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IBNS 30th Annual Meeting - a hybrid event

FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

Will most sessions be live so by not being there in-person I miss out on the interaction? We anticipate that 50-75 people will be in-person, so we expect the vast majority of talks to be remote.  All talks will be streamed and uploaded for on-demand viewing.  Hence, you won’t miss a thing.

How will I be able to interact with people if I miss their live session? (poster or talk)  The Whova meeting app (which we have used the past several years) will enable you to interact with all meeting attendees, to reach out, chat live, or simply to organize a time, so you can chat anytime.  We will also have a virtual ballroom where you will be able to meet up with your peers and presenters at tables to chat throughout the duration of the conference.

What if I can't attend a symposium/key note lecture (e.g. middle of the night, career responsibilities)? All talks will be recorded and available to view online on demand, even up to days after the conference.

What if my poster session is scheduled at a time I am unable to attend (e.g. middle of the night, career responsibilities)?  Poster presenters can pre-record their presentations if they are unable to attend the poster sessions in person.

Will closed captions be available for live or recorded talks?  We do not know yet, we are in discussions and hope to answer soon

What do the virtual registration fees go towards? (Why isn't it free/cheaper?)  So that we can produce a high-quality and interactive hybrid program for virtual and in person attendees, virtual attendees are still required to pay a discounted registration.

What are “meet the committees” networking events?  We understand that not everyone is familiar with the inner workings of societies generally, or IBNS in particular.  We will use this networking session so that attendees can meet the committee members, ask questions about how decisions are made, or how to join committees and support IBNS.

What is Meet the Professionals? We use this lunch break as an opportunity to sign up to meet Professionals in the Society so there is some face-to-face networking and questions can be asked and answered.  People can select with whom they wish to sign up, so that they can learn from those pertinent to their interests.

HOTEL FAQ's

Please note that guidelines are constantly changing.  For the latest updates we encourage you to go additional resources listed below.  

  • COVID UPDATE FROM MARRIOTT:  (April 6, 2021) The safety and well-being of our guests are of paramount importance to us. This is why the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & SPA is offering guests complimentary on-site COVID-19 testing. Offering includes 2 complimentary Antigen tests for guests staying 3 consecutive nights or longer at any of the following hotels & resorts. Free testing is included for up to two registered guests per room per stay, one test per person.

    If you cannot complete your travel due to test-related reasons, our resorts are extending a complimentary extended stay up to 7 nights (no meals included).

    *Terms and conditions: Offering applies for all available rates. Minimum 3-night stay required. No special rate code or promotional code required. Some restrictions apply; subject to change. Only valid for customers traveling to or through the United States of America upon hotel departure (returning or connecting). Guests may purchase additional on-property tests for a fee (additional tests are subject to availability). For additional information, please contact the resort directly, or call our toll-free Global Customer Engagement Centers.

  • The Marriott in Puerto Vallarta (conference hotel) will be offering on-site COVID-19 tests, hopefully the testing will not be required in June 2021 due the great vaccine strategies that the USA Government is doing; however, is better to be prepared.
  • Hotel is including 2 free onsite COVID-19 tests on stays of 3 plus nights, extra tests are available at $365 pesos each. Digital or printed form.
  • If a guest tests positive at the hotel, for re-entry into the U.S., what is the hotel’s policy regarding quarantining that guest? How long are they required to quarantine? Quarantine is 7days after, 7 days must retest and it depends on the result and doctor’s final instructions.
  • Does the hotel have a separate area for guests who test positive? No, guest must stay in the same room they checked-in.
  • What are the restrictions of that guest?  Guest must quarantine in their room, meaning they are not allowed to leave room. They can enjoy their private balcony.
  • Are guests responsible for the cost of their food and beverage?  Yes, the hotel will offer 30% discount.
  • All meals will be provided by telephone request and delivered to entrance of room by room service personnel.
  • Cleaning: housekeeping will deliver fresh sheets, towels etc. and plastic bags to put “used” items. Nothing outside of plastic bags will be received; this is to ensure there is no contact.
  • Cancellation Policy: Hotel is offering a seven (7) day cancellation policy if registered under IBNS Group rate. 
  • Is there a resort fee? RESORT FEE WAIVED FOR IBNS GROUP PARTICIPANTS
  • Does the hotel have a kids program?  Yes, our property has a Kids Club currently operating from 10:00am – 6:00pm, reservation in advance is required, cost per hour per kid are the following:
    • 1hr $200.00 pesos
    • 2hr $300.00 pesos
    • 4hrs $500.00 pesos
    • 5hrs $600.00 pesos

Additional Resources:

https://visitpuertovallarta.com/covid-19  

https://whattoexpect.marriott.com/pvrmx

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-4/coronavirus-mexico

https://mx.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/

https://mx.usembassy.gov/travel-restrictions-fact-sheet/