Can anyone attend the SMART Global Congress?
The SMART Global Congress is primarily designed for conservation and conservation technology practitioners that use SMART and/or other integrated technologies in the field. The content and discussions at the Congress will be tailored specifically for those actively involved in conservation work. Therefore, the event is most beneficial for conservation practitioners (e.g., protected/conserved area managers, rangers, etc.), researchers, experts, and individuals working in conservation-related fields. If you have any questions, please email us at globalcongress@smartconservationsoftware.org.
If I have not registered before the 15th December, can I still apply?
No - registration for the Congress has now closed, as of mid-February, and we are no longer accepting registrations for the waiting list.
How much does Congress participation cost?
Attending daily congress activities is free of charge for all registered participants.
Which costs are covered by the SMART Partnership, and what are participants expected to pay on their own?
The SMART Partnership will cover the cost of accommodation (4 nights), Congress participation (3 days), and meals (including 2 special events) for registered participants from dinner on Sunday 10 March through to breakfast on Thursday 14 March. Airport transfers from Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport will be provided during 10-14 March. All Namibians living within commuting distance of Windhoek will be considered daily participants and will be included in all Congress activities except accommodation.
The SMART Partnership does not cover the expense of your travel arrangements to the Congress, including airfare, gas reimbursement, or pier diem. Should you arrive before 09 March or depart after 14 March, all costs will be for the account of the participant. Meals outside the congress are not covered. A limit will be set for beverages during meals. Any other expenses are for the account of the participant. Please note that all stated prices are subject to VAT and variations in currency rates.
Is there a waitlist for those who wish to have their accommodation covered?
Those who pre-registered will be allocated a shared room covered by the SMART Partnership. Namibians living within commuting distance of Windhoek will not be entitled to accommodation and will be considered daily participants (included in all activites except accommodations).
There will also be a waitlist for those who wish to have their accommodation covered by the SMART Partnership. While we aim to support as many people as possible, the availability of accommodation coverage is very limited. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that everyone on the waitlist will receive this benefit.
If I live nearby, can I attend activities during the day?
Yes, if you are registered and are an approved participant, you will be able to attend the congress and special events. This will all apply to all Namibians staying within commuting distance of Windhoek.
When is the deadline to register?
The deadline for registering for the SMART Global Congress was 15 December 2023. Registration has now closed.
Is there a virtual attendance option?
For those unable to attend, we are hoping to release session recordings to the public after our event ends.
What if I can only come for a portion of the Congress?
Yes, participants have the option to come for a portion of the Congress if they have registered by 15 December 2023. If you have not, then you will be added to a waiting list. However, since the SMART Partnership is covering expenses, we strongly suggest against it, if possible. Our goal is to ensure that attendees can take full advantage of the SMART Global Congress and maximize their experience. Attending the entire Congress allows participants to fully immerse themselves in the engaging sessions, valuable hands-on training, and networking opportunities that span the event's duration. If we are covering the expenses of attendees and they are considering attending only a portion of the Congress, we kindly request them to reach out to us at globalcongress@smartconservationsoftware.org.
What if I register but then have to cancel?
Space is limited for in-person attendance, so if for any reason you can no longer attend, please email us at globalcongress@smartconservationsoftware.org as soon as possible so we can make your spot available to another participant.
Can I bring a spouse or partner who is not attending the Congress?
You are welcome to bring your spouse or partner to the SMART Global Congress, and participants may book a private room on their own at a cost of N$2,050/night ($105). SMART will still cover the cost of attending the Congress for only the registered attendee, not their partners/accompanying persons. You will be responsible for all expenses including accommodation, meals, and transport to and from the airport. Participation in Congress activities for all participants will require individual registration and will be subject to availability.
Will Wi-Fi be available?
Complimentary Wi-Fi will be available throughout the Congress spaces at the Conference Center.
Is there a dress code?
While there is no official dress code, we recommend dressing business casual, but comfortable.
What if I have other questions about registration?
Please review the Congress Info Sheet. If you have any other questions, please email us at globalcongress@smartconservationsoftware.org.