Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our FAQ page! We have an index of frequently asked questions about our 2025 AIN Global Conference. Take a look!

Please read the following information below and if you have questions, please email us directly at [email protected].  

Click here to return to the main conference page. 

 

Question Index:

Why Florida?

What are the conference dates?

Where can I stay? Are there recommended hotels for conference attendees?

What are the conference registration prices?

What are the registration and conference cancellation policies?

How can I present at the conference?

What are Learning Journeys?

Do you award scholarships to attend the conference?

When do the Learning Journeys take place?

How will AIN keep us safe while we're in Florida?

What is the health and safety statement?

How do I get to Safety Harbor, Florida?

What should I wear while I am in Safety Harbor, Florida?

Can I sell my books or other items at the Conference?

What is the photography and videography statement for this conference?

What are the disability accommodations available at this conference?


 

Q: Why Florida?

A: Expanding our conference to new regions, like Safety Harbor, is central to AIN's mission. This is the first time in AIN's history we hold our most significant event in a U.S. Southern venue. In 2023, Vancouver, Canada, welcomed our global attendees; this year, it needed to be on the East Coast. A city that could accept international travelers with the proper infrastructure and value to our members. Global inflation, rising airfare costs, and accommodations were key deciding factors when looking at Florida's Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater areas. After researching possible locations, Safety Harbor, Florida, became the ideal candidate to host our 2025 Global Conference. 

Our shared efforts can help transform the larger global community for equity and justice. Our organizational commitment (found on our Diversity and Inclusion page) supports our decision to select Safety Harbor, Florida. Recent actions by political leaders in both the U.S. and the state of Florida run counter to our belief in diversity, equity, and inclusion; however, we hold a larger mission of using applied improvisation to create positive change. We have friends and family in Florida, AIN colleagues in Florida, and peer communities disproportionately impacted by these political actions that need our support.

Our Organizational Commitment
“AIN seeks to save the world by spreading the joy of improvisation in diverse communities for positive change with deep global impact.” – Barbara Tint, AIN Past-President (2019 Stony Brook Conference). We believe there is endless possibility in our diversity and an invaluable opportunity to stretch and grow across our differences. This shared commitment to cultivating an inclusive organization calls upon us to generate a collective sense of belonging for all who share in AIN’s vision. Working together, inclusively, we can co-create lasting change and impact all around the world. 

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Q: What are the conference dates?

A: Our Official Conference dates are Thursday, July 31st - Sunday, August 3rd, 2025. 

Conference Start Time: Thursday, July 31st, 2025 at 4 pm Eastern USA
Conference End Time: Sunday, August 3rd, 2025 at 4 pm Eastern USA
Learning Journeys: begin on Wednesday, July 30th at 9 am and end on Thursday, July 31st at 4 pm. 

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Q: Where can I stay? Are there recommended hotels for conference attendees?

A: We are excited to announce AIN has partnered with a fantastic hotel this year to provide the entire conference experience under one roof! That means we have a special group rate booking code for you. You stay and play all in one! See this link to learn more about our Conference Venue and Hotel accommodations.

Wyndham affirms commitment to sustainability and momentum in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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Q: What are the conference registration prices? 

A: Thanks to the generous support of our AIN members, a portion of the early bird registration fee for this year's conference is being underwritten. This means your investment goes further, allowing us to offer a broader range of programs and resources. We invite you to join us and benefit from this incredible opportunity!

 

Member Conference Cost for all four days (in US currency)
Members receive $50 off the registration cost!

Early-bird Price - $675 (until May 1st, 2025)
Regular Price - $775 (May 2nd - July 1st, 2025)
Last-minute Price - $875 (July 2nd - July 31st, 2025)

(If you do not see your membership discount, click here to renew and save today. If you have any questions about your membership, please email us.)

 

Non-Member Conference Cost (in US currency)
Early-bird Price - $725 (until May 1st, 2025)
Regular Price - $825 (May 2nd - July 1st, 2025)
Last-minute Price - $925 (July 1st - July 31st, 2025)

 

Guest Cost
For conference attendees who want to bring a guest with them to meals and performances, we have a ticket available for them! Guests can be your partner, your sibling, a friend, whoever you'd like to join you for our conference meals and conference performances. Guests cannot attend workshops or AINx Talks, if your guest would like to attend those, please register them as an attendee.

Guest Price - $400

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Q: What are the registration and conference cancellation policies?

A: Please see the following for our official cancellation policies. 

Conference Cancellation Policy

If you cancel your registration before May 31st, 2025, you will receive a full refund of your ticket purchases minus administration costs ($50).

If you cancel your registration after June 1st, 2025, registration will be refunded 50%.

If you cancel your registration after June 30, 2025, registrations will be non-refundable.

Refunds will be processed within 30 days after we have confirmed the cancellation.

 

Transfer of Registration
If for some reason, you are unable to attend, you can transfer your registration to someone else for a $50 administration fee. This substitution requires written notice. Email us to transfer your registration: [email protected].

 

Cancelation of Conference
The organizing team reserves the right to cancel the conference and allocate the accumulated costs due to natural disasters, strikes, civil disorder, war, government regulations, curtailment of transport facilities, supernatural interventions, or other emergencies that make holding the event inadvisable, illegal, or unfeasible.

The conference schedule is subject to change without notice, and we will attempt to keep you updated as much as possible.

Refunds will be processed within 30 days after we have confirmed the cancellation.

We do accept substitution when given written notice. You can update your registration to make adjustments.

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Q: How can I present at the conference?

A: By submitting a proposal! We are currently accepting offers and proposals for conference workshops, AINx Talks, Learning Journeys, and more. Click here to submit a proposal!

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Q: What are Learning Journeys?

A: Learning Journeys are workshops that take place before the main conference. They offer in-depth topics with experienced facilitators and often have a direct connection with the conference city or region. Over the years, the Learning Journeys have become increasingly significant, with 60%+ of conference participants also booking Learning Journeys. 

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Q: Do you award scholarships to attend the conference?

A: Yes! We are thrilled to announce that we are seeking scholarship applications for the 2025 AIN Global Conference. The awards are made possible by the generous donations of donors and supporters, and we are grateful for their support of our mission to make applied improvisation training accessible to everyone. See this application form here. 

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Q: When do the Learning Journeys take place?

A: Pre-conference Learning Journey dates will be announced later, usually on the Wednesday and Thursday of the week of the conference. Stay tuned for an announcement via email when Learning Journey registration opens!  

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Q: How will AIN keep us safe while we're in Florida?

A: The city of Safety Harbor (located in Pinnellas County, FL) is an extremely progressive area, including LGBTQ+ "safe haven" ordinances. AIN is committed to ensuring our conference attendees and Members feel safe at our conferences. Florida conference organizers are working closely with locals to help provide us with the safest experience in Safety Harbor. 

Click here to learn more about the safety in Safety Harbor.

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Q: How do I get to Safety Harbor, Florida?

A: By Air Travel:

The fastest way to get to Safety Harbor, Florida, by plane is to fly into Tampa International Airport (TPA) and then take a short taxi, shuttle ride, rideshare, or rental car to your destination. Tampa International Airport is about 9.8 miles from Safety Harbor. 

Here is a list of airlines that fly into Tampa International Airport: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. 

  • Once you arrive at Tampa International Airport, you can take a taxi, Uber, or rental car to Safety Harbor. The ride will take about 20-30 minutes and cost around $20 to $35.

You can also fly into one of the other nearby airports, such as St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) or Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ). Flying into Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport would require a connecting flight to Tampa International Airport or St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. Sarasota to Safety Harbor is 52 miles or about 1-hour driving time.  

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is an excellent option for flying into Safety Harbor, Florida. It's closer to Safety Harbor than Tampa International Airport, making your ground transportation a breeze.

Here's what you can expect when flying into PIE:

  • Smaller Airport, Easier Navigation: PIE is smaller than Tampa International, which often translates to less crowded terminals and more straightforward navigation. This can be a plus, especially if you do not like navigating large, busy airports.
  • Quick Access to Safety Harbor:  The best part is that PIE is super close to Safety Harbor! You'll be able to reach your destination in about 10-15 minutes by taxi, ride-sharing service, or rental car. This means less time traveling and more time enjoying your stay.
  • Variety of Airlines:  While PIE might be smaller, it still offers a decent selection of airlines, including budget-friendly options like Allegiant Air. Depending on your origin, you might need to make a connection or two, but it's worth checking out the flight options to see if you can snag a good deal. Other airlines that fly into PIE include Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Breeze Airways, WestJet, Air Canada, and Delta. 
  • Ground Transportation Options: Once you land, you'll have several options for getting to Safety Harbor. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available at the airport. Renting a car might be a good idea if you plan to explore the surrounding areas.

Flying into St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport can be a convenient and efficient way to get to our Safety Harbor Conference Venue. It only takes about 12 minutes to drive from St. Pete-Clearwater Airport to the Conference venue in Safety Harbor, or less than $20 taxi or Uber. 

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Q: What is the health and safety statement?

A: The health and safety of our attendees is our top priority at the 2025 AIN Global Conference. We are committed to providing a productive and enjoyable experience for all participants.

As of February 14th, 2025, there are no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for attending our conference. We are closely monitoring the situation and will update our guidelines if necessary, following the recommendations of local health authorities.

We encourage everyone to practice good hygiene and stay home (or in your accommodations) if they are not feeling well. If you attend the conference and do not feel well during the events, please inform one of our conference planners and we will assist you the best we can.

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Q: What should I wear while I am in Safety Harbor, Florida? 

A: What to wear:

Late July / Early August in Safety Harbor, Florida, is typically hot and humid! Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

  • High Temperatures: Expect average daily highs around 87°F (30.7°C). It can feel hotter with the humidity, so be prepared for that "feels like" temperature to be higher.
  • Low Temperatures: Evenings offer a little relief, with average lows around 78°F (25.6°C). It's still warm, but perhaps a bit more comfortable for sleeping or evening strolls.
  • Humidity: This is a significant factor in Florida summers. Expect high humidity, which can make the heat feel more intense.
  • Rainfall: August is in the heart of the rainy season in Florida. You can expect frequent showers, often in the afternoons.

What to pack:

  • Light, breathable clothing: Think cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking fabrics.
  • Swimsuit: Perfect for cooling off in the pool or the Gulf.
  • Sunscreen: Essential for protecting your skin from the Florida sun.
  • Hat and sunglasses: For extra sun protection.
  • Rain gear: A light rain jacket or umbrella is a good idea.
  • Comfortable shoes: You'll likely be doing a lot of walking.

Tips for staying comfortable:

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Seek air conditioning: Take breaks in air-conditioned spaces when you need to cool down.
  • Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day: If possible, plan outdoor activities for the morning or evening.
  • Embrace the rain: Afternoon showers can be a refreshing break from the heat.

Overall, late July in Safety Harbor is hot and humid, but it's also a beautiful time to visit! Just be prepared for the weather and take steps to stay calm and comfortable.

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Q: Can I sell my books or other items at the conference? 

A: Yes! The AIN Book Store is an assortment of books, workbooks, card decks, CDs, etc., all created by conference participants. All bookstore items registered by July 15th, 2025, will be available for cash (US currency) or virtual payment purchases. The author of the items will collect the payment from the purchaser, whether they prefer cash or virtual payment, is up to the author.

The AIN Book Store will be open for browsing and buying during specific hours. If you are interested in selling your items at The AIN Book Store, please fill out this form by Tuesday, July 15th, 2025. Please contact us if you have questions about selling at the bookstore. 

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Q: What is the photography and videography statement for this conference?

A: For the 2025 AIN Global Conference, we ask our registrants to agree to the following terms regarding photographs and videography:

Photo and Video Capture: Organizers and their designees may take photographs and video recordings of the conference, including attendees, speakers, and events.

Use of Images: These images may be used for promotional purposes, including, but not limited to, our website, social media channels, conference brochures, and future event marketing materials.

Release: You grant the 2025 AIN Global Conference, AIN, and its designees the irrevocable, worldwide right to use, edit, publish, and distribute your likeness captured in photographs and videos.

Please Note: This policy applies only to photographs and videos taken by official conference photographers and videographers. It does not apply to personal photos or videos taken by attendees. We appreciate your understanding!

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Q: What are the disability accommodations available at this conference?

A: The 2025 AIN Global Conference is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible experience for all attendees. If you do require disability accommodations to fully participate in the conference, please fill out our registration form and fill out our section about the requested disability accommodations. If you have any questions about disability accommodations at the conference, please email us.

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(Last Updated: Monday, March 17th, 2025 at 7:45pm eastern)