General Information

Conference Information

Official Language
The official language of the 18th Biennial World Conference on Gifted and Talented Children is English.

General Information

Getting to Vancouver
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) accommodates over 22,000 international flights each month. YVR offers the shortest flying time between much of North America and Asia as well as being a gateway for Europe.

International Air Access Map
International Air Access to Vancouver
Click to enlarge

Getting to and from the Vancouver International Airport
Public transportation, taxis, limos, shuttles, car rentals and driving directions — everything you need to know to get to and from Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, Victoria and Whistler. Visit http://www.yvr.ca/guide/toandfrom/ for detailed information about transportation options from YVR.

Official Travel Agency
Forbes Travel International Ltd. has been appointed as the official Travel Agency for the 18th World Conference on Gifted and Talented Children. For
assistance in booking your travel, please, call or e-mail Cathy Wood or Lisa McLean Knotts and mention the World Conference on Gifted and Talented Children when making your reservation.

Forbes Tel: 604-689-0461
Toll Free: 800-983-2299
Fax: 604-689-4776
Email: leisureagent@forbes-travel.com

2180 – 200 Granville St., Vancouver, BC V6C 1S4
CANADA


Official Car Rental Company
Avis

Avis has been appointed as the Official Car Rental Company for the 18th World Conference on Gifted and Talented Children. To make a car rental reservation please visit the AVIS website or contact Forbes Travel.

Passport, Visa and Border-Crossing Information
At the time of writing, to enter Canada, a valid passport is required for citizens of all countries except the United States - although it is strongly recommended to carry one. Visas are required for residents of certain countries; please contact your local Canadian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission Office for the specific requirements for your country of origin.

Participants visiting the U.S. before or after attending the Conference should ensure that they obtain the proper visa, if required.

For more information, please refer to:

http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.html

Travel and Health Insurance
It is strongly recommended that participants take out insurance to cover loss incurred in case of cancellation, medical expenses and damage to or loss of personal effects. The organizers of the 18th Biennial World Conference for Gifted and Talented Children will not be responsible for any medical costs incurred by participants. The Organizing Committee will not accept liability for personal injuries or for loss or damage to property belonging to Conference participants, either during or as a result of the Congress or during any tours.

Letter of Invitation for Visa Policy
An official Letter of Invitation to obtain a Visa and authorization to attend the 18th World Conference for Gifted and Talented Children will be issued ONLY after the Registration Form and full payment have been received.

Information for People with Disabilities
Vancouver is one of the most accessible cities in the world for people with physical disabilities. For more information on local transportation, restaurants, hotels and other issues related to your stay in Vancouver, please contact:

The British Columbia Coalition of People with Disabilities
204 - 456 West Broadway,
Vancouver, BC Canada V5Y 1R3
Tel: +1 604 875 0188 • Fax: +1 604 875 9227
Website: http://www.bccpd.bc.ca/

Information regarding Barrier Free Access at YVR http://www.yvr.ca/guide/around/access.asp

Childcare Services
Nannies on Call - Is an agency in Vancouver that provides childcare to families visiting Vancouver. They service all of the major hotels in Vancouver and can be booked for a fee by hotel Concierge staff.  Please contact your hotel directly for additional information.