GENERAL & congress INFORMATION
On-site Information
All activities for the meeting will be held at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre (VCEC) in downtown Vancouver. The VCEC is located at 999 Canada Place and is approximately 30 minutes travel time (along with all official WVC hotel properties) from the Vancouver International Airport.
Registration and Congress Bag Distribution
The Registration & Information Desk and Congress Bag Distribution will be located on the 1st floor of the VCEC in the Convention Lobby. Both will be open during the following hours:
| Sunday, July 27 | 13:30 - 19:30 |
| Monday, July 28 | 07:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday, July 29 | 07:30 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday, July 30 | 07:30 - 17:00 |
| Thursday, July 31 | 07:30 - 11:30 |
Please be sure to present your Confirmation of Registration for quick check-in at the Registration & Information Desk. Your Congress Bag will contain all program materials and will be available for pickup at the Congress Bag Distribution counter. Please present your Congress Bag voucher to receive your bag. The Registration & Information Desk phone number is 604-647-7401, this number will be active from July 27 - 31 ONLY.
Tourism Vancouver will also have an information desk setup in the Registration & Information area during the Congress. Participants will be able to obtain information about local restaurants, sites and the city of Vancouver.
Exhibits
The Exhibits will be located in Exhibition Halls B & C on the 1st floor of the VCEC and are open on:
| Monday, July 28 | 09:30 – 18:00 |
| Tuesday, July 29 | 09:30 – 18:00 |
| Wednesday, July 30 | 09:30 – 16:00 |
Exhibitor Registration
Exhibitors are requested to check-in at the Exhibitor Registration Counter to receive their Congress materials. A temporary desk will be setup on the 1st floor in the Delegate Concourse of the VCEC to assist exhibitors during move-in. This temporary Exhibitor Registration Desk will be open during the following hours:
| Saturday, July 26 | 07:30 – 17:00 |
| Sunday, July 27 | 07:00 – 13:15 |
The Exhibitor Registration Counter will then be available at the main Congress Registration & Information Desk during the following hours:
| Sunday, July 27 | 13:30 - 19:30 |
| Monday, July 28 | 07:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday, July 29 | 07:30 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday, July 30 | 07:30 - 17:00 |
Poster Sessions
The Poster Sessions will take place in the Exhibit Hall located in Exhibition Halls B & C on the 1st floor of the VCEC. The Poster Sessions are schedule as follows:
| Poster Session 1 (P1) | Poster Session 2 (P2) | Poster Session 3 (P3) |
| Monday, July 28 12:15 – 13:15 |
Tuesday, July 29 12:15 – 13:15 |
Wednesday, July 30 12:15 – 13:15 |
Information for Poster Presenters:
| Poster Set Up Times | Poster Take Down Times |
| (P1) Sunday: 18:00 – 19:00 (P1) Monday: 08:30 – 09:30 |
(P1) Monday: 18:00 – 19:00 |
| (P2) Tuesday: 08:30 – 09:30 | (P2) Tuesday: 18:00 – 19:00 |
| (P3) Wednesday: 08:30 – 09:30 | (P3) Wednesday: 16:00 – 17:00 |
Speaker Ready Room
The Speaker Ready / Slide Preview room for all presenters will be located in Meeting Room 6 on the 2nd floor of the VCEC. Speakers are asked to report to the Speaker Ready Room 24 hours prior to their scheduled presentation. The Speaker Ready Room will be open during the following hours:
| Sunday, July 27 | 13:30 – 17:30 |
| Monday, July 28 | 07:30 – 17:00 |
| Tuesday, July 29 | 07:30 – 17:00 |
| Wednesday, July 30 | 07:30 – 17:00 |
| Thursday, July 31 | 07:30 – 11:30 |
Press & Media Room
The Press & Media workroom is located in Meeting Room 7 on the 2nd floor of the VCEC. Media personnel must sign-in at the Registration & Information Desk to receive their badge and a “Media” ribbon. The Press & Media workroom will be open during the following hours:
| Monday, July 28 – Wednesday, July 30 | 07:00 – 18:00 |
| Thursday, July 31 | 07:00 – 11:30 |
Internet Café
The Internet Café (sponsored by VIN) is located in Exhibition Halls B & C on the 1st floor of the VCEC. Computers terminals with complimentary high-speed internet access will be available to WVC Participants. The Internet Café will be open during the following hours:
| Monday, July 28 | 09:30 – 18:00 |
| Tuesday, July 29 | 09:30 – 18:00 |
| Wednesday, July 30 | 09:30 – 16:00 |
No Pets at the VCEC
Due to a decision by an environmental Health Officer of the Vancouver Coastal Health, no animals are allowed in the VCEC (including Exhibit Hall) for the duration of the Congress. This decision is based on the fact that there will be handling and serving of food related items in the VCEC throughout the Congress. Only seeing-eye dogs and dogs training for seeing-eye will be permitted in the VCEC.
Congress Information
Congress Theme
CELEBRATE OUR DIVERSITY
Who Should Attend?
Focusing on the theme
“CELEBRATE OUR DIVERSITY”, the
program will offer opportunities for
veterinarians and other veterinary
health care providers in all fields. The
program is divided into two major
tracks: Clinical Practice/ Private
Practice and Public Practice/ Public
Health which will offer various
simultaneous sessions, guaranteeing
a program of interest to all
veterinarians, veterinary technicians,
para-veterinarians and others with a
role in animal health.
Official Language
The official language of the 29th
World Veterinary Congress 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
Click to enlarge
Transportation from YVR to Downtown Vancouver
Taxis charge a metered rate based on time and distance travelled, the approximate fare to downtown Vancouver is $23.00 - $26.00 CAD (inclusive of all taxes) under normal conditions. Taxis are readily available outside both the Domestic and International terminals.
Limousine rates between YVR airport & downtown is $45.00 CAD plus 5% GST, per vehicle, one way (exclusive of cruise terminal transfers, and Gratuities are not included). Limousines are conveniently located immediately outside the Domestic and International arrivals areas.
Sedan rates between YVR airport & downtown Vancouver is $39.00 CAD plus 5% GST, per vehicle, one way, (exclusive of cruise terminal transfers, and Gratuities are not included). Sedans are conveniently located immediately outside the Domestic and International arrivals areas.
Car rental facilities are conveniently located just steps from the terminal on the ground floor of the parkade.
The Airporter provides bus service to major hotel destinations in downtown Vancouver, the Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal (at VCEC). The Airporter bus is located on the International and Domestic Arrivals level curb. No reservations required. Adult fare is $13.50 CAD one way or $21.00 CAD round trip and can be purchased at the Airporter counter.
Departure times from the airport:
International Terminal - every 30 minutes from 08:20 to 21:45
Domestic Terminal - every 30 minutes from 08:25 to 21:50
Public Transportation (bus service) to Vancouver originates at the Airport Station Bus Terminal, located near the Delta Hotel. Airport Station and the airport are connected by Bus Route #424, which picks up and drops off passengers at the Ground Level of the Domestic Terminal. The 98 B Line and Route #496 connect to downtown Vancouver.
Official Airline
Get up to 20% discount with the Star Alliance network.
The Star Alliance™ member airlines are pleased to be appointed as the Official Airline Network for the 29th World Veterinary Congress.
Simply call the reservation office of any participating Star Alliance member airline and quote the event code AC03S08. Registered participants plus accompanying persons travelling to the event are automatically granted a discount of up to 20%, depending on the class of travel.
Business Class:
20 percent for "C" class (Air Canada "J" class)*
10 percent for all other Business classes (exceptions as per applicable fare rule)*
Economy Class:
15 percent for "Y/B" class (Air Canada "Y/M" class)*
10 percent for all other Economy classes (exceptions as per applicable fare rule)*
(* taxes, duties and fees are not included)
Participating airlines include: Air Canada, Air China, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS International Air Lines, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Spanair, THAI, United.
Booking office information can be found at: www.staralliance.com/conventionsplus
Discounts are offered on published business and economy class fares, excluding senior citizen fares and youth fares, agency discount, industry discount, web fares or round the world fares.
Official Car Rental Company
Budget Rent A Car
System, Inc. has been
appointed as the official
Car Rental Company for the WVC 2008.
For reservations call toll free 1-800-772-
3773 or you can make reservations
online.
When making your reservation, please
quote Congress Discount #: U078887.
Travel Agency
MKI Travel & Conference Management
“Dedicated Service is just a call away. Anytime. Anywhere.”
202-2121 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K2A 1H2
Tel: 613-237-9110 Ext 3361
North America Toll-free: 1-800-267-9676
Fax: 613-233-7813
Email:
toswald@mkitravel.com
Contact: Tracy Oswald
Quote Event # X83AXRN1
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.
For delegates visiting the U.S. before or after attending the Congress 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 29th
World Veterinary Congress 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 Congress 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 29th World Veterinary Congress 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 - Vancouver
www.nanniesoncall.com
Phone: (604) 734 - 1776 | Fax: (604) 648-8362
Toll Free: 1-877-214-2828
Nannies on Call - Vancouver would be most happy to accommodate the families visiting as they service all of the major hotels in Vancouver. Clients who are in need of childcare have the option of contacting them directly or asking the hotel Concierge staff to contact them.
They are open Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm and 9am – 8pm on Saturday and Sunday. Clients may call the Booking Agents directly with the following information:
- Date, start time and end time
- Last name the room is booked under
- Names and ages of the child(ren)
- Any pertinent information (special needs, allergies, pets)
- Contact information (cell while in Vancouver, e-mail address they would like the confirmations sent to)
Rates are as follow:
- $18.00/hr for up to two children from the same family
- $2.00/hr per additional sibling
- $3.00/hr per child from another family
- $2.00/hr past midnight
- $2.00/hr for statutory holidays
- Overtime after 8 hours
- A three hour fee ($54) for a cancellation made within less than 24 hours
All nannies are pre-screened, have their First Aid and bonded with various levels of child care experience. Cash is paid to the nanny at the end of the booking and she will issue a receipt. Depending on which hotel they are staying at, the fee may be billed to their room and the Concierge will pay the nanny cash.
