General Information
Conference venue -
Sydney convention and exhibition centre
The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre is the Southern Hemisphere's
best meeting, convention and exhibition venue. Located on the waterfront
of Darling Harbour, the area combines an excellent range of shops, restaurants,
attractions, parks, museums and the Sydney Aquarium. The Centre is only
a minutes travel by monorail, public transport, ferry, water taxi or
foot to surrounding hotels and attractions such as Sydney's famous Opera
House and Harbour Bridge.
Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre
Darling Drive
Darling Harbour
Sydney NSW 2009 Australia
Badges
Identification badges are mandatory and will be required for admission
to all program sessions and the exhibition.
Electricity
The electricity supply is 240 volts, 50 Hz. The connection for appliances
is a flat 3-pin plug. Most city hotels provide 110 volts for shavers.
Entry Requirements
All visitors to Australia need a valid passport and Visa. Applications
for Visas can be made through Australian Embassies or Consulates in
major cities around the world or in some cases through your travel agent.
Ask for a business Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for Australia.
For information about Australian missions overseas, how to apply for
visas and further information on ETA's, Customs clearance, Quarantine
regulations, health issues arrival and departure and more, contact the
Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous
Affairs (www.immi.gov.au). Please
action early.
Facilities for People with Disabilities
Please indicate on your registration form if you require disabled facilities.
Health
Vaccinations and health certificates are not required for entry into
Australia unless you have visited a yellow-fever infected country zone
within six days prior to your arrival. Australia has a high standard
of hygiene. Doctors and dentists are highly trained and hospitals are
well equipped. In the event of illness hotel or Conference staff can
arrange a doctor for you.
Insurance
It is strongly recommended that delegates take out adequate medical,
travel and personal insurance prior to the commencement of travel.
Liability Disclaimer
In the event of industrial disruption or other unforeseen circumstances,
the Conference Organisers accept no responsibility for loss of monies
incurred by delegates.
Money
Credit cards are widely accepted. Commonly recognised cards include
Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express. All are accepted
for Conference transactions. Australia uses decimal currency, where
a hundred cents makes up a dollar. A combination of notes and coins
are used.
The Australian Dollar exchange rate is likely to remain favourable
and stable for visitors, ensuring an affordable stay for delegates.
No Smoking Policy
Delegates should be aware that smoking is banned in public buildings
and many hotels and restaurants throughout Australia, including the
Conference venue.
Official Language
The official language of the Conference will be English. Simultaneous
translation will not be provided.
Time Zones
During the time of the Conference, Sydney operates on Australian Eastern
Summer Time (AEST), which is calculated by adding 11 hours to GMT.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory or expected in Australia, however tips are
always appreciated for exceptional service. About 10% of the bill is
usual if the service is exceptional. A charge for corkage may apply
at some "bring your own alcohol" (BYO) restaurants but no
service charge is added to hotel or restaurant bills.
Weather
Sydney enjoys a temperate climate that makes it a perfect destination
all year round. March is the beginning of Autumn in Australia and weather
conditions are quite pleasant. The average temperature is around 250C
(770F) and minimum is 150C (590F).
