JA Conference

July 14-17, 2022, in Orlando, Florida

JA Conference Registration Details
 
We encourage you to register early to secure your space and take advantage of the reduced early bird registration fee. JA Conference registration is now open and does sell out once reaching maximum capacity.
 
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Registration Fees: Register Early and Save!
Early Bird Special Registration
Family Rate (up to 4 members): $250
Each Additional Family Member: $25
Individual Rate: $150
Virtual Attendee Rate: Free
 
Click Here to Register Today for JA Conference – Orlando

The 2022 JA Conference is being held at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld^© in Orlando, Florida.
 
HOTEL INFORMATION
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld^©
6677 Sea Harbor Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
Phone: 407-351-5555
For more hotel information please visit: http://renaissance-hotels.marriott.com/renaissance-orlando-at-seaworld
 
Please click on the link below to get the special JA Conference discounted room rate:
https://book.passkey.com/go/2022JuvenileArthritisRenunion

The Arthritis Foundation has negotiated the following nightly rates for attendees. If lodging is available, this rate will be honored three days before and three days after the published meeting dates (based on availability). The group rate is available until June 17. After that date, we cannot guarantee the group rate will be available.   
 
One Standard Guest Suite: $159.00 (plus 12.5% taxes). Standard room options: one king bed or two queen beds. The group rate includes resort fee, which covers: high speed internet in the guest room; transportation to Sea World, Universal Studios, Disney; premium outlets; complimentary WiFi throughout the meeting space; breakfast for kids under 12 with adult purchase; and a 10% discount in Tradewinds.
 
Please click on the link below to get the special JA Conference discounted room rate: https://book.passkey.com/go/2022JuvenileArthritisRenunion
 
Guest Room Amenities:
For your convenience, the following items are available:

• Mini-Refrigerators are free of charge in each room.

Visit http://renaissance-hotels.marriott.com/renaissance-orlando-at-seaworld for more details on the hotel and amenities

WEATHER & RECOMMENDED DRESS:
The dress for the conference is casual, so you are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing. The temperature in Orlando in July averages a high of 92 degrees and a low of 75 degrees. Remember to bring a sweater or jacket since the temperature inside those hotel meeting rooms may be cool!

PARKING:
Self-parking costs $28.00 per night
Valet parking costs $38.00 per night

Travel & Maps
 
The Renaissance Orlando at Sea World is located just 13 miles from the Orlando International Airport (MCO). Please visit the hotel website for more details on driving directions and maps.
 
Transportation from Orlando International Airport (MCO):
Airport Phone: 407-825-2001
Hotel direction: 13 miles west
 
This hotel does not provide shuttle service.

• Alternate transportation: Mears Shuttle Service; fee: $20.00 (one way); reservation required
• Estimated taxi fare: $40.00 (one way)
• Uber/Lyft: Approximately $25.00 - $35.00 (one way); varies with time of day and car size

 
Visit MCO airport website
 
Driving directions from MCO:
Take Interstate 95 to Interstate 4 West. Merge onto toll road SR-528 West toward Interstate 4/International Drive. Proceed to Exit 1 for International Drive. Turn left onto International Drive. At the second traffic light, turn right onto Sea Harbor Drive. The hotel will be on the right.
 
Other Transportation
Amtrak - 12 miles E from hotel
Greyhound - 16 miles NE from hotel
Hertz Rental Car (at the Renaissance Orlando at Sea World):
6677 Sea Harbor Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
Phone: +1 407-351-4900
 
More Transportation Centers
Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM)
Hotel direction: 12 miles North
Estimated taxi fare: $33.77 (one way)
Visit ISM airport website

Orlando Executive Airport (ORL)
Hotel direction: 17 miles West
Estimated taxi fare: $57.71 (one way)
Visit ORL airport website
 
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
Hotel direction: 41 miles North
Estimated taxi fare: $113.00 (one way)
Visit SFB airport website
 

The Arthritis Foundation is pleased to offer limited financial assistance to families wishing to attend the JA Conference who meet certain criteria. The travel award process is closed for 2022.
 

Safety Requirements for the 2022 JA National Conference
Updated 4/13/2022
The safety of JA Conference attendees remains a top priority for the Arthritis Foundation. The JA Conference team consulted with pediatric rheumatology medical experts to develop these standards to ensure the safest possible meeting. The Arthritis Foundation will continue to follow federal, state and local health official guidance for all events and will make adjustments as necessary, including cancellation of the in-person programming. These requirements align with best practices that promote the safety of our participants and staff as our guiding principle. The Arthritis Foundation’s JA Conference offers virtual program options for attendees who do not meet the following guidelines and for those who, after discussion with their own medical advisor, feel the virtual option is a better option for their family.  Although we are trying to limit risk, risk can’t be completely eliminated.
 
Safe Meetings
The Arthritis Foundation is committed to providing opportunities to engage in the safest and most enjoyable in-person experience possible. To achieve this, the following precautions have been established out of an abundance of caution for the health, safety and comfort of all conference attendees. Note: These requirements may change and will be updated as CDC guidelines change. Furthermore, the medical advisory committee will be monitoring the safety of an in-person meeting as COVID-19 conditions change. Each family is encouraged to discuss the safety of attending with their rheumatologist or medical advisor to make the best decision for your family. Although we are trying to limit risk, it can’t be completely eliminated.
Requirements to Attend

• Proof of full vaccination for all attendees, including minors (as of December 2021), ages 5-17, must be produced to gain access to the conference.
• Stay home if you are sick or have any symptoms of COVID-19, and get tested for COVID-19.
• Those who have been in close contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19 within 21 days should not attend the conference until they have met the CDC requirements for being in public spaces.
• Each adult event attendee is required to read and sign the Event Release and Liability Agreement Waiver for their family to complete registration.  
• Individuals will not be admitted to the conference without a signed waiver and proof of full vaccination, which must be uploaded into the registration system prior to attending. All attendees’ vaccination records will be reviewed and verified. Once approved, confirmation of registration approval will be emailed to adult registrants. If you have questions about your registration status, please contact Della Carver at [email protected]. 
• The JA Conference offers virtual programming options for attendees who are unable to meet these requirements. 

During the Conference

• Attendees are required to wear a face mask at all times when participating in conference events indoors and when physical distancing is difficult.
• While indoors and in close proximity to others, physical distancing should be maintained.
• When possible, eat outdoors. If eating indoors is required, maintain a physical distance of at least six feet from other participants.
• Cover coughs and sneezes, and wash hands frequently.

 
Proof of Vaccination

• The CDC currently defines fully vaccinated as:
  • 2 weeks (14 days) after your dose of an accepted single-dose vaccine

• 2 weeks (14 days) after your second dose of an accepted 2-dose series
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received the full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine (not placebo) in a clinical trial
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received the full series of a Novavax (or Covovax) COVID-19 vaccine (not placebo) in a phase 3 clinical trial
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received 2 doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines administered at least 17 days apart*
• If you don’t meet these requirements, you are NOT considered fully vaccinated.

• Booster doses for individuals who are 16 years and older — 5 months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series, or 2 months after their initial J&J vaccine. Note: Immunocompromised individuals outside age ranges may also require a third booster earlier. Check with your rheumatologist for guidance.

• A CDC-issued vaccination card, including the name of the person vaccinated, the type of vaccination provided and the date the last dose was administered. This may include requirement of vaccine booster, 5 months after initial multidose vaccine.
• A digital photo of a CDC-issued vaccination card stored on a phone or electronic device or digital proof of vaccination from a pharmacy or other health care provider.
• A printed photo of a CDC-issued vaccination card.  
• A copy of your vaccination card via an app, such as Clear or Vaccine Check.

 
Hotel & Meeting Space
We are adapting the traditional conference/meeting layouts to include opportunities for physical distancing when possible. Additionally, we will monitor local and state regulations related to group gatherings and adjust when and where necessary to maintain healthy operations.
COVID-Related Costs
Register with confidence. We want you to feel safe attending the conference and attend only if you are feeling well. If you need to cancel your registration due to COVID, we will help you transfer your registration fee to next year’s event or offer you a full refund. We are happy to work with you on registration fees paid to the Arthritis Foundation, but we cannot refund any out-of-pocket expenses for transportation, lodging or anything but registration fees. The Arthritis Foundation highly recommends booking travel insurance with all your travel reservations.
Questions on Your Health and Safety During the Conference?
We know you might have more questions, and we’re here to answer you and hear your thoughts on health and safety for this event. Please feel free to send health and safety questions and concerns to [email protected].  
 
Virtual Programming Is Available
Virtual Programming for Parents & Young Adults (ages 18-25) - The 2022 National JA Conference is offering a hybrid conference model that offers both in-person and virtual programming for parents, caregivers and young adults ages 18-25. When registering for the conference, choose the program (virtual or in-person attendee) that best fits you and your family. Our virtual conference offers a variety of educational and networking sessions throughout the year. To sign up for the virtual JA Conference, visit Arthritis Events | JA Conference to learn more!
 
Virtual Programming for Kids & Teens! - The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids and teens with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories. Visit JA Camps (arthritis.org) to learn more, and sign up today!
 
For more information on virtual programming and how to learn more, contact [email protected].

Registrants who plan to attend the JA Conference virtually will use the conference app to find information about the conference and all virtual sessions. All live sessions will be indicated in the app and will occur via Zoom. Additional content and prerecorded sessions can be viewed any time throughout the conference. As a registered attendee, you will receive an invitation to access the app prior to the start of the conference. We recommend that you download the app prior to the conference so you can view the event schedule, access Zoom links to sessions, learn more about Arthritis Foundation programs and our sponsors, and network with other attendees.