2018 ICFP Frequently Asked Questions
*Dates and details are subject to change. This FAQ will be updated with the most recent information. Last update: 12 November 2018
On behalf of the Bill & Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Rwanda and the conference organizers, we warmly welcome you to the 2018 International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) at the Kigali Convention Centre in Kigali, Rwanda.
Where is the 2018 ICFP taking place?
This global gathering will take place at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC). The KCC is conveniently located a short 15-minute drive from the airport and marks the halfway point to the Kigali Central Business District. The information provided below is to enable all conference delegates to better access both the ICFP and Kigali, but for further assistance please do not hesitate to contact the local event management team at reservations@theeventsfactory.biz or the ICFP conference organizers at 0788625656.
How many people do you expect to attend the 2018 ICFP?
Over 3,700 participants from from over 110 countries around the world will join us in Kigali this year to attend the 2018 International Conference on Family Planning. Thank you for making this conference our most impressive and diverse yet!
Is it too late to register for the ICFP?
Unfortunately, registration for the 2018 ICFP is now at maximum capacity. If you already started your registration in the XCD system, you can pay your registration fee on-site. Only Rwandan francs will be accepted. No onsite registration is allowed.
I started my conference registration before the deadline passed but I haven’t finalized. Is it too late?
All credit card payments must have been submitted on the online registration portal before 4 November; otherwise, attendees must pay on-site in Rwandan francs (on-site currency exchange booths will be available). We are no longer accepting wire transfers. If you have sent it already, please print a copy of your transfer confirmation and bring with you to pick up your badge.
I am no longer able to attend ICFP. Can I get a refund?
If you are no longer able to attend ICFP due to medical reasons, you may request a refund from registration@fpconference.org by submitting a note from your physician. Otherwise, the deadline for registration reimbursement has passed (12 October).
Conference participants interested in transferring their registration to another member of their organization must contact registration@fpconference.org by 4 November.
I missed the “Navigating the 2018 ICFP.” Can I still watch it?
We have a link to the webinar recording available on the ICFP website.
When is the registration desk open at the KCC?
There is no longer any on-site registration available for the ICFP 2018.
The accreditation center at the Kigali Convention Centre will be open from 9-13 November 2018 from 09:00–20:30.
Please plan to arrive in ample time prior to your first scheduled event to make sure you are able to retrieve your registration badge and affiliated materials in time.
Which organizations are sponsors of the 2018 ICFP?
Many organizations partnered to bring this conference to fruition. Through their collective efforts, the conference program has been significantly enriched. Core organizing group members include: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, UNFPA, United Nations Foundation, FP2020, PSI, Marie Stopes International, International Planned PArenthood Foundation, UK Department for International Development, Government of the Netherlands and Government of Canada.
Conference sponsors include: Bayer, Pfizer, Pathfinder, dkt, Guttmacher Institute, IBP Initiative, jhpiego, Merck for Mothers, Abt, Ipas, PRB, IntraHealth, EngenderHealth, PAI, PATH, World Vision, AmplifyChange, Promundo, University of Michigan, DSW, CCP, fhi360, Women Deliver, CIFF, PFI, DRPC, She Decides, Enabel, HDI, Partners in Health, Society for Family Health Rwanda and World Vasectomy Day.
Will translation services be available at the ICFP?
In order to allow for a more inclusive conference, we have tripled the number of sessions with simultaneous French translation services and will be utilizing software in each and every session that allows participants to translate the presentations simultaneously into over 60 languages and provides voice-to-text subtitles for our delegates who are hearing impaired.
Where can I find more information about the ICFP pre-conferences?
Side events for the 2018 International Conference on Family Planning include any meetings, workshops, panels, networking sessions, training courses and presentations that take place outside of conference programmed hours (8:30 to 17:30). Side events are not organized by the ICFP hosts, but by partner organizations and subcommittees. They are an opportunity for groups to convene stakeholders to focus on their own area of interest in the format of their choice.
Side events can be held either in the Convention Center or at nearby hotels or venues. Applications for space are no longer being accepted; rooms were reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
The full list of ICFP pre-conference events is available here.
I am not attending ICFP 2018. Can I still attend a pre-conference event?
Those interested in attending an ICFP pre-conference can view registration information for individual events on the following ICFP website page.
I am attending an ICFP 2018 pre-conference. Is transportation available?
The official 2018 ICFP delegate shuttle schedule begins on 12 November. Prior to that, transportation must either be arranged by the side event organizers or individual participants.
What is included in the ICFP registration fee?
The 2018 ICFP Opening Ceremony begins at 16:30 on Monday, 12 November in the Auditorium of the state-of-the-art Kigali Convention Centre (KCC). It will include the second awarding of the Global Humanitarian Award for Women’s and Children’s Health. The Opening Ceremony will be followed by a Welcome Reception hosted by the Government of Rwanda, where delegates can enjoy food and beverages while visiting over 100 exhibition booths throughout the concourse. Please be sure to arrive early to attend the opening ceremony, as you will need to go through security and pick up your registration badge before you will be allowed to enter the KCC.
Beginning Tuesday, 13 November each morning will start with a 90-minute plenary session at 8:30 to set the tone for the day. Sessions are organized into 80-minute time blocks, with four session blocks on Tuesday and Wednesday and two on Thursday leading into the Closing Ceremony Luncheon. Each block is comprised of up to 18 simultaneous sessions organized by theme.
Lunch is provided for all participants on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with support from The David & Lucile Packard Foundation, Bayer AG and Pfizer Inc. at which time conference attendees will have the opportunity to attend special lunch plenaries, workshops, round-table discussions and mentorship meetup opportunities organized by the Demographic Dividend, Youth, Faith and Advocacy and Accountability Sub-Committees. As well, morning and afternoon coffee & tea breaks — sponsored by DKT — are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, with one on Thursday morning.
As well, there are a large number of on- and off-site, organization-sponsored auxiliary events, including workshops, informational sessions, special events and receptions which will occur every morning and evening outside of official ICFP conference hours. Check the conference program for locations, times and invitation details.
There will be two special events from 17:45- 19:00 on 13 & 14 of November taking place in the auditorium to which all are invited:
The Closing Luncheon Ceremony will begin at 13:15 on Thursday, 15 November, in the Auditorium and will include the presentation of the Poster Presentation Awards, Excellence in Leadership (EXCELL) Awards, and a very special performance that you won’t want to miss!
What special events are taking place during this year’s ICFP?
The 2018 ICFP Opening Ceremony begins at 16:30 on Monday, 12 November in the Auditorium of the state-of- the-art Kigali Convention Centre (KCC). It will include the second awarding of the Global Humanitarian Award for Women’s and Children’s Health. The Opening Ceremony will be followed by a Welcome Reception hosted by the Government of Rwanda, where delegates can enjoy food and beverages while visiting over 100 exhibition booths throughout the concourse. Please be sure to arrive early to attend the opening ceremony, as you will need to go through security and pick up your registration badge before you will be allowed to enter the KCC.
When I arrive in Kigali how do I get to my hotel?
All delegates to the ICFP 2018 will be received by a team of ushers just outside the luggage area at the Kigali International Airport in a branded ICFP Tent. This team will assist participants with all information about the event, transportation and hotel details.
Upon arrival at the Kigali International Airport, identify your hotel shuttle line from ICFP delegate shuttle route. Please note shuttle service to the KCC begins regularly on 12 November. For questions about transportation call (+250) 0789903634.
Arrival Shuttles :
Airport-to-Conference Hotels Shuttle
8 November (starting at 15:00, every 30 minutes)
9-12 November (24 hours per day, every 30 minutes)
Conference Shuttles:
Conference Hotels-to-KCC Shuttle
12 November 7:00-21:00 (every 30 minutes)
13-14 November 6:30–8:00 (every 30 minutes)
15 November 6:30–8:00 (every 30 minutes)
KCC-to- Conference Hotels Shuttle
12-14 November 17:45–21:15 (every 30 minutes)
15 November 15:00–17:00 (every 30 minutes)
Departure Shuttles:
Direct KCC-to-Airport Shuttle
15 November 15:00–17:00 (every 30 minutes)
Conference Hotels-to-Airport Shuttle
15-16 November (See departures desk sign up at your hotel or at the KCC.)
I am arriving in Kigali a few days early. What are some things I can do locally?
Kigali is located at Rwanda’s geographical heart. The rapidly growing city of Kigali is not only the national capital, but also the country’s most important business center and main port of entry. Peacefully nestled along picturesque hilltops, Kigali is a thriving African city immediately notable for its cleanliness, orderliness and hospitality. There are currently over 1,000 three to five star rated hotel rooms within easy access of the Kigali Convention Centre and downtown Kigali.
Rwanda is a lovely country to visit. If you make time before or after the event, feel free to contact any of our partner tour agencies through the ICFP websites. For more information on tourism in Rwanda please visit rwandatourism.com/destinations.
What is the climate like in Kigali?
Fractionally south of the Equator and with much of the country lying at 1500m altitude, Rwanda enjoys an agreeable tropical highland climate. Temperatures in Kigali vary between 24 and 20 degrees in the evenings. The month of November is however during the rainy season and travelers are advised to plan accordingly.
Is Rwanda safe?
Rwanda remains one of the safest countries to live in on the African continent and ICFP attendees’ security while in Kigali is of the utmost concern. However, in case of an emergency, the toll free number to call is 112.
Additionally, all attendees of the 2018 ICFP must wear their official conference badge at all times when on the KCC grounds.
What should I do if I experience a medical emergency at the ICFP?
There will be a standby medical team at the Kigali Convention Centre to assist ICFP 2018 delegates requiring their services. The Help Desk at the facility will be happy to assist, alternatively please call + 1110. The emergency line in Kigali is 912 and the ICFP Conference hotline is 0788625656.
Travelers should ensure they are up to date with vaccinations. The government of Rwanda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever or a country with an active yellow fever outbreak. It is advisable not to drink tap water. Bottled water can be bought in all towns – make sure the seal is intact. Kigali’s elevation sits at about 5,000 feet, which may require adjustments for those coming from lower altitudes or who have health issues.
Accepted International Health Insurances:
Henner-GMC
Britam
Bupa
Seven corners
Oxfam
PWC et Allianz
UAP
What languages are spoken in Kigali?
Kinyarwanda is the national language of Rwanda, and the first language of almost the entire population of the country. It is one of the country’s official languages alongside French, English and Swahili. Rwandan Sign Language is used by the deaf population.
Time Zone
Kigali operates on Central Africa Time, which is GMT + 2, and at the time of the conference is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
How can I charge my electronics while in Kigali?
The electricity current in Rwanda is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. The plug type mostly used is the round European plug but travelers are advised to carry a universal adapter as some hotels might have different plugs.
Upon arrival at the airport, interested delegates have the option to purchase SIM Cards for either of the two local telecom operators (MTN, Airtel).
Will I have internet access while in Rwanda?
Wifi is available throughout the Kigali Convention Centre and designated ICFP hotels, but heavy data users are advised to buy their own data connectivity from any of the telecom companies available at the airport.
Are there lactation rooms available?
Yes! Please view the convention center map for information about where to find medical rooms and lactation stations.
Is there a lost and found at ICFP?
Yes! Please view the convention center map for information about the lost and found station.
Conference schedule
A day-by-day overview of the 2018 ICFP conference program is available here.
Do you have any restaurant recommendations other than the convention centre?
The city’s many restaurants serve traditional or contemporary African and international cuisine – a wide choice to suit every taste. For more information about restaurant options, click here.
What organizations are part of this year’s exhibition hall?
Over 100 organizations will be exhibiting throughout the conference venue sharing their products and expertise and offering special prizes to those who interact with exhibitors to be able to enter to win several fabulous prizes, including tablets, computers and even free registration to the 2020 ICFP!
Check out the ICFP website to learn more about the organizations exhibiting at this year’s ICFP.
Special note:
Please be aware that fraudulent websites are advertising false registration and accommodation for ICFP 2018 at twice the standard rate. The only official registration and accommodation options for ICFP 2018 are offered through www.fpconference.org.
If your question has not been answered, please email the ICFP staff at info@fpconference.org.
