Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the Key Dates for the Conference?
- Where is the conference being held?
- Is the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre accessible to those with disabilities?
- Is there parking at the conference?
- What is the dress code for the conference?
- What will the weather be like at the time of the conference?
- How do I get to the Gold Coast?
- How do I get to the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre
- Do I need a VISA?
- How much does it cost to register?
- Do you have any funding available for me to attend the conference?
- Do the registration fees include insurance?
- Can I register onsite?
- What happens if I haven’t paid at the time of the conference?
- What are my entitlements as a full paying delegate?
- What are my entitlements as a ‘day’ delegate?
- What are my entitlements as a ‘Pre Conference Workshop’ delegate?
- How do I register?
- Is there a cut-off date for registration?
- Is there a limit on how many people can attend from the same company?
- When does the registration desk open?
- Is lunch provided?
- How do I book accommodation?
- Who are the keynote speakers?
- Who are the invited speakers?
- Where can I find the program?
- What are the pre conference workshops? When & where will they be held? How much does it cost?
- When is the Education Day?
- What are the social functions?
- How do I get a tax invoice?
- What is the cancellation and refund policy?
- How do I contact the conference organisers?
- What are some of the activities/tours available at the Gold Coast?
- Do the fees include GST?
- Is there a special registration rate for speakers?
- I am a sponsor / exhibitor, where can I find the Information I need to set up and so on?
- I am interested in sponsoring or exhibiting. What do I need to do?
- I am a presenter. Where do I find the Presenters Information Handbook?
What are the Key Dates for the Conference?
- 11 February 2011
- Program Release
- 13 April 2011
- Early Bird Closes
- 28 June 2011
- Pre Conference Workshops AND Education Day
- 29 June 2011
- Conference Day 1
- 30 June 2011
- Conference Day 2
- 1 July 2011
- Conference Day 3
Where is the conference being held?
The Occupational Therapy Australia 2011 Conference is being held at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre
Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre
Cnr Gold Coast Highway & TE Peters Drive
Broadbeach Queensland 4218
AUSTRALIA
Phone: +61 7 55044000
Website: www.gccec.com.au
Is the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre accessible to those with disabilities?
The GCCEC is designed to ensure that people with a disability have equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the Centre’s services and facilities.
Specially designed bathrooms are also located on all levels. In the Arena, wheelchair access seats are available in the cross-aisles which are designed with glass barriers for easy viewing. The Centre offers a height adjustable wheelchair lift for the Arena stage should this be required for events.
Public bathrooms and lift facilities throughout the Centre have Braille signs, and a mobile hearing augmentation system ensures clearer reception throughout the venue. Tactile warning indicators to stairs, ramps and other changing conditions comply with all laws governing safety.
Is there parking at the conference?
The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre's car park entrance is at the northern end of the building, accessible from traffic lights off the Gold Coast Highway and the main driveway off TE Peters Drive.
Undercover car spaces are available for short-term parking. It is $7.00 per car, per day.
For current car park rates and opening hours please go to www.gccec.com.au/about-the-centre/parking
For any enquiries please telephone +61 7 5504 4000
What is the dress code for the conference?
Neat casual attire is acceptable for attendance at conference sessions & social functions.
What will the weather be like at the time of the conference?
The Gold Coast has a sub-tropical climate with plenty of sunshine year round. Winter temperatures range from an average of 9 to 21 degrees Celsius (48 to 69 degrees Fahrenheit) - Delegates are advised to bring clothing suitable for cool conditions.
How do I get to the Gold Coast?
By Air
The Gold Coast Airport at Coolangatta is serviced by domestic and international flights. Most services are one-class, but Qantas also offers business class travel. There are regular daily domestic flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide and there are connecting flights to all other Australian cities. The trip from Sydney takes around 1 hour 25 minutes, around 2 hours 15 minutes from Melbourne and around 2 hours and 10 minutes from Adelaide.
International flights arrive from Auckland, Hamilton, Dunedin, Palmerston North & Christchurch in New Zealand. There are also flights arriving on the Gold Coast via Cairns from Japan (Osaka, Nagoya & Fukuoka), Taipei, Hong Kong & Singapore. Brisbane's International Airport also provides links with the USA and Europe.
For further information on the Queensland Airports, please see below:
www.goldcoastairport.com.au
www.brisbaneairport.com.au
For Flight Information Visit:
| Domestic Carriers | Contact Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Qantas Airways | www.qantas.com.au | 13 1313 |
| Virgin Blue | www.virginblue.com.au | 13 67 89 |
| Jet Star | www.jetstar.com | 13 15 38 |
| Flight Centre | www.flightcentre.com | 13 31 33 |
Bus/Coach
There are a number of coach services that pass through the Gold Coast. There are regular services from Brisbane, Byron Bay and other major centres. There are bus transit centres in Coolangatta, Surfers Paradise and Southport. Travel time from Brisbane is around 1½ hours.
Train
The Gold Coast is connected by rail to Brisbane's Roma Street and Central stations. The closest railway stations servicing the Gold Coast include Nerang, Helensvale and Robina. There are connecting shuttle bus services available from the station to Surfers Paradise and other Gold Coast centres. Airtrain also operate regular rail services from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast which take approximately 90 minutes. Please visit www.airtrain.com.au for further details.
For further information on ground transport operators, please see www.translink.com.au
Self Drive
The major route from Sydney to the Gold Coast is via the Pacific Highway. Use the following table to plan your trip and ensure that you "stop, revive, survive" every 2 hours. Please visit www.mainroads.qld.gov.au for further details.
| Gold Coast to | Distance in KM | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 947 | 11 hr and 25 minutes |
| Canberra | 1251 | 15 hrs |
| Melbourne | 1840 | 22 hrs and 10 minutes |
| Brisbane | 80 | 1 hr |
How do I get to the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre
From Coolangatta Airport (Gold Coast)
Taxis
Taxis are immediately outside the terminal.
GC Cabs 131 008
Website: www.gccabs.com.au
A fare from the Airport to the conference venue costs approximately $50.00
Hire cars
You'll find all of Australia's best known car rental companies located opposite the check-in counters at Gold Coast Airport. You can either book with your preferred company prior to your arrival, or shop around at the terminal for the best deal.
Car hire is provided by the following operators:
| AVIS | www.avis.com | 07 5536 3511 |
| Hertz | www.hertz.com | 07 5536 6133 |
| Budget | www.budget.com.au | 07 5536 5377 |
| Thrifty | www.thrifty.com.au | 07 5536 6955 |
The Gold Coast Airport has a conveniently located Transport and Information Desk right outside International Arrivals if you require further information.
Bus
Surfside Buslines provide a shuttle service that meets most flights (leaving at 10 to the hour and 20 past the hour). The cost is $18.00 one way ($33.00 return) and they stop at Conrad Jupiters Casino and various hotels and apartments.
Phone: 07 5574 5111
Website: www.surfside.com.au
From Brisbane Airport
Taxis
Taxis are immediately outside the terminal. However this trip can take over 1 1/2 hours in peak times with fares exceeding $100.
Black and White cabs - 131 008
www.blackandwhitecabs.com.au
Bus
Coachtrans is Brisbane Airport’s Licensed Coach Operator, operating a fleet of air-conditioned coaches, seven days a week and meeting all major flights into Brisbane’s Domestic and International Airports. Coachtrans offers customer service counters to assist passengers on arrival at the airport together with exclusive curb-side coach parking for easy passenger access.
Coachtrans operates door to door services direct to the Gold Coast via the Gateway Bridge to all hotels from Sanctuary Cove to Coolangatta. Bookings can be made online, phone or upon arrival. For further information including price, please contact Coachtrans at:
Phone: +61 7 3358 9700
www.coachtrans.com.au
Train
‘Airtrain’ operate a regular rail service from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast which takes approximately 90 minutes. Please visit www.airtrain.com.au for further details.
Car Hire
Six car rental companies operate from both international and domestic terminals. In the international terminal the car rental customer service desks are located on level 2 and in the domestic terminal on ground level.
Car Hire information:
| Avis | 136 333 | www.avis.com.au |
| Hertz | 13 30 39 | www.hertz.com.au |
| Thrifty | 1300 367 227 | www.rentthrifty.com |
| Budget | 1300 362 848 | www.budget.com.au |
Do I need a VISA?
If you are not an Australian citizen you need a valid visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter and spend time in Australia. With the exception of New Zealand citizens, all foreign nationals must obtain a visa/ETA before travelling to Australia. New Zealand citizens are issued with a visa on arrival in Australia. Visas are available from Australian visa offices, such as Australian embassies, high commissions and consulates. They are also available, in ETA form, from travel agents and airlines in certain countries. With an ETA, you don’t need a stamp in your passport, as they are confirmed electronically on your arrival.
Customs
Prior to landing on Australian soil, you will be handed an incoming passenger card to complete, as well as Customs and Agriculture Declaration forms. Australia has particularly strict quarantine laws – you must declare all goods of animal or plant origin, and you’re not allowed to bring fresh fruit or vegetables into the country. If you’re concerned about bringing any items into Australia, declare them. If you’ve been snacking on the flight, place any leftovers in the amnesty quarantine bins available in the arrival area or on the way to the luggage collection bay.
Australian customs regulations allow anyone over 18 to import the following goods duty free: AUD$400 worth of goods, not including alcohol or tobacco; 2.25 litres of alcohol; 250 cigarettes, or 250 grams of cigars or tobacco products (other than cigarettes).
For more on the ETA and how it works, or for customs information, click on the respective links below.
Further Links
Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Website www.immi.gov.au
The Australian Customs Service Website www.customs.gov.au
How much does it cost to register?
There are various registration fees – please select the fee that is applicable to you. Verification will be made with the relevant association.
Occupational Therapy Australia member rate – select this registration if you are a member of Occupational Therapy Australia, a division of Occupational Therapy Australia, NZAOT, International Organisation or another approved allied health professional association. Please contact OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AUSTRALIA at www.ausot.com.au for more information.
Student Member rate – To qualify for the student rate, you will need to show valid student ID when arriving to register at the Conference. Students include those studying as full time or post graduates.
Graduate rate – select this registration type if you are an OT who has graduated within the last year as per the Occupational Therapy Australia graduate membership guidelines.
If you do not fall into any of the above categories, please select the non member rate
Click here for further information on registration fees and how to register.
Do you have any funding available for me to attend the conference?
No special funding is available for delegates to attend the conference.
Do the registration fees include insurance?
Registration fees do not include insurance coverage of any kind. Delegates are strongly advised to secure appropriate travel and health insurance. Conference managers cannot accept responsibility for any delegate failing to cover their own insurance.
Can I register onsite?
Registrations will be accepted onsite. However we recommend registering prior to the conference so that your name badge and delegate pack will be waiting for you on arrival. Full payment will be required by bank cheque, credit card or cash for onsite registrations.
What happens if I haven’t paid at the time of the conference?
You will be asked to secure payment prior to receiving your name badge and delegate satchel. This may be done by bank cheque, credit card or cash.
What are my entitlements as a full paying delegate?
- All conference sessions on Wednesday29th June to Friday 1 July 2011
- Lunch, morning and afternoon teas
- Conference satchel, program handbook and delegate materials
- Welcome Reception 29th June 2011
What are my entitlements as a ‘day’ delegate?
- All conference sessions on the day of registration
- Lunch, morning and afternoon teas on the day of registration
- Conference satchel, program handbook and delegate materials
What are my entitlements as a ‘Pre Conference Workshop’ delegate?
- The preconference workshop session
- Morning tea, lunch & afternoon tea (full day workshops), morning tea (half day workshop)
- Workshop materials
How do I register?
The preferred method of registration is online, however hard copy registrations can be downloaded and once completed, can then be faxed/posted/emailed to the Conference Office for processing.
Is there a cut-off date for registration?
No, there is no cut-off date. Registrations will be accepted up until the conference.
Is there a limit on how many people can attend from the same company?
No, there is no limit.
When does the registration desk open?
The Occupational Therapy Australia 2011 Registration Desk will be located onsite at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre for collection of name badges and conference materials. Opening times & location will be advised in due course.
All registration materials, including name badges, Conference social tickets and program handbook may be collected from the Registration Desk during the times listed above.
Is lunch provided?
Lunch as well as morning and afternoon tea (no afternoon tea on Friday) is included in your registration fee. If you have not already done so on your registration form, please advise the Conference Office if you have any dietary requirements - via email at ot2011@thinkbusinessevents.com.au
How do I book accommodation?
All new bookings must now be made with the hotels directly. Please click here for hotel details.
Who are the keynote speakers?
This year’s program will include keynote addresses from the following:
Professor Paul Glasziou
Professor Sylvia Rodger
Dr. Bonnie Kirsh
Professor Anne Cusick
Please click here for further information on the keynote speakers.
Who are the invited speakers?
The invited speakers include:
Emma Gee
Tammy Hoffman
Jo Jackson King
Valmae Rose
Please click here for further information on the invited speakers.
Where can I find the program?
To view the program, please click here
What are the pre conference workshops? When & where will they be held? How much does it cost?
There are 9 preconference workshops to be held on Tuesday 28th June 2011. The venue is yet to be decided. Participants will be advised closer to the date.
Fees for the Pre Conference Workshops are as follows:
| Full Day | Half Day (This workshop includes a $60.00 kit) |
|---|---|
| OT Member $250 | OT Member $255 |
| Non Member $375 | Non Member $355 |
| Student Member $135 | Student Member $165 |
| Student Non Member $190 | Student Non Member $215 |
Click here for further information on the Pre Conference Workshops.
When is the Education Day?
Education Day will be held on Tuesday 28th June 2011 from 9am – 4:30pm. The topic is:
Sands of wisdom: inspiring occupational therapy futures
Sponsored by Australian and New Zealand Council of Occupational Therapy Education (ANZCOTE) and Occupational Therapy AustraliaL
For further information, please click here
What are the social functions?
Welcome Reception – Inclusive Social Function
The Welcome Reception will be a perfect opportunity to widen your networks and re acquaint yourselves with colleagues and peers.
Date: Wednesday 29th June 2011
Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Location: Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre
Dress: Neat Casual
Tickets: Included in the registration fee, additional tickets can be purchased for $45.00. You can book additional tickets via the registration form or email the conference office at ot2011@thinkbusinessevents.com.au
Conference Dinner - Additional Social Function
Date: Thursday 30th June 2011
Time: 5:45pm – 11pm
Location: McLarens Landing at South Stradbroke Island
Dress: Neat Casual
Tickets: Not included in the registration fee. Tickets are $ $25.00 (delegates) $95.00 (guests) per person. You can book tickets on your registration form or email the conference office at ot2011@thinkbusinessevents.com.au
Occupational Therapy Australia is partially subsidising the dinner for delegates.
How do I get a tax invoice?
If you registered online, you are able to enter your registration by clicking on ‘register now’ and using the online username and password you were given. There you can download your tax invoice. Otherwise please contact the Conference Organisers at:
Think Business Events
Level 1, 299 Elizabeth St
Sydney NSW 2000
Ph: 02 8251 0045
Fax: 02 8251 0097
Email: ot2011@thinkbusinessevents.com.au
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
Cancellations received in writing at the conference office by Friday 20h May 2011 will be accepted and all fees refunded less an AUD$100 administrative fee. Cancellations received after this date cannot be refunded and will not be refunded, however transfer of your registration to another person is acceptable. The full name and details of the person that will replace you must be advised in writing to the Conference Office prior to the Conference. No refunds will be made for non attendance at the conference.
How do I contact the conference organisers?
Conference Office:
Think Business Events
Level 1, 299 Elizabeth St
Sydney NSW 2000
Ph: 02 8251 0045
Fax: 02 8251 0097
Email: ot2011@thinkbusinessevents.com.au
What are some of the activities/tours available at the Gold Coast?
Located on the eastern seaboard of Australia, the Gold Coast is Australia’s premier tourist destination featuring 70 km of internationally acclaimed beaches and breathtaking world heritage listed subtropical rainforests.
If you are combining business with pleasure, there is no destination like the Gold Coast.
This dynamic and diverse city embodies all that Australians are passionate about – the great outdoors, sports, a relaxed lifestyle, the beach and the idyllic subtropical climate.
Things to see and do on the Gold Coast:
- Explore the world heritage national parks and rainforests
- Groove to jazz at the Arts Centre
- Explore more than 300 stores at Pacific Fair
- Sample high tea at Palazzo Versace’s Le Jardin
- Dance with the local Aborigines with Aries Tours
- Roll the dice at Jupiters Casino
- Enjoy Champagne and views on the Q1 observation deck
- Discover gourmet delights along the food and wine trail
- Drive hot laps at Holden Performance Driving Centre
- Surf some awesome waves
- Visit the night markets - Beachfront markets are held every Friday night along the Esplanade in Surfers Paradise. You can pick up all sorts of arts and crafts, food & jewellery. It is on from 5.30pm to 10pm
- Visit the theme parks: Dreamworld, White Water World, SeaWorld, Movie World & Wet n Wild
Further information on the Gold Coast can be found at the following sites:
www.goldcoasttourism.com.au
www.queenslandholiday.com.au/destionations/goldcoast
www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au
www.goldcoastinformation.com.au
Do the fees include GST?
Yes, all fees mentioned on the website are inclusive of GST.
Is there a special registration rate for speakers?
No, the rates are the same for delegates and speakers. Speakers are welcome to register only for the day they are presenting or for the full conference. Speakers must be registered by April 13 in order to be included in the program. Click here to register
I am a sponsor / exhibitor, where can I find the Information I need to set up and so on?
All the documents that you need to set up and prepare for the conference can be found here.
I am interested in sponsoring or exhibiting. What do I need to do?
Read through the Sponsorship & Exhibition Prospectus, the floor plan & current bookings here.
Once you have decided on your level of participation, complete the Booking Form at the end of the Prospectus and fax to the Conference Office (remember to include your three booth preferences if you are booking a booth). The conference office will be in touch with the paperwork upon receipt of the Booking Form
I am a presenter. Where do I find the Presenters Information Handbook?
As a presenter, you will need to read the Presenters Handbook. Click here to view Please read the checklist on page 4 and action any relevant items.