General information

Facts about Berlin

With a population of 3.4 million, Berlin is not only the largest city in Germany, but also a major European centre of culture, politics, and media. Berlin main - tains a long tradition as a city of medicine and medical technology. The Charité Hospital dating back to 1710 is the largest University Hospital in Europe. The capital of Germany is characterised by its breathtaking architecture. East meets West in the metropolis at the heart of an ever-changing Europe. Wherever you go, you can experience the pulsating life on the boulevards, in the art galleries and at the fl ea markets. This special rhythm can also be felt in the innumerable bars and restaurants – many of which are located around the famous Brandenburg Gate, the Gendarmenmarkt square with the German and French cathedral, the Pergamon museum, Charlottenburg Castle and Bellevue Castle, the ruin and the new church Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche and the Olympic Stadium.

Banking Service

The national currency of Germany is the Euro ("). Foreign currencies can be exchanged at local banks, which are usually open from Monday to Friday between 10.00 and 16.00 hours, closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Most hotels, restaurants and shops in Berlin accept all major credit cards. An ATM can be found in the entrance area of the ICC building. ATMs can also be found at the airport, railway stations and all over the city center.

Electricity supply

In Germany sockets operate with 230V and comply with European standards.

Insurance

By registering for the XXXIst International Congress of the ISBT, participants agree that neither the organising committee nor the congress organisers assume any liability whatsoever. Participants are requested to make their own arrangements with respect to health and travel insurance.

Language

The congress language is English. The offi cial language in Germany is German. Shopping in Berlin Most shops and department stores are open from Monday to Saturday between 10.00 and 18.00 hours, closed on Sundays. Larger shops and shopping malls are open until 21.00 hours from Monday to Saturday, closed on Sundays. For more information about shopping in Berlin, please visit: www.visitberlin.de

Travel & Visa

To assist you in obtaining a visa, a letter of invitation please contact the ISBT Congress Secretariat. We advise you to download the letter of invitation at your earliest convenience. This letter is not a commitment on the part of the organisers to provide any financial support. The process for requesting visas at consulates or embassies may take considerable time.

Please check the list hereunder whether you will have to apply for a visa: www.auswaertiges-amt.de

Weather

The average temperature in June is around 20 to 25°C. Lunch Lunch is included in the participants’ registration fee Programme Changes The organisers cannot assume liability for any changes in the programme due to external or unforeseen circumstances. Changes will be mentioned on message screens throughout the Congress Centre.

Registration Hours

The registration desk in the ICC Berlin will be open at the following hours:

Friday	June 25, 2010	16.00 – 18.00
Saturday	June 26, 2010	08.00 – 18.00
Sunday	June 27, 2010	07.30 – 18.00
Monday	June 28, 2010	07.30 – 18.00
Tuesday	June 29, 2010	08.00 – 18.00
Wednesday	June 30, 2010	08.00 – 18.00
Thursday	July 1, 2010	08.00 – 13.00

Time

Berlin is in the Central European Time (CET) zone.

Trade Exhibition

A commercial exhibition of pharmaceutical items and technical equipment will be organised during the congress. Interested companies please contact the Congress Organiser for further information at:

c/o Eurocongress International
Jan van Goyenkade 11
1075 HP Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Telephone	:	+31 20 679 3411
Fax	:	+31 20 673 7306
E-mail	:	isbt.berlin@eurocongress.com

More information for exhibitors please click here

Venue

ICC Berlin
Messedamm 22, 14055 Berlin, Germany

Telephone	:	+49 30 3038 3000
Fax	:	+49 30 3038 3030
Website	:	www.icc-berlin.de

Transportation in Berlin

From Tegel Airport to Berlin City Center Tegel Airport is located in the northwest of Berlin, approximately 10 km from the city center.

Public Transport

• X9 Bus to “Zoologischer Garten” (City West), travel time approx. 20 min.
• TXL Bus to “Unter den Linden” and “Alexanderplatz” (City East), travel time approx. 35 min.

For detailed information, please visit: www.bvg.de

Taxi

• City West: approx. € 17.00
• City East: approx. € 22.00

From Schönefeld Airport to Berlin City Center

Schönefeld is situated in the southeast of Berlin, approximately 20 km from the city center. This airport is connected with the city center by the S-Bahn (commuter train) lines S49 and S9 as well as the AirportExpress train. They run from/ to “Zoologischer Garten”, “Friedrichstrasse”, “Alexanderplatz” and “Ostbahnhof” every half an hour. All trains and the S-Bahn stop at the “Flughafen Berlin – Schönefeld Bhf” station, which is a 5 minute walk from the terminal.

Public Transport

• AirportExpress (RE 7/RB 14) from “Flughafen Berlin – Schönefeld Bhf” to “Zoologischer Garten” (City West), travel time approx. 32 min.
• AirportExpress (RE 7/RB 14) from “Flughafen Berlin – Schönefeld Bhf” to “Alexanderplatz” (City East), travel time approx. 21 min.
• S9 S-Bahn (commuter train) from Flughafen Berlin – Schönefeld Bhf” to “Zoologischer Garten” (City West), travel time approx. 55 min.
• S9 S-Bahn (commuter train) from “Flughafen Berlin – Schönefeld Bhf” to “Alexanderplatz” (City East), travel time approx. 35 min.

For detailed information, please visit: www.bvg.de

Taxi

• City West: approx. € 33.00
• City East: approx. € 28.00

From Berlin City Center to ICC
Public Transport
The most convenient way to reach ICC is via public transport.

• By S-Bahn S41, S42 and S46 to “Messe Nord/ICC” stop. Alternatively: by S-Bahn S5, S7, S9, S41, S42, S45, S46, S47 and S75 to “West-kreuz” stop.
• By U-Bahn U2 to “Kaiserdamm” stop.
• By Bus with line M49, X34, X49, 104 and 139 to “Messedamm/ZOB/ICC” stop.

For detailed information, please visit: www.bvg.de

Taxi

• City West: approx. € 12.00 (approx. 15 min.)
• City East: approx. € 22.00 (approx. 30 min.)

By Car

Approaching Berlin on highway A 115 follow the signs for “Messedamm / ICC” and eventually turn right at “Neue Kantstrasse” Please be aware that parts of the city belong to an environmental zone (“Umweltzone”) with limited access (especially for older cars). Special stickers are required. The ICC, however, is located outside this zone.

Taxi Service
The following taxi companies will offer their services:

• Funk Taxi: +49 800 02610 26
• Würfelfunk: +49 800 22222 55

Car Parking
There are parking spaces all around the area surrounding the ICC Berlin which are free. In addition there is a car park in the ICC Berlin (south entrance). The fee is as follows:

• Per hour: € 2.50
• Maximum fee (full day): € 7.50

Tips
Although all prices offi cially include a service charge, tipping is recommended – as long as you are satisfied.

• Taxi: 10%
• Restaurant: 10 – 15%
• Porter (hotel): € 2.00 – 3.00 depending on the standard of the hotel
• Chambermaid: € 2.00 – 3.00 depending on the standard of the hotel