Frequently asked questions
This section contains answers to frequently asked questions. We will update it regularly and add new ones as they come up.
1. How long may I postpone my registration?
Registration will close completely on May 21, 2025 — no sign-ups will be accepted after that. The participation fee must be paid by May 26, 2025, at the latest. The details such as price charts can be seen here.
2. Can I cancel my registration and get my participation fee back?
If you need to cancel your arrival, please contact us as soon as possible. If you cancel your arrival before May 31th 2025, we can refund your participation fee in full. If you cancel your arrival after that, the amount of refund will be reviewed on a case by case basis, e.g. depending on the time of cancellation.
3. How to reach / keep in touch with other participants?
We have two online platforms for the participants to interact:
* a closed Facebook group (for registered participants)
* a WhatsApp group (link will be sent to registered participants and can also be found from the aforementioned Facebook group)
Within these groups you may for instance try to reach potential travel buddies / roommates by suggesting traveling & accommodation plans.
3. Santa's Hotel claims there are no rooms left. Are they sold out?
There are still be plenty of rooms left [as of April 30th] ; make sure to use the allotment code 2403SUOMEN before searching for rooms. If the website claims there are no available rooms even after entering the code, don’t worry, that's probably just a technical issue — you can still book by emailing info.rovaniemi@santashotels.fi. Just be sure to include the allotment code 2403SUOMEN in your message. We'll update on the hotel situation weekly and will keep this page updated in case the hotel gets sold out.
4. What's the weather like? Will there be snow?
No need to prepare for harsh conditions: there won't be any snow or freezing cold during the Congress. August is typically the second warmest month in Finland, and Rovaniemi is no exception. Last year, temperatures between August 6th and 10th ranged from around 11 °C (52 °F) in the mornings to about 20 °C (68 °F) during the day.
5. ...in addition: What kind of clothes should I pack?
In general, summer clothing of your own favor is your best bet — but we recommend bringing along something warm and cozy as well for evening hangouts, as the temperatures may drop a little after the sun goes down. (Long-sleeved clothing is also recommended to protect against mosquitoes especially if you partake in the forest hike). It's also advisable to prepare for possible rainy weather. For the Saturday gala evening, feel free to bring along something a little more fancy if you wish, although there won't be a specific dress code.
6. Will there be any pre-seminar activities or get-togethers?
Yes, an unofficial meetup is planned to take place in August 4th in Helsinki, Finland. You are welcome to take part by joining the WhatsApp community (see question #2), as all coordination for the meetup is being planned there. This gathering offers an opportunity to connect with fellow participants ahead of the main event.
7. ...how about post-seminar activities such as Lapland exploration?
Officially no. Some participants have mentioned plans to stay in Lapland after the seminar; in case these plans become further developed, we will do our best to announce them so you may also take part in the possible hangout. Feel free to express your interest in the Facebook or WhatsApp group.
8. What is the lowest price at which I can attend the event?
To cut the costs to a bare minimum, you could;
- catch the Early Bird discount by April 27th 2025
- participate part-time only (either Wednesday to Friday or Friday to Sunday)
- skip the additional activities and optional dinners
- look for more affordable accommodation outside the event venue (such as an Airbnb).
Minimum costs with part-time participation:
- Wednesday to Friday Early Bird fee: 210 euros
- Accommodation: 93,30 euros, based on the price of 3-adult rooms within the venue hotel Santa's Hotel Santa Claus (280 euros in total); you'll only have to find two roommates to share the costs. Please make sure to use our allotment code 2403SUOMEN before searching for the rooms.
-> In total: 303,30 euros + travel costs
Minimum costs with full time participation:
- Wednesday to Sunday Early Bird fee: 440 euros
- Accommodation: 186,60 euros, also based on the price of 3-adult rooms (as mentioned above) + using the allotment code 2403SUOMEN.
-> In total: 626 euros + travel costs
We recommend exploring financial aid options through your national stuttering association or other relevant institutions in the health and social sectors.
8. If I need an invitation letter for my Visa application, can you write me one?
Yes, of course! Please send us email and we will help you with that.
9. Can I get a student discount when traveling by train?
Unfortunately, foreign students visiting Finland cannot get VR's student discount with just their own student cards (like ISIC). Only students officially enrolled in Finnish institutions and holding an approved Finnish student card are eligible for the discount.
Any other questions?
Feel free to contact us with a direct message or via email: stutteringworldcongress2025@ankytys.fi