Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

ATTENDANCE AND REGISTRATION

Are teachers responsible for any costs?
All expenses are covered for teachers. If a teacher brings a guest, the teacher will be responsible for associated costs (see “Guests” below).

If a teacher is hired for the 2026-2027 school year, are they able to attend?

If we have new teachers coming on board for the 2026-2027 school year, they would be able to attend (subject to approval from employer and availability).

When and where is registration?

Registration is on Monday, August 17th from 1:30 pm until 5:15pm in the Victoria Conference Centre - Level 1. If you arrive outside of these times, you may have to wait to register.

What is the dress code?

The dress code is business casual.

DEADLINES

Registration

Be sure to register by January 15, 2026. Travel information and pre and post days can be submitted at a later date (see details immediately below). 

Extended Stay at SDACC Convention Hotel

Attendees will need to indicate their intention to extend their hotel stay by March 1, 2026 on the registration form. See "Extended Stay" under "LODGING"  on the Registration page for details.

Travel Information 

Attendees will need to enter travel information into the registration form by May 15, 2026.  See "Accessing Your Registration Document" on the Registration page for instructions.

For details including what is and is not eligible for reimbursement, see "Travel Arrangements" in the SDACC Convention Educator Responsibilities Document.pdf.

GUESTS

What if I want to bring a guest (spouse, children, or other)?

You are welcome to bring guests. Please note there will not be specific programming for guests (only educators may attend scheduled meetings). Attendees will be responsible for all the expenses of any guests (1/2 hotel room, shuttle, all meals*, etc.).

*Can guests purchase tickets for the meals that are provided?

No, meals (lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday) are only provided for attendees.

HOTELS/LODGING

What hotels have been booked for the convention?

We have made group bookings at Marriott Victoria Inner Harbour and Fairmont Empress. Both hotels are 4-star.

Will I have to room with someone?
Due to the cost of rooms, each educator will need to room with another. However, you can request who you would like to room with on your registration form. The roommate you are requesting, will also need to indicate your name on their registration form.

Will I get to pick which hotel I want to stay in?

All of the rooms at the Marriott are Queen/Queen, so if you are rooming with another teacher, you will likely be put into this hotel. At the Fairmont Empress we have a combination of Double bed rooms and King bed rooms. If you are bringing a spouse or you have requested to stay alone (please note you would be responsible for 1/2 of the hotel cost), you will likely be staying at the Fairmont Empress.

What is the additional cost for lodging if I bring a guest or want to stay in a room by myself?

The approximate additional cost to stay at the Victoria Inner Harbour Marriott is $224.95/night and at the Fairmont Empress it is $227.88/night.

If I would like to arrive early or stay later in Victoria, can I extend my stay at the hotel I am booked in?

Yes, group rates are available at both hotels 3 days pre- and 3 days post-convention, subject to guest room and group rate availability. This cost would be payable by the guest directly to the hotel. If you want to take advantage of this, please make sure to accurately indicate the dates you will arrive and depart on your registration form.

See "Pre or Post Days" in the SDACC Convention Educator Responsibilities Document.pdf for details including the payment and cancellation policy.

How are the rooming assignments made?

Each room with have double occupancy (two educators sharing a room with two double beds or two queen beds). If an attendee would like to room with a specific person, please be sure to note that on your registration form. The roommate you are requesting, will also need to indicate your name on their registration form. 

Are there additional costs if there are more than two adults in a room?

Fairmont Empress: Each extra adult (19+) sharing a room will be charged an additional $50.00 per night, plus taxes. There will be no charge for children up to and including the age of 18 years who share with their parents. Maximum capacity per room is 3 persons.

Victoria Inner Harbour Marriott: Each extra adult (19+) sharing a room is an additional charge of $30.00 per night, plus taxes. There will be no charge for children up to and including the age of 18 years who share with their parents. Maximum capacity per room is 4 people, with a very limited number of rooms able to accommodate a fifth (5th) person using a cot ($30.00/night). If you are wanting a room with five (5) people, contact Brandy (perkins.brandy@adventist.ca) to confirm availability. If a person brings more than four (4) guests (surpassing 5 total in the room), an additional room will be needed and the full cost of the additional room and 1/2 of the first room will be the responsibility of that person.

How much is parking?

Those who choose to drive are encouraged to consider the most economical option for parking, including parking at the Victoria airport. Shuttle services are available for those who choose to park at the Victoria airport. 

Fairmont Empress: As of November 2025, guests can self-park for $37.00 per night. This rate includes in-and-out privileges until 4:00pm on your check out date. Valet parking is available for $51.00 per night. Electric car charging is also available. 

Victoria Inner Harbour Marriott: Guest vehicles are not guaranteed a firm parking spot. Parking is subject to availability in their underground parking lot, and prices in effect at the time of the event. As of November 2025, on-site parking is $28.00 daily and valet parking is $35.00. Additional parking may be found in close proximity to the Marriott in public parking lots and city-metered parking spots.

See "Travel Arrangements" and "Expense Reports" in the SDACC Convention Educator Responsibilities Document.pdf for details including what is and is not eligible for reimbursement. 

MEALS

What meals will be provided to those that register?

Lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday will be provided for attendees. Unfortunately, guests will not be able to participate in provided lunches. 

I have a dietary restriction and/or food allergies, will that be considered?

All meals will be vegetarian. If you have a dietary restriction or food allergies, please note that on your registration form and we will let the caterer know so that accommodations can be made.

REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES

How will reimbursement for expenses work?

Your employer will provide you with an expense report. On it, you can report your flight (if employer did not book it for you), 1 piece of checked luggage, travel (mileage or ride-share) to/from home to local airport, economy airport parking from Monday - Thursday (if needed), per diem on Monday, August 17  (travel day), will be determined by the employer based on travel and number of meals required, and per diem at $69/day (3 days - Tuesday through Thursday). Expense Reports along with pertinent receipts will need to be submitted to your employer (and not the SDACC) for reimbursement.

See  "Expense Reports" in the SDACC Convention Educator Responsibilities Document.pdffor details including what is and is not eligible for reimbursement.

TRANSPORTATION

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Who will make my travel arrangements?

Please speak with your employer (conference or Kingsway College) to see if they will be doing a group booking or if they would like you to make your own travel arrangements. If making your own travel arrangements, be sure to see "Travel Arrangements" in the SDACC Convention Educator Responsibilities Document.pdf for details including what is and is not eligible for reimbursement.

If I am making my own travel arrangements, how do I know if the cost of the flight I found would be reimbursed?

The airfare amount would be an average of what flights are from your area based on other bookings made by attendees. To verify, please reach out to your employer.

What airport should I fly into?

The closest airport is Victoria International Airport (YYJ), 767 Audley St Saanich, BC VBX 2V4.

How will I get from the Victoria International Airport to the hotel/conference centre?

The SDACC will have a shuttle bus that will be running from the Victoria International Airport to the hotels on the arrival and departure days based on the flight information entered in the registration forms. Those who choose to park at the Victoria airport may also take the shuttle.

If you arrive or depart outside of these times, you will need to find your own transportation and the cost may not be covered (prior approval must be given for reimbursement).

What if I choose to drive to Victoria and not fly?

If an educator decides to drive, reimbursement will be based on mileage, ferry costs, and parking fees (in Victoria) or the most economical airfare (from home airport), whichever is less. Check with your employer for the mileage rate. Those who choose to drive are encouraged to consider the most economical option for parking, including parking at the Victoria airport. Shuttle services are available for those who choose to park at the Victoria airport. 

See "Expense Reports" in the SDACC Convention Educator Responsibilities Document.pdf for further details including what is and is not eligible for reimbursement.

How much is parking?

Those who choose to drive are encouraged to consider the most economical option for parking, including parking at the Victoria airport. Shuttle services are available for those who choose to park at the Victoria airport.

Fairmont Empress: Guests can self-park for $37.00 per night. This rate includes in-and-out privileges until 4:00pm on your check out date. Valet parking is available for $51.00 per night. Electric car charging is also available. 

Victoria Inner Harbour Marriott: Guest vehicles are not guaranteed a firm parking spot. Parking is subject to availability in their underground parking lot, and prices in effect at the time of the event. As of November 2026, on-site parking is $28.00 daily and valet parking is $35.00. Additional parking may be found in close proximity to the Marriott in public parking lots and city-metered parking spots.

TIME ON YOUR OWN

Will there be any free time to enjoy Victoria?

On Tuesday and Wednesday, meetings are scheduled to end at 4:30 P.M. and you will have the evening to go and explore Victoria. 

What is there to do in Victoria?

We have signed up for the VIP Program that offers attendees discounts at approximately 70 participating businesses such as restaurants, Whale Watching, retail shops, tours, outdoor activities, and more. 

How It Works:

• Interested attendees must register through the link to access the Business Events Victoria (BEV) VIP Program benefits. 
• The BEV VIP Program is exclusively available to approved Destination Greater Victoria partners and their official conference guests.
• Passes are non-transferable and valid for up to two (2) individuals. For offers that require reservations, the relevant passholder must be present when the activity is undertaken. 
• Offers are subject to availability and may change without notice. Please ensure bookings are made through the appropriate channels to avoid issues with redemption.
• To redeem special offers and discounts, you will need to present the VIP Program Decal that will be on your attendee name tag.

Are there any tips or suggestions when wanting to do things in Victoria?

If there are specific activities that you want to do or restaurants that you want to dine at, it is highly advised to call up to two (2) weeks ahead to make reservations.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

You may contact Brandy Perkins at (905) 440-2072 or perkins.brandy@adventist.ca for additional information.