Where is the Global Voices conference being held and when?
The “Global Voices: Celebrating Diversity in Biosafety and Biosecurity” conference will be held in Arusha, Tanzania, from January 22-24, 2025. Pre-conference workshops will be held from January 20-21st. Hosted by the International Federation of Biosafety Associations (IFBA) and Tanzania Biological Safety Association (TaBSA), with support from Global Affairs Canada, this conference will help to kick start Canada’s 2025 presidency of the G7-led Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction and advance the shared commitment of inclusivity and building bridges within our global community.
What do I need to know about getting to Arusha, Tanzania?
There are two airports servicing the conference host city of Arusha; the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) which is serviced by major airlines and located 37 miles east of the city, and the Arusha Airport (ARK) for domestic travel only, located 4 miles away from the city center. Attendees who require a visa for entry are advised to apply online through the official Tanzania Immigration Services Department website.
What else can you tell me about staying in Arusha, Tanzania?
Arusha is in the Northern part of the United Republic of Tanzania situated between the twin peaks of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. The city is a gateway to the famous Serengeti National Park, the world-heritage Ngorongoro Crater, and other exciting destinations. Arusha exhibits a pleasant tropical climate and the average temperature in January for a typical day ranges from a high 29°C to a low of 16°C. The time zone in Tanzania is GMT+3. Electrical outlets use plug Type G (similar to 3-pin UK) and the standard voltage is 230V.
What language is spoken in Arusha?
Kiswahili and English are the official languages of Tanzania and Swahili is widely spoken by many in Arusha. However, English is also spoken, especially in the service industry at hotels and restaurants. For attendees wishing to learn a few basic Swahili phrases to enrich their experience, the IFBA is offering free group sessions with their inhouse Kiswahili trainer. Please contact the IFBA Secretariat at secretariat@internationalbiosafety.org if you are interested in signing up.
What is the currency used in Tanzania?
The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the official currently and can be obtained from ATMs in the city. However, USD are also accepted by most places in the tourist industry providing the bills are newer and not older than 2010. It is wise to carry a mix of cash and credit cards as many local shops and markets may only accept cash.
Is Arusha considered a safe city to visit?
While Arusha is generally safe for travelers, it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions (e.g., avoid displaying expensive items, be cautious in crowded places where pickpockets may operate, avoid walking alone in the city at night, in poorly lit or remote areas). Visitors should dress modestly and always ask permission before photographing people.
What are the options to explore Tanzania before or after the conference?
Tanzania is a land of unparalleled natural beauty, boasting an array of breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant cultures. For those seeking an unforgettable safari experience, Tanzania offers some of the most iconic destinations on the continent. An exciting selection of safari tours have been designed specifically for our delegates. Should these not meet your requirements, itineraries can be tailored to suit every taste and budget.
Where can I register for the Global Voices conference?
Conference participants may register online by clicking here. The IFBA’s conference registration fees have been set to enable accessibility for our diverse global biosafety community. Further details on the conference registration costs can be found by clicking here. A limited number of grants for complementary conference registration will be offered to selected individuals from low-income countries who are implementing the IFBA’s Diversity/Equity/Inclusion Tool within their organizations. To apply for a grant, please complete and submit your application form at the following link: Global Voices Conference Grant Application Form.
What is included in my conference registration fees?
The conference registration fee covers full access to 3 days of conference sessions (January 22-24) including lunches and tea breaks, access to the poster viewing area, networking opportunities, and admission to the conference’s gala dinner. The pre-conference workshops (January 20-21) are in addition to the main conference program and have an additional registration fee. Costs for transportation to the venue and hotel accommodation are not included in the registration fees.
What if I need to cancel my registration?
Cancellation requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and should be submitted directly to the IFBA Secretariat at at secretariat@internationalbiosafety.org.
Can I bring a guest to the gala conference dinner on Thursday January 23rd?
One gala dinner ticket is included with the conference registration. Additional tickets for accompanying guests are available for purchase at a cost of $45.00USD per person by clicking here. To ensure availability, before purchasing your ticket, please contact the IFBA Secretariat at secretariat@internationalbiosafety.org.
How do I book a hotel room for the conference?
The Global Voices conference will be held at the Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania. Hotel room reservations may be made by contacting the hotel directly, however, in order to receive the discounted conference room rate ($165 Single Standard room & $195 Double Standard room including breakfast), participants should mention “IFBA Conference Self-Funded Rate” when booking their hotel room. The IFBA Secretariat secretariat@
What if I cannot attend the in-person conference, will there be an option to attend virtually?
No, the Global Voices conference is only offered as an in-person event.
Will there be networking opportunities at the conference?
Yes, the conference will feature various networking sessions and activities to facilitate connections and collaboration among attendees. A special “Meet & Greet” session has been scheduled with your IFBA and TaBSA conference hosts on Thursday January 23rd. Attendees can also participate in the “Global Biosafety & Biosecurity Human Library” session on the morning of Friday January 24th and have conversations with colleagues from around the world
I have more questions. Whom should I contact?
Should you have additional please contact the conference team at one of the email addresses below.
International Federation of Biosafety Associations
secretariat@internationalbiosafety.org
Tanzanian Biological Safety Association
info@tabsa.or.tz