Preparing for the Conference | São Paulo Q&A

PREPARING FOR THE CONFERENCE | SÃO PAULO Q&A

Can you give me information about the Conference Airports & Taxis? There are two airports attendees can take when coming to the conference: GRU (São Paulo/Guarulhos) and CGH (São Paulo/Congonhas). Taxi and UBER services are available at each airport. Guarucoop Taxi from GRU is safe and reliable. Taxi stands are outdoors just outside both terminal 2 and 3 - look for the blue and white signs and taxis. Remember to pay in advance to the location. The UBER app also works in São Paulo.

Do I need a VISA to enter Brazil? Most visitors coming to Brazil can enter as tourists for a specific number of days and do not need to pay for a visa. Visitors must hold a valid passport for at least 6 months with one blank page, as well as hold a return ticket showing a date leaving the country. Be sure to check visa requirements for specific country visa requirements.

How can I exchange money? There are money exchange kiosks inside the airport near the baggage claim area at both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at GRU. Also, many cash machines will dispense in Brazilian Reals using an ATM card. Attendees should make sure to alert banks before traveling.

What is the weather going to be like AND what should I wear? March is the warm and rainy season in São Paulo! The weather may be humid, so plan accordingly and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during the conference. Temperatures will fluctuate between outdoor and indoor locations, so bringing a light sweater for air-conditioned spaces is recommended. The Graded campus is quite large with many tile and cement walkways, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes!

New this year are the conference Spirit Days! Show your spirit by wearing clothing representing your school and your country, as well as the AASSA colors!

How do I get to the conference? A schedule of the shuttle routes will be posted in the lobby of each designated conference hotel. Schedules will tell you the place and time to catch the shuttle. Attendees may have to walk a short distance to catch the shuttle if the shuttle is not scheduled to stop at her/his particular hotel, so it is important to read the schedule carefully. All shuttles will be marked with the conference logo. Attendees will need to show their conference nametag in order to ride the transportation (after day 1). If attendees miss the shuttle, s/he is responsible for arranging own transportation to the host school. UBER and hotel taxis should be available. Shuttles will run to and from the host school and the hotels at the beginning and ending of each day.

Where is the conference schedule? Download the conference app HERE. The app contains the most up-to-date information regarding the schedule and sessions. Make sure to check it frequently in case room numbers or sessions change. Add sessions to your agenda, see the exhibitors who will be at the conference, and find uploaded conference and session materials.

Why are there two lunch breaks during the day? Am I seeing this right? Yes, there are! You’re not seeing double! There are two lunch periods during the day: Lunch A and Lunch B. Attendees can choose which period they would like to eat lunch, visit exhibitors, and network with colleagues. Hint: there are sessions running all day long, so check the session list to see if there is a session that might guide you toward which lunch to take. This is a great time to visit exhibitors and make some real connections with educators from the region! Daily lunch and coffee breaks are provided with the conference registration.

Did someone say Dinner? Oh, yes, they did! Thursday will be the first day of the Main Conference and will conclude a long day of learning with a vibrant reception, drinks, entertainment and a dinner for all attendees! Transportation will run to the hotels following the dinner extravaganza.

What are these strange letters I see before the title of the conference sessions? AASSA has three distinct learning strands that categorize all learning opportunities in the conference: Visionary Leadership [VL], Progressive Learning [PL], and Vibrant Communities [VC]. Each of those learning strands has four sub-strands. Each session is aligned to a strand AND sub-strand in order to help participants quickly filter out learning opportunities. You can find a complete list and description of strands and sub-strands in the conference app under the Event Materials section.

Do I have to take sessions from only ONE learning strand? Not at all! You can take sessions from all of the learning strands, if you choose. The strands are there to help attendees quickly identify the major area of learning.

Is it possible for me to connect while I’m at the conference? Yes, and Yes! Attendees will receive conference WIFI credentials during the registration process. And, if you want to connect in person at the conference, there will be plenty of options to do so! One of the biggest chances to connect face-to-face with colleagues from around the region is to visit the Networking Gardens around campus. Networking Gardens are designed for participants to gather with colleagues from similar positions in order to have organic conversations around education, as well as grow professional networks!

What if I’m not feeling so well? There will be basic medical services at the school to assist attendees with minor situations. If any further medical attention is needed, the host school will help coordinate with local professionals.

How do I get to this session? Where can I find my lost phone? Help… There will be an Information Booth during the conference where attendees can get general information, including lost and found. Make sure items are easily marked so that they can be easily returned. There will be conference ambassadors located throughout the campus that can help attendees find rooms and sessions!

What are these little passports I see everywhere? Conference attendees will get small passports that they can take with them to speak to conference exhibitors. Each exhibitor will have a special passport stamp, so make sure to ask them to stamp the passport. Attendees can turn in completed passports at the information booth for chances to win the raffle! The more exhibitors attendees speak with, the more passports one can complete and the GREATER the chances to win!

Should I pack a water bottle? Absolutely! Water stations will be placed all over campus so that attendees can stay hydrated all day long! It will be warm, so don’t forget his important item in your suitcase!

Are there any sites that I should see before or after the conference? There are so many amazing things to do in São Paulo! Here are just a few we recommend: • Beco do Batman/Vila Madelena neighborhood: Graffiti Art and area with many local bars, live music, and unique shops • Mercado Municipal, São Paulo: a large public market for mortadela sandwich, cod fish balls, a large variety of fresh fruits and caipirinha • Parque Ibirapuera: The “Central Park of São Paulo” • Museums: MASP (Museum of Art of São Paulo), Pinacoteca do Estado, Football Museum, Afro- Brasil Museum (in Ibirapuera Park) • Paulista Avenue • Botanic Garden • Sala São Paulo: Headquarters of São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra • Theatro Municipal de São Paulo

I know São Paulo has amazing food! Any recommendations while I’m here? • Coco Bambu (Brazilian seafood restaurant) Address: Av. Antônio Joaquim de Moura Andrade, 737 - Vila Nova Conceição • Vista (Rooftop of Ibirapuera Park) Address: Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral, 1301 - 8o floor - Parque do Ibirapuera • Skye Bar and Restaurant (Sophisticated rooftop restaurant & bar at Hotel Unique, with a pool & a view of the city.) Address: Av. Brigadeiro Luís Antônio, 4700 - Jardim Paulista • Bolinha (Feijoada on Sundays) Address: Avenida Cidade Jardim, 53 Jardim Europa - Itaim Bibi • Barbacoa (Brazilian Barbecue) Address: R. Dr. Renato Paes de Barros, 65 - Itaim Bibi • Frutaria São Paulo (Healthy Brazilian Restaurant) Address: Av. Hélio Pellegrino, 100 or R. Bandeira Paulista, 327 • Fogo de Chao (Brazilian Steakhouse) Address: Av. dos Bandeirantes, 538 - Brooklin • Eataly (Italian Market with different restaurants ) Address: Av. Pres. Juscelino Kubitschek, 1489 - Vila Nova Conceição