Hotel Information and Reservations
Be sure to add your hotel rewards number when booking to receive points for your loyalty program.
There are many advantages to staying at one of the official PAS hotels:
- Discounted hotel rates.
- Complimentary shuttle bus transportation to the convention center from all conference hotels which are considered non-walking properties.
- Receiving important conference information upon check-in.
- Each hotel is inspected for quality by SPARGO, Inc., our official housing company.
- The hotel staff are more knowledgeable about the many sessions and events that take place during the National Conference.
- Convenience of staying at the hotel most aligned with the after-hours society functions and sessions you want to attend.
- Allowing PAS to negotiate stronger hotel rates for future conferences.
Housing
Housing Registration is now closed, but you can still book by calling the hotels directly and letting them know you are with the PAS 2018 Meeting. Hotels have been sold out but cancellations may occur.
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel (Headquarter Hotel) (416) 361-1000 123 Queen Street West. Toronto. Ontario M5H2M9. Canada |
Fairmont Royal York (Headquarter Hotel) (416) 368-2511 100 Front Street W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E3, Canada |
InterContinental Toronto Centre (416) 597-1400 225 Front Street W, Toronto, ON M5V 2X3, Canada |
Westin Harbour Castle Hotel (416) 869-1600 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, ON M5J 1A6, Canada |
Delta Toronto Hotel (416) 849-1200 75 Lower Simcoe St., Toronto, ON M5J 3A6, Canada |
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown (416) 977-5000 108 Chestnut St., Toronto, ON M5G 1R3, Canada |
Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Downtown (416) 593-9200 92 Peter St.., Toronto, ON MV5 2G5, Canada |
Toronto Marriott City Centre (416) 341-7100 1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto, ON M5V 1J4, Canada |
Hilton Toronto (416) 869-3456 145 Richmond St. West, Toronto M5H 2L2 Canada |
Need Help?
View our Frequently Asked Questions for more information about housing. To contact Spargo, send email to pashousing@spargoinc.com or call (877) 585-6002.
ADA/Special Needs
Please check the appropriate box on the hotel reservation form to indicate any special needs such as wheelchair, vision-impaired, and hearing-impaired accessible rooms.
Confirmations
Hotel confirmations will be emailed to you from PASHousing@spargoinc.com once your reservation has been confirmed. An email address is mandatory to receive a reservation confirmation. Remember to check your spam email for your confirmation. You will not receive a separate confirmation from your hotel.
Deposits/Payment and Policies
A deposit equal to one night’s room and tax is required to guarantee your reservation(s). You will be required to provide a valid credit card, with an expiration date after your scheduled departure date. Your credit card will not be charged at the time of booking. The hotel, not Spargo, may charge your deposit up to 30 days prior to check-in. If you plan to use one credit card to pay for multiple reservations, please email pashousing@spargoinc.com for a credit card authorization form. Reservation(s) not guaranteed with a payment method will not be processed.
Cancellation Policy
Reservations must be cancelled at least 3 days (72 hours) prior to arrival to avoid loss of deposit.
Changes
If you need to make any changes or cancellations to your reservation on or before April 10, 2018, make your changes through the Spargo online reservation system or call (877) 585-6002. Changes made after April 10th must be made with the hotel directly. All changes are based on availability.
Failure to arrive on your confirmed date will result in one (1) night’s room and tax no-show penalty (charged to the credit card provided).
Attendee (not exhibitors) Group Reservations (10+ Rooms)
Deadline to reserve a block: April 10, 2018
Deadline to provide staff names: April 10, 2018
Your group request will be submitted directly to Spargo, who will follow up with you within three business days. Requests received will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis and are based on hotel availability as well as PAS approval. Depending on the number of rooms requested, your group may be assigned to more than one hotel. Every effort will be made to place you at your preferred hotel(s). If none are available, Spargo will contact you with other hotel options. All reservations require a deposit of one night’s room and tax by a major credit card. Your credit card will be held as a guarantee for the rooms and will be charged between 30 days before arrival and your check-in date.
10+ Rooms: Name Assignments/Attrition/Policies
Every group reserving 10 rooms or more must agree to a room block agreement contract. Once the group block is confirmed, each group will be responsible for picking up 80% of the block’s total room nights. Groups will be required to confirm the total number of room nights needed as well as a list of names assigned to the block by March 31, 2018. Any rooms not confirmed by this date will be released. Should the actual block fall below 80% of the confirmed block, the group will be billed the difference between the hotel’s actual pickup numbers and 80% of the agreed-upon total room nights. These monies are due within 30 days of receipt of invoice.
Rooms without names will be released from the group block and placed in attendee general sale on April 20th. You will still have an opportunity to change names after this date but will not be able to keep unused rooms.
Changes/Cancellations: After April 17, all changes and cancellations must be made in writing to the hotel at least 3 days (72 hours) prior to arrival. Cancellations received less than these times will be charged one (1) night’s room and tax cancellation fee (to the credit card provided) in addition to forfeiture of your hotel deposit. Failure to arrive on your confirmed date will result in one (1) night’s room and tax no-show penalty per reservation (charged to the credit card provided).
Travel Information
Entry into Canada
A valid passport is required for entry into Canada.
When you enter Canada, a Canada Border Services Agency officer will ask to see your passport. Visitors entering Canada must clear Canada Customs border security upon entry. For information about documentation required and border procedures please visit the Canada Border Services Agency’s website.
Visa VS Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization to travel to Canada. Some people may only need their valid passport. To find out of you need a VISA or ETA got to http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp answer a few questions to find out what you need to travel to, or transit through, Canada.
Canada has introduced a new entry requirement, known as an ETA, for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travelers with a valid visa. Entry requirements for other methods of travel (land, sea) have not changed.
Starting August 1, 2015, eligible travelers can apply online for an ETA. On March 15, 2016, this entry requirement will become mandatory and travelers will need an ETA before they can board a flight to Canada.
Find out more about Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
Bringing Children into Canada
Children 15 years of age and under are now required to show proof of citizenship (a certified copy of their birth certificate is acceptable). They are not required to show photo ID. If you are travelling with children, you should carry identification for each child. Divorced parents who share custody of their children should carry copies of the legal custody documents. Adults who are not parents or guardians should have written permission from the parents or guardians to supervise the children. When travelling with a group of vehicles, parents or guardians should travel in the same vehicle as the children when arriving at the border. Customs officers are looking for missing children and may ask questions about the children who are travelling with you.
Toronto Customs Information for Attendees Carrying Posters
Generally, if the attendee is hand carrying the poster, it should be okay to enter without customs clearance, but it should be properly declared upon entry. It is recommended that attendees have a copy of the Canada Border Services Agency Letter. It should be noted that proper documentation such as a passport is still required for entry into Canada.
If there are issues, please have the attendee contact Mendelssohn right away. PAS Mendelssohn Representative is Michele Odhoch at 905-673-5445 ext. 268.
Airports
Toronto is served by two airports, Toronto Pearson International Airport and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (formerly Toronto City Centre Airport).
Get a discount on your travel with UP Express!
If you’re flying into Toronto Pearson International Airport and need to get downtown Toronto for the PAS Annual Meeting, be sure to take advantage of the UP Express group program – and get tickets at 25% off!
Just visit UPexpress.com before May 5, 2018 and use promo code PASM2018 to get your discount on adult return tickets from Pearson Station to Union Station. It’s that easy!
UP Express tickets can be easily purchased at UPexpress.com. To get the 25% discounted group rate, attendees just have to use the promo code PASM2018 on their adult return tickets (Pearson Station to Union Station) during purchase.
UP Express connects Toronto Pearson International Airport to Union Station in the heart of downtown Toronto in just 25 stress-free minutes—less than half the time it often takes by car. Trains leave every 15 minutes with the first train departing Pearson Station at 05:27 and the last train departing at 00:57. There’s no easier or more convenient way to get to or from Toronto Pearson…and the UP Station is connected to the MTCC where your meeting is being held.
Money Matters
Toronto offers visitors world-class products without world-class prices. A favorable exchange rate doesn’t hurt, either. So be sure to pack an extra bag for the loot you’ll want to bring back home.
Toronto’s currency is the Canadian dollar. One US dollar is equal to 1.25 Canadian dollar. (Conversion amount as of February 12, 2018)
Currency exchange is available at kiosks in the city and at the airport
For denominations under five dollars we use coins – some we’ve even given cute names: the loonie ($1), and toonie ($2).
U.S. dollars are accepted in many Toronto establishments, although you’ll receive change in Canadian funds and exchange rates will differ from merchant to merchant
You’ll find cash machines/ATMs all over the city and in most banks, hotels and shopping centers
Credit cards are accepted at all major retailers
Tipping
If you’re happy with the service you receive, a 15-20% tip on the pre-tax bill is a standard expression of appreciation when dining out in the city. Note: Some restaurants automatically add this gratuity when serving large groups, so be sure to check your bill.
Tips are also expected for services such as haircuts, shoe shines and taxi rides. 15-20% is standard in these situations as well.
Taxes
The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is a 13% tax that is applied to most purchases of taxable supplies of goods and services in the Province of Ontario. The HST consists of a 5% federal portion and an 8% retail sales tax portion.
Shuttle Information
ABOUT THE PAS 2018 MEETING
The 2018 PAS Meeting will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, from Saturday, May 5th through Tuesday, May 8th. The PAS Annual Meeting brings together thousands of pediatricians and other health care providers united by a common mission: improve the health and well-being of children worldwide. The PAS Meeting is the largest and most prestigious pediatric research meeting in the world, bringing together over 7,500 scientific attendees.
Registration is required for admittance to all invited scientific sessions, platform sessions, exhibits, posters, award presentations, and other meeting events, unless otherwise indicated, in the program schedule.
Location
Scientific sessions, exhibits and posters will take place in Metro Toronto Conventions Center.
Metro Toronto Convention Centre 222 Bremner Blvd Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada Floor Plans |
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel (Headquarter Hotel) 123 Queen Street West Fairmont Royal York (Headquarter Hotel) InterContinental Toronto Centre Westin Harbour Castle Hotel |
Assistance for Attendees with Special Needs
PAS is committed to assisting attendees with special needs. We urge individuals requiring assistance to contact us in advance of the meeting by emailing info@pasmeeting.org with your specific request, using the phrase “Assistance with Special Needs” in the subject line.
Attractions and Local Activities
Please visit Visit Tourism Toronto.
Attire/Dress Code
Attire is business casual.
Camera, Mobile Phone, and Video Recording Policies
Attendees are strictly prohibited from using cameras, including mobile phone and tablet cameras, and all other audio and/or video recording devices in all scientific sessions.
This means attendees may not take photos or video of speakers presenting or their slides. Attendees not adhering to this policy may be asked to leave the room and will be asked to delete all photos or videos already taken; additional action may be taken with repeated or egregious offenders.
Attendees are asked to be respectful of their colleagues by turning off all mobile devices before entering meeting rooms.
Session Videos: PAS will set up a secure website to share videos of certain sessions, including the Presidential Address, Invited Sessions, and special symposia. Presenters at these sessions will be asked to indicate whether their session videos may be shared.
Poster Photo Policy: Attendees may take photos of posters if the poster author agrees.
Official photographs will be taken at the PAS 2018 Annual Meeting. By registering for this meeting, you agree to allow PAS to use your photo in any PAS-related publications, including the PAS website.
Child Care/Family Room
KiddieCorp Child Care at PAS 2018
Locations Provided to Registrants
Children ages 6 months – 12 years
Thank you for your interest in the Pediatric Academic Societies 2018 children’s program staffed by KiddieCorp, provider of high-quality childcare at pediatric conventions, trade shows and special events for over 31 years. KiddieCorp engages your children in a program they love while giving you critical peace of mind so you can make the most of the event!
ACTIVITIES
Age-appropriate activities include daily themes, arts & crafts, group games, music & movement, board games, story time, and self-directed play using safe, sturdy equipment that you can feel comfortable with. Snacks and beverages are provided; meals must be supplied by parents or purchased when checking in your child each day.
COMMITMENT
KiddieCorp team members are selected according to their integrity, experience, education, enthusiasm, and rapport with kids. In addition to carrying ample liability insurance, their low staff-to-child ratio ensures every child has a comfortable, safe and happy experience.
Child Age — Staff Ratio
6 – 11 months — 1:2
1 – 2 years — 1:3
3 – 5 years — 1:5
6 -12 years — 1:7
REGISTRATION
Advance registration deadline is April 6. Register early, as availability is limited and handled on a *first-come, first-served basis. See attached registration and consent form for event information, or register on-line at https://jotform.com/KiddieCorp/paskids
*KiddieCorp must receive both the registration form and payment in full to hold reservations. Although every effort will be made to accommodate on-site registrations, there is no guarantee and it is not recommended.
Nursing Mothers Lounge
A Nursing Mothers Lounge will be in the Metro Toronto Convention Center to give parents and children a place to relax during the meeting. The room will be equipped with comfortable furniture and separate private areas for nursing mothers. Attendees may not use this room for babysitting purposes.
Coat Check/Luggage
Coat check and luggage will be available at the Metro Toronto Convention Center.
Exhibit Hall
Please see the Exhibits page for details.
Internet Access
Complimentary wi-fi will be available to all meeting registrants in all public lobbies and meeting spaces of the Convention Center.
Letter of Invitation
https://www.pas-meeting.org/invitation/
Lost and Found
Please visit the PAS Information Desk to look for items lost or turn in items found.
Meals
There are food concessions within the Metro Toronto County Convention Center, as well as many restaurants nearby.
Prayer/Meditation Room
A prayer/meditation room will be available in the Convention Center.
Press
PAS welcomes press/media who wish to attend the PAS 2018 Annual Meeting. Please see our Press section for details on press guidelines, policies, and registration.
Registration
All registration information, including attendee categories, rates, deadlines, payment details, the registration form, and registration hours, can be found in the Registration section. If you have questions, please email them to info@pasmeeting.org using the phrase “Meeting Registration Question” in the subject line.
Safety and First Aid
Please check back for updated information in April.
Schedule
Please see the Schedule at a Glance for this information.
Social Media Guidelines
While we encourage the use of social media before, during, and after the PAS Annual Meeting as a way to share information and network with other attendees, we remind you to adhere to PAS’s social media do’s and don’ts:
Do:
- Follow PAS on Twitter (@PASMeeting) and use the #PAS18 meeting hashtag to join the conversation about the PAS 2018 Annual Meeting.
- Like PAS on Facebook
- Blog or tweet about what you hear and learn at the meeting, but refrain from sharing when the speaker explicitly asks not to share. Talks are tweetable and shareable by default, but speakers can ask that attendees not share specific details or slides.
- Converse and network with other attendees before, during, and after the conference.
- Provide feedback to PAS staff and the Program Committee – we encourage attendees to post about and discuss topics of interest and ideas for future annual meetings.
- Communicate with respect and consideration for others, and keep criticism constructive.
Don’t:
- Capture, transmit, or redistribute data presented at the meeting – this may preclude its later publication in a scientific journal. Please adhere to journal embargo policies and do not jeopardize your colleagues’ work!
- Post copyrighted or trademarked material or material protected by other intellectual property rights.
- Use PAS’s social media platforms to comment on medical, legal, or litigious matters.
- Post derogatory, demeaning, inflammatory, offensive, disrespectful, hateful, sales-oriented, or otherwise inappropriate comments.
People who participate in social media activity associated with the Annual Meeting are expected to:
- Maintain a courteous and respectful demeanor in their comments and posts.
- Contribute value and expertise.
- Represent themselves and their organizations truthfully and professionally.
- Recognize that social media conversations include professionals, patients, policymakers, reporters, and the general public.
The views and opinions posted on PAS’s social media do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of PAS, its Leadership, staff, or membership. PAS reserves the right to remove comments it deems, in its sole discretion, to be inappropriate.
Health and Wellness Event
sponsored by
Kickstart your morning with a refreshing and rejuvenating yoga class suitable for all fitness levels. In this class, you will be taken through a traditional Vinyasa Flow Yoga class with Toronto’s top Yogis. Be prepared to sweat, laugh and relax. Mats and water will be provided.
Yoga held in MTCC 800 Level – Sunday, May 6th, 6:30am-7:15am.
If you like to get your heart rate pumping first thing in the morning, this is the class for you. Using your own body weight, you will be guided through an all levels boot camp class with Toronto’s top instructors. In this Tabata inspired class, you will work through exercises in timed intervals. Be prepared to sweat, laugh and get your core working. Water will be provided.
Fitness Boot Camp held in MTCC 800 Level – Sunday, May 6th, 6:30am-7:15am.
Yoga and Fitness Boot Camp registration check in begins at 6:15am time in MTCC 800 Level. Each participant will receive a goody bag as a “Thank You” for attending. Reserve your spot now – attendance limited to the first 150 people for each event.
CME / CE
Accreditation/Credit Designation
Physicians
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Baylor College of Medicine and American Pediatric Society and Society for Pediatric Research. Baylor College of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Baylor College of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 44.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Maintenance of Certification
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the activity, with individual assessments of the participant and feedback to the participant, enables the participant to earn 10.0 MOC points in the American Board of Pediatrics’ (ABP) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABP MOC credit.
Other Health Care Professionals
Attendants are able to claim a Certificate of Attendance from Baylor College of Medicine that references the number of CME credits for which the activity has been approved. This may be submitted to respective accrediting bodies for consideration of other continuing education credits.
PAS General Meeting Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the meeting take place?
- Toronto, Canada – May 5 – 8, 2018
What is the address for the Metro Toronto Convention Centre?
- 222 Bremner Blvd., Toronto, ON, Canada, M5V 3L9
What types of sessions will the meeting include?
- Session types can be found here: http://www.pas-meeting.org/program/
When will registration open?
- November 15, 2017
Are there 1-day passes to attend the meeting?
- PAS meeting does not offer 1 day registration passes
What does a family badge include?
- Access to all meeting events and sessions.
When is the deadline to submit an abstract?
- January 3, 2018 at 11:59 PT
What is the headquarter hotel?
- Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel (Headquarter Hotel)
123 Queen Street West. Toronto. Ontario M5H2M9. Canada - Fairmont Royal York (Headquarter Hotel)
100 Front Street W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E3, Canada
How can I secure my hotel?
- You can make your hotel reservation during the registration process.
When is the deadline for hotel accommodations?
- April 10, 2018
Does PAS provide child care during the meeting?
- There is childcare available at the meeting. Additional information is above in the general information section.
How do I obtain a letter of invitation and visa?
- Print your letter of invitation to the PAS Meeting. We do not assist in the visa application process.
Will materials and badges be mailed in advance?
- No, you will be able to print your attendee badge and pick up your meeting materials onsite.
What is the cancellation policy?
- A 20% fee will be withheld from registration cancellations requested on or before April 19, 2018. There will be no refunds after April 19, 2018.
If I am am an abstract present at the PAS meeting do I still need to register?
Yes, all abstract presenters are required to register for the PAS Meeting.
Do I qualify as a trainee?
- You may register as a trainee if you are currently in a residency or fellowship program, or you are still a student (high school, undergrad, or graduate level).
- Post doctoral positions do not qualify for trainee registration.