 AIN2022 spAIN FAQFrequently Asked Questions (click a topic below to find your answer.)
Before contacting the AIN Conference team ([email protected]), please have a look at our FAQ to see if your query is answered here. What do I need to travel to Spain in relation to COVID-19?Currently, all people who travel to Spain by plane must fill out the health control form (FCS) through the web https://www.spth.gob.es/. At the end of the completion of the FCS, the system will send you a QR code that you will have to present both at the time of boarding, and upon arrival in Spain. In addition, you must present a certificate or document proving vaccination, diagnostic test for active infection (PDIA) or recovery from COVID-19. These certificates will be different if they have been issued in a country of the European Union (EU Digital COVID Certificate) or in a third country. If you come from a HIGH-RISK country/territory, in order to pass the health controls upon arrival in Spain, you will have to present your SpTH QR code together with a vaccination or recovery certificate and, in addition, a diagnostic test certificate for active SARS-CoV-2 infection (PDIA) with a negative result. These measures may change. to stay informed, we recommend you visit the website of the Spanish Ministry of Health https://www.sanidad.gob.es What is the AIN Conference? Do I need any experience of improvisation or applied improvisation to attend?The Applied Improvisation Network (AIN) world conference gathers diverse people together who share the view that the principles, skills, and tools of improvisation are valuable, even crucial for personal, business, and planetary well-being. We come together to explore and share our ideas and effective practices to help us all achieve our goals. This year’s theme is From History to Ourstory. People were improvisers even before they started to write, creating stories based on their life experiences. As we represent what we see and feel, we can use Applied Improvisation to raise awareness of discrimination, prejudice, and injustice. That means we can work together to create a world in which everyone feels free to make their contribution to our emergent New Story. We want to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, feminism, and environmental responsibility to build a future of collaboration and innovation. Take care of one another. Have everybody’s back. Because the world evolves very quickly. Because we face new challenges all the time. And we are not going to overcome them if we don’t work together. This Conference is a unique opportunity for leaders in their field as well as newcomers to Applied Improvisation. Everyone is welcome. When and where will the AIN Conference be held? (Date, time, and location.)CONFERENCE DATESFrom 28th to 31st July 2022, Learning Journeys start 27th July in Madrid
Start Time: 5 pm on Thursday, 28th July 2022
Close Time: 4 pm on Sunday, 31st July 2022
AIN CONFERENCE LOCATION:Lienzo Norte - Centro de Exposiciones y Congresos Ávila Location & TransportationHow do I best get to Ávila?AIRPORTSThe nearest airport is Aeropuerto de Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez (http://www.aena.es/es/aeropuerto-madrid-barajas/index.html), 80 miles, 120 Km from Ávila.
Transportation from AirportPublic TransitMadrid Barajas Airport is served by Metro, buses, and local trains (Cercanías Madrid) services.
Trains to Ávila depart currently from Príncipe Pío or Atocha Stations depending on departure time. Be careful because Ávila is not a terminal station and trains could have other destinations like Salamanca or other cities of the North of Spain. Check train destination, origin, and stops when purchasing the tickets. Trains departing from Atocha also stop at Nuevos Ministerios and Chamartín stations. Madrid - Puerta de Atocha And Madrid - Atocha are adjacent but not the same station. Puerta de Atocha is a high-speed trains station but trains to Ávila do not depart from there.
How can I reach Atocha or Príncipe Pío stations?Metro links the airport with Madrid financial centre with the Line 8 (Nuevos Ministerios) which is also a major public transportation hub, you’ll need to get Line 10 towards Puerta del Sur or Line 6 (Circle Line) to reach Príncipe Pío. A single ticket costs 5€ including Airport special fare + 2,5€ of contactless card (Note that this card is not accepted in Renfe)
Cercanías Madrid links directly the airport T4 with Príncipe Pío, Nuevos Ministerios, Chamartín and Atocha. A single ticket costs 2,60€ + 0,50€ of contactless card (Note that Renfe’s card is not accepted by Metro or EMT operators and is just valid for Cercanías Madrid Service)
Trains timetables and tickets can be found in the link below:
Can I get a group discount if we're a group?If you decide to form groups of 10 up to 25 people, you can get group tickets with discounts here:
For Cercanías Madrid (Not valid to travel to Ávila)
For Mid-Distance trains to Ávila
Keep in mind that trains to Ávila are not high speed.
Do I need to get a contactless card to use Madrid public transportation services?Is needed to get a contactless card to Madrid public transportation services. The best option, if you plan to spend time in Madrid and not go straight to Ávila, is to get a tourist card which is sold at the Airport. It’s valid from 1 to 7 consecutive days in all operators in Madrid with unlimited use during validity, if not, purchase the standard cards of Renfe and/or CRTM, depending on your needs. Is Madrid's contactless card valid to get on the train to Ávila?This card is not valid to travel to Ávila. Can I reach Ávila by bus?Cercanías Lines C1 and C10 also link Airport with Madrid’s Bus station in Méndez Álvaro where you can get buses to Ávila. There are some buses to Ávila departing from Barajas Airport BY CARIf you prefer to drive yourself to Ávila, follow the signs to A-6 or A Coruña, then, you must exit the A-6 towards the AP-51 to Ávila. From Villalba, both motorways(AP-6 and AP-51) are tolled roads with a classic barrier system. Credit Card payment is available.
If you don’t want to pay tolls, get exit 51 towards N-VI road to Alto del León and A Coruña. Note that is a mountain pass with a lot of truck traffic, follow N-VI and nearby Villacastín, and get N-110 towards Ávila. It’s around 120 Km far from the airport. We highly recommend using directional Apps (especially WAZE as it gives directions and accounts for traffic conditions) or GPS systems. All major rental car agencies are onsite at the airport, and also in the center of Madrid. Please note that hotel parking fees are NOT included in the room rates.
RIDESHARE SERVICESMobile app-based services:If you don’t want to drive and prefer carpooling, you can check https://www.blablacar.es/ App is available on iOS and Android.
The following two ride services are connected to Apps that you need to download and create an account to access. A brief online search can show first-time user discounts:
What is the weather going to be like in Ávila in Summer?August is one of the warmer months, with relatively high temperatures and lots of sun. However, Ávila is one of the highest capital cities in Spain (1123 m) so temperatures tend to be a little bit lower than in other parts of the centre of Spain. You’ll find an average temperature between 20ºC and 30ºC Keep in mind that nights could be colder and the temperature can fall down to 13ºC. What essentials should I pack?Smart casual, layered clothing is recommended as it will be warm during the day, but cool in the air-conditioned rooms and at night.
AccommodationCheck the Accommodation page for hotels and lodging options. RegistrationAIN is pleased to announce we are offering the exact prices we offered at our last Global Conference in 2019 at Stonybrook New York USA. The board and organizing team has made it possible to keep not increasing this year's conference fees.
535€ (or approx $585) - Early Bird Price until May 31, 2022, at 23:59 UTC
690€ (or approx $750) - Regular Price after May 31, 2022 at 23:59 UTC
Your Registration Fee includes:
Cancellation policy: If you cancel your registration prior to May 30, 2022, 23:59 UTC, you will receive a full refund, minus administration costs (50€ / $55). After May 30, 2022, 23:59 UTC, registration will be refunded 50%. After June 27, 2022, 23:59 UTC, registrations will be non-refundable. Accommodation is NOT included, but we have options for you:We’ve contacted some of the hotels and hostels in Ávila to help you find a place that fits your taste and your budget, check the Accommodation page. Can I bring a guest who will not attend the AIN Conference?Guests of conference attendees can attend specific events and meals for a fee of 275€ (or approx $300). One guest registration per full registration is allowed and is subject to availability. Guests can attend:
How do I best get around in ÁvilaDRIVE YOURSELF / CARPOOLÁvila is a world heritage city and capital of the province of the same name. There are plenty of cultural places to visit, even just walking, please note that the historical centre of Ávila has traffic restricted to pedestrians and residents. Also, there are zones with pay and display parking: http://www.avila.es/ciudad/estacionamiento/estacionamiento-limitado-o-r-a Can be paid using applications like telpark. If you are driving in or have a car to use or share in the area, please be aware that the journey from one place to another can take twice the time allocated if there are some traffic issues, so budget your time accordingly. We highly recommend using directional Apps (especially WAZE as it gives directions and accounts for traffic conditions) or GPS systems. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATIONÁvila has no Metro service but has a bus network operating. Buses lines and timetables can be found here: RIDESHARE SERVICESMobile app-based services: In Ávila there are NO services like Uber or Cabify operating. |