Do I require a visa?

If you answer ‘Yes’ to any of the following questions, you don’t need a visitor visa. If you answer ‘No’ to all of the questions, you will have to apply for a visitor visa.

1. Are you a New Zealand or Australian citizen?
2. Do you hold a New Zealand resident visa or a New Zealand permanent resident visa?
3. Do you have a current Australian permanent residence visa or a current Australian resident return visa? (If you hold an Australian temporary or provisional residence visa, then you will need a visitor visa).
4. Are you:
• a diplomat or do you carry out certain roles in a consular office (see section H2.1 of our Operational Manual for definition)
• part of the military personnel (see M2)
• a cruise ship passenger who meets certain time and destination requirements (see E2.95.5)
• an aircraft crew member on any commercial aircraft flying between any other country and New Zealand, for seven days beginning with the day on which the aircraft arrived in New Zealand (see E2.95.5), or
  associated with a Contracting Party to the Antarctic Treaty and other Antarctic travellers (see V3.50).
5. Are you from a visa-waiver country, and intending to visit for no more than your allotted time of three months (or six months if you are from the United Kingdom)

What is the weather like in Melbourne?

During spring average temperatures range from 9.6 – 19.6°C (49.3 – 67.3°F). The season is known as the most variable of the year, when weather can quickly change from calm and sunny to cold and windy. Pack your umbrella – October is the wettest month with roughly 10 days of rainfall.

Shopping Hours

Melbourne shops operate under standard shopping hours (9-5) with late night trading on Thursday and Friday evenings. If there is something specific you need, please speak to Events Beyond staff for some local knowledge.

Visitor Information

www.visitmelbourne.com

Water

Melbourne tap water is filtered, fresh and safe to drink.

The Conference Venue

Where is the Conference Venue?

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf

How do I get there?

For full details on transport and travel options please visit this website link

https://mcec.com.au/visit/visit-information#getting-here

Can I park at the venue?

For full details on transport and travel options please visit this website link

https://mcec.com.au/visit/visit-information#getting-here

During The Conference

What is the dress code for the Conference?

Dress code throughout the day for the forum is smart casual or informal business.

For the evening social function:

WELCOME EXPERIENCE - Business attire

Registration desk opening hours

Please direct any questions you may have regarding registration, accommodation, or social functions to Events Beyond staff at this desk.

The registration desk will be open from 8.30am – 5pm each day.

Entry to conference sessions

It is suggested that delegates arrive at preferred sessions promptly to ensure a seat. If sessions become full then late delegates will not be allowed entry.

Conference name badges

All delegates, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors will be provided with a name badge, which must be worn at all times within the conference venue, as it is required for access to all the conference sessions and social functions.

Please collect your name badge at the conference registration desk.

Will there be internet available at the conference?

Delegates will have access to WiFi for the duration of the conference. Please note that movies, music or illicit downloads are restricted. It is not designed for accessing VPNs or downloading large files.

If you have trouble connecting please see the staff at the registration desk.

How will I know if there have been any changes to the program?

In the lead-up to the Conference small updates will be made to the program. See the latest version on the conference app. Any changes to the Conference program during the Conference will be announced during housekeeping notices each morning and via the app. You may also check with Events Beyond staff at the registration desk.

Photographs, videos, recording of sessions

Delegates are not permitted to use any type of camera or recording device at any of the sessions unless written permission has been obtained from the relevant speaker.

A photographer will be taking photos throughout the conference. These photos will be available from the conference website shortly after the event If you do not wish to have your photo taken and or published in future marketing material and/or please advise the registration desk staff and the photographer if you are approached for a photo.

Is there security at the Conference?

The members of the conference organising committee and Events Beyond accept no liability for personal accident of loss or damage suffered by any participant, accompanying person, invited observer or any other person by whatever means. Nor do we accept liability for any equipment or software brought to the conference by delegates, speakers, sponsors or any other party. Please protect your personal property. Do not leave laptops, cameras, and other valuable items unsecured. Be conscious of individuals who appear out of place and do not wear a conference name badge. Advise Events Beyond staff if this does not occur.

Registration & Social Functions

What food is included in my registration?

Full Registration
All morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea is provided each day. All food at each social function is included, if you are attending.

Day Registration
Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea is provided only for the day you have registered.

Special dietary requirements

The venue will be advised of any special diet preferences you have indicated on your registration form.
A special buffet table will be set aside in the trade exhibition area for dietary requirements.

Please see the venue staff for more information or you may ask the Events Beyond staff at the registration desk.

When and where are the social functions?

Welcome Experience

Wednesday 15 July, 2020 from 6-8pm

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Corner King & Flinders Street, Melbourne 

This social event is included in any registration, but only where you have confirmed your attendance to the Welcome Experience.

Coffee with Keynotes

This event will take place on Friday, 17 July 2020 from 7.30am at MCEC Melbourne Room. Coffee, tea and light savories will be provided.

Self care sessions

This session will be held on Level 2 – MCEC. Please wear comfortable light clothing and runners to this session.  

Can I bring a partner along to the social functions?

Please visit the Registration desk at the conference. This is subject to availability.

Speaker, Chairperson or Poster Presenter

I am a speaker, what should I do?

All speakers should provide copies of their presentations two weeks prior to the event. Presenters should present themselves to the Speakers Preparation Room, at least 4 hours before their scheduled presentation time, to check their upcoming presentation. A technician will be present in the speakers’ preparation room during registration hours. There will be facility to test and modify your presentation as required.

Speakers are requested to assemble in their session room 5 minutes before the commencement of their session, to meet with their session chair and to familiarise themselves with the room and the audio-visual equipment. For information on the chairperson attending your session, please see the registration desk.

I am a poster presenter, what should I do?

All authors are asked to be alongside their poster during their designated poster session. The Poster Session is marketed as an opportunity for delegates to approach the author of the poster and ask questions or discuss any element of the information displayed. All poster presenters will be emailed a set of guidelines and their presentation date. If you did not receive this, please email Events Beyond.
Posters must be no larger than AO (1189mm high x 841mm wide) portrait. We encourage presenters to provide their own Velcro ‘hooks’ to display the posters. Presenters must bring their poster with them to the Conference and advise Events Beyond staff at the registration desk when they arrive.

Cancellation and Disclaimer

Please note the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement reserves the right to cancel the 12th International Conference on Grief and Bereavement in Contemporary Society should it not achieve minimum participation, in which case, all fees will be refunded.

I need to cancel my registration, what do I do?

Cancellations must be received in writing – mail, email or fax – to Events Beyond. Cancellations will not be deemed to be received until you have written confirmation from Events Beyond. If you have not received acknowledgement within two business days, please contact Events Beyond. Cancellations postmarked on or before, 3 months before the Conference, will incur a fee of 50% of the registration amount. No refunds will be made for cancellations for the Conference postmarked after 3 months before the Conference, however substitutions may be accepted.

Disclaimer

ACBG reserves the right to amend or alter any advertised details relating to dates, program and speakers if necessary, without notice, as a result of circumstances beyond their control. All attempts have been made to keep any changes to an absolute minimum.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

Cancellations must be received in writing – mail, email or fax – to Events Beyond. Cancellations will not be deemed to be received until you have written confirmation from Events Beyond. If you have not received acknowledgement within two business days, please contact Events Beyond

CANCELLING YOUR CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

Cancellations postmarked on or before, 3 months before the conference, will incur a fee of 50% of the registration amount. No refunds will be made for cancellations for the conference postmarked after 3 month before the conference, however substitutions may be accepted. Please note: the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement reserves the right to cancel Education Programs that do not achieve minimum participation, in which case, all fees will be refunded.

CANCELLING TOURS

The full fee for your tour will be transferred to the independent tour operator. If you need to cancel your tour booking within 14 days of the tour date, any refunds will be subject to the tour operators’ cancellation policy.

LATE REGISTRATIONS

Registrations for the conference will close one month prior to the starting date to enable appropriate pre-conference preparations. However, late registrations may be accepted by contacting Events Beyond. A late fee of $50 AUD will be applied.

A late registration is any registration less than 1 month before the conference start date. In addition, there is a risk that social program functions may be fully subscribed. This policy has been implemented to enable a greater efficiency in the coordination necessary during the lead up to the conference, and to ensure the most enjoyable conference experience possible for everyone involved.

INSURANCE

Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It is recommended that participants take out their own general travel insurance. It is suggested that the insurance policy should also cover loss of fees/deposit, airfares, accommodation charges, medical expenses, loss or damage to personal property and repatriation expenses. The insurance should cover loss arising from the cancellation of the conference by the organisers or a person’s inability to attend due to any reason whatsoever. No responsibility is taken by the conference managers for any person not holding insurance.

Various components of this event are being handled by Events Beyond, a Professional Conference Organiser (PCO). Events Beyond may be contacted regarding any matters relating to the event management.