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FAQs

If you cannot find an answer to your question on this page please send an email to congress@wcpt.org

To avoid confusion and duplication of effort, please do not email your enquiry to multiple email addresses. 

 

Abstract mentoring

  • What is mentoring?

Confidential abstract editorial advice, or mentoring, is intended to help those with limited or no experience of submitting an abstract for a scientific congress.  The goal of WCPT's mentorship programme is to help the author present their material clearly and concisely prior to submitting the abstract to the formal abstract review process.  As abstracts must be submitted in English the programme may be most helpful for those whose first language is not English or who are not used to the structure of the abstract format.

It is important to note that the mentoring and formal abstract submission and review processes are entirely separate, and requesting mentoring assistance and gaining feedback from that process does not guarantee that an abstract will be accepted for presentation at the WCPT Congress.

  • When is the abstract mentoring programme available?

The abstract mentoring programme will run from 1 January to 30 June 2010.

  • How do I submit my abstract for mentoring?

Participants should prepare their abstract according to the submission guidelines and forward it in Word format to the programme coordinator (abstractmentoring@wcpt.org).  Feedback will be provided, with advice on ways that the clarity of expression could be enhanced, in time to make changes and submit before the 15 September deadline.  It is the author's responsibility to submit the abstract following the guidelines.

It is important to note that the mentoring and formal abstract submission and review processes are entirely separate, and requesting mentoring assistance and gaining feedback from that process does not guarantee that an abstract will be accepted for presentation at the WCPT Congress.

  • I submitted my abstract for mentoring, when will I receive feedback?

Feedback will be provided, with advice on ways that the clarity of expression could be enhanced, in time to make changes and submit before the 15 September deadline.  It is the author's responsibility to submit the abstract following the guidelines.

It is important to note that the mentoring and formal abstract submission and review processes are entirely separate, and requesting mentoring assistance and gaining feedback from that process does not guarantee that an abstract will be accepted for presentation at the WCPT Congress.

Abstract submission (platform, poster and poster discussion)

  • How can I submit an abstract?

All abstract submissions must be electronic.

The online abstract submission system is available via the My Congress button on the congress home page at www.wcpt.org/congress

  • What is the abstract submission deadline?

The closing date for abstract submissions is 15 September 2010.

  • Are there any limits on the number of abstracts a given author may submit or be approved for, including ones for which a given author may not be the presenting author?

Each prospective presenter may submit and present a maximum of two abstracts.  They may be named on other abstracts as a co-author but only as presenting author on two.  This excludes any submissions made and accepted as part of the call for focused symposia and satellite programme education sessions.

  • Why is WCPT charging an abstract submission fee for platform, poster and poster discussion submissions?

WCPT, like many other conferences, has experience of "no shows" at its congresses.  These are authors who submit an abstract for presentation with no intention of ever presenting the poster or platform presentation.  Of course, there are always instances of illness or other unforeseen circumstances that prevent attendance, but these occurences are usually communicated to us when known.

In addition to the disruption of platform sessions, empty poster boards in the exhibit hall, and an unearned abstract published in the congress proceedings, each attendee is paying for unused poster boards in their registration fee and a presenter may not have been accepted due to programme constraints, who would otherwise have been included.

To address this problem and to prevent WCPT Congress delegates from paying for things they shouldn't, WCPT has implemented an abstract submission fee of €20 per abstract.  This fee is non-refundable and only applies to abstracts submitted for platform, poster or poster discussions presentations, it does not apply for focused symposium proposals or satellite programme education sessions.

The fee will be due at the time of abstract submission.  Credit card is the preferred method of payment.  For those who must pay by cheque or bank transfer, payment must be received no later than 15 September 2010.

If WCPT does not receive payment by 15 September 2010, the abstract will not be considered for presentation.

  • My university will pay the abstract submission fee on my behalf.  I therefore need to provide them with the necessary invoice.  How can I do this?

If you require an invoice for your abstract submission fee please send the following information to abstracts@wcpt.org:

University name and address as it should appear on the invoice
Submitting author name
Abstract reference number

  • When will I receive notification of whether my abstract has been accepted or not?

All those who submit abstracts will be notified as to whether or not their abstract has been accepted for presentation on 31 January 2011.

  • If my abstract is accepted, when will I know the date on which I will present it?

All presenters will be notified of the time and date of their presentation by 31 March 2011.

  • I want to request a specific day to present, is this possible?

The scheduling of all presentations will be determined by the International Scientific Committee to ensure best fit with the overall congress programme.  Any requests for specific dates and times will not be considered.  Similar abstracts in related topic areas will be grouped together for platform presntation, poster display and poster discussions.

Change of presenting author

  • I am no longer able to attend congress and present my abstract.  Can a colleague present my abstract?

The author presenting the paper must register to attend the congress and be available to participate in the programme at the time scheduled.  Only an author may present the abstract.  If no author is available the abstract will be withdrawn.

Any changes to the presenting author will need to be notified directly to Rachel Moore at WCPT.  Changes will be incorporated into the final programme if there is sufficient time, but thereafter no further changes will be reflected in the programme.

Financial

  • Does WCPT provide any grants to attend the congress?

Unfortunately WCPT does not have funds available to assist with attendance at the congress. Delegates are responsible for finding funds to pay for travel, registration and accommodation. Please be assured we are working hard to provide a range of accommodation options and to keep the registration fee at as reasonable a rate as we can and still meet our financial obligations.

  • Does WCPT know of any organisations where I could apply for a grant to attend the Congress?

Unfortunately we’re not aware of any organisations offering grants.  We would however suggest you contact your national association who may be able to provide you with information applicable in your country.

Focused symposia

  • What is a focused symposium?

Each focused symposium is organised by a convenor who is a recognised expert in the field. The convenor has the responsibility for inviting and leading a group of international researchers through a series of linked presentations.

  • Where can I find details of the focused symposia for World Physical Therapy 2011?

You can access full details of all focused symposia via the scientific programme section of the congress website.

  • What is the closing   date for focused symposium proposals?

The closing date for the submission of proposals is 31 October 2009

  • Can I submit more than one focused symposium?

No, a symposium convenor or presenter may only appear in one symposium proposal submission.  This does not affect any future abstract submissions.

  • Do the focused symposia convenor and presenters have to be physical therapists?

The convenor/presenters do not have to be physical therapists, as we recognise the many outstanding related contributions from other professions and scientists in the field of physical therapy.  However, we would encourage any proposal to include at least one physical therapist.

  • Will WCPT cover travel, accommodation and subsistence expenses for focused symposia presenters?

WCPT’s policy agreed by the Executive Committee, and International Scientific Committee, is that honorarium, fee or payment of expenses will not be provided for convenors or contributors, except where an application for congress attendance funding assistance for a convenor/contributor from a member organisation in a low resource country has been successful. There is an application and assessment process for this with agreed criteria; acceptance of a symposium proposal does not guarantee funding assistance. WCPT’s expectation, based on previous experience, is that all those involved in these events are planning on attending congress and keen to contribute to events such as these. However, the International Scientific Committee is keen to see more contributions from speakers from low resource member organisations and has therefore allocated some funding to achieve this.

Congress has to appeal to many physical therapists around the world and in order to get delegates attending the registration fee has to be set at a realistic figure that is achievable for those physical therapists working in low resource countries, as well as those from higher resourced countries. WCPT is in a position where it must cover the costs of its congress through registration fees. To pay speakers would result in costs being transferred to delegates via the fee. The impact of the registration fee depends on specific circumstances and the economy of your country.

We receive many requests for grants, speakers honorarium and reduced registration fees for a variety of reasons. Reducing the rate for one group or paying some speakers would mean that we have to increase the registration fee for others. Presenters, session chairs and delegates for all member organisations therefore pay the same rate.

  • When will I receive notification of whether my proposal for a focused symposium has been accepted or rejected?

All focused symposia convenors will be notified as to whether or not their proposal has been accepted for presentation by 31 January 2010.

  • If my symposium is accepted, when will I know the date on which I will present it?

All presenters will be notified of the time and date of their presentation by 31 March 2011.

  • I’m a symposium contributor, rather than the convenor, and keen to achieve a publication from the congress, will I be seen as an author of the abstract?

All symposium contributors will appear as co-authors on the abstract and appear in the congress programme. You can therefore include the abstract on your list of publications. There may also be other potential outputs from the congress leading to additional publications.

Forgotten username and/or password

  • I have forgotten my username and/or password for My Congress profile

Follow the Login link on this website and select the Request new password tab.  The form will ask for your username or email address.  When you submit the form the system will email a new password to your registered email address.

Future events

  • Can you send me details of the WCPT Congress in 2015.  Where will the congress be held?

The decision for the venue of the 2015 Congress will be taken in 2011 and announced at the Amsterdam Congress.  All presenters, delegates and chairs in 2011 will automatically be added to the mailing list to receive information about the congress when it becomes available.

Language

  • What language will presentations be made in?

The congress language is English and all presentations must be made in English.  There will be no translation provided.

Poster displays

  • Posters are often seen as a secondary option to platform presentations.  Can you assure us that WCPT will ensure they are promoted as being of equal standing to platform abstracts?

The International Scientific Committee wishes to affirm its view that posters and platform presentations are considered to have equal standing in the scientific programme and have been judged according to the same crieria.  Poster presenters will have a designated time to be at their poster to speak with delegates and these times will be programmed in the same way that platform abstracts and poster discussion abstracts will be grouped in a session.  This provides a valuable opportunity to network with delegates and other presenters interested in the same field as you.  In addition posters on related topics are grouped together for display.  WCPT has located posters in an area that will ensure a good attendance from delegates.

Programme

  • When will the congress programme be available?

The preliminary congress programme is now available.  Further programme details will be announced as and when available.  All presenters will be notified of the time and date of their presentation by 31 March 2011.

Registration & accommodation

  • When will I be able to register for congress?

Online registration will be available in third quarter 2010.

  • I am a member of my national physical therapy association.  Can I obtain a reduced registration rate?

If you are a member of a WCPT member organisation you are eligible to register in the category of "member of WCPT member organisation".  However, if your national association is not a member of WCPT, you are not entitled to this reduction.  A full list of WCPT member organisations can be found on the WCPT website at www.wcpt.org/members

  • Am I a member of WCPT?  How do I join WCPT?

WCPT is a confederation of 101 national physical therapy associations.  Individuals are linked to WCPT through their national associations.  We do not have an individual membership category.  A full list of WCPT member organisations can be found on the WCPT website at www.wcpt.org/members

  • I am not a physical therapist, however, I am part of a physical therapy education/research programme.  Am I eligible for the member registration fee?

WCPT recognises that other professions contribute to physical therapy education and research programmes.  WCPT is therefore extending its member registration rate to non-PT educators/researchers who are presenting at World Physical Therapy 2011.

  • Am I eligible for the student registration rate?

Physical therapy students currently enrolled in an academic programme leading to an entry level physical therapy degree, and who are graduating in 2011 or after are eligible for the student rate. Students who graduated in or before December 2010 are not eligible for the student rate. The student rate does not apply to physical therapists in post-entry level graduate programmes or to other graduate students (eg MSc, PhD).

  • I will be graduating by December 2010. Can I register at the student rate for congress?

Student registration only applies to students who are enrolled during the congress and those who graduate in 2011 or after. Students who graduated in or before December 2010 are not eligible for the student rate.

  • Is there a special rate for retired physical therapists?

If you are permanently retired from practice at the end of your career and you are a member of your national physical therapy association you are eligible for the retired rate.

  • When will your accommodation booking system be open?

The online hotel reservations system will open in third quarter 2010.

  • Can you tell me if my association is arranging group rates to Amsterdam?

We are unable to provide you with this information. Please contact the association directly.

Satellite programme

  • What is the satellite programme?

The satellite programme is a new and innovative part of the WCPT congress experience. It will be made up of education sessions and clinical visits and is designed to complement the scientific programme with a focus on applied knowledge and skills. It will offer the delegate the chance to listen to the latest research and practice advances while gaining practical experience.

The satellite programme education sessions and clinical visits are an optional element that will be open to delegates who have registered to attend at least one day of the main congress and they will carry a separate fee. Attendance numbers will be restricted and managed through the registration process.

The satellite programme is designed to enable congress delegates to make up their own package of high quality and diverse offerings that matches their areas of interest and enhances the experience of attending the main congress. As far as possible congress days will be themed so that programming on defined areas of practice will be scheduled on the same day. Related sessions in the satellite programme will then be programmed on bordering days.

  • What are education sessions?

A variety of education sessions will be offered in the two days preceding and two days subsequent to WPT2011. A limited number of sessions will also be held concurrent with the scientific programme. Sessions are designed to actively engage participants, via a range of learning formats, to explore issues in depth in an area of clinical practice, education, management, research or policy.

Each session is organised by a recognised expert in the field. Each organiser has the responsibility for developing and running their programme, and where there is more than one presenter, inviting international speakers. The ISC are keen to include a range of sessions that involve presenters from all of WCPT’s regions.

Clinical visits will be another optional extra booked through the registration process and details of these will be made available later.

  • How can I submit a proposal for the satellite programme?

The call for satellite programme education sessions and an application form can be downloaded from the satellite programme page of this website.

  • What is the closing date for satellite programme proposals?

The closing date for the submission of proposals is 26 February 2010.

  • Can I submit more than one proposal?

An education session organiser or speaker may appear in up to 2 satellite programme submissions.  This is separate to any inclusion in a focused symposium submission and does not affect any future abstract submissions.

  • Do the education session organiser and speakers have to be physical therapists?

The organiser/speaker do not have to be physical therapists, as we recognise the many outstanding related contributions from other professions and scientists in the field of physical therapy.  However, we would encourage any proposal to include at least one physical therapist.

  • Will WCPT cover travel, accommodation and subsistence expenses for education session organisers/presenters?

Education session organisers and presenters, up to the maximum number stated in the call for sessions, will be given one day complimentary registration for the congress to use on a day of their choice.

Payment of travel expenses for education session organisers and presenters is as outlined in the call for education sessions.

  • When will I receive notification of whether my proposal for an education session has been accepted or rejected?

All education session organisers will be notified as to whether or not their proposal has been accepted for presentation by 31 May 2010.

  • If my education session is accepted, when will I know the date on which I will present it?

All presenters will be notified of the time and date of their presentation by 31 March 2011.

  • I want to submit an education session proposal as the organiser, but can’t get other speakers'commitment unless the proposal is accepted. Can I provide names after the submission deadline and review?

No. All submissions must show that all speakers have confirmed their participation, pending acceptance. 

Scientific programme

  • I am interested in running a course/workshop at World Physical Therapy 2011, how do I apply?

The call for satellite programme education sessions, which includes courses and workshops is open from 2 November 2009 to 26 February 2010.

  • I have an idea for the programme.  Is there scope to add it?

The International Scientific Committee has worked hard to ensure a comprehensive and interesting programme is offered and undertook a widespread consultation in November 2008 to help inform this.  There is limited scope to add new ideas to the programme but we would still like to hear from you.

Please send your idea to tbury@wcpt.org and if there is scope to include it we will contact you to discuss it further.  Please note; the closer we get to the congress, the less flexibility we will have to introduce new ideas.

Speakers

  • Are biographies available for any of the congress speakers?

You can access biographies of all focused symposium speakers from the index of speakers.  Biographies of those participating in discussion panels and debates will be added as they are confirmed.

Sponsorship, exhibition and advertising

  • How can I get information about sponsorship, exhibition and advertising opportunities at congress?

Please visit the sponsorship and exhibition page for information on the opportunities that exist at congress.

Volunteering

  • I would like to volunteer at congress

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at World Physical Therapy 2011.

At WCPT Congresses volunteers are an essential part of the team helping to ensure that the event runs smoothly and that all delegates have an enjoyable and memorable conference.

Volunteers are usually members of the host organisation and are recruited from the local area. A very important part of their role is answering delegate questions about the host city, including assisting with directions and providing information on local amenities and things to see and do during their visit.

In general, volunteers coming from outside the Netherlands will only be used if they are registered as a delegate and attending congress for at least one day.

Requirements

  • Volunteers must be available for at least two half-day shifts (10-12 hours total) over the course of the congress. Please do not offer your services as a volunteer if you do not believe you will be able to meet this requirement.
  • Volunteers do not need to register as a delegate for the days they are volunteering. However, if they wish to attend congress on any day other than the day they are scheduled to volunteer, they must register as a congress delegate at the regular rate.

If you are interested in volunteering please send your full name, email address and country of residence to wpt2011volunteers@wcpt.org. We will contact you with further information nearer the time.

In the meantime, we encourage you to sign up to the congress mailing list by registering on the WCPT website at www.wcpt.org/user/register

Updated on: Tue 24 Aug 2010