XVI international AIDS conference, August 2006 in Toronto; deadlines approaching; reduced registration fees.

The big international AIDS conference that happens every even-numbered year will take place August 1318 in Toronto, Canada. The theme of the 2006 conference is "Time to Deliver." Everyone interested should know that important deadlines are coming up.

February 22, 2006 is the deadline for submitting all abstracts (except late breakers, which must include newly available information, and even so are less likely to be accepted; late breaker abstract submission opens May 29 and closes June 12). All abstracts must be submitted online.

February 22 is also the deadline for the lowest registration fees: $550 for regular delegates from non-OECD countries (these prices are in U.S. dollars), $750 from OECD (a group of 30 mostly-rich countries). Student/youth (under age 26 as of August 13) and accompanying-person fees are much less. Regular registration fees go up after February 22, and all fees go up after May 15. The conference is still too expensive but this is a significant reduction, and conference organizers plan to increase scholarship support by 20%.

February 22 is also the deadline for applying for a scholarship.

March 15 is the deadline for applying to the Global Village, "the only Conference space open to Conference delegates, non-governmental organisations, AIDS service organisations, the media, activists and the general public." For more information visit http://www.aids2006.org/subpage.aspx?pageld=367--or look for a link on the home page.

March 15 is also the deadline for applying for the Cultural Activities Program, involving art and AIDS.

Canadian visa, other requirements: Travelers are strongly advised to check visa requirements for their country "as soon as they are thinking about attending the Conference," and start applying at least eight to 12 weeks before the August 13 start. (Citizens of the U.S. and about 40 other countries do not require a visa. For U.S. citizens, a U.S. passport is the recommended identification--some other identification can be accepted in Canada, but make sure it will get you back into the U.S. as well). Anyone with a "criminal background" must apply as soon as possible to get necessary documentation in time. The visa application no longer requires disclosure of HIV or other medical diagnoses, except tuberculosis of the lung. More information can be found on the Conference Web site.

We do not know if people with HIV will have trouble changing planes in the U.S., due to its exclusion of visitors with HIV--or if this depends on whether it is necessary to go through U.S. customs when changing planes. A direct flight to Canada may be best. Check the Web site below for any other information.

For more information on these and many other aspects of the conference, including a complete list of key dates, visit http://www.aids2006.org