FAQ (last updated 2/13/2023)

Click the topic below to find your answer.
Before contacting the AIN Conference team at [email protected], please look at the Topics below to see if your query is answered.

The Applied Improvisation Network (AIN) was created in 2002 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching applied improvisation. Initially, 30 pioneering improvisers gathered for the first conference in San Diego. Today, AIN is a global community of practitioners and facilitators across numerous regional and local groups. 

This year, we are ReImAgINing the AIN Conference, and the ever-popular main elements will include plenary sessions, workshops, AINx (TED-style) talks, and in-person Open Space. 

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Requests for Proposals and Presenting at the Conference 

I want to present at the AIN Conference. Can I submit a proposal?
The Requests for proposals will be coming out by February 15th, 2023. Please use this time to think about what you might present. Please note that everyone can present at the conference – we have several Open Space sessions available for individuals to present 30, 60, or 90-minute presentations on Sunday, July 30th.

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Travel to Vancouver

How do I get to Vancouver?
Air, sea, train from Seattle, car, transit, foot, pogo stick, at this time, there are sadly no hot air balloon arrivals into Vancouver. Check out the top of this page for more information!

How do I get to Vancouver from the airport?
Skytrain, Uber, Lyft, Evo Car Share, and local Taxis. We recommend you start here: Google Maps of Vancouver.

Where is the Conference venue located?
The 2023 AIN Global Conference will be held on Granville Island, Vancouver's premier artistic and cultural district located in British Columbia, Canada. Granville Island sits on the traditional and unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations, who have lived, worked, and played on these lands for thousands of years. The closest airport is the beautiful Vancouver International Airport (YVR) which is 11.8km away (26 min drive or 45 min transit). 

What is the weather going to be like?
Unknown and unpredictable. However, on average, July is almost the warmest month in Vancouver, with daytime temperatures of 20-24°C (68-75°F) while nights fall to a mild 13°C (55°F). Temperatures rarely exceed 27°C (80°F) or dip below 11°C (50°F). July is the driest month in Vancouver, but it still sees some rainy days.

What essentials should I pack?
Casual, layered clothing is recommended as it will be warm-ish during the day but cool in the evenings, with the potential of an ocean breeze. A waterproof layer for those unexpected rain showers is always a good idea!

Some items to be sure to bring include:

• Chargers for electronics
• Converters or Adapters – with a standard voltage of 110 V
• Personal Hygiene Items & Prescription(s)
• Prescription Glasses and Sunglasses
• Hat
• T-Shirts
• Shorts/Jeans/Trousers
• Light jacket/sweater (for any air-conditioned rooms and evenings)
• Rain jacket/umbrella

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Travel while in Vancouver

What types of auto rentals and/or ride-share services are in Vancouver?
Uber, Lyft, Evo Car Share, and normal taxi services. All major car rental services can be obtained at the airport; however, important note: there is a 3-hour limit for parking on Granville Island. You may want to skip the car rental and opt for ride-share services. 

What types of public transportation are there?
As part of the Vancouver Public Transit system, sky trains, buses, and even a sea bus exist. You can find ticket and schedule info at: https://www.translink.ca/. The harbour ferries/water taxis are another fun way to get around and a great way to get to Granville Island from downtown. There's the Aquabus (https://theaquabus.com/) and False Creek Ferries (https://granvilleislandferries.bc.ca/). You can buy tickets on the boat itself or at most of the docks.

What other modes of transportation are there besides transit?
There are bike share, ebikes, and various electric scooter rentals for the brave.

Will there be WIFI at the AIN Conference?
Yes, most venues provide WIFI; however, the conference organizing team does not guarantee WIFI speeds or availability.  

Is food included in the conference fee?
Yes, two dinners, three lunches, snacks, coffee, and tea. 

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 Accommodation Questions

Is accommodation included in the conference fee?
No, accommodation is not included in the conference fee. Please click here to have a look at our Vancouver accommodations information page.

How far is it to walk/drive/transit from the conference to the accommodations? 
Depending on where you are staying, your walk/drive/transit could be between a 2-minute - 20-minute drive or a nice and pleasant 5-minute - 30-minute walk. 

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 Can I bring a guest?

Can I bring a guest who will accompany me to the AIN Conference?
Guests of conference attendees have access to specific events and meals for a fee of $299 USD. One guest registration per full registration is allowed and is subject to availability.

Guests can attend:

• Friday lunch and dinner with performance
• Saturday lunch and dinner with performance
• Sunday lunch

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Conference Schedule / Events

Schedule Outline:

• Wednesday, July 26, 2023, Learning Journeys in Vancouver (details TBA)
• Thursday, July 27, 2023, Learning Journeys in Vancouver (details TBA)
• Thursday, July 27, 2023, Registration opens at Noon, and Pre-Dinner Opening with David Diamond, Granville Island, Vancouver (details TBA)
• Friday, July 28, 2023, Conference Day 1, Vancouver on Granville Island, Lunch and Dinner at Performance Works
• Saturday, July 29, 2023, Conference Day 2, Vancouver on Granville Island, Lunch Performance Works, Dinner at Fish Co. Restaurant - Fireworks Night.
• Sunday, July 30, 2023, Conference Day 3, Vancouver on Granville Island, Open Space, Lunch, and Closing Ceremony at Performance Works.
• Monday, July 31, 2023, Stay Tuned for a possible post-Learning Journey.

Where can I find the full Conference schedule?
A full conference schedule will be made available as soon as possible. Please keep an eye on the website, and we thank you for your patience. We will also email those who are registered once the schedule has dropped. 

What is Open Space?
The Open Space is the most improvisational part of the conference. Conference attendees are invited to pitch a session they have either planned or come up with on the day itself. They can be anything from a masterclass to an informal chat on a theme chosen by the session organizer. There will be designated time and rooms allotted for Open Space sessions which will be included in the conference schedule. 

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 Learning Journey Questions

What are the AIN Learning Journeys?
The AIN Learning Journeys are full-day explorations into a specific topic, theme, or experience before the main conference. 

When & Where will the AIN Learning Journeys be held (date, time, location)?
Dates: Wednesday, July 26th, and Thursday, July 27th, in and around Granville Island. Stay tuned for details.

How and when can I register for Learning Journeys?
An email will go out to those registered for the conference for an opportunity to purchase these additional learning and exploration opportunities.

Will you provide food at the AIN Learning Journeys?
The Learning Journey fees do not cover the cost of meals; however, there will be lunch and dinner breaks. There are many places to eat nearby.

How do I get to my Learning Journey?
More details to come! Once you sign up for a specific Learning Journey, you will be notified of all the details.

Do I have to attend the AIN Conference to be able to attend the AIN Learning Journeys?
Ideally, we would like everyone who attends the AIN Learning Journeys to attend the AIN Conference. In addition, the AIN Conference attendees will have priority to enroll in an AIN Learning Journey. However, if the Learning Journeys still have space after July 1st, we will open them up to the general public.

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Are there any AIN Conference Scholarships?

The AIN Board is committed to increasing the accessibility of this conference to people from under-served and under-represented communities, primarily in the host country. You can help by donating to the AIN scholarship fund and helping increase the number of participants who could not otherwise afford to attend. Scholarship applications will be due by May 15th and awarded by June 15th, 2023. This scholarship opportunity for full registration may vary from year to year. If you want to attend the AIN 2023 Conference under a scholarship, please email [email protected]. 

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Sponsorships

If you are involved in applied improvisation and have a profitable company or organization that has benefited from being part of the AIN community, please consider giving back by making a more significant gift.  To thank you for your generosity and kindness, you and your organization will receive a big AIN thank you and recognition from the stage! Please contact us about other potential sponsorship opportunities or if you know of an aligned outside organization that would like to discuss how they might increase their visibility within our community. Please contact Anna, our Administrator, at [email protected] if you want to become a 2023 ReimAgINE Conference Sponsor.

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COVID-19 Policy

Please see this website https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid for all travel regulations for Canada. Masks and vaccination policies will be based on the current country's requirements.

We ask that all 2023 conference attendees, exhibitors, and guests attest to the following:

• I will comply with the guidelines of the Canadian Government Health authorities.
• I will follow travel restrictions and recommendations for our host city, Vancouver, and my point of origin.
• I will abide by all guidelines and recommendations from our host city, Vancouver, regarding wearing masks and social distancing in public spaces that are in effect at the time of the conference.
• I will follow any safety guidelines or restrictions implemented by AIN during the convention.
• I agree to cooperate with any contact tracing efforts if I test positive for or am exposed to COVID-19 while attending the conference.
• I agree not to attend the conference if I experience any COVID-19 symptoms (including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, headache, or nausea or vomiting) or learn that I have tested positive for COVID-19. If I begin experiencing such symptoms or learn that I have tested positive for COVID-19 while attending the conference, I will leave the conference site immediately.

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Cancellation Policy 

• If you cancel your registration before May 29, 2023, 23:59 UTC, you will receive a full refund minus administration costs ($50).
• On and after May 30, 2023, registration will be refunded 50%.
• On or after June 26, 2023, 23:59 UTC, registrations will be non-refundable.

Refunds will be processed within 30 days after we have confirmed the cancellation.
If for some reason, you are unable to attend, you can transfer your registration to someone else for a $50 administration fee. This substitution requires written notice. Email substitutions to [email protected]. 

The organizing team reserves the right to cancel the conference and allocate the accumulated costs due to natural disasters, strikes, civil disorder, war, government regulations, curtailment of transport facilities, supernatural interventions, or other emergencies that make holding the event inadvisable, illegal, or unfeasible. The conference schedule is subject to change without notice, and we will attempt to keep you updated as much as possible. Thank you so much for reading the FAQs. If you still have questions, please email [email protected]. 

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Click here to register for the Conference!