| IMPORTANT DATES |
October 24, 2011
Call for Abstracts Opens
November 30, 2011
Sponsor / Exhibit Renewals Discount Deadline
December 1, 2011
Abstract Submissions Due
January 9, 2012
Registration and Hotel Reservations Open
April 5, 2012
Early Bird Registration Deadline
May 27 - 30, 2012
e-Health 2012
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Until e-Health 2012!
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Travel Tips
Passport, Visa and Border-Crossing Information
To enter Canada, a valid passport is required for citizens of all countries. 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:
www.unitedstatesvisas.gov
www.usembassy.state.gov
Getting to Vancouver
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) accommodates over 22,000 international flights each month and 17.5 million passengers annually. YVR offers the shortest flying time between much of North America and Asia as well as being a gateway for Europe.
Transportation from YVR to Downtown Vancouver
Taxis charge a metered rate based on time and distance travelled, the approximate fare to downtown Vancouver is $30.00-$40.00 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 12% HST, 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 12% HST, 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.
Public Transportation (Canada Line) The brand-new, $2-billion Canada Line train, a legacy of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, can transport you from the airport to downtown Vancouver in 25 minutes with limited stops. Tickets are $8.75 CAD one-way from YVR Airport to downtown.
Visit www.yvr.ca/guide/toandfrom/ for detailed information about transportation options from YVR.
Weather
Vancouver enjoys warm, comfortable summers that are rarely scorching. June to August has daytime temperatures that linger just above 20º Celsius (70º Fahrenheit). Evenings, especially in the surrounding mountains, can be cool, so it is recommended to pack a light jacket and/or sweater.
For up-to-date weather information, please visit www.theweathernetwork.com.
Time Zone
Vancouver is located in the Pacific Daylight Time zone during the summer months, which is 7 hours behind Universal Coordinated Time (UTC).
Banks / Currency Exchange
1 CAD $ = 100 cents
Banks are generally open from 10:00 to 16:00, Monday through Friday. Visitors to Canada are encouraged to exchange funds for Canadian dollars at Vancouver International Airport, at a bank or at a foreign currency exchange outlet where they will receive the prevailing rate. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are found throughout Vancouver. International credit cards are accepted throughout the country and traveler cheques can be changed at banks, hotels, resorts and the airport.
For up-to-date information, please refer to the Universal Currency Converter at: www.xe.com/ucc/.
Electricity
Canada operates on 110V, 60 cycle electric power, which is the same as in the United States. Non-North American visitors should bring a plug adaptor if they wish to use their own small appliances from home (razors, hair dryers, etc). If you are visiting from countries, such as Australia, that use a higher voltage, you may encounter problems charging your re-chargeable batteries. Canadian electrical goods come with either a two-pronged plug, which is the same as the US, or a three-pronged plug; most sockets accommodate both.
Taxes
The Province of British Columbia currently has a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) of 12%. The HST will be charged on all items purchased in British Columbia with some exceptions.
Tipping
Some properties and resort hotels include tips or gratuities with group tours to simplify bookkeeping. This will usually include gratuities for housekeeping, bell service and food service. Otherwise, customary gratuity will be calculated at 15%, which is a base standard tip in most restaurants, bars and hotels, and 20% for exceptional service.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted at the Congress facilities. The City of Vancouver has public health regulations that prevent smoking in public buildings, on public transportation and in ALL restaurants including patios. Certain bars have designated smoking areas.
Liquor Laws
In British Columbia, the legal drinking age is 19; bars are open from as early as 11:00 AM to as late as 4:00 AM. In BC, there are stiff penalties for Drinking and Driving.
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e-Health 2011
Photo Gallery
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