if you have looked through the Rainbow Health Ontario 2012 Conference website and you still have questions, some of the information below may help. If not, please feel free to contact us.
When is the Conference?
The full conference starts on Wednesday March 21st and runs until Friday early afternoon. In addition, this year on Tuesday, March 20th we are offering three full day pre-conference Learning Institutes, including one in French. Registration will be open throughout the conference starting on the afternoon of Monday March 19th.
Since the conference is also about making new friends and having fun, there are social events built in to the conference. On Tuesday March 20th, following the pre-conference Learning Institutes, there will be an informal networking reception. On Wednesday, March 21st, delegates with full registration will be treated to dinner and entertainment in the revolving lounge at the top of the hotel tower.
Where does the Conference take place?
The RHO 2012 Conference will be held at the Ottawa Marriott Hotel located at 100 Kent Street in downtown Ottawa.
Who can attend the Conference?
The RHO 2012 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 in November 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 3, 2012.
What are the registration fees?
The Full Conference registration fee is $350 until February 3, 2012 and $425 after that.
Full Conference and Learning Institute registration fee is $400 until February 3, 2012 and $475 after that.
Please note that 13% HST will be added to all conference registration fees.
Can I register for the Learning Institute only?
Yes, registration is available for the Learning Institute alone at a cost of $225 per person. Remember – if you register to attend the full conference and the Learning Institute – the cost of attending the Learning Institute is only an additional $50.
Is there a Presenter registration fee?
Yes. Confirmed presenters can register for the full conference at a cost of $300 per person.
Can I register for a single day?
Registration is available for either Wednesday March 21, or Thursday March 22 or Friday March 23, 2012 at a cost of $225 per person.
Is there a student rate?
Yes. 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 2012 Conference including Wednesday evening’s dinner and entertainment, all conference sessions, the exhibit hall, poster presentations, conference materials, breakfast and lunch on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and all refreshment breaks.
Single day registration fees include all conference sessions, conference materials, the exhibit hall, and breakfast, lunch and refreshment breaks on that day only. One day registration does not include Wednesday evening’s dinner.
What does the Learning Institute registration fee include?
The Learning Institute registration fee entitles you to attend on Tuesday, March 20 only, and includes learning materials, lunch, refreshment breaks and an informal networking reception at the end of the day.
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 3, 2012 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 three 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 27, 2012.
Can I share the Conference registration with another colleague from my workplace?
No. The RHO 2012 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 9, 2012. 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, February 27, 2012. Advance registrations after February 27, 2012 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 Wednesday’s dinner and entertainment and Friday’s closing keynote luncheon 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 closes on September 16th, 2011 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. You can make your conference submission online by clicking www.rainbowhealthontario.ca/conference/welcome/proposalspropositions.cfm.
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 and accommodation 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 2012 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:
· An evening networking session will be held following Tuesday’s Learning Institutes to enable participants to discuss the day’s learnings, and topics they feel are pertinent with their peers
· Luncheon Networking Sessions will take place on Wednesday (on a regional basis) and on Thursday (on a ‘life stages’ basis) for focused conversations
· 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 gathering submissions for the Conference program and finalizing speakers. The complete Conference Program will be available on the Conference website by mid-November 2011, 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 the Learning Institutes on the morning of Tuesday, March 20. The full conference begins with breakfast on Wednesday, March 21st at 8:00 am. Conference activities will end at approximately 2:00 pm on Friday, March 23rd.
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 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 accessible?
Yes. All Conference spaces at the Ottawa Marriott Hotel are wheelchair accessible. Sign language (ASL) interpretation will be available on request, and conference washrooms will be gender inclusive.
Is the Conference fully bilingual?
No. All Plenaries and one workshop in each flight of concurrent sessions will provide simultaneous translation. Plenaries and workshops may be delivered in French or English.
