SiWC Policies

SiWC Cancellation Policy

The Surrey International Writer’s Conference will provide refunds, less a $50 processing fee, up to July 31 of the current conference year.

Refunds will be made, less a $150 processing fee, between August 1 and September 20 of the current conference year.

Refunds after September 20 only for documented, serious medical reasons (typically requires proof of hospitalization of registrant or immediate family member) or death (registrant or immediate family member), less a $50 processing fee. Anyone who is unable to attend in person due to last-minute illness including Covid will be able to attend the virtual conference instead.

We make every effort to preserve the program and presenter list as published on our website, but reserve the right to make changes to the conference at any time without notice, including but not limited to addressing factors beyond our control, such as a presenter having to withdraw from the conference. In the event any changes made affect your booked appointment(s), we will provide an alternate appointment.

Your attendance at the Surrey International Writers’ Conference in any capacity constitutes your agreement to abide by this code of conduct.

* To be as helpful as possible and to foster a positive attitude and experience for all. As this is a conference where the new writer and multi-published best-selling author mix and mingle, coming together in the spirit of learning and advancing the craft of writing is essential.

* To speak with tact, manners and discretion, with language that is appropriate to a mixed audience, and put the needs of the conference above personal opinions or philosophies. Differing opinions are welcome, but personal attacks, inflammatory remarks, and the stirring up of controversy are not. We are an organization that values diversity, inclusion, and acceptance and we expect the highest standards of behaviour of everyone who is involved with our conference.

* To discuss and/or pitch personal writing projects only within a professional boundary, not ever excessively selling personal products, projects, or services.

* To arrive for all events, workshops, appointments, and commitments on time and to come and go quietly if you must leave for any reason while an event is in session, whether in person or online..

* To turn off or silence cell phones during workshops, appointments, and keynotes.

* To wear the conference-provided name tag at all times in person.

* To be conscious of the health and welfare of your fellow conference-goers in person by washing your hands regularly and/or using hand sanitizer and by staying home or in your hotel room if you have any symptoms of illness.

* SiWC in person is a scent-sensitive environment. Please avoid wearing or using heavily-scented products at the conference.

The Surrey International Writers' Conference promotes a collegial, welcoming environment for attendees, presenters, volunteers and staff alike. Harassment, defined generally as any behaviour that annoys, alarms, or threatens another person or group, and any other behaviour that causes excessive discomfort to other people; adversely affects SiWC’s relationship with its guests, its venues, its partners, or the public; breaks any applicable law; or causes significant disruption to conference operations will not be tolerated.

The SiWC Society reserves the right to revoke conference passes without recompense and to deny offenders attendance at future events. Your attendance at SiWC constitutes your agreement to abide by our code of conduct.

SiWC prides itself on being a safe event. If you encounter any behaviour that makes you uncomfortable, please report it immediately to a board member, the conference coordinator, or the conference administrator. We can only act in response to events of which we are aware. The decision to revoke conference passes and/or deny attendance at future events is at the sole discretion of the SiWC Society Board of Directors and the conference coordinator.

Our mailing address is Suite # 544, 151 - 10090 152nd Street, Surrey, BC V3R 8X8.

SIWC is committed to supporting and assisting individuals with disabilities to attend and participate in our conference in person and/or virtually.

Our conference strives to be consistent with the principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity for all.

Our conference has identified an accessibility coordinator who has received training in this area and is the primary person for any questions or feedback. As always, feel free to approach any member of the conference board in person or via email or Discord.

All volunteers receive information about accessibility as a part of their training.

In order that we may better serve anyone needing an accessibility service and/or accommodation please alert the board or conference administrator of any needs we should be aware of. This may include any of the following:

Assistive devices

People with disabilities may use their personal assistive devices when accessing our conference.

In cases where the assistive device presents a significant and unavoidable health or safety concern or may not be permitted for other reasons, other measures will be used to ensure the person with a disability can access our conference.

We are committed to ensuring that any facility where the conference operates meets accessibility guidelines. This includes access to parking, rooms, washrooms, elevators and access to public transit.

Communication

We will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability.

We will work with the person with a disability to determine what method of communication works for them.

If you require communication such as sign language interpreters, please inform the conference ahead of time so this can be arranged and appropriate number of interpreters is available.

Service animals

We welcome people with disabilities and their service animals. Service animals are allowed on the parts of our premises that are open to the public.

When we cannot easily identify that an animal is a service animal, our staff may ask a person to provide documentation (template, letter or form) from a regulated health professional that confirms the person needs the service animal for reasons relating to their disability.

Support Workers

Individuals who require assistance may have their support worker attend the session at no additional cost.

Allergies

The SIWC is sensitive to allergies. Out of respect for all participants, please do not bring nut items and or wear perfumes/scent.

Meals at the conference hotel are marked including being vegetarian, gluten free etc. If you have dietary concerns/issues that require special meals you must let the conference know ahead of time.