FAQs
How can I register to attend?
You can register on-line at the CbVMA website, by mail to CbVMA 2010, PO Box 1770, Kingston 8, Jamaica; or by fax to either (876) 969-1356 or (206) 350-4396. You may also courier registration forms to Dr Natalie Burnett, 4 Goodwood Terrace, Kingston 10, Jamaica. If you need a copy of the registration form, it can be downloaded here.
What are the registration deadlines?
“EARLY BIRD” fees must be paid by August 1
“REGULAR” fees must be paid between August 2 and October 14
“LATE/ON-SITE” fees after October 15
Registrations after October 31 should be made on-site at the Conference.
How can I register on-site? What are the on-site registration fees?
If you cannot register in advance by October 31, 2010, you should still let the Conference Coordinator know that you are coming by calling (876) 786-2026 or e-mailing conferencecoordinator@cbvma.org. Registration will open on Tuesday November 2 at 3:00 p.m. (for 4 hours) and will continue on Wednesday November 3 beginning 7.00 a.m. On-site registration is also available every morning of the conference beginning at 7:30 a.m. Registration fees on-site are the same as those identified on the registration form as being made after October 15, 2010.
When will I get my name badge and conference package?
All pre-registered participants will get their badges and conference packages when they identify themselves at the registration desk. On-site registrants will also receive their packages at this time.
What about registering for Wet Labs and special Workshops?
Registration deadlines and processes are the same for Wet Labs as regular registration. However, Wet Lab fees are set prices. They are not discounted for early registration. Please note that Wet Lab and Workshop participation is limited and awarded on a first come, first served basis. If you sign up for a wet lab or workshop and it is already full, you will be notified and a refund will be given. To prevent this from happening you can e-mail conferencecoordinator@cbvma.org to see if there are available spaces.
I registered but did not get a confirmation and registration materials in the mail. What should I do?
Registration packages will be given to attendees at the conference. However, if you have not received confirmation of registration within a reasonable time, please notify the CbVMA 2010 Conference Coordinator at (876) 818-0000 or e-mail conferencecoordinator@cbvma.org.
How much does it cost to attend?
For a complete list of registration fees and options please click here.
I am a Caribbean veterinarian practicing outside the Caribbean. What fee will I pay to attend?
If you live outside of the Caribbean, but you are still a member of any Caribbean veterinary association, you are entitled to attend the CbVMA Conference at the same registration fee paid by CbVMA members resident in the Caribbean.
I am a veterinarian in the United States, but I am not a CbVMA member. Can I attend?
Non-member veterinarians from anywhere in the world are most welcome to attend, but please note that your registration fee will be slightly higher than that of CbVMA members. We are expecting many international attendees and we’re looking forward to meeting you. We promise you four days filled with learning and enjoyment. You won’t regret coming!
As a veterinary student what will be my registration fee?
Veterinary students from anywhere in the world may attend the entire conference at the significantly reduced registration fee of US$170. We wish you could be allowed in for free but this payment is not really for your academic activities. As a student you are invited to attend all the functions and complimentary entertainment events that are planned for “regular” attendees and, unfortunately, we have to charge you something for that.
What if I have to cancel my registration?
If personal or professional circumstances prevent you from attending the Conference, the CbVMA will refund your registration fees less a $50.00 administrative fee provided that a written refund request is received by midnight on October 14, 2010. No refunds will be granted after this date. No refunds will be granted for specialty programs (including Wet Labs) or meal/entertainment functions. Written refund requests may be delivered to the CbVMA via mail, fax or email. Please note that refunds will not be processed until the completion of the Conference.
Can a registration be transferred?
If you are no longer able to attend, your registration may be transferred to another person. Please contact the Conference Coordinator at conferencecoordinator@cbvma.org for more information.
What educational programs are available to veterinary technicians?
There are no sessions designed specifically for technicians, but veterinary technicians may register and attend at the standard conference rate.
What transportation is available from the airport?
Transportation to and from the conference hotel, from and to Jamaica’s 2 international airports is easiest (and cheapest) by coach. The Sunset Jamaica Grande has its own charter buses to and from Montego Bay that operate throughout the day. The Secretariat is also arranging special charters to and from Kingston for persons arriving through our capital city. click here for more information. You may also travel by taxi and “air taxi” to Ocho Rios, but the cost is much greater than by bus.
Is parking available at the conference hotel?
Yes, there is complimentary parking at the Sunset Jamaica Grande.
Can my entire family accompany me to the Conference?
No problem man! This is Jamaica and there will be a million and one things for your spouse and children to do while you are attending the sessions. For starters let them climb the Dunns River Falls. Great fun! For more information on this and other nearby fun activities click here.
Does the Sunset Jamaica Grande offer on-site child care?
Yes it does. The Sunset Jamaica Grande is a family all-inclusive hotel and has many years of experience looking after small children. For more information please contact the hotel directly.
Are copies of the speakers’ notes and presentations available complimentary or for purchase?
Each paid attendee will receive a complimentary copy of all speaker-provided notes/presentation materials on CD-ROM as part of the attendee registration bag that is received at registration.
What are the conference hotels and how can I make a reservation?
Due to the fact that the conference is being held in an all-inclusive hotel there is only one conference hotel. But the Sunset Jamaica Grande is humungous and is the largest conference facility in Jamaica. A lot of people can hold there, but PLEASE REMEMBER TO BOOK EARLY. For more information about making a reservation click here.
Where can I get a hotel if the conference hotel is booked?
Ocho Rios is one of Jamaica’s largest tourist centres and there are many hotels within walking distance of the conference hotel. You are free to book into any of those hotels, but bear in mind that you must pay a daily entry fee to enter the all-inclusive Sunset Jamaica Grande Conference Hotel. We therefore recommend that you book early and stay at the conference hotel.
What is the conference attire?
Attire for the CbVMA 2010 conference is business casual. Although you may be tempted to walk in from the beach wearing your shorts and flip flops…please don’t! We want you to have the best conference experience ever, but it’ll only take you 5 minutes to go to your room, change and attend the session.
Do I get CE credits for attending the Conference?
All attendees will get an official certificate of attendance. The CbVMA 2010 Secretariat has also applied to the American Association of Veterinary State Boards for the review and approval of our conference for continuing education credits. As soon as our academic program is fully in place we will be able to give you more information about this.
When is Jamaica’s rainy season?
Jamaica’s rainy season is May-June and Sept-October. The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1st and ends on November 30th, but it’s rare to have a hurricane in Jamaica at the time of the conference.
What time zone does Jamaica use?
Jamaica uses Eastern Standard Time (GMT -5). Jamaica does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
What Language is spoken in Jamaica?
The official language of Jamaica is English, but the Jamaican “patois” (a local variant of the English language) is spoken throughout the island.
Do all Jamaicans smoke Ganja?
No. And we may just add that it is illegal to do so. If you do and you’re caught you might have a shorter than expected conference in a less than glamorous hotel.
What legal documents are needed for entry into Jamaica?
Proof of citizenship is required for all visitors. Visitors from U.S. will be required to have a passport starting in 2007. Visitors from Canada are not required to have a passport but must have other documents, such as a birth certificate with a raised seal in the bottom and a driver’s license that prove citizenship. A driver’s license alone is not sufficient. Visitors from Britain need passports but do not need a visa. Some South and Central American nationals require visas to enter Jamaica; please check with the Consulate of Jamaica nearest you. All visitors are required to have a return or ongoing ticket.