Useful Information

The location for the 27th International Annual Congress of the World Muscle Society is Halifax, Canada.  It feels even more special to be heading to Halifax as this was the planned destination for 2020, which had to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Located on one of the world’s largest natural harbours, Halifax is Atlantic Canada’s largest city with a quintessential maritime feel. A vibrant seacoast city wrapped in history and nature; Halifax is conveniently linked to major destinations around the world through the award-winning Halifax Stanfield International Airport. It is geographically closer to Boston and New York than any other Canadian city, and over one hour closer by plane to Europe than any other major North American city.

Accommodation

Please see https://www.wms2022.com/page/accommodation

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.

Banks

In Halifax major credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, stores, cafes and restaurants. It is a good idea always to ask beforehand though. Some places might charge a fee when accepting foreign credit cards as payment. Be sure to bring your PIN code and a picture ID. Banks are open from 09:30 to 17:00 on weekdays, most banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. There are numerous cash machines throughout the city and the Bureaux de Change are open until 9pm weekdays and during weekends at the Halifax Shopping Centre.

Certificate of Attendance

This will be issued to attendees upon completion the post-congress evaluation. A link will be sent at the end of the congress and more information can be found here

Cloakroom

There will be limited space in the cloakroom at the congress venue, so attendees are encouraged to check in at their hotels before coming to the venue on the first day and to store luggage at the hotel on the checkout day also.

Communication

If you have any problems with the registration process or questions prior to or during the Congress, please contact the Congress Secretariat via e-mail [email protected].

Covid

Please see our Covid information page for more information. 

Currency

The currency in Canada is the Canadian Dollar 1 EUR = 1.43 CAD
Coins: 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, $1, $2
Notes: $5, $10, $20, $50, $100

For currency converter.

Discover Halifax

For more information about Halifax, an inspiring city with its well known association for maritime hospitality and cultural history, we recommend you visit  https://businesseventshalifax.com/events/wms2022 where you can book tours of the city, discover the many attractions and museums that the city has to offer and find out how to navigate this very walkable city. A representative from Discover Halifax will be in the registration area on the Tuesday afternoon during the registration time to answer any questions you may have.

Electricity Supply/Voltage

In Canada the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. The standard voltage is 120 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. These are the two thin pin plugs which are different to European and UK plugs. European plugs are not compatible with Canadian electrical sockets. In order to plug in your electric appliances, you will need a plug adapter or a converter. 

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA. 

Eligibility

Please note that WMS is unable to accept registration applications from patient parents/relatives or other members of the public. For full eligibility information please see: https://www.wms2022.com/page/registration

Emergency numbers

If you need to contact the emergency services (ambulance, fire brigade, police) whilst in Canada the number to dial is 911. The Hospital Infirmary in Halifax with an Emergency Department is at 1799 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3K 4N1 www.nshealth.ca.

FAQ

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Industry Partners

We have a full exhibition so please make the most of the breaks to engage with each of them. The floor plan is available on the website and also on the congress app. We are delighted to host several non-CME Industry Symposia during the WMS 2022 Congress.

Insurance

Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended to clear all travel and medical insurance issues prior to coming to Halifax. Neither the Congress Secretariat nor the Organising Committee will take any responsibility for any participant of the Congress failing to insure.

Introductions

If this is your first time attending the WMS Congress, or you are attending on your own and would like to be introduced to other delegates when you arrive, please let us know via email in advance or at the registration desk at the venue. We will be happy to make some introductions so that you feel more comfortable.

Meetings

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.

Name Badges

Your WMS Congress name badge must be worn at all times during the congress and social activities. It will be required to gain access to the venue and sessions.

Photographer & Videographer

There will be an official photographer and videographer present throughout the congress and social activities. Photos & footage will be shared on the WMS social media channels during and after the congress. Photos will be available via the members section of the WMS website after the congress. If you do not wish to be included in any photos or videos please make the organisers, photographer and videographer aware via the registration desk.

Media, Images and Embargo Policy

Media representatives will be in attendance at WMS 2022 for the first time.

An event photographer and camera crew will also be capturing the Congress activities. If you do not want to be filmed, photographed or interviewed, please contact WMS Communications Manager Rachel Picken, or inform a member of the Congress Team.

Press Policy: https://www.wms2022.com/page/press-information 

The embargo date is the presentation day, e.g. for a late breaking abstract this is the last day of the congress. For general presentations that would be the beginning of the scientific programme for the congress (local time).

Registration Desk

The registration desk will be open as follows:
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

Sales Tax

Nova Scotia is one of the provinces in Canada that charges a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) of 15%. The HST is applied to most goods and services, although there are some categories that are exempt or rebated from the HST.

The HST was adopted in Nova Scotia on July 1st, 2010. The HST is made up of two components: an 10% provincial sales tax and a 5% federal sales tax.

Social Media

WMS has Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linked In accounts. Posts including photos about the congress and related activities will be posted before, during and after the congress. Please see our social media guide.

Special Requirements

If you have any specific accessibility, disability or mobility requirements, please do let us know as soon as possible.

Time

The Time Zone in Halifax, Nova Scotia is Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT). To check the time in Canada.

Tipping

Tipping etiquette in Canada can be confusing for visitors. Many people struggle to figure out who they are supposed to tip, top amounts, and what to do if they have poor service.

In Canada, tipping is expected for most service industries. You’ll be considered rude if you don’t tip employees at restaurants, in the hospitality industry, or at hair salons. But a good rule of thumb is to tip at least 18% wherever you go if the service was adequate. Most Canadians tip between 15-20% depending on their familiarity with the service staff and their ability to pay. With COVID closing many industries, tipping 20-25% has become more common.

Remember: you always tip on the total cost, not just the pre-tax amount.

Travel

For Travel information from the airport etc please visit: https://www.halifaxconventioncentre.com/delegate-experience/getting-here 

The shuttle bus to/from the airport is seasonal and only operates during the busy summer season: Halifax Airport Shuttle

Metro X bus

There is a Halifax transit bus (#320) that operates regularly from the airport to the city. The nearest bus stop for the #320 is about a 5 minute walk from the HQ hotel, at Scotia Square Mall. This journey will take 45 minutes to 1 hour

A car service can be booked in advance, they have a flat fee ($73 sedan, $103 SUV), take all methods of payment, and are clean and reliable. Atlantis Limousine & airport transfers: https://www.atlantislimo.ca/ or World Class https://www.nslimo.ca/

We have been informed that UBER taxi's now operate in Halifax.

Yellow Cab at +1 902-420-0000 or Casino Taxi at +1 902-429-6666)

Virtual

Please see our what to expect from the virtual platform guide

Visa

Find out if you need a Visa for Canada. Please make sure that you apply for a visa permit in plenty of time to avoid disappointment. 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.

Venue

Please see our venue information.

Weather

October, like September, is another mild autumn month in Halifax, Canada, with temperature in the range of an average high of 13.5°C (56.3°F) and an average low of 8.8°C (47.8°F). Read more about the climate in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Wellbeing

Your wellbeing at the congress is important to us. Please see further information here.

Wi-fi

Wi-fi is included complimentary for all delegates with the congress venue. The network name is Halifax Convention Centre, and the access code will be provided in your joining instructions. Please note that once you sign in, the connection will remain for 12 hours after which you will need to sign in again. 

 
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