Conference Information

The Law and Society Association and the Canadian Law and Society Association look forward to your participation at our joint annual meetings in Vancouver, BC, Canada, May 30 - June 1, 2002. We particularly welcome scholars, researchers, and students who have not previously attended one of our events.

The following information may assist you in planning your participation.

Conference accommodations: The Conference will be held at the Sheraton Wall Centre. Sleeping rooms have been blocked at the Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel at the group rate of $199 (Can) single/double (at current exchange rates this is approximately $125 US). The hotel is located in downtown Vancouver at 1088 Burrard Street. Reservations can be made by fax (click here for .pdf form) or phone (call 1-800-663-9255 in U.S. or Canada, or 1-604-893-7120 from elsewhere). They will also accept email reservations at reservations@wallcentre.com (although we note it is not advisable to send credit-card numbers by insecure email). YOU MUST MENTION LAW & SOCIETY IN YOUR RESERVATION REQUEST TO GET THE SPECIAL CONFERENCE RATE.

Note-The Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel is now SOLD OUT. Please call A Room With A View at 1-800-780-4343 for hotel "overflow" assistance. International Callers (1-817-453-8038). They will offer the lowest available rate at the best available hotel within walking distance of The Sheraton Wall Centre. This is a FREE SERVICE to all Law & Society conference attendees

Internet Access During Conference: For those bringing laptop computers and staying at the Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel, internet access is available free of charge through a T-1 connection in the sleeping rooms. Computers must have a ethernet port or card to take advantage of this service.

Conference registration: All participants must register for the Conference. Detailed materials for registration will be available with the preliminary program in the Spring. After May 11th registration will on be handled onsite. Fees are set U.S. dollars and payable by credit card or check, however, checks in Canadian dollars will be accepted in the appropriate conversion amounts. [currency converter]

Conference special events: There will be two general receptions for the conference: the Welcome Reception, on Thursday evening, held at the Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel and the local reception, on Saturday evening, held at Green College on the campus of the University of British Columbia. Admission to both receptions is included in meeting registration. In addition, each Association will hold separate luncheons. On Friday, CLSA has its regular General Business Meeting and on Saturday, LSA has its Association Luncheon for awards and Presidential Address. Each luncheon requires a ticket purchased in advance and are open to non-members. In addition, the first annual breakfast meeting of CHANGE: Coalition for a Multicultural/Multiracial LSA, will be held on Friday morning. The breakfast is open to everyone interested in promoting greater participation of minorities in the law and society movement and the Law and Society Association (for more information, contact Benjamin Steiner.) Advance ticket purchase is required. Lastly, on Saturday morning 7:00 a.m., LSA again sponsors its annual 3K Fred DuBow Memorial Fun Run (no advance registration required).

Travel arrangements: Participants should best consult local travel agents or determine best fares from the web. For those who intend to extend their stay for touring the area beyond the many wonders of the city there are a large number of interesting options available, including car-ferries to Victoria Island and through the San Juan islands; to the mountains and Whistler Village; and cruises to Alaska. We will provide more information on some of these sights and experiences with the preliminary program.

Childcare: We are exploring the possibility of group child care (newborn/infant through age 5-6) in Vancouver. Such care would be partially subsidized by the Association and available 8:00 am to 6:00 pm from Thursday, May 30 through Saturday, June 1. The cost to parents will be dependent on the overall number participating, but in no case higher than $7(usd) per hour ($35 for each block morning or afternoon; or $60 for the day). If you are interested in this service please let us know as soon as possible (no later than April 15th) by sending an email to ganter@lawandsociety.org listing: 1) your name; 2) the name(s) and age(s) of your child (children) and 3) days and times you would expect to use the service.

Travel -- Canadian entry requirements: Most travelers to Canada need only a passport for entry. However, visas are required for some visitors. Check here to determine whether a visa is required. Please confirm entry requirements sufficiently in advance of the meeting. If you are from a country requiring an official invitation for entry, please notify the LSA Executive Office of this requirement.

Information on Vancouver: The meeting pack will include material on sites in Vancouver, a local dining guide, transportation information, etc. For those who would like information in advance of arriving in Vancouver, e.g. current local news and weather, entertainment and dining options, etc. can get that information from TourismVancouver or BC Passport

Pre-Post Meeting Travel Planning: For anyone who would like assistance from a local travel agent for touring advice, tickets, car rentals, etc., contact Janet Maier at Travelmasters, Inc. (ph 604 659 4174 or toll free 1 888 683 0457).

Post-Meeting Alaska Cruise: Cruise Encounters Tours, Ltd. is offering special rates to conference attendees for a 7-day cruise to Alaska, June 2-9.

Pre or Post-Meeting BC Rail Experience: Whistler Northwind offers 3-day trips from Vancouver to Prince George and return. Scenic ride through the day with hotel accommodations for the nights. Discounts of 10% for Summit Service and 20% for Panorama Service will be given to meeting attendees. Be sure to mention law and society. To make a reservation call 1-800-663-8238 (or 604-722-8215)

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