Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Last updated: 18 February 2021

Please see below the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Virtual Congress.

Why did the organization choose a virtual WC11?
Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and looking at the current progress of the vaccination process it is unlikely and unrealistic to assume that our community can physically meet again in August 2021. The 11th World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Science (WC11) is a congress with global outreach and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) wants to make sure that everyone around the globe can attend equally. The LOC, therefore, decided to organize a full virtual congress (instead of a hybrid congress).

Is there a possibility that the congress will be postponed again to a later date?
No, the WC11 LOC decided that the congress will proceed virtually, and postponing at a later date is not an option anymore.

When is the Virtual WC11 Congress occurring?
At the moment we do not have the exact dates yet. We are planning to organize a two-week Virtual WC11 Congress around the initial congress dates, 22-27 August 2021.

How will the Virtual WC11 Congress look like and what will be different from other online meetings?
The WC11 LOC has defined clear ambitions: it does want the virtual congress to be unique in itself and to provide a ground-breaking experience, so it should go far beyond simply organizing a series of Zoom meetings each lasting for several hours. At the moment several committees (Communication, Sponsorship, and International Scientific Committee) are working out detailed plans to make the Virtual WC11 Congress a ground-breaking experience. Therefore more information will be provided soon.

PROGRAM, SESSIONS AND ABSTRACTS

I am a session organizer. What will happen to my session?
If your session was accepted for WC11 2021, it will be automatically transferred into an online session. We will contact all session organizers about the next steps in March 2021.

Can I withdraw my session?
Yes. Kindly notify us by e-mail so we can log this information into your session.

What will happen to my submitted abstract?
Abstract submitters will be informed of general acceptance. Accepted abstracts will be open for adjustment in order to include the latest scientific results later this year. Decisions on oral or poster presentation will be made in April 2021.

Will my abstract still be published and where?
The abstract you submitted to WC11 2020 (if accepted) will be published on the website after your approval. If you withdraw your abstract it will not be published.

Can I submit a new abstract if my current abstract is rejected?
This is not sure yet. We will update this at the beginning of March 2021.

REGISTRATION

I have already registered for WC11. Am I automatically registered for the Virtual WC11 Congress?
Yes, your registration will be automatically transferred to WC11 2021. As a registered delegate who has paid the full rate, we will refund the difference to the same payment method initially charged. If you wish to cancel your registration and receive a full refund, please let us know by April 1, 2021.

Please note: that the registration will only be refunded to the account used for the payment of your registration. No exceptions will be made.

Will the registration fees change?
Yes, the registration fee will be changed. More information will be available soon.

When will it be possible to register?
We aim to re-open registration on April 1, 2021.

SPONSORSHIPS

Will my sponsorship (individual sponsor items, advertisers, exhibitors and sponsors) automatically be transferred to a virtual sponsorship?
Yes, your sponsorship will automatically be transferred to WC11 2021. We are currently looking into the digital sponsorship opportunities and expect to send all current sponsors a custom-made proposal around April 2021.

What about my session sponsorship?

FOR ORGANIZERS AND SPONSORS OF A SESSION:
If you are an organizer and sponsor of a session we are happy to invite you to prepare the same (or an updated) session next year. In that case, your sponsorship will also automatically be transferred to next year.

FOR SESSION SPONSORS ONLY:
If you are a sponsor of a session only (not the organizer), the WC11 International Scientific Committee will investigate whether the organizer of the session would like to organize the session online as well. In that case, we will contact you as soon as we have received the approval of the session organizers.

Will my contract change?
We are currently looking into that and will update this soon.

Can I cancel my sponsorship?
The WC11 Local Organising Committee hopes that you will remain committed to contributing to the congress. Given the inconvenience, we offer for sponsors that decide not to cancel their participation, one complimentary registration.

In accordance with the general terms and conditions, you are also entitled to a refund of the sponsor amount paid from which we can deduct the costs that we cannot recover from third parties. If you would like to make use of this option, please let us know before July 1, 2021.