' accommodation and travel by the most economical means. Please contact the Conference Planners, Rachel Gillooly & Associates by phone, at 705-454-8107, or email rachelandassoc@xplornet.com for application forms. The application deadline is Friday January 29, 2010.
Can I share the Conference registration with another colleague from my workplace?
No. The RHO 2010 Conference is designed to be a continuous learning experience that will allow conference participants to maximize their learning and networking opportunities.
Can I transfer my Conference registration to another colleague if I am unable to attend?
Yes. Participant substitutions are welcome and must be made in advance in writing to the Conference Planners, Rachel Gillooly & Associates at rachelandassoc@xplornet.com with the names of both the original and substitute registrant. Substitutions must be made by Friday March 19, 2010. Please note that any change or cancellation of travel or hotel reservations is the exclusive responsibility of the registrant.
What is the cancellation policy?
All cancellations must be received in writing no later than 11:59 pm Eastern time on Monday, March 1, 2010. Advance registrations after March 1, 2010 will not be refunded for any reason. There is a $75.00 processing fee for all cancellations. Those who register but do not attend will not receive a refund.
I’m bringing a guest. What activities can they attend with me?
Guest tickets may be purchased for the Welcome Reception and are required for entry. Guests are not permitted into the sessions, the exhibit hall or to conference breakfasts, lunches and coffee breaks.
How can I become a presenter for the Conference?
The call for proposals is now open and ends on October 16th, 2009 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. You can make your conference submission online by clicking here.
If I am presenting at the Conference, do I need to register?
Yes! Confirmed presenters are encouraged to attend and participate in the full Conference but are required to cover their own travel expenses, and to register and pay the presenter’s special conference registration fee of $300.
How can I become a sponsor or an exhibitor at the Conference?
There are sponsorship, exhibition and advertising opportunities available at the RHO 2010 Conference. Please visit here for more information or contact Anna Travers directly at atravers@rainbowhealthontario.ca.
What networking opportunities are available at the Conference?
Both formal and informal opportunities to network will be available at the Conference:
- The Welcome Reception will allow participants to meet new colleagues and reconnect with old friends
- Breakfast Networking Sessions will take place each morning of the Conference for focused conversations
- Open networking sessions will be held on the first afternoon of the Conference to enable participants to discuss the topics they feel are pertinent with their peers
- The Conference Bulletin Board will be available for comments, ideas and suggestions, and as a gathering point throughout the Conference
- There will be a general table available for participants to exchange key program materials
Where can I find the Conference schedule and session descriptions?
We are still gathering submissions for the Conference program and finalizing guest speakers. The complete Conference Program will be available on the Conference website in mid-December 2009, so please keep checking the website for updates.
I'm planning my travel arrangements. When should I plan on arriving and departing?
Conference activities will begin with a Welcome Reception for participants on the evening of Wednesday, March 24th. Conference sessions will begin with a breakfast and networking session on Thursday, March 25th at 8:00 am. Conference activities will end at approximately 4:30 pm on Friday, March 26th.
What is the attire for the Conference?
Casual, comfortable attire is recommended for speakers and Conference delegates. You may wish to bring a light jacket or sweater for the evenings or varying temperatures in the hotel. Casual business attire is also acceptable, but not necessary.
Will you be able to accommodate my special diet?
Yes. Conference participants will be able to indicate special diet requests on the online registration form. You will then be provided information about the specifics of your request when you check in at the Conference Registration desk.
Is the Conference wheelchair accessible?
Yes. All Conference spaces at The Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel are wheelchair accessible.
