2023 International Women's Conference

2023 Conference FAQ

BEFORE LEAVING HOME
What should I pack?
Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression!

• Friday (day) the Dress code is business casual. 
• Friday evening is our “Red Carpet Ready” event. Have you ever dreamed on being on the Red Carpet and what you would wear? Now is your chance to do that. Attire is semi-formal/formal (think cocktail party), but feel free to be as glamourous as you like (or not!) and “sparkle your way!”
  
  Don’t want to bring a dress or want to try something new? Rent a gown at https://www.fitzroyrentals.com/. Use code XEROX15 is set for 15% off a dress rental for the event (one time use per customer). Dresses will be delivered to your hotel room if you are staying at the Eaton Centre Marriott Hotel.
• Saturday (day) the dress code is casual.
• Saturday night for “Night in at the Movies” is a chance to hang with other conference attendees in your most comfortable clothes.  PJ’s or sweats, it doesn’t matter!
• Weather forecast is for mid 20s Celsius /upper 70s Fahrenheit, feeling warmer with humidity and a chance of rain throughout the weekend.
  
  

Remember your donations!
Period care products, deodorant, body soap, shampoo, conditioner, lip balm, bandages, toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, personalized note to the recipient – these are from the WCYR care kit supplies list

GETTING TO THE HOTEL
I don’t have a car. How do I get to and from the airport? 

• From Pearson International Airport 
  • Union Pearson Express runs from Pearson Airport to Union Station in downtown Toronto in just 25 minutes. Adult one-way fare from Pearson to Union is $12.35. Visit UP website for details. See below for directions from Union Station to the hotel.
  • Or pick up an Airport Taxi or UBER. The drive is approximately 20 minutes. Rates vary but are usually around $80 CAD.
    
    
•  From Billy Bishop Airport 
  • Complimentary shuttle buses are located on the mainland (from the airport, walk down the stairs, through the tunnel, and up to street level) in front of the Main Terminal/Passenger Tunnel Access Building and downtown on the west side of Fairmont Royal York hotel (across from Union Station).
    
    The shuttle bus is available every day, including weekends and holidays. The duration of the trip is approximately 15 minutes (depending on traffic), and the tracker can be found below. The shuttles are equipped with free on-board Wi-Fi.
  • See below for directions from Union Station to the hotel.
    
    
• From Union Station– Toronto main train station to the Eaton Centre Marriott Hotel
  • 20-minute walk 
  • Or take a taxi from Union Station Front Street entrance. Uber and Lyft are also available. Drive is approx. 10 minutes.
  • Or take Public Transit (TTC). The subway takes approx. 4 minutes and fare is $3.35. See herefor ticket information.
    1. Board the subway at Union Station going Northbound on the Yonge-University line (Line 1) to Finch Station. 
    2. Go two stops to Queen Station.
    3. At Queen Station, walk through the Eaton Centre (shopping mall) to the Marriott Eaton Hotel. It's about a 3 - 5 minute walk.
       
       Image: Union Station to Marriott Eaton Hotel
       
       
       

STAYING AT THE EATON CENTRE MARRIOTT HOTEL
What time is Check-in/Check-out?
Check-in: 4:00 pm
Check-out: 12:00 pm
Speak to the hotel directly if you require early check-in / late check-out.

What if I forget to pack something? What amenities are included at the hotel?
Standard hotel services are included, including room service and free Wifi. The site also features a restaurant, gift shop, convenience store, pool, hot tub and fitness centre. See hotel site for more details: Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto
 
Nearby Amenities? 
Everything is available in the CF Eaton Centre - one of the largest shopping centres in North America! It is about a 30 second walk from the front of the hotel.
 
CONFERENCE FACILITIES
Once I enter the Eaton Marriott Hotel, how do I get to the Conference?
The Conference will take place in the lower level of the hotel. Escalators are just to the right of the main reception. Look for the Digital and Printed signs within the hotel and follow the escalator down.

Is there a deadline for making meal requests? Can I change meal options or indicate allergies after registration?
If you have specific restrictions not mentioned during the registration process, please email Felicity.Rodness@xerox.com before September 6. We will do our best but cannot guarantee that dietary requests made after this date will be fully met.

Care has been taken to accommodate various dietary restrictions, and meals will be served buffet style so participants are free to select what they wish.

Will food be provided outside the main meals? Do I need to bring my own snacks & drinks?
Snacks & drinks will be provided between meals in the morning and afternoon.

COMMUNICATIONS
How will I know if conference or workshop details change?
Updates will be communicated via Sched app and email (address used to register in Sched).

What if I have a question before or during the event?
Email thewomensalliance@xerox.com or contact one of the co-chairs: Felicity.Rodness@xerox.com or MJ.Bulmer@xerox.com.

EVENT PREPERATION
Do I need to bring anything to the workshops or other activities?

• All necessary workshop items (ex. pens/paper) will be provided.
• Anyone attending the Pilates session on Saturday morning is encouraged to bring their own mat. If not, towels and/or mats will be provided.

  
How do I prepare for an Executive Interview?
See information below.