What's New for CAHR 2008

Through this Conference and other initiatives, the Canadian Association for HIV Research (CAHR) is working to support researchers across all tracks and disciplines in leading the quest for knowledge. This year CAHR is especially pleased to continue some innovations begun last year and introduce many additional measures, some which may be visible to you, and others.....less obvious.

• The earlier start of the volunteer Conference Organizing Committee, making planning for your Conference more effective and comprehensive and increasing the diverse participation of leading researchers from across the country.
  
  
• A Conference governance agreement or protocol, providing guidance and framework to the Conference Organizing Committee regarding roles and responsibilities and expectations.
  
  
• A double-blinded scientific abstract review process (i.e. the identities of submitters and reviewers is hidden from each other), enhancing the scientific content of the Conference.
  
  
• A Conflict of Interest Policy requiring disclosure of abstract submitters and session presenters, making assessment of the scientific evidence presented by investigators both fairer and more independent.
  
  
• New program innovations like Debate Sessions, and Mini-Talks making the Conference more engaging, interactive, and responsive to your interests.
  
  
• A mini program-at-a-glance in digital format that can be downloaded to portable devices with Word and Excel capability (i.e. some but not all electronic communication devices), facilitating your navigation of the Conference program.
  
  
• Launch of the inaugural CAHR New HIV Researcher Workshops 2008 and the New HIV Researcher Social Mixer, providing learning and networking opportunities tailored for the needs of new researchers from all tracks and community.
  
  
• The CATIE Learning Institute for community learning, participating in its second year of partnership with the CAHR Conference.
  
  
• A special consultation by Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE) for HIV researchers, exploring the development of CATIE’s new role as national Knowledge Exchange broker and the future direction for knowledge exchange.
  
  
• Improved bilingual service, including fully bilingual abstract submission, Conference registration, scholarship application, and Conference communications and materials, as well as speaker presentations that are bilingual or in the language of choice of the oral presenter or poster submitter.
  
  
• The CAHR 2008 Job Fair, introducing a pilot project for employers to post job notices and employment opportunities as well as to recruit potential employees, and for potential employees to explore new career opportunities in the HIV/AIDS sector.
  
  
• A diverse, comprehensive and documented Sponsorship Program, engaging sponsors and maximizing the value of their sponsorship throughout all aspects of the Conference.
  
  
• An official Partners Program, recognizing long-standing partners like the Canadian HIV Trials Network and The Pulsus Group, as well as new partner societies and organizations like the Ontario HIV Treatment Network and CATIE.
  
  
• An updated and more transparent Community Scholarship Program, offering a double blinded review process (i.e. applicants and reviewers do not know each) and heightened levels of sponsorship thanks to our sponsors.
  
  
• Expanded Community Scholarship Programs, supporting the greater participation of frontline employees, volunteers, board members of AIDS services organizations as well as PHAs in the Conference.
  
  
• Greater involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS throughout the Conference planning and program, including a Community Representative on the Conference Organizing Committee.
  
  
• A dynamic Gala Event with Montreal’s Joie de vivre! spirit to enhance your networking opportunities, adding unique excitement and lasting memories to the CAHR Conference experience.
  
  
• The President’s Reception (in only its second year) to recognize and promote leadership in the CAHR research communities, recognizing past CAHR leaders, the Conference Organizing Committee, sponsors and partners.
  
  
• Special CAHR recognition for the Canadian HIV Information Centre (CHIC), that closed in March 2008 after nearly two decades of service to the Canadian HIV/AIDS movement and particularly to researchers in disseminating the results of their research.
  
  
• A special HIV/AIDS artistic display with an HIV/AIDS theme, in conjunction with a PHA community organization based in Montreal, creating a unique visual aspect to the CAHR conference. (The art workshop that resulted in this collection of art was sponsored by GSK ShireBiochem. This display is being organized specifically for CAHR Conference.)
  
  
• A special French language theatre production with an HIV/AIDS theme, at a local Montreal theatre....in conjunction with CAHR 2008 Conference, ensuring you enjoy all that Montreal has on offer.
  
  
• A special AIDS Ribbon conference bag commissioned specifically for CAHR 2008 delegates, creating a Conference memento immediately associated with the HIV/AIDS cause with its unique red ribbon handles.
  
  
• A new Ancillary Events Program, engaging partner organizations in holding additional meetings and events that enhance the Conference experience and opportunities for participants. (Using its influence as CAHR convener, CAHR works with these organizations to find or make available meeting facilities at low or no additional cost in the Conference hotel venue.)
  
  
• A more active Volunteer Program, making the Conference more accessible to people who want to be involved.
  
  
• Improved and clearer Conference administration policies, e.g. abstract submission, international participation, proof of student status, registration and cancellation, among other areas, making participation at CAHR hassle free.
  
  
• An electronic online Conference evaluation survey, helping to enhance the feedback about the Conference to improve future CAHR Conferences and services.