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Frequently Asked Questions
ARRIVAL
What is the weather like in Toronto in August?
The climate in Toronto is temperate, comparable to cities such as New York City, London and Paris. During August, the temperature averages 26oC (79oF). As of 10 August, the forecast for the week of the conference calls for temperatures in this range with thundershowers on one day.
How do I get into the city from the airport?
Toronto Pearson International Airport is located 27 km (17 miles) northwest of Toronto. There are many ways to travel to and from Pearson Airport--public transit, inter-city buses, shuttle services or taxis and limousines. Buses link travellers to Toronto’s transport system. Taxis from the airport charge a flat rate, which varies upon your destination (ranges from CAD$16-70). The Airport Express Bus (www.torontoairportexpress.com) offers shuttle service to selected downtown hotels for CAD$16.45/one-way. Visit www.gtaa.com for more details on ground transportation, including taxi rate maps, and directions for using public transit.
You will also find a kiosk dedicated to AIDS 2006 in each airport terminals. If you have any problems or queries regarding your stay in Toronto or the conference, please visit the kiosk and ask the staff.
How do I exchange money at the airport?
International currency exchange services are available at Pearson International Airport as well as at banks and currency exchange outlets located throughout the city.
Is it possible to use of CAD$ or US$ for taxis?
The money system in Canada is based on Canadian dollars (CAD$). US dollars are accepted in many establishments in Toronto and by taxi drivers, although change from transactions will be provided in Canadian currency and exchange rates will differ with each merchant.
ON-SITE REGISTRATION
Where is the MTCC located?
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is located at 255 Front Street West, two blocks east of York Street and adjacent to the CN Tower and Rogers Centre. The entrance to the MTCC North Building, site of conference registration desks, is at 255 Front Street West. The entrance to the MTCC South Building is 222 Bremner Blvd, one block north of Lakeshore Blvd., west of York Street.
Where is registration located at the MTCC and when is it open?
The Registration desks are located on Level 300, North Building.
The desks are open at the following times:
Saturday 12 August 12:00-20:00
Sunday 13 August 06:30-19:30
Monday 14 August – Thursday 17 August 06:30-18:30
Friday 18 August 08:30-13:00
Will there be on-site registration?
There is a very limited number of registrations available onsite which will be distributed on a first come first serve basis.
What if my Registration badge was sent to me and I lost it?
If you lose, misplace or forget your name badge, inform the on-site registration staff when you register. They will issue a replacement name badge and the old name badge will be de-activated.
Is the Conference open to the general public?
Only the Global Village and some Cultural Programmes outside the MTCC are open to the public.
ONLINE COVERAGE AND INTERNET ACCESS
Is online coverage of the conference available?
Extensive online coverage is available at www.aids2006.org, www.kaisernetwork.org, and www.clincaloptions.com. You can sign up for a daily update email highlighting available online coverage at kaisernetwork.org.
How can I get online at the Conference?
Two Internet cafes will be available in the Networking Area (Level 600) and the Exhibition
Area (Level 800). The Internet cafe on Level 600 will have laptop zones equipped with power outlets and internet-ready network cables. Access to the Internet cafes is free for delegates throughout the conference, but will be time limited
How can easily communicate with another delegate?
The Delegate Connector is a conference feature that allows delegates to connect with each other through the conference website or the Delegate Connector desk on Level 200. This service will be available before, during and after the conference. Delegates were asked on the registration form whether or not they wanted to participate. It is possible sign up or opt out of the Delegate Connector any time at the Delegate Connector desk.
During the conference, among other means of communication, SMS (or text messages) will be used to contact delegates, so make sure to register your mobile phone number at the Delegate Connector desk or at the registration counters (if you have not already done this on the registration form).
LANGUAGE ACCESS
What interpretation services will be available?
English is the official language of the conference. Simultaneous interpretation from English into all other official languages of the United Nations--Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish--will be available at the Opening. Simultaneous interpretation into Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish will be available at plenary sessions, special sessions and the Closing. In addition, a selected number of concurrent sessions also offer simultaneous interpretation into French, Russian and Spanish. American Sign Language interpretation will be available at the Opening, plenary sessions, special sessions and the Closing.
The simultaneous interpretation provided will be broadcast over the FM radio band. This means that most standard FM radios and mobile phones with built-in FM radios can be used as receivers. Satellite sessions may use IR interpretation instead.
How can I get a receiver?
All delegates who indicated a need for interpretation when registering will receive a free receiver for use throughout the conference. You will be informed if you qualify for a free receiver when you pick up your conference bag. Other delegates, including scholarship recipients, may purchase a receiver at these locations for CAN$10 (or US$10), cash only.
On Sunday, receivers can be picked up at either the Registration Area (Level 300, North Building) or Conference Material Desk 2 (Ground level, South Building. Starting Monday, they can be picked up at Conference Material Desk 1 (Level 200, North Building) or Conference Material Desk 2.
PLWHA SUPPORT
Is there a PLWHA Lounge?
The PLWHA Lounge helps delegates living with HIV/AIDS to maximize their participation in the conference. The lounge is open during conference hours and offers PLWHA a place to rest and retreat from the hectic conference schedule. The lounge provides a calm and supportive environment with spaces for informal discussion and peer support, quiet relaxation, complimentary refreshments and a safe place for taking prescription medication.
It is located in on Level 700, Room 718 (South Building).
Is there on-site medical care?
An on-site health clinic provides delegates with immediate access to medical doctors and nurses, if required. The health clinic is located on Level 100 (North Building) of the MTCC. Signs are located throughout the centre directing delegates to the clinic.
CHILDCARE
Will there be childcare available?
The conference offers limited childcare services for children aged 18 months to 12 years available at nearby day care centre(s) that are operated by fully licensed and registered childcare staff. This service, available only by pre-registration with parental consent and appropriate documentation, supports delegates with children to participate fully in the conference activities while the children are looked after in a safe, supportive and friendly environment. Childcare service is available only during the conference hours for the duration of the Conference, 13 - 18 August. Times for drop- off and pick-up of children is tightly restricted, and parents or guardians must drop off and pick- up children at designated times at the childcare location. Check with the Information Desks (Level 200, North Building, and the Main Entrance in the South Building).
Is there a location to feed infants?
A quiet and private area for parents to breast or bottle-feed their infants is located on Level 700, Room 702, next to Session room 7.
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