ABTS 2022 will be held at QT Gold Coast and we are committed to being at the forefront of the return to face-to-face conferences.
We encourage you to review the QLD Government COVID-19 website for the latest updates and information on travel restrictions and requirements in Queensland:
https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19
To view QT's COVID Safe Plan please click on the following link:
https://www.qthotels.com/about/covid-safe-plan/
For the safety of yourself and others we recommend:
- Social distancing restrictions of 1.5m
- Frequent use of hand sanitiser and hand washing
- Staying home/room if you develop any symptoms in the days before the Symposium
- Please contact Kate or Jenny on 5619 3851 if you become unwell and require assistance
- Wearing a mask indoors and when unable to social distance (in line with current government recommendations).
What happens if I am unable to travel to the conference due to a change in COVID-19 related Government travel restrictions?
- If you become unwell or circumstances change, we will change you over to a virtual registration. If this change occurs between 30 - 14 days prior to the conference you will receive a refund of the difference between in-person and virtual.
- If you had been selected to give an oral presentation you will have the option to provide a pre-recording of your presentation that we will play to delegates during your scheduled session.
What if the conference, or my attendance, is disrupted by COVID-19?
We have multiple contingency plans in place including transitioning you to virtual attendance, and will have as flexible an approach as possible to maximise participation and minimise disruption. At all times we will adhere to health department advice.
What can I do as a delegate to assist in a COVID-safe environment?
We encourage delegates to assist in making the Symposium a COVID-safe environment. Help us by continuing to practice proper hand hygiene; adhering to physical distancing measures; wearing a mask if and as required and staying home if you feel unwell.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the conference organisers - abts@kamevents.com.au or phone 07 5619 3851
What happens if I book to attend in-person but can’t enter the state due to government restrictions around COVID-19. Can I change my registration to virtual and be refunded the difference in cost?
If your border is closed to the host state (based on registered address) and you are not permitted in the state due to restrictions around COVID-19, you will be able to change your registration to the virtual registration. A refund will be issued for the difference in price (less credit card merchant fees).
What happens if I book to attend in-person but no longer want to travel to the event and there are no restrictions in place preventing me from travelling. Can I change my registration to virtual and be refunded the difference in cost?
Up until 7 days prior to the Conference, if you are no longer wanting to travel to the event and there are no restrictions in place to prevent you from travelling, the APSA Committee may consider refunding the difference in price (less credit card merchant fees). Applications should be made to the Conference Managers (abts@yrd.com.au) and will be considered on a case by case basis. Please note if within 7 days of the Conference you are no longer wanting to travel to the event and there are no restrictions in place to prevent you from travelling, our standard cancellation terms apply. Please note refunds for any cancelled accommodation, airfares or other related expenses for your travel to the event are subject to hotel or your booking agent’s terms and conditions.
What happens if I arrive on the Gold Coast and there is a sudden border closure in my state of residence and I need to return?
Unfortunately, we will not be able to refund your registration in this case. You will have full access to the virtual platform during the event and for 30 days post-event.
Can I book virtual registration now and if I’m able to travel in August, can I upgrade to in-person. Is there a cut-off date?
Yes, you can upgrade to an in-person registration. Registrations will remain open until 21 August 2022, however we would prefer to be notified at least 14 days prior to event commencement. Please email abts@yrd.com.au to upgrade.
Please note that this option is available to both international delegates as well as those residing in Australia.
All cancellations or registration changes must be made in writing to the Conference Managers at apsa@yrd.com.au. Should your circumstances change and you wish to attend on-site in Brisbane having registered virtually, you are able to do so at the current registration rate. You will be required to pay the difference in registration pricing.
If you have registered to attend on-site in Brisbane and it is cancelled due to circumstances out of our control, your registration will be transferred to a virtual registration.
In the event that you wish to cancel in full (no virtual access), the below cancellation fees will be in place.
|
60 days prior |
45days prior |
21days prior |
Less than 14days prior |
|
|
Face to Face Meeting |
Cancellation fee of AUD$150 |
50% of registration fees |
75% of registration fees |
No refund |
|
Virtual Meeting |
NA |
Cancellation fee of AUD$150 |
Cancellation fee of AUD$150 |
No refund |
The ABTS is being made available virtually, and as such, the ABTS Committee and Conference Managers will provide clear guidelines on best-operating systems to use for optimum participation in the event for both attendees and sponsors. The Conference Managers will take no responsibility or accept requests for a refund if the guidance for viewing is not followed.
The Conference Managers, in conjunction with the ABTS Committee and the Meeting Venue, are committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy meeting environment for all attendees, and to providing the information needed to achieve this. The Conference Managers, in conjunction with the ABTS Committee and the Meeting Venue, will take responsibility for providing health and safety procedures whilst onsite, however, all meeting attendees need to be aware of their own responsibilities.
Each meeting attendee is encouraged to play a vital and responsible role in maintaining a safe and healthy meeting environment through:
- Listening to the health and safety briefing onsite and/or;
- Reading the health and safety procedure document provided on-site at the registration desk.
- Ensuring all accidents and incidents that occur onsite at the meeting are reported.
- Informing the Conference Managers, a member of the APSA Committee or a staff member at the meeting venue immediately of any health and safety concerns.
- Respecting your own personal safety and that of other meeting delegates and employees.
We also ask all on-site delegates to respect these additional Health and Safety guidelines to reduce any unknown transmission of the disease:
- Please do not come to the meeting venue on the Gold Coast if you are unwell. If you are unwell, you can attend the APSA Meeting virtually (online). To be able to do this, please email the Conference Managers at abts@yrd.com.au. Report your cold and flu-like symptoms to your local health professional and get tested.
- Wash or sanitise your hands regularly.
- Sneeze or cough into your elbow and don't touch your face.
- Adhere to current recommended physical distancing, and any on-site signage and instructions.
- Download the Australian Government COVIDSafe App before you arrive. Further details are available at COVID Safe App
- Download the Check-in QLD app to use when you visit restaurants, cafes and venues. Further details are available at Check In Qld App
Personal information is collected on behalf of the Organisers. A delegate list will be produced for the meeting including name, organisation and region/state. It will be distributed to meeting sponsors and exhibitors. This list will not be provided by the ABTS Committee to any other third party. Should you not wish your details to be included on the list please indicate during the registration process.
The ABTS is held in a public space, therefore we are not responsible for photography or video taken by sponsors, exhibitors or participants at some meeting activities. Additionally, the Organisers may arrange for photos to be taken during the meeting. The Organisers reserve the right to use images taken at the meeting with your photograph and/or likeness in future marketing materials, including on the internet. The Conference Managers may also use images taken at the meeting with your photograph and/or likeness in future marketing materials, including on the internet, with the permission of the Organisers. Meeting attendees who do not wish for their photo to be taken have the ability to decline by sending an email to the Conference Managers at abts@yrd.com.au.
The ABTS Committee and the Conference Managers will not accept any liability for losses associated with the meeting. Delegates are advised to arrange their own comprehensive travel and medical insurance, including insurance for personal possessions and financial loss due to cancellation or postponement of the meeting
