This gathering unites leading virology experts across Latin America and the Caribbean to advance regional research and collaborative efforts. The sessions will explore cutting-edge developments in Arbo-virology, pressing challenges in viral surveillance, and the intricacies of vector biology. Integrated networking opportunities and hands-on workshops will offer invaluable mentorship and training, fostering the next generation of virologists and strengthening scientific capacity within the region.
Registration for the 2025 Regional Meeting in Kingston, Jamaica, is open. Please register here. The registration deadline is April 25, 2025.
DAY ONE - May 1, 2025
The morning session will commence with introductory remarks and welcome statements, succeeded by reports from the Global Virus Network Centers that will emphasize advancements in regional research. A roundtable dialogue will tackle the present challenges faced in arbovirus research, which will be followed by a report on the initiatives of the Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition. GID trainees will showcase their current research projects.
The afternoon will feature a session concentrating on health landscapes and the capacity for viral vaccinations within the region, followed by the initial segment of a mentoring workshop aimed at immune evasion methodologies and obstacles associated with arboviruses. The afternoon will end with conversations regarding One-Health perspectives on viral zoonotic diseases and developments in the surveillance of vector-borne viruses throughout the Caribbean.
The morning program will include presentations focusing on studies of mosquitoes and ticks as carriers of viruses, followed by a discussion on the neurovirulence of arboviruses and symptoms occurring after viral infections. A session dedicated to pediatric infectious diseases will highlight environmental health factors, in addition to GID trainees presenting further research findings.
The afternoon segment will delve into proactive One Health surveillance methods as well as recent discoveries related to novel viruses, followed by the continuation of the mentoring workshop centered on viruses and the microbiome. The concluding session will concentrate on the relationship between viruses and cancer in the South American context, with a subsequent exploration of recent advancements in the field of vaccinology. This gathering aims to promote collaboration, facilitate the exchange of knowledge, and advance research efforts throughout the region.
The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching and Research Complex
Specific Room will be the Conference Room 1, located on the ground floor.
Platinum
For all other sponsorship options, please download the attached document and select your preferred sponsorship level. You can input your selection in the registration form above or contact [email protected].
The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA)
“The Gateway to the World,” The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) is located on a picturesque peninsula twenty minutes from Kingston’s business center. It is bordered by the seventh largest natural harbor of the world and is one of Jamaica’s global gateways. NMIA is the primary airport for business travel to and from Jamaica and for the movement of air cargo.
The Norman Manley International Airport plays a critical role in the economic development of Jamaica, and is the premier gateway to the nation’s capital, Kingston. The airport caters to over 1.7 million passengers.
For more information, call +1 (876) 924-8835-7, or visit www.nmia.aero
Montego Bay Jamaica - Sangster International Airport (MBJ)
Sangster International Airport is the leading tourism gateway to the island of Jamaica – one of the world’s most beautiful and desired destinations. A three-hour drive from Kingston, Sangster International Airport is located on the northwest coast of the island – at the center of the country’s main tourism region and close to a wide range of hotel and resort facilities. The airport is within easy driving distance of the cruise ports at Montego Bay and Ocho Rios as well as the popular tourist town of Negril.
For more information, call +1 (876) 952-3124, or visit www.mbjairport.com
AC Hotel Kingston, Jamaica
Located at 38-42 Lady Musgrave Rd, Kingston, Jamaica, the AC Hotel Kingston, Jamaica, is nestled on six acres of lush island greenery in the vibrant business and entertainment hub of New Kingston. It is conveniently located just 10 miles from Norman Manley International Airport.
This island-style, boutique hotel features the AC Lounge - a popular meeting place and hub for Kingston’s professionals, entrepreneurs, and creators. The AC Marriott Kingston also offers a private outdoor pool and bar, spacious rooms and suites with contemporary décor, and dining options offering mouth-watering local and international cuisine.
Arbovirus Research and Education Symposium attendees can access the AC Marriott Kingston’s preferred single occupancy conference group rate of $281 (USD) per person per night (including taxes and fees) by booking directly with the hotel. This special nightly rate includes breakfast and wireless internet access.
For additional information, please visit the website here, or contact [email protected]. Your reservation can be made under the group name, "Arbovirus Research and Education Symposium".
Symposium participants are invited to use this reservation link to make reservations at the special group rate by Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel
The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel is situated at 81 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Jamaica, conveniently less than thirty minutes from Norman Manley International Airport. This all-inclusive destination offers vast grounds, a diverse array of recreational options, excellent dining experiences, and outstanding service. Rising 17 stories in the center of New Kingston's dynamic financial and business sector, the Jamaica Pegasus is a walking distance from numerous offices and embassies. Prominent cultural sites and attractions, such as the National Stadium, as well as various shopping and dining locations are easily accessible.
Arbovirus Research and Education Symposium attendees can benefit from exclusive single and double occupancy group rates at the Jamaica Pegasus by making reservations directly with the hotel. Below are the rates by room category:
Deluxe Room: Single ($215USD), Double ($239USD)
Royal Deluxe Room: Single ($262USD), Double ($286USD)
Deluxe One-Bedroom Suite: Single ($295USD), Double ($320USD)
The special nightly rates above are inclusive of taxes and hotel fees, and complimentary breakfast and wireless internet access. For more information, contact [email protected], or call +1(876) 926-3691-9. Reservations can be made under the group name, Arbovirus Research and Education Symposium.
From Airport to Hotel
Taxis, rental cars and an airport shuttle are available at and easily accessible from Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston. The recommended taxi service provider is JUTA. Overseas participants are strongly encouraged to make their transportation arrangements ahead of their arrival in Jamaica.
JUTA Taxi
The Jamaica Union of Travellers Association (JUTA) is dedicated to offering excellent services for a hassle-free travel experience. JUTA taxis are available at both NMIA and the Montego Bay Jamaica-Sangster International Airport (MBJ) on the island’s north coast.
Information for Kingston:
Address: 4 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica
Telephone: +1 (876) 927-4536
Email: [email protected]
Information for Montego Bay:
Address: 80 Claude Clarke Avenue, P.O. Box 1155, Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica
Telephone: +1 (876) 952-0813 or +1 (876) 952-0623 or +1 (876) 979-0778
Email: [email protected]
Knutsford Express
Knutsford Express is a luxury passenger courier transportation company offering safe, reliable, comfortable, and cost-effective scheduled coach services. For conference participants arriving at the MBJ Airport in Montego Bay, Knutsford Express offers a dedicated daily airport shuttle, Knutsford Connect, to Kingston. The Knutsford Express MBJ terminal is located adjacent to the airport for the convenience of arriving and departing passengers. Knutsford Connect serves the Norman Manley International Airport. For more information, please visit www.knutsfordexpress.com, contact [email protected], or call, +1 (876) 971-1822
Note: Knutsford Express trips to and from Kingston terminate and originate at their location. Travellers who opt to use Knutsford Express service will, therefore, need to arrange a taxi to the shuttle.
Information for Kingston Terminal:
Address: 18 Dominica Drive (in the New Kingston Shopping Centre parking lot), Kingston 5, Jamaica
Information for MBJ Terminal:
Address: Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica
Rental Cars
Multiple car rental companies have desks located in the Ground Transportation Halls after exiting Customs at each major airport. Please visit the airports’ websites for additional car rental information at NMIA and MBJ.