Who should attend?

Dates
The Conference will take place 28 June – 1 July 2010

Language
The official language of the Conference is English.

Time
Melbourne is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time

Name Badges
All delegates will receive a name badge upon registration. This badge is the official pass and must be worn to obtain entry to all Conference sessions and associated activities.

Climate and Clothing
Being winter in Melbourne, we suggest you prepare by bringing suitable clothing. A thick coat for the early mornings and evenings and an umbrella are recommended.

Average maximum temperature 14°C
Average minimum temperature 7°C

For more information on average temperatures, rainfall and lots of other great information about Australian destinations, visit www.australia.com

Registration and Information Desk
The Registration Desk will be located on level 2 of the Melbourne Convention Centre.

Delegates are kindly requested to visit the Registration desk from Monday 28 June to register and collect Conference name badges and materials. The desk opening times will be listed closer to the Conference.

First Aid and Hospital Services
A first-aid room will be available to delegates during the Conference. In the event of an emergency, transfer to the nearest hospital will be provided by ambulance. 

Shopping
Walking is the best way to shop, especially along Melbourne's arcades and laneways. Outside the city centre, visit shopping precincts like Chapel Street in South Yarra and Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, especially on weekends. Here you'll find everything from retro homewares to funky shops selling cult-in-the-making jewellery. These strips also have numerous streetside cafes. Travelling between Melbourne's suburbs is best done by tram or train.

For bargains, head for Richmond (especially Bridge Road and Swan Street), where designer outlets and factory seconds sell jeans, swimwear, trainers, tops and bags at heavily reduced prices.

Private Touring/Hospitality Arrangements
Should you have any specialised group requirements for private touring, transportation or hospitality services, other than those organised for the official Program, please contact the Conference Managers who would be pleased to assist with arrangements.

Private Functions
It is requested that you advise the Conference Managers of any private/corporate functions that might be planned outside of the official Program. The Conference Managers would be pleased to assist with arrangements for any of these events.

Currency & Banking
Australian currency is the dollar. Coins have values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and A$1 and A$2; notes have values of A$5, A$10, A$20, A$50 and A$100.

Banks and Foreign Exchange
Melbourne's banking hours are generally Monday to Thursday 0900-1600 and Friday 0900-1700. All the major banks are equipped to exchange foreign currency. You can also exchange foreign currency any day or night at the airport or during normal business hours in Melbourne's central business district.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% on most goods and services such as accommodation, day tours, guides, translators, food, transport (including coach, rail and cruise) and other tourism services within Australia.

Insurance
Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that at the time you register for the Symposium and book your travel you take out an insurance policy of your choice. The policy should include loss of fees/ deposit through cancellation of your participation in the Symposium, or through cancellation of the Symposium, loss of international/ domestic air fares through cancellation for any reason, loss of tour monies through cancellation for any reason including airline or related services strikes within Australia, failure to utilise tours or pre- booked arrangements due to airline delay, Force Majeure or any other reason, medical expenses (including sickness and accident cover), loss or damage to personal property, additional expenses and repatriation should travel arrangements have to be altered. The Symposium Managers cannot take any responsibility for any participant failing to arrange their own insurance. This insurance is to be purchased in your country of origin.

Medical Care
The addresses and telephone numbers of hospitals, health and dental clinics are available at the Registration Desk. Please ensure prior to your departure to arrange travel insurance for yourself and your accompanying persons. Talk to your travel agent or your health insurance for further information.

In the Event of an Emergency
Call 000 (triple zero) to be connected to police, fire and/or ambulance services.

Electric Current
Electric current is 240 Volt, AC 50 cycles. Two or Three pin rectangular plugs are used. For more information, please visit your local travel store.

Driving License
International Driving Licenses are recognised throughout Australia. Car rental companies ask for a valid driving license.