Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The following questions are the ones most frequently asked about CCSA’s Issues of Substance conference. If you do not find the answer to your question here or elsewhere on the conference website, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
CCSA will be adding additional questions and answers on a regular basis leading up to the conference.
Information about the Conference
Where will the conference take place?
CCSA’s Issues of Substance 2019 takes place at the Westin Ottawa Hotel.
When is the conference?
CCSA’s Issues of Substance 2019 is November 25–27, 2019.
What is theme for CCSA’s Issues of Substance 2019 conference?
The theme for this years’ conference is Evidence and Perspectives, Compassion and Action.
Who should attend CCSA’s Issues of Substance?
The following groups would benefit from attending CCSA’s Issues of Substance 2019:
- Addiction specialists (e.g., health professionals, treatment providers, clinical staff, counsellors, social workers)
- Allied professionals (e.g., hospital staff, law enforcement personnel, correctional workers)
- Public health professionals (e.g., public health nurses, health promotion program staff)
- Policy and decision makers, program managers
- Researchers
- People with lived or living experience and their families
- Private sector professionals
What should I wear to CCSA’s Issues of Substance?
Attire for the meeting is business casual. Staff take every effort to provide a comfortable learning environment; however, meeting room temperatures can fluctuate greatly due to the number of people present. CCSA staff recommend bringing a sweater to the sessions.
Where do I make my hotel reservations?
You can make hotel reservations through CCSA’s exclusive block of rooms.
How can I find more information on the mobile app?
CCSA is working on developing a mobile app for attendees to use during the conference. The app will be ready for use in fall 2019. CCSA will email all individuals registered for the conference a link on how to download the app prior to the conference.
Registration
How do I register for CCSA's Issues of Substance?
Individuals can register for the conference through the CCSA registration portal.
What are the registration fees?
The registration fees for the conference are:
Registered and paid by Wednesday September 25, 2019
- Early Bird Registration: $795
- Early Bird Student Registration: $300
Registered and paid after Wednesday September 25, 2019
- General Registration: $895
- General Student Registration: $400
Can I register onsite?
Yes. Our staff will accept registrations onsite on November 25, 2019.
I am a student. How do I qualify for the student rate?
To qualify for the student rate, students must provide proof of full-time registration as an undergraduate, masters or doctoral student at a Canadian post-secondary institution in a program related to substance use, addiction or gambling. Please email a letter from your dean indicating your student status to IOS@goldenplanners.ca, then register online choosing “Student Registration.”
Does my registration fee include meals?
When you register for the conference, you are entitled to three continental breakfasts, two lunches and all break refreshments.
I am presenting at the conference do I have to register?
Oral, workshop and poster presenters are required to pay registration fees and must do so by Friday, May 17, to secure their spot on the program. Presenters can register for the conference through the CCSA registration portal.
I can no longer attend the conference but have already registered. What do I do?
Registrants can cancel their registration and receive a refund up to 11:59 EST, October 25, 2019. We will issue no refunds after that time. A 25% administration fee will be withheld from the fee reimbursement for registrations cancelled in writing before October 25. You must submit a cancellation in writing to Golden Planners Inc. at IOS@goldenplanners.ca.
How do I transfer my registration to a colleague who will attend in my place?
You can transfer a fully paid registration to another person before 11:59 EST November 24, 2019. You must submit your transfer request in writing to Golden Planners Inc. at IOS@goldenplanners.ca.
Sessions and Education Credits
Am I required to wear my name badge?
For security purposes, name badges are required at all times. There will be no admittance to the concurrent sessions or exhibit hall for individuals without a visible name badge.
What are the differences between the types of sessions?
There are three different types of sessions at CCSA’s Issues of Substance 2019. The three types are oral presentations, interactive learning workshops and poster presentations.
Oral Presentations
Oral presentations consist of individual presentations of 20 minutes or team presentations that feature a panel of three 20-minute presentations that allow for a brief overview of the major points or highlights of a particular program or research project. Each presentation is followed by 30 minutes of moderated discussion and questions from a discussant.
Interactive Learning Workshops
Workshops are interactive learning opportunities that demonstrate real-life application of techniques and skills. They run 90 minutes in length.
Poster Presentation
Posters allow for the presentation of key points or highlights of a particular research project, program or intervention. During the designated poster viewing, the author will be available to respond to questions about their work. Authors are also encouraged to have handouts of the poster to share with conference participants.
How can I complete the session evaluations?
Attendees will be able to complete session evaluations through the conference mobile app directly after a session is finished.
Does CCSA’s Issues of Substance provide simultaneous interpretation?
CCSA will provide simultaneous interpretation for all plenary sessions, as well as select concurrent sessions yet to be determined. CCSA will identify presentations chosen for simultaneous interpretation in the program.
Will CCSA’s Issues of Substance conference be live streamed?
CSSA will choose select presentations to stream live each day of the conference through Facebook Live. CCSA will highlight presentations chosen for live streaming in the program. Follow CCSA’s Issues of Substance 2019 event page on Facebook to receive notifications about our Facebook Live streaming events.
What types of Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits can I earn by attending CCSA’s Issues of Substance conference?
The types of CEU credits an attendee can earn will be determined after the finalization of the conference program this June. However, in previous years individuals who have attended CCSA’s Issues of Substance conference have been eligible to receive CEU credits for the Indigenous Certification Board of Canada (ICBOC), the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF), the Canadian Council of Professional Certification (CCPC) and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).
The Exhibit Hall
I am interested in sponsoring, advertising or exhibiting at CSSA’s Issues of Substance what do I do?
Anyone who is interested in sponsoring, advertising or exhibiting at CSSA’s Issues of Substance should download the conference Sponsors, Exhibitors and Advertisers Guide. There are opportunities for every budget available, beginning at $500.
When will the exhibit hall be open?
The exhibit hall will be open the following days and times, with peak times noted:
Monday, November 25: 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Breakfast: 7:30–8:30 a.m.
- Break: 10:00–10:30 a.m.
- Break: 2:45–3:45 p.m.
Tuesday, November 26: 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Breakfast: 7:30–8:30 a.m.
- Break: 10:00–10:30 a.m.
- Break: 2:45–3:45 p.m.
Wednesday, November 27: 7:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
- Breakfast: 7:30–8:30 a.m.
- Break: 10:00–10:30 a.m.
Please note: All times are subject to change at CCSA’s sole discretion.