Frequently Asked Questions

Please see below a list of commonly asked questions about the 2024 Joint ARA and NZRA Annual Scientific Meeting. If you can’t find the answer to your question here, please don’t hesitate to contact us by emailing nzra-ara@theconferencecompany.com or by phone +64 9 360 1240.

Registration and Attendance

What are the registration fees?
The fees are available to view on the registration page.

Where do I collect my badge at the venue?
The Registration Desk, located in the foyer of the Te Pae Convention Centre is open on Saturday 18 May between 0900 and 1730 or from 0700 on Sunday 19 May.

If you are attending the Paediatric Satellite Symposium or any other pre-Conference sessions, your badge will be delivered to your meeting room.

Is the Paediatric Satellite Symposium included in my registration?
No, this is a separate registration fee.

Is the Ultrasound Workshop included in my registration?
No, this is a separate registration fee.

Am I eligible for the member registration rate?
You are eligible to register using the member rate, if you meet the criteria outlined on the registration page.

Am I eligible for the student registration rate?
These rates are subsidised to encourage attendance for students. You must be enrolled in a tertiary institution at the time of registration.

How can I register onsite?
If you are unable to register prior to the Conference, you can register onsite at the Registration Desk. Please note, payment will be required at this time via a credit card or cash (in New Zealand currency only).

Will the Meeting be recorded?
The Meeting will not be recorded this year.

I want to cancel my registration. Can I get a refund?
All cancellations must be received in writing so please email nzra-ara@theconferencecompany.com. Cancellation notice received prior to 29 March will be eligible for a refund, less a NZ$100 administration fee. Cancellations after this date are non-refundable, however, you are able to transfer your registration to another person.

I only want to attend one session, can I get a session pass?
Individuals wanting to attend one session must register for a one day pass for that day. Unregistered attendees will not be allowed access to sessions or other Meeting events.

I am an overseas participant and need a letter of invitation before I can receive my visa. What is the procedure?
Upon full payment of the Conference registration fees, please request an invitation letter by emailing nzra-ara@theconferencecompany.com. Invitation letters will not be supplied to unpaid or unregistered participants, and we reserve the right to refuse to provide invitation letters for attendees. Please note that we do not give any further support or advice about the visa application process. Obtaining a visa remains the sole responsibility of the participant.

Is there funding to help with travel and registration costs?
There are a number of awards and travel grants available, more information and eligibility for these awards is available here.

My partner would like to come, but not to the Conference sessions. Is there a partner registration?
No there is no partner registration. However, you are able to purchase additional tickets for them to attend the Conference Dinner.

Will I receive a Certificate of Attendance?
Yes, a Certificate of Attendance can be requested after the Conference and will be emailed to you.

What services are available for special needs and requests?
We encourage persons with disabilities to participate in the programme and social events. Please contact nzra-ara@theconferencecompany.com to request services or other accommodations for any special needs or note these on your registration form. If you have dietary preferences, please be sure to describe those on the space provided on the registration form when you register.

Is there a parents room?
The venue has a parents room, located on the Ground Floor behind the reception area near the Auditorium entrance. It is equipped with two arm chairs, a sink and microwave, a changing table, a fridge and a toilet.

What is the dress code for the Meeting?
The dress code is Business Casual

What is the dress code for the Gala Dinner?
The theme is "Simply Fabulous".

Accommodation

How can I reserve a hotel room and what rates are available?
We are pleased to advise we have secured a number of accommodation options available to Conference attendees. You can book accommodation at delegate rates using this link.

Abstract Submissions

Do you accept late breaking abstracts?
No, there is no late breaking abstract submission.

My abstract has been accepted but I cannot attend, what do I do?
The presentation can be delivered by another named author. This author must have been included on the original abstract submission. Please email nzra-ara@theconferencecompany.com to advise of any change of presenter.

I submitted an abstract but the data has changed or is not available, what do I do?
Please email nzra-ara@theconferencecompany.com to advise you will need to withdraw or update your abstract. 

When will the abstracts be published?
Abstracts will be made available via the Meeting app and published after the Meeting in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.

Where do I take my presentation at the Meeting?
There will be a Speaker Preparation Room (Bealey Room 1) on the ground floor of the venue available for you to finalise and load your presentation. Please ensure you deliver your presentation to the technicians in that room at least 2 hours prior to your session. The technicians will be available on Saturday 18 May from 12pm, all day on Sunday and Monday and until 10.30am on Tuesday.