Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is the conference taking place?
A: The conference will be held at the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, located in Alberta’s scenic Rocky Mountains. The Lodge offers modern conference facilities, comfortable accommodations, and access to a wide range of amenities and outdoor activities—all surrounded by the stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies.

Q: When is the conference?
A: The conference is happening March 11-13, 2026. For more details, please visit the schedule here. 

Q: Who are the invited speakers?
A: Our keynote speakers are Dr. Tom Appleton, Dr. Matthew Bogyo, Dr. Gillian Hawker, and Dr. Nidhi Bhutani. Our invited speakers are Dr. Kelsey Collins, Dr. Olivier Julien, Dr. Mohit Kapoor, Dr. Roman Krawetz, Dr. Sarah Manske, and Dr. Holly Sparks. We will also feature trainee presentations and dedicated networking opportunities. You can find the invited speaker biographies here.

Q: How much does it cost to register for the conference?
A: The early bird standard rate is $450, and the reduced rate is $350. After December 15, 2025, the standard rate increases to $550, and the reduced rate increases to $400. The reduced rate is available to staff and trainees, including postdoctoral fellows and medical residents.

Q: What is included in the registration fee?
A: Your registration includes access to all lectures and presentations by leading international experts in osteoarthritis research and innovation. Meals during the conference are also included in your registration fee.
Please note: Registration does not include accommodation or optional activities—these must be booked separately. Please book your room with our group rate here.

Q: What is the deadline to register for the conference?
A: Registration will remain open until February 12, 2025. We encourage you to register early to take advantage of early bird pricing, which ends on December 15, 2025.

Q: How do I book my room at the group rate?
A: You can book your room at our group rate here.

Q: What are the eligible stay dates?
A: The group rate applies for arrivals on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, through departures on Friday, March 13, 2026. However, you may call the hotel directly to check availability and secure the group rate for additional nights.

Q: What room type is included in the group rate?
A: Lodge Room with 2 Queen Beds at Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.

Q: What is the nightly room rate and which additional fees apply?
Room Rate: $289.00 CAD per night
Resort Fee: $35.00 CAD per night
Alberta Tourism Levy: 4%
Destination Marketing Fee: 3%
GST (Federal Goods & Services Tax): 5% (applied to room rate and resort fee)

Q: When is the booking deadline?
A: You must book by Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Please note that rooms are available at the group rate while supplies last.

Q: How do I get there by car?
A: The Lodge is about a 1 hour and 20-minute drive (approximately 108 km) west of Calgary and Calgary International Airport (YYC). From Calgary, take Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) west, then exit onto Highway 40 South toward Kananaskis Village. Continue for about 50 km until you reach the Lodge. 

Q: Do I need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass?
A: A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for all vehicles parked or traveling in the Kananaskis area, including at the Lodge. The pass is linked to your vehicle’s license plate and must be purchased in advance. You can buy it online through the Alberta Parks website.

Q: Is there a shuttle bus from Calgary to the hotel?
A: Yes, there is a bus, however it does not travel all the way to the hotel. The nearest stop is the Stoney Nakoda Travel Centre. A shuttle from the Stoney Nakoda Travel Centre to the hotel can be organized through the Concierge and Guest Services team or by submitting a request through their shuttle request form. Guests can board the bus from the Calgary International Airport, with several daily departures. 

Tickets must be purchased in advance. To check the current schedule and make a reservation, please visit the Brewster Express website. 

Alternatively, guests can book a private car service directly with Allied Limousine. To book, visit www.calgarylimo.com or call 403-299-9555.

Please visit our webpage here for things to do during your stay.

Q: How do I submit an abstract?
A: You may submit your abstract here. Please follow the submission instructions carefully.

Q: Who is eligible to submit an abstract? 
A: Trainees including undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows conducting research related to osteoarthritis are eligible to submit. 

Q: What types of research are accepted? 
A: We welcome submissions across the spectrum of osteoarthritis research, including basic science, clinical research, epidemiology, biomechanics, and translational studies. 

Q: What is the abstract word limit?
A: Abstracts must be no more than 300 words, excluding the title and author information.

Q: Can I submit more than one abstract?
A: Only one abstract per primary (presenting) author will be accepted. 

Q: How will abstracts be evaluated?
A: Each abstract will be evaluated through a blinded review process by the scientific review committee, consisting of at least three content experts. Reviewers with a conflict of interest will be recused from scoring the affected submission. A weighted scoring system will be applied to ensure a fair assessment. Abstract submissions that are not related to osteoarthritis will be excluded prior to review.

Submissions will be evaluated based on scientific merit/rationale (clarity of research question; significance of the hypothesis; originality or innovation), methodology (appropriateness and rigor of study design, techniques, and analysis; validity of approach), results and interpretation (strength and clarity of results; logical interpretation and alignment with objectives), impact/relevance (potential impact on bone and joint health research or clinical application; relevance to the field), and clarity/organization (quality of writing; logical flow; appropriate structure (background, methods, results, conclusion, minimal grammar or formatting issues).

Q: When will I be notified of acceptance? 
A: Notifications of acceptance will be sent via email by November 30, 2025.

Q: What is the presentation format? 
A: Selected abstracts will be presented as 8-minute podium presentations followed by a 2-minute Q&A. 

Q: Can I make changes after submitting my abstract? 
A: Edits can be made up until the submission deadline. After that, no changes will be permitted.

Q: Is there a registration fee for presenting? 
A: There is no additional fee to present, but all selected presenters must register for the conference. 

Q: What if I need to change or cancel my hotel reservation?
A: Room cancellations can be made up to 3 days prior to arrival. Please call the hotel to assist with a name change for rooms if necessary. 

Q: Can I get a refund for my conference registration fee? 
A: Cancellations made on or before December 15, 2025 will receive an 80% refund of the registration fee. After this date, only 20% of the fee will be refunded. This policy helps cover non-refundable expenses already incurred, including registration platform fees and catering costs. To get a refund, please contact us at mccaig@ucalgary.ca.

Alternatively, you can transfer your registration to another person at no cost. To arrange a transfer, please email us at mccaig@ucalgary.ca.