Do I need a passport to get into Canada from the United States?

Yes

 

Do I need to change money when I get to Canada?

Most establishments in Lethbridge take credit or debit cards, so you should not need any actual Canadian currency. Many businesses also take American dollars but they are unlikely to give you a good exchange rate (or might just take US money at par).

 

What is Lethbridge, Alberta like?

Lethbridge, Alberta is in Canada and is located in the ancestral homelands of the Blackfoot /Siksikaitsitapi. The city is located about an hour north of the Montana border, on the prairies east of the Rocky Mountains. The city straddles a beautiful river valley with the world’s longest and highest trestle bridge connecting the two sides of the city. Lethbridge is a cultural hub in southern Alberta, with a thriving arts and heritage community. Home to 100,000 people, there are two post-secondary institutions and numerous museums and galleries, including the Sir Alexander Galt Museum. The city is also home to the world- famous Nikku Yukko Japanese Gardens, a monument to Japanese-Canadian friendship, honoring Japanese contributions to the region.

 

What is the weather in Lethbridge like?

We never know. It is constantly changing, so we suggest bringing clothes that you can layer to accommodate the different temperatures throughout the day. Lethbridge is known as both the sunshine capital of Canada and the windiest city in Canada. As we are writing this, the forecast is clear and sunny for the conference, but…

 

What hockey team should I cheer for while I’m visiting Canada?

The Montreal Canadiens.

 

Will free WiFi be available at the conference?

Yes and you won’t need passwords either in the meeting spaces or the hotel rooms. In the meeting spaces, the network is: Prime Guest. In the hotel rooms, the network is: SANDMAN GUEST.

 

What is the conference hashtag?

Because of all of the field trips, there will be a lot more photo opportunities at this meeting than is typical of conferences. Let’s use the hashtag #PAC2024 for this meeting for social media posts. If there are any sensitive cultural spaces that should not be photographed on the tours, we will alert everyone.

 

Does the internet hate these particular conference organizers?

Yes … yes it seems that it does.

 

I’m not sure if I’ve paid or not?

Due to the problems with the website, our heroic treasurer, Chris Johnston, has had to send out invoices to all participants manually. We think he is going to need to go into hibernation after the conference has ended, given how much work he has put in to making this conference a success. If you have concerns about your billing or payment, he can be contacted at treasurer@plainsanthropologicalsociety.org.

 

I’m presenting a paper. When and where do I upload my PowerPoint file?

Presentations should be uploaded to the computers in each room during the break before your session.

 

I’m presenting a poster. When do I hang it up and do I need to bring anything to hang the poster?

Check the program or conference app for details surrounding your specific poster session. You don’t need to bring anything to hang the posters; we will supply those materials since the hotel has very strict instructions about what materials we can use. If you like, we can also hold your poster at the registration desk if you don’t have a place to store it, before or after your session.

 

Are snacks, drinks, and refreshments available during conference breaks?

Coffee and tea will be served all day, throughout the sessions. Baked snacks will be on offer in the morning and afternoon breaks.

 

Are meals included in the receptions?

If you purchased a banquet ticket for the Friday reception, your meal will be included. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served at the Wednesday and Thursday receptions but we suggest you eat a dinner at one of our amazing local restaurants first. On Thursday, The Owl is offering a specially priced poutine dinner, which we recommend, especially for those who have never tried this Canadian delicacy.

 

I regret not buying a banquet ticket. Can I still attend the keynote address?

Yes, there will be room available. If you arrive by 7:00, you won’t miss any of the programming. And you might as well ask us if we have extra banquets tickets available, just in case.

 

Will I need transportation to get between venues?

Once you get to the hotel, you won’t need any other transportation to travel between venues. Most of the events are located within the hotel and others are a short walk away. Field trip departures will take place from the hotel lobby. If you do want transportation in the city, Lethbridge does have uber. And taxi company phone numbers can be found in the program.

 

The view from my hotel is beautiful. Can I go for a walk in the river valley?

There are many walking paths in our river valley, referred to as “the coulees” locally. You can pick up a really great one within steps of our hotel. Walk south towards the Galt Museum, and maybe get a picture of yourself in front of the “Oki” sign before heading down the red shale path.

 

Where and when do I meet to join a field trip?

All of the field trips can be joined from the hotel lobby; just meet five to ten minutes prior to the scheduled departure. However, if you have signed up for the Tuesday field trip departing from Calgary, you will instead meet in the lobby of the Hampton Inn Calgary Airport North. All field trip departure times are listed in the program and in the app.

 

What should I wear on the field trips?

The field trips will involve some walking through Canadian prairie and forests, so solid walking shoes, with good traction, that you aren’t afraid to get dirty, are advisable. We recommend wearing layers (you can always leave jackets in the bus). Some of the sites we are visiting are often really windy, so a windbreaker and a hat that covers your ears may be useful. However, the sun can also be quite strong in October so you may want to bring a hat that offers sun protection.

 

Will there be extra merchandise available for purchase?

I didn’t order any when I registered but the hats, toques, and t-shirts look really great. We ordered a few extras. So, make sure you contact the registration desk right away of you want any merch!

 

What if I want other Canadian souvenirs?

The best place to get local and Canadian souvenirs is right next door at the Galt Museum, where you will receive free admission if you show your name badge (thank you Galt!). The gift store there is great with many local books, as well as locally and Indigenous crafted souvenirs. There are lots of other great shops located near the hotel as well, especially around Festival Square. And the UofL bookstore will have a pop-up shop in our vendor room on Thursday afternoon.

 

Will I get to meet the Bob Dawe?

Yes, your conference registration makes you eligible to meet the Bob Dawe. Plan to see him at any of the receptions, where he will be available for selfies and autographs. Of course, we didn’t run this FAQ sheet by him … oh well.