FAQs

REGISTRATION and CHECK-IN

How do I register for the Heart-Mind 2015 Conference?

Please register online through our ticket agency. You will receive an email confirmation within a few minutes. 

Where do I check-in upon arrival at the Heart-Mind 2015 Conference?

From the main lobby of the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre (East) at 999 Canada Place, take the escalator up one flight, and turn right. The check-in and registration desk will be straight ahead. 

On Friday, October 2nd, the registration desk will open at 7:30am. The conference begins at 8:30am. Please bring a copy of your registration confirmation with you. Arrive early to check-in, receive your name badge, and select your seat.

SCHEDULE OF SESSIONS

Can you provide more detailed information about the conference schedule?

Please see the Speakers and Workshops pages of our website, which will be updated as more detailed information is available. A full information package will be emailed to all registrants prior to the conference.

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Will there be breakout sessions?

Breakout sessions will occur after the Saturday morning keynote address, and run for approximately two hours, from 10:00am to 12:00pm. There are two types of breakout sessions: Workshops and Big Conversations, Small Group. You will be asked to select either a workshop or a Big Conversations, Small Group session when you register for the conference.

Workshops: We are offering a wide range of interactive workshops that will provide practical and hands-on experience with specific topics related to the theme of Human Connection in a Digital World. 

Big Conversations, Small Group: A unique opportunity to engage in a more intimate facilitated conversation with one of Friday's presenters in a small group setting. 

WORKSHOP OPTIONS

How do I choose my workshop?

If you choose the workshop option during registration, you will be asked to select your workshop preferences during the checkout process. Workshops are allocated on a first-come, first served basis. We will contact you to confirm the availability of your preferred workshop closer to the conference date.

Please note that workshops will require a minimum number of registrants, so we cannot guarantee that all workshops will be available.  

BIG CONVERSATIONS, SMALL GROUP OPTION

How do I choose my small group session that I wish to attend?

As part of the online registration process you will be asked to select your preferred Big Conversations, Small Group session. Due to the popularity of these sessions and the limited seats per group we cannot guarantee that your preference will be available. We will contact you to confirm the availability of your preferred session closer to the conference date.

SPECIAL PRICING

Are any discounts or special pricing packages available?

From May 7th to June 20th, Spring Early Bird pricing will be in effect. 

Please email tickets (at) dalailamacenter.org if you wish to discuss group pricing options.

TICKETS FOR SINGLE EVENTS

Are tickets for individual events available?

Tickets for individual days/events are not availabie in advance. Notice of availability of any walk-up tickets will be posted on our website the week of the conference.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

May I bring food or drinks to the conference, and are there refreshment and networking opportunities?

Yes, you are welcome to bring food and beverages with you to the conference and there are no venue restrictions on eating or drinking within the conference areas. Light refreshments will be provided for your enjoyment during mid-morning breaks on Friday and Saturday and coffee and tea will also be served during Friday's mid-afternoon networking break. You may want to bring an early morning drink and snack with you to have before the conference begins. Water service will be available on tables in the foyer throughout the conference.

What options are there for lunch?

On Friday October 2nd, there will be an opportunity to enjoy lunch-time at one of the wonderful restaurants and coffee shops within the area. There are many good restaurants within a five to ten minute walk in Gastown; Chinatown is just beyond; and the Downtown district, directly south of the conference venue, has many restaurants as well. You are also welcome to pick up lunch in the Food Court, or pack your own, and eat in the conference area.

Here is a map of restaurants in the area.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Where can I stay during the Heart-Mind 2015 Conference?

The conference is conveniently located in downtown Vancouver, which offers many choices of accommodation.

The Tourism Vancouver website provides a number of practical suggestions for Vancouver and the surrounding area. Given the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre's close proximity to the SeaBus, SkyTrain and Canada Line, Heart-Mind 2015 is easily accessible from many adjacent municipalities.  

TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING

What Public Transit options are available?

The Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre (East) is conveniently located at 999 Canada Place near Waterfront Station, which is an easy point of connection for all Skytrains, including the Canada Line, Expo Line and Millennium Line. Waterfront Station is also the terminus for the WestCoast Express train, as well as the Seabus to North Vancouver. Multiple buses also stop at this station and in the surrounding blocks. The Convention Centre is just a five-minute walk from Waterfront Station. 

Visit the Translink web page for more details on these and other public transit routes. This website will also allow you to plan your route using all of the public transit options available in Metro Vancouver.

What taxi services are available?

Taxi service within downtown Vancouver includes:

Black Top Cabs at 604.731.1111
Yellow Cab at 604.681.1111
Maclure's Cabs at 604.831.1111
 

If I drive, where can I park my car for the day?

If driving, one of the nearest parking facilities is located underground in the Vancouver Trade & Convention Centre (East) at 999 Canada Place. There is an underground lot adjacent to Waterfront Station, and a large Easy Park lot at 160 Water St.

Other options for parking around the Convention Centre, as well as directions, can be found here.

CANCELLATION POLICY

What is the conference registration cancellation policy?

Registration fees will gladly be refunded upon request if such request is received prior to Thursday, September 10, 2015. A $30 processing fee will apply to all refunded tickets.

PROGRAM UPDATES AND CHANGES

News and updates about Heart-Mind 2015 will be posted to the Dalai Lama Center website. Please note, as always, conference speakers and program schedule may be subject to change.