Congress & Exhibition Venue

The Congress and the connected Exhibition will be held at the ELTE Convention Centre (Eötvös Loránd University, address: H-1117, Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1. The venue is equipped with a complete range of conference facilities and there is ample comfortable accommodation nearby.

The Congress site can be reached easily by public transport (e.g. trams No. 4 or 6 and/or bus No. 12) and it is fully accessible for disabled people.

It is situated in a pleasant and scenic park on the Danube embankment, enriched by the pleasant atmosphere on the Buda side of the river.

Technical Equipment

Instructions for poster presentations

The poster boards are 1 meter (40 inches) wide and 2 meter (80 inches) tall. Preferred poster size is A0. Alternatively presenters may display their material on several smaller sheets. The maximum dimensions of your poster are: 90 cm (width) x 130 cm. (length). The text, illustrations, etc. should be bold enough to be read from a distance of two meters (six feet).

Tacks and technical equipment will be available for the hanging of the posters.

Language

The official language of the Congress is English.

Visa

Entry visas are not required for citizens of most European countries, the USA and Canada. Citizens of other countries can obtain a visa at the Hungarian Embassy or Consulate in their country. A valid passport is required. For more information about visas, please check the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.mfa.gov.hu

Weather

In consequence of Hungary's continental climate, the end of August can still be considered as summer. The average temperature is 22-28 ^oC during the day and 15-22 ^oC at night. The humidity is usually low, but rainy days may be expected.

How to get to Hungary

Hungary lies at the crossroads of the main tourist traffic flows in Europe. About 25 airline companies operate regular flights to and from Budapest. Railway connections from all European countries are excellent, while there are also bus and boat connections with countries in the vicinity of Hungary. Budapest can be reached by car on motorways M1, M3, M5 and M7.

Arrival by air

All participants arriving at Ferihegy International Airport are advised to take the airport shuttle minibus to their hotels; this is the least expensive and most reliable service.

The Airport Shuttle Minibus (LRI) shuttle service to hotels runs every 10 minutes for approx. 5-6 persons. Fare: EURO 15 at 2005 prices.

Metropolitan bus No. 93 (blue) also leaves from the terminal building for Kõbánya-Kispest station, where you may take metro line No. 3 (blue line) to the centre of the city.

Taxis are also available. Fare: approx. EURO 35-50. Taxis are usually not equipped with credit card readers.

Arrival by train

There are 3 major international railway stations in Budapest (Deli pu., Keleti pu. and Nyugati pu.), located in the city centre and within easy reach of the Congress hotels either by public transport or by taxi.

Currency, exchange, credit cards

The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint. Exchange facilities are offered to participants at the airport, in hotels, at the exchange desk of the banks or at the registration desk of the Congress at around the daily rate indicated by the Hungarian National Bank.

American Express, Visa, Diners, Eurocard, Master Card and JCB Card are accepted at the registration desk, in hotels, first class restaurants and city stores, but you should ask or look for the logo before ordering a service.

Insurance

The Organizing Committee can not assume responsibility for injuries or losses occurring to persons or personal belongings during the Congress. Participants are therefore advised to travel with a valid insurance package.

Local transportation in Budapest

Public transport in the city is well organized. Trams, buses and metro trains operate without conductors. Weekly ticket will be provided to the participants. Otherwise tickets must be purchased in advance at tobacco shops or metro stations. Weekly passes allowing free travel on all means of transportation within the city limits can be bought at each metro station.

Taxis

We suggest that you use only taxis equipped with a taximeter, such as Fõtaxi, City Taxi or Buda Taxi. Beware of private cabs, especially those without a taximeter.

Tipping

It is customary to give a tip of 10% over the amount of the bill at restaurants and in taxis.

Electricity supply

In Hungary, electricity is supplied at 230 V, 50 Hz. The 2-pin connecting plug is different from that used in some other countries, e.g. the USA, the UK and Japan.