Know Before You Go

International ACAC is excited to welcome you to the 2024 Conference at Western University! 

There is so much to gain from attending the conference, and we hope to help you make the most out of your experience. Below, you may find information about attending the conference, including helpful tips and useful resources. 

Transportation Information

There are many options for getting to London, Ontario. Read in-depth information about each of these options on Western's conference website. We have provided some general information below.

Flight options include: 

• Fly directly into London International Airport (YXU)
• Fly to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Shuttle, bus, or train to London
• Fly to Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
• Shuttle to London

Visit Western's conference website for more information and discount codes.

Tips for Going Through Customs:

• If flying into Toronto, be prepared for a long line as it is a very busy international airport. If you will have a layover at another Canadian airport, you will go through customs there, and you will want to allow plenty of time between your arrival and your connecting flight.

• Have all your documents ready in your carry-on, and have printed copies. Obviously you’ll need your passport and possibly a visa, but it is also a good idea to have a copy of your conference registration in addition to a copy of your return flight itinerary.

To and From the London Airport:

• Ride share services in London include Uber and Lyft. You can download their apps and use a credit card to pay for the trip. Prices can vary by time of day, and sometimes there is an additional charge for travel to or from the airport. Estimate about $30 each way from the London airport to the Western campus.

• Taxi services are also available, but expect to pay $35 CAD or more, plus a 15% tip.

• There are private and shared shuttle services available in London as well. Depending on which one you choose, prices will start around $25-$30. 

Parking at Western

For guests staying on-campus, parking is provided. Details will be available upon check-in at registration. Otherwise, parking will be made available at Springett Parking Lot (Lot I) off of Western Road. Please take a ticket, park in the lot and then proceed to registration in Thames Hall Atrium to register for day parking.

Find and download Western's campus parking map.

Getting Around London

London has a comprehensive public transit system. Each conference attendee will be provided a complimentary bus pass to explore London like a local. Otherwise, ride shares are the easiest way to get around town if you aren’t bringing your own car. Please know that transportation will be provided to any International ACAC-sponsored events being held off campus (such as the closing reception) and between the conference hotels and campus.

Exploring Beyond London

If you are interested in exploring another Canadian city or province, you may choose to fly or take a VIA Rail train. 

Arriving at Western

If arriving during registration hours:

Go to the Thames Hall Atrium to check in at Registration. You will receive your on-campus housing assignment along with your conference materials.  

Registration Hours:

Sunday: 12 PM - 8 PM
Monday and Tuesday: 7 AM - 8 PM
Wednesday: 8 AM - 12 PM

Registration Location:
Thames Hall Atrium 

If arriving outside of registration hours:

Please email [email protected] by July 4 to inform them of the time of your arrival, so the team can prepare to welcome you. Check in for your on-campus housing in the lobby of Ontario Hall. The residence hall will be staffed 24 hours a day. You can go to Conference Registration to check in the next day.

For assistance on the day of arrival, please call the Ontario Hall Front Desk for assistance: +1 519-661-2088 

Explore Western's Campus

• Campus Maps
• Gender-inclusive washrooms are available in Thames Hall and newly constructed buildings around campus
• A fully outfitted lactation room is available in Thames Hall on the second floor (elevator accessible)
• On-campus dining
• WiFi access on campus
• Shopping on campus
• The above link can direct you to locations on campus where you can purchase items such as over-the-counter medications, snacks, charger cables, and other items you may need.
• Top Things to See and Do at Western

Visiting London

London Guides & Resources

• Western's Guide to London, Ontario
• Tourism London's Visitor Guide

Fun Things to Do

• Tourism London's Things To Do
• London Food and Drink Guide
• Restaurants (a few favorites from the planning committee)
• Garlic's of London
• The Bungalow Neighborhood Hub - nearby to campus
• The Church Key Bistro-Pub

General Travel Information

Safety 

Like any city, London has safe and less-safe areas to explore. Tourist areas are do not pose much risk as long as you follow normal safety measures:

• Be discrete with money and valuables

• Do not leave bags or other items unattended

• Always be aware of your surroundings, and if you feel uncomfortable in an area, leave for a safer location (step inside a store, go to a better lighted location or a location with more people). 

• Stay to areas designed for pedestrians and avoid poorly lit areas.

• Be especially careful after dark

• Going with a group is of course safest, but staying to well populated areas is also helpful

• Keep your phone charged in case you need to call for assistance or schedule a ride pick-up

• Remember that excessive alcohol consumption can put you at more risk 

Western's campus is safe to explore and monitored by campus police, but good practices include:

• Stay on designated pathways and well lighted areas

• Be especially careful after dark

• Do not leave items unattended

• Save the campus police phone number in case you need assistance. Review the services offered by campus police below.

Western Campus Police 

• Campus Safety and Emergency Services

• Watch for notifications from the Whova app

• Save the phone number in case you need assistance.

• Non-emergencies/general assistance: +1 519-661-3300

• Emergency assistance (24 hours a day): 911

In Case of Emergency

1. Call (or have a bystander) call 911 for emergency assistance

2. Contact International ACAC HQ staff members Erin Garcia or Margaret Andrade.

• Let them know what the situation is and which services are on their way (medical assistance, police, fire department, etc.)

Not sure if it qualifies as an “emergency”? Always lean toward the most cautious action. It is safer to have a professional check on the person than to try to assist yourself and miss a subtle sign of something more serious. 

Local Health Resources

• Pharmacies: There are many pharmacies in the area. The most common are CVS and Walgreens, though grocery stores and other large retail stores will also have pharmacies. 
• “Over the counter” medications and supplies are available in all of these locations. “Over the counter” means that no doctor’s prescription is required; this includes allergy medicine, mild pain relievers, upset stomach medications, first aid supplies, etc.
• Prescription medications can be obtained from the pharmacy, but your doctor will need to provide a prescription. If anything happens to your prescription medication while traveling, contact your doctor’s office to request a prescription be sent to the pharmacy so the medication can be replaced.
• Other supplies such as contact lens cleaner, feminine supplies, bandages and braces, toiletries, cosmetics, charger cords, as well as drinks and snacks can also be purchased in most pharmacies.
• Urgent Care Clinics: These are great for non-life threatening medical concerns such as upset stomach issues, mild allergic reactions, flu or virus symptoms, minor injury, stitches, etc. They are far less expensive than going to a hospital, but are not the best destination for very serious, life-threatening conditions.
• Hospital Emergency Room: For serious or life threatening conditions, the emergency room is best. If you call an ambulance, they will take you to the closest hospital that will have the resources for your situation. All hospitals can support the vast majority of conditions, but some have additional resources for extremely severe conditions, and the emergency responders will know if a particular hospital would be a better option.

Packing Tips

Summer in London is warm and humid, with temperatures in the mid-20 to low 30 degrees Celsius (70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit). Here are some tips for what to pack as you prepare:

• Clothes in your institution colors (think "pep rally")

• Casual work-wear and comfortable shoes

• Sunscreen and mosquito repellent

• Sunglasses and/or a hat

• Lightweight clothes 

• Light sweater or jacket for indoors 

• Athletic wear/athleisure for physical activities (special events, closing reception)

First Time to Canada?

Here are a few cultural insights to help you better navigate Canada in general and Miami specifically.

• The Canadian service industry participates in tipping culture. Plan to tip 15%-25% at a restaurant or in a taxi, $1-$2 per drink at a bar, $2-$5 for a ride share like Uber or Lyft, and $2-$3 a day for housekeeping/cleaning staff in a hotel (daily is better than a large amount at the end a stay). Read more in this helpful tipping guide.

• Being on time is important to Canadians. It is still best to be punctual to avoid uncomfortable situations.

• Canadians like privacy and personal space. Most Canadians stand a little more than an arm's distance apart when speaking and would prefer a handshake to a hug or kisses when greeting a stranger.

• Canadians typically have an indirect communication style; they tend to say things in a soft and polite way. They prioritize maintaining good rapport with others and keeping conversation pleasant and friendly. 

• In Canada, questions such as “how are you?” and “how is your day going?” are often used more like greetings, than with the intent to begin a full conversation. A short “I’m doing well”, “I’m fine, thanks”, is often a sufficient response. A short description such as “A little tired due to jet lag, but I’m sure I’ll have more energy tomorrow” is also fine. In some cases, this may develop into a longer conversation, but not always.

• In Canada, orderly lines or queues are expected. Going directly to the front or gathering in a group rather than a line is considered rude.

• Independent thinking and personal opinions are valued in Canada. It is common for people to ask others about their personal experiences, thoughts, and ideas.

Conference Resources

• See the Conference Schedule
  
• Use the Conference App to review sessions, find colleagues, explore the exhibitor list, and more! The app will go live about one month before the conference. A link will be sent out to all registered attendees.
• Please note that the conference app can only be accessed by registered attendees 

Arriving at Western

If arriving during registration hours:

Go to the Thames Hall Atrium to check in at registration. You will receive your on-campus housing assignment along with your conference materials. 

If arriving outside of registration hours:

Please email [email protected] by July 4 to inform them of the time of your arrival, so the team can prepare to welcome you. Check in for your on-campus housing in the lobby of Ontario Hall. The residence hall will be staffed 24 hours a day. You can go to Conference Registration to check in the next day.

For assistance on the day of arrival, please call the Ontario Hall Front Desk for assistance: +1 519-661-2088.