Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Key Information

Key Dates & Deadlines

Abstract Submission Guidelines Oral Presentations Poster Presentations Late-Breaking Abstracts

Fellowships & Prizes

Certificate of Attendance

Congress Information

Please click on the boxes below to expand the information to read more:

COVID-19

Do I need to be fully vaccinated to attend?

Yes, please see our webpage Covid-19 Guidelines and Safety Measures - What to expect at the WMS Annual Congress 2022 for all the up to date information.

How can I be tested for Covid-19 while in Halifax?

TBC

What precautions are you taking against Covid-19 at the venue?

We place the health, safety and wellbeing of our attendees, suppliers and team members as a top priority. 

We understand that before attending WMS you may have some uncertainties about how Covid-19 regulations impact on events. So we've prepared the following frequently asked questions, to help answer those queries:  

Does everyone attending the event need to do a Lateral Flow Test (LFT) within 24 hours of arriving? 
We recommend that everyone carries out an LFT, within 24 hours of attending the event. Should you receive a positive result, do not come to the event. Stay at home and arrange a PCR test.  

Do attendees need to follow the Test and Protect system?
As well as our delegates providing their vaccination details during the registration process, attendees are expected to scan in on arrival, using the venue specific Test & Protect QR Code on display at the entrance.

Do you, provide face masks and sanitisers?  
We don’t provide face coverings, but we have free standing hand sanitising units at the entrance to the venue and in other key locations such as cloakrooms and toilets.

Do attendees need to wear face coverings during the event?  
We ask that all attendees, unless they are medically exempt, do wear face coverings, when required, to protect other attendees and our team.

Can face coverings be removed when seated during sessions?   
Current guidance dictates that face coverings should be worn at all times during conferences, unless eating or drinking.

How do attendees show exemptions from wearing face coverings?  
We suggest that delegates who are exempt, should  wear a lanyard and a badge, which can be ordered online.

Are face coverings compulsory for all venue staff? 
We ask that all of our team members wear face covering unless they are medically exempt.

Can attendees shake hands?  
We would recommend against this as minimising physical contact reduces the spread of viruses and infection. We will have some special lanyards to show that you'd like people to respect social distancing.

Will cloakrooms be available during the congress? 
Yes, we intend to have the cloakroom open for the congress. We ask that delegates minimise the number of personal belongings that they bring to the venue.

Can you outline your cleaning regime?
We have increased the frequency of cleaning and sanitising all high touch points. Toilets are also checked and cleaned on an increased basis throughout the day/evening.

What happens if an attendee delegates develops Covid symptoms / tests positive during the event?   
If someone develops symptoms while at the venue, they must ensure they keep their face covering on, keep at least 2m distance from others, leave the venue ASAP, and get an appointment to have a PCR test.  If symptoms develop whilst they are at their hotel, they should stay there, and not come to the venue.

Please see https://www.halifaxconventioncentre.com/plan/our-commitment-to-safety and https://www.wms2022.com/page/covid-19-guidance for further information. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any queries.

Industry Symposia, Sponsorship & Exhibition

Will there be Industry Symposia?

Yes, there will be 8 Industry Symposia during the congress week. See sponsors page for more information. All symposia plus the recorded Q&A will be available on-demand in the WMS 2022 Congress platform between 4 and 24 hours after the live stream. 

I've only registered for one of the WMS Industry Symposia, does that mean I can only attend that one?

The WMS Industry Symposia sign-up emails sent pre-congress were to gauge interest only. Any registered delegate for the WMS 2022 Congress as a whole can attend any of the days and view all of the content. All symposia plus the recorded Q&A will be available on-demand in the WMS 2022 Congress platform between 4 and 24 hours after the live stream, so if you miss anything you can still catch up in your own time.

Will there be an exhibition?

Yes, all our sponsors and exhibitors will be available to chat to in-person at the venue. You can also book a meeting, download information, watch videos, send a chat message or question via the congress app and platform. See a list of our confirmed sponsors here.

Exhibition Opening Hours (although exhibitors may well be at their stands outside these official hours)

Tuesday 11th – 16:00 – 21:00. Delegates will be amongst the exhibition and posters for the evening networking reception

Wednesday 12th – 10:00 – 17:30

Thursday 13th – 10:30 – 14:30

Friday 14th – 10:00 – 18:00

Saturday 15th – 9:00 – 11:00 

I'm interested in exhibiting, who do I contact?

There are many reasons for different organisations to get involved in this very important event. If you are looking to attract new partners and collaborators, generate exposure and raise the profile of your organisation then the 27th Congress of the WMS is for you. WMS will attract neuromuscular stakeholders from around the world. They will come together online to share, collaborate, learn and inspire. If your organisation is in any way involved in the development of drugs, equipment, research or therapeutic interventions in neuromuscular disorders or interested in the commercialisation of research products then this congress is key.

Please see https://www.wms2022.com/page/sponsors and contact Alice Watts email: [email protected]y.org for more information or to discuss your requirements and objectives in more detail.

Presentations and E-Posters

My abstract has been accepted. What happens now?

Outcome notification emails will be sent to abstract submitters in May 2022.

For Poster Presentations please go to: https://www.wms2022.com/page/poster-presentations

For Oral presentations please go to: https://www.wms2022.com/page/speakers-1

If you have any further queries, please contact [email protected]

I'm presenting an E-Poster, what do I need to do?

For Poster Presentations please go to: https://www.wms2022.com/page/poster-presentations

If you have any further queries, please contact [email protected]

How do I engage with the Poster and E-Poster presenters?

Registered attendees can chat with the presenter at any time during the congress week via the congress app and virtual platform if you don't catch them by their poster in-person at the venue during the poster sessions. 

 

I am an oral presenter during the congress, what do I need to do?

For Oral Presentations please go to: https://www.wms2022.com/page/speakers-1

If you have any further queries, please contact [email protected]

Is there an abstract journal?

It is the author’s responsibility to submit a correct abstract; if accepted, any errors in spelling, grammar, or scientific fact may be reproduced as typed by the author. The Programme Committee reserves the right to shorten the abstract title to allow its publication in the congress programme and Neuromuscular Disorders Journal and edit the content to remove acknowledgements and misspellings identified by the Programme Committee.

A digital abstract journal will be available to all virtual congress registered delegates from 11th October 2022. A link to each abstract URL in the journal will also be visible within the virtual platform presenter profile.

The abstracts will also be available for WMS members and subscribers to the journal, via the journal, after the congress.

I wish to withdraw my abstract. What do I do?

For any questions regarding abstracts up until June 2022 please contact MEA Consulting by emailing [email protected]

If the query is after June 2022 please contact Clare Beach by emailing [email protected] 

When will WMS2022 abstracts be made public?

The full programme with accepted abstract titles will be available on the congress website in June. The late breaking abstracts will be added to the programme in September.

E-Posters will be available to view on the virtual platform and congress app from the congress opening on 11th October 2022.

A digital abstract journal will be available to all virtual congress registered delegates from 11th October 2022. A link to each abstract URL in the journal will also be visible within the virtual platform presenter profile.

The abstracts will also be available for WMS members and subscribers to the journal, via the journal, after the congress.

What is the abstract copyright policy? Can I present an abstract previously presented at another conference?

WMS does not have a strict policy around encore/previously presented abstracts. In general presentations will be judged according to novelty and interest for the members of the society.

The Journal does not transfer copyright for standalone Abstracts (not a part of the article). They have a non-exclusive license to publish those Abstracts. So, the Author may present/submit their abstract at other conferences.

Programme

When will the WMS 2022 Virtual Congress Platform be open?

The congress virtual platform will open from 16:00 on 11th October 2022. Access credentials will be sent to all registered delegates a few days beforehand.

Where can I find the Congress and Pre-Congress Teaching Course programme?

The WMS2022 Congress Programme can be viewed HERE. You can find out more about the invited speakers HERE.

The Pre-Congress Teaching Course programme is available HERE . To find out more about the course faculty, please click HERE.

Please note that the sessions involving live patients will not be live streamed for virtual delegates nor available on demand through the virtual platform.

 

I'm in a completely different time zone to Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT), how can I still participate in the congress as a virtual delegate?

We realise that not everyone is in the same time zone, but we have tried to make the congress content as flexible and available as possible to everyone. So even if you are attending as an in-person delegate you will still have full access as a virtual delegate as well.

All sessions and lectures will be available on-demand in the WMS 2022 Virtual Congress platform between 4 and 24 hours after the live stream. Just head to the programme menu in the virtual platform which is where you will find it all. You can still engage with presenters and exhibitors via the chat functions outside of the ADT congress hours, they will just pick the message in their own time zone and respond. Just remember to check back later for their response.

The vast majority of the scientific content and exhibition information will be available on demand for a period of 3 months after the meeting ends (until 11th January 2023) for registered participants only, unless speakers/presenters/exhibitors have requested their content/recording be removed 2 weeks post-congress. Most of the content will be available via the WMS website https://www.worldmusclesociety.org/ for WMS members to access at a future date. The Pre-Congress Teaching Course content will move to the WMS Website for WMS members to access after the end of October 2022. 

How will I know whether a session will be available in-person and/or virtually?

The only sessions that will not be available in live streaming format will be the poster session presentations and social events. Virtual delegates will be able to view e-posters via the platform and engage with the presenter via chat.

I will not be available 11-15 October 2022. Will I still be able to access the congress and its content?

The vast majority of the scientific content and exhibition booths will be available on demand via the virtual platform for a period of 3 months after the meeting ends for registered participants only (until 11th January 2023), unless speakers/presenters/exhibitors have requested their content/recording be removed 2 weeks post-congress. Most of the content will be available via the WMS website https://www.worldmusclesociety.org/ for WMS members to access at a future date. The Pre-Congress Teaching Course content will move to the WMS Website for WMS members to access after the end of October 2022.

What if I'm not available during certain sessions?

All sessions and lectures will be available on-demand in the WMS 2022 Congress platform between 4 and 24 hours after the live stream and will remain available for at least 2 weeks (if speakers/presenters/sponsors have requested removal after this time) or for 3 months if speakers/presenters/sponsor have provided full consent (until 11th January 2023).

When will Late Breaking News titles and abstracts be released?

The Late Breaking News presentation title and author information will be added to the programme in mid-September and the abstract will be available in the app/platform/journal at the beginning of the congress. 

Please see the Press & Embargo Policy information here.

I am registered for the Pre-Congress Teaching Course, what should I do?

The Pre-Congress Teaching Course will be for registered in-person attendees at the congress venue and streamed on the virtual congress platform. You can find out more about the course faculty and see the course programme HERE. The course content will be available on-demand via the virtual congress platform until the end of October and after this via the WMS website for WMS members to access.

On arrival at the Halifax Convention Centre, the venue staff will direct you to the Summit Level for the Pre-Congress Teaching Course.

Will the sessions be interactive?

You will have the opportunity to interact with fellow attendees in-person at the venue and also on the virtual congress platform and app, through the one to one chat functions, Q&A and Polling features. During the live streaming, you will be able to send in your questions in real time. These will be moderated and answered by presenters during the Q&A sessions. 

Will there be poster sessions?

Four poster sessions are scheduled for the congress week but the posters will be available to view at anytime in the poster rooms and also on the congress app and virtual platform. You will have the opportunity to send your question to the authors via the app/platform at any time during this period. Please consult the Programme for more details.

When will posters and presentations be available to view on the platform and app?

E-Posters will be available to view on the platform and app from the congress opening on 11th October 2022. The poster presenters will have uploaded their E-poster and an optional short video/audio file to accompany their presentation. Poster presenters attending in person will be available during the official poster sessions throughout the week, but messages to the presenter and other delegates can be sent anytime during the congress week. 

All the content which the presenters and speakers have consented to, will remain on the platform for 3 months post congress for registered delegates to view on demand  (until 11th January 2023).

A link to each abstract journal file will be added to the presentations on the platform. The abstracts as a whole will be available for WMS members and subscribers to the journal only, via the journal, after the congress. 

Can I arrange a meeting at the WMS Congress?

WMS actively discourages any congress sponsor or other organisation from organising any kind of meeting or event in parallel with the congress programme. Any meeting or event which is organised before or after the congress must not be badged in anyway as a pre/post WMS event for example, nor any connection be made to attendees being able to attend as part of their WMS itinerary.

What is the Press and Embargo Policy?

The Press Policy and further information is available here.

The embargo date is the presentation day, e.g. for a late breaking abstract this is the last day of the congress. Because this is a hybrid meeting the content may be available prior to the session being broadcasted at the scheduled time in the programme.

Registration

How do I register for the 2022 Congress and Pre-Congress Teaching Course?

We take online registrations only and you can book your place here.

Is there a group registration option?

You can register a group online by accessing the relevant form once you have clicked ‘Register Here’ on the Registration page. Groups can be registered by third parties and the Group Coordinator does not need to be a congress attendee.

When are registrations closing?

***Update - WMS 2022 In-Person Congress and Pre-Congress Teaching Course Registrations will be closing on 20th September at midnight BST***

We strongly encourage all those interested in attending the congress and course to register in plenty of time ahead of the event. Because this is our first meeting in a few years we expect numbers to be high. If you wish to attend virtually, please register in plenty of time before the congress, to ensure that virtual platform access credentials are sent and received in sufficient time and that you have the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the platform and facilities available.

Registrations will remain open for virtual tickets during the virtual meeting. However, if registering in the 48h ahead of the meeting or during the meeting, please expect a minimum 12-hour delay in receiving your access credentials. This means you might miss some of the live-streamed sessions.

Can I register for the Pre-Congress Teaching Course only?

You can only book your course attendance during your Congress registration. Only delegates who have pre-booked the course will be given access to this material during the Congress week.

What are the 2022 Congress and Pre-Congress Teaching Course fees?

Please head over to the Registration page for a full breakdown of fees.

What will be available for me as a registered participant?

WMS 2022 Congress and Teaching Course will offer you a full virtual experience and the opportunity to take part in every aspect of the meeting, including:

In-Person Congress Registration Includes: Virtual Congress Registration Includes:
  • Access to all scientific sessions & industry symposia
  • Access to exhibition and poster areas
  • Option to attend the Pre-Congress Teaching Course at an additional fee
  • Networking breaks
  • Networking reception
  • Access to all scientific sessions, industry symposia, sponsor & exhibitor details and e-poster presentations via the congress app and virtual platform
  • Congress bag
  • Certificate of attendance
  • CME certificate
  • Access to all scientific sessions, industry symposia, sponsor & exhibitor details and e-poster presentations via the congress app and virtual platform
  • Option to attend the Virtual Pre-Congress Teaching Course at an additional fee
  • Certificate of attendance
  • CME certificate
Can I access the 2022 Congress and Teaching Course without registering?

No, we ask all those interested in attending the in-person meeting, live streams and on-demand content to register online ahead of the meeting. Only registered participants will receive the necessary access credentials for the venue and virtual congress platform.

Will I be reimbursed, if the congress is cancelled/rescheduled? What is your cancellation policy?

Transfers between attendance types (in-person & virtual) should your situation change nearer the time, will be accepted until 9th September 2022 and must be requested in writing to [email protected]. Please read the full Terms & Conditions.

Do I need to be registered to present my abstract and for the publication of the abstract?

The presenting author must be registered for the congress in order to be able to submit an abstract. Only the presenting author can be the submitter of an abstract. An abstract submitted by someone who is not the presenter will be refused. For the full list of Guidelines, please visit the Abstracts page.

If your submitted abstract has been selected for a presentation you are not entitled to complimentary registration.

Will it be possible to get CPD points by attending the congress?

WMS is working with Dalhousie University to obtain accreditation for the teaching course and the main congress for attendees to be able to earn CME points when attending sessions during the congress. Each medical specialist should claim only those credits that he/she actually spent in the educational activity. As usual, the certificate of attendance will be available after completing the online evaluations. Personalised certificate of attendance with the claimed CME points will be provided on request. The online evaluations will be active after the congress sessions and the overall congress. More information is available here.

How do I get my certificate of attendance?

The WMS 2022 Congress and Pre-Congress Teaching Course is working with Dalhousie University to obtain accreditation for the teaching course and the main congress. If approved, each medical specialist should claim only those credits that he/she actually spent in the educational activity. More information will be published on the website in due course.

Certificates of attendance will be available after completing the online post congress evaluation. If a personalised CME points certificate is required, this will be provided on request.

What if we have to go fully virtual again because of COVID-19?

We are very much looking forward to welcoming our delegates in-person this year. If however the situation worsens and we are not able to go ahead with the meeting as planned we will have our virtual platform in place anyway. All delegates have access to the virtual platform. Please see our Terms and Conditions and article for more information.

Why is VAT applicable for virtual tickets?

Under UK VAT law, when determining if UK VAT should be charged on our admission fees for live online events such as the congress we have to consider the VAT place of supply rules. 

The place of supply rules determine where a supply takes place for VAT purposes and therefore if UK VAT should be charged. There are general rules for supplies to business and non-business consumers as well as a number of exceptions to the general rule. The supply of admission to a live online even like our congress falls under the general rule and means the following:

1.    If you are a business customer the place of supply is where you belong and if this is outside of the UK, no UK VAT will be charged.
2.    If you are a non-business customer the place of supply is where we belong (the UK) and UK VAT will be charged at the applicable rate.

Our understanding is that you are a non-business delegate and therefore we have charged UK VAT. However, should this be incorrect we would be happy to review further. We would need you to provide us with conformation that you are in business and this would need to be evidenced by way of providing us with your VAT registration number. Please contact [email protected] to provide this information if applicable.

Do I need to wear my name badge?

Yes please. All attendees must wear their name badge for all congress sessions including social events. This is so that we know you are part of the event, but your name badge also contains important information for the organisers such as dietary requirements, membership status and social events booked.

Will I be able to buy a registration ticket at the congress venue?

No, now that in-person registration is full and therefore closed, no tickets will be available onsite at the congress venue. Please do not travel or book accommodation if you do not have a confirmed in-person registration ticket in place.

When will the Registration desk be open?

The registration desk will be open as follows (local Halifax time):
Tuesday 11th October: 16:00-20:00
Wednesday 12th October: 06:30 -18:00
Thursday 13th October: 07:00 – 14:30
Friday 14th October: 06:45 – 17:45
Saturday 15th October: 08:00 – 15:00
 

Technical & Communication

What do I need to access the virtual platform?

To attend the meeting virtually, you need a good internet connection, your computer/laptop and a headset/headphones as well as a valid congress registration. If you have already registered for the congress, you will receive access credentials for the virtual platform a few days prior to the meeting.

How do I access the congress virtual platform?

Access credentials for the Virtual Congress platform, which will enable you to gain access to the live and on-demand content, visit the sponsor information and take part in live Q&A sessions, will be emailed to you a few days ahead of the congress.

These access credentials are different from the profile log-in account you set up to register for the event (you will not be required to use the registration log in details after you have submitted your registration and have received your confirmation email).

Please keep your virtual platform access credentials safe as you will need these details to enter the virtual meeting during the programme days and post-congress. 

Can I download the slides from the sessions?

No, the slides from the session presentations cannot be downloaded.

Why is the video not playing?

We recommend using Chrome for the best experience when viewing the webcast and live-streamed sessions. If you are using Safari, please enable the popup blocker: www.lifewire.com/manage-pop-up-blocker-in-safari-4136249

Who do I contact with questions?

During the congress week there will be live Technical Support available via the Virtual Platform and our team will be available onsite to assist you as well.

If you have any other questions, please contact the organisers or visit us at the registration desk. A member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

How can I connect with our community on social media?

There are lots of ways to connect and engage with WMS 2022 attendees. Please see https://www.wms2022.com/page/social-media-guide for more information.

Is there a congress mobile app?

The Congress App will be made available to all delegates nearer the congress. You will be able to view the programme schedule, digital posters and audio/video files, sponsor information, participate in session Q&A and polling and connect with other delegates.

Travel

Where can I find out more about where to stay for the congress?

Accommodation is not included in your registration fee for the congress. HelmsBriscoe has been appointed as the official booking agent for the WMS 2022 Congress in Halifax and will be happy to assist you with your bedroom reservation or other related arrangements.

We strongly advise booking your accommodation early to take advantage of cheaper prices and more availability of options. Delegates are entirely responsible for their own accommodation arrangements and payments. Please do not book accommodation if you do not have a confirmed congress registration.

The Congress HQ Hotel is the Sutton Place Hotel. Hotel rooms of different categories at reduced rates are available for the participants at WMS2022. Hotel room rates are in Canadian Dollars. Reservations are subject to availability. Please click on the link below for more information and to book your hotel accommodation:

If you have any questions regarding your hotel booking, would like to book more than 20 rooms as a group or book outside of the given dates, please contact us at [email protected].

Halifax has lots of hills. If you think you will require a shuttle from your hotel to the congress venue each day please make this clear in your registration. Or contact the organisers via [email protected]

How can I find out more about Halifax, Canada?

Please see our general information page: https://www.wms2022.com/page/information 

Are travel grants available for PhD students?

Every year the WMS awards fellowships, funded by an annual royalty from Neuromuscular Disorders by Elsevier. For the WMS 2022 Congress WMS will support up to 100 fellowships awarded to help attendees with their travel and accommodation costs.

Please see https://www.wms2022.com/page/prizes for more information

I have mobility difficulties, how accessible is the venue?

We the organisers and the congress venue are committeed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all our guests.

Please see the congress venue website for further information however do contact us directly should you have a specific query or request. We will do everything we can to help you.

I have special dietary requirements - will the catering be suitable?

Absolutely. We will be working closely with the catering teams to provide a healthy, balanced meal for all delegates. Our Congress Manager Clare is a gluten and dairy free pescatarian so she knows how frustrating it is when there isn't a proper meal provided at events. If you have any queries, please contact Madalina our Registration Manager or Clare directly.

Do I need a visa to travel to Halifax?

Find out if you need a Visa for Canada. Please make sure that you ask for a visa permit in plenty of time. If you need an invitation letter, please contact the Registration Manager if you didn't request one during the registration process.. 

Official visa information provided by the Canadian Government.

ArriveCAN

All delegates travelling into Canada will need to setup and fillout the the information on this app: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/arrivecan/id1505394667.

I need a letter of invitation to make my travel arrangements

If you need an invitation letter, please contact the Registration Manager if you didn't request one during the registration process.. 

Official visa information provided by the Canadian Government.

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