FAQs Conference 2013 

1. When is Conference 2013?
Directors only: August 6 (1– 5pm) 
Leaders only: August 7
General Conference: August 8–10

2. How do I register online?
Registration can be found by logging on to epicconference2013.com. Simply click on the New Registration button on the right hand side of the page. RSVP before July 15, 2013!

3. Do I get a discount for the hotel? If so, what code should I use?
Epicure's Conference 2013 will be held at the Westin Harbour Castle Conference Centre. The Epicure room rate is $159 per night and is available until July 19, 2013. The code to use when booking is 'Epicure'. For more information about the hotel, click here. 

4. When does registration at Conference take place?
-Directors' Registration: August 6, 12:00 noon–1:00 pm 
-Leaders' Registration: August 7, 8:00–10:00 am (Photos)
-First-time Attendees: August 8, 9:00–10:00 am
-General Registration: August 8, 10:00–11:30 am

5. When does the first general session start?
Thursday, August 8, 2013
First-time Attendee Orientation: 10:00–11:00 am 
Opening Ceremonies: 12:30 pm

6. How do I cancel?
To cancel your Conference registration, please send an email to events@epicureselections.com.
Please note the following:
  • Registration cancellations must be received in writing by Home Office before 11:59 pm (PT) on June 15, 2013. No refunds will be given after that date. 
  • All cancellations are subject to a $100 administration fee.
  • Conference fees are non-transferrable (i.e. fees cannot be transferred to another Consultant or to a different event).
7. Can I pay by installment?
There are no options at this time to pay Conference registration in installments. 

8. What is the dress code?
The dress code during Conference is as follows:
- Directors' Day: Business attire
- Leaders' Day: Business attire 
- Wine & Dine Event: Cocktail attire (a.k.a., your little black dress)
- All Conference sessions: Business casual (no jeans), with your Conference name tag and any Epicure pins or ribbons
- Awards Gala: Semi-formal to formal attire 
- Sweet Success After Party – Semi-formal to formal

9. Can I bring my partner or significant other?
You may only bring a guest to the Awards Gala, which takes place on Friday, August 9, 2013. If you receive an invitation to the Sweet Success Afterparty, the guest fee will include admittance to the Sweet Success Afterparty. If you would like to bring your partner or significant other, please modify your registration and add a guest. The cost for a guest is $50. Please be aware this is an adult-only event.

10. Will I be seated with my guest?
Yes. All Conference attendees who choose to bring guests to the Gala will be seated beside their guests.

11. What are seating arrangements for Conference?
All Conference attendees will be seated at rounds. 

12. How should I pack for Conference?
- Toronto is warm in August and can be very humid; however it can be cool in the hotel, so bring a light sweater.
- Leave extra room in your suitcase for giveaways!

13. What meals are provided?
Epicure will provide the following meals and refreshments:
- Thursday: Nutritious snacks for day sessions; light appetizers at evening event 
- Friday and Saturday: Lunch and nutritious snacks for day sessions; light appetizers at evening event

14. Are there places to eat near the conference centre/hotel?
The Westin Harbour Castle has two restaurants:

-The Mizzen Restaurant - casual restaurant in the hotel lobby that offers a delicious selection of entrees to delight even the most particular palate. Open daily from 6:30am- 2:30pm
-Toula Restaurant and Bar - authentic Italian dining located on the 38th floor overlooking Lake Ontario with spectacular 360-degree views. Open daily from 12:00 noon – 12:00 midnight 
The conference centre is located in the heart of downtown, and there are many restaurants within walking distance of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. We invite you to visit the following sites to find nearby restaurants: 
- Captain Johns - http://captainjohns.ca/
- Harbour Sports Grille - http://www.harboursportsgrille.com/

15. How do I get to the hotel from the airport? 
-Click here for driving directions to the Westin Harbour Castle. 

Airport shuttles are available through Airport Express: 
- Departs from the airport every half hour to downtown and stops at the Westin Harbour Castle
- One way: $26.95
- Round trip: $40.00
- Tickets can be purchased ahead of time online: http://www.torontoairportexpress.com/index.php

Taxi service is also available from the airport:
-Average taxi fare for a cab from Toronto Pearson Airport to Westin Harbour Castle ranges from $50 to $60

16. Is there parking available downtown? 
- Self parking for the hotel is available one block from the Westin Harbour Castle for $30 per day. Parking passes must be purchased at the Westin Harbour Castle before parking at the self-park facility, which is located at 16 Harbour St., The Pinnacle Centre. Click here for more information.
 
-Valet parking at the Westin Harbour Castle is available for $40 per day.

-Public parking is available in four parking lots located within one block of the hotel. These have no affiliation to the hotel and rates vary from $15 to $30 per day. Please note these lots do not offer in and out services and are not recommended for overnight parking. 

17. What will the weather be like?
-Toronto in August will be very warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 23 degrees Celsius to 31 degrees Celsius. 

18. Will we have time to go explore Toronto?
- Conference is filled with fun events and networking opportunities. Out of respect for the family obligations and busy schedules of our Consultants, Epicure tries to pack as much fun and learning into as short a period as possible.
- Please visit the Conference website at epicconference2013.com and consult the Schedule section under the Event Schedule tab and watch for updates!
- Please note that the Conference schedule is subject to change without notice.

19. Are there babysitting services available?
 - This event is planned for adults, and Conference does not provide a comfortable atmosphere for infants or small children. Keep in mind that child care is not available at Westin Harbour Castle. Therefore, we ask that you make alternative arrangements for your children.
Important note: The responsibility to make appropriate childcare arrangements, and any costs associated with such arrangements, are strictly your own.

20. What does my registration fee include?
- Elegant formal Awards Gala
- Exciting address from our President & Founder and CEO
- Sneak peeks
- Opportunities to meet key members of the Home Team
- Networking opportunities with Consultants from across Canada
- Catered lunches and nutritional breaks on Friday and Saturday
- Educational breakouts and skill-building sessions
- Special guest speakers
- Evening of Fun – a night of fun and entertainment with networking and team-building opportunities
- Lots of swag and giveaways

21. Can I come to Conference if I have disabilities?
-Yes. Consultants with special needs are responsible for providing their own assistant, should they be required. Should you choose to bring a special needs assistant, his or her registration fee will be waived and his or her admission to skill-building sessions and select Conference events, including meals hosted by Epicure, will be included. Please contact events@epicureselections.com as soon as possible with the name and contact information of your attending special needs assistant.

22. Will there be French translation services?
-The Conference will have interpretation services for our French speaking consultants. Please indicate your language preference in your RSVP.

ADDITIONAL NOTE:
Conference is a fragrance-free event. Participants are asked to avoid perfumes and other fragrances that could affect persons with environmental illnesses or chemical sensitivities.