June 7 – 12, 2008  Macao SAR, China

Congress News
 

Participant Information Guide

This newsletter has been prepared to provide you, the Congress Participant with information and advice that will make your travel to ISBT 2008 pleasant and memorable. It covers aspects that facilitate easy transit through airports and immigration as well as giving hints on practical and social issues.

We look forward to seeing you in Macao at ISBT 2008!!!!
 

Passports and Visas

If visas are required for Macao and/or Hong Kong, all participants should be reminded to request visa from the Immigration Services through Embassies / Consulates of the PRC or on arrival in Macao at the Immigration Services. Should this be the case, the participants have to arrange at their own expenses for multiple entry visas. For further information, please call the Macau Immigration Services of Public Security Police Force: (Macao Area code) 853 - 2872 5488 or visit the website: www.fsm.gov.mo.
 

To and from Hong Kong International Airport

Participants who are flying to Hong Kong can take a ferry or helicopter to Macao. The Cross Boundary Passenger Ferry Terminal provides ferry service between the Hong Kong International Airport and Macao Ferry Terminal. Passenger can take the “TurboJET Sea Express” and transit to Macao via the Hong Kong International Airport without the need to go through Hong Kong Customs and Immigration formalities and also without the hassle of carrying their luggage to the ferry terminal. Website of TurboJET Sea Express is at www.turbojetseaexpress.com.hk.

Accommodation

If you have not yet made your accommodation bookings and require assistance in this regard, you may contact the official Congress housing and travel agent, ICC - International Conference Consultants, Ltd., who will be pleased to assist you

For the list of appointed hotels with Congress rates and more information please go to: http://www.isbt-web.org/macao/hotel-accomodation.asp
 

Registration hours

The registration desk in The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, located at the Convention Centre on the Ground Floor will be open

during the following hours:

Saturday, June 7            14.00 – 18.00 hours

Sunday, June 8             07.30 – 18.30 hours

Monday, June 9             07.30 – 18.00 hours

Tuesday, June 10          08.00 – 18.00 hours

Wednesday, June 11       08.00 – 18.00 hours

Thursday, June 12          08.00 – 13.00 hours

After registering for the congress you have received an official confirmation by e-mail/post. For your convenience we kindly ask to this confirmation with you when you come to register at the registration desk.
 

Scientific Programme and Abstracts on line

The complete scientific programme including the submitted abstracts are now on line. For more information please go to the website: www.isbt-web.org/macao
 

Commercial Exhibition

During the congress a commercial exhibition is organised. For up to date information about who is exhibiting, please go to http://www.isbt-web.org/macao/exhibition.asp

The exhibition will be open at the following hours:

Sunday, June 8              18.00 – 21.00 hours

Monday, June 9              10.00 – 19.00 hours

Tuesday, June 10           10.00 – 19.00 hours

Wednesday, June 11       10.00 – 18.00 hours

Public Transportation

There is a free shuttle bus service between Venetian and the underneath locations in Macao available to Congress Participants with the following frequencies:

Congress Party

The Congress Party will take place at The Macao Fisherman’s Wharf on Wednesday 11^th June 2008.

The Macao Fisherman’s Wharf is the first theme park in Macao. It comprises three themes, Tang Dynasty, East Meets West and the Legend Wharf. The Legend Wharf features a collection of European and Latin style architectures. You will enjoy a superb buffet and wine while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the coastline. Live band and roving performances will be arranged at the party.

Transport will leave will depart from 19.00 – 20.00 hours at the Bus Depot Area (West Entrance) of the Venetian Hotel and will return from 21.30 onwards

The costs for participation are Eur 50.- per person. If you have not registered for this evening yet, please ask at the Hotel, Travel and Tours Desk in the Registration Area if there are tickets left.

Morning Tai Chi Class

On Monday June 9 and Tuesday June 10, a Tai Chi Class is organised between in Room Sicily 714 between 07.30 and 08.30 hours

Tai Chi or “shadow boxing” is a graceful exercise that combines thought and action and is developed from an ancient Chinese martial art. A master will teach the anciently derived art, allowing delegates and guests to capture the spirit of this art form.

Congress Excursions

Please come to the Hotel, Travel and Tours Desk in the Registration Area to inquire if there are still places on one of the excursions.

For more information please go to: http://www.isbt-web.org/macao/excursion-programme.asp

Currency and Money Changing

The following rates of exchange are applicable on May 30, 208

1 Euro                      =              MOP 12.81

1 British pound           =              MOP 16.32

1 Hong Kong Dollar      =              MOP 1.05

1 US Dollar                =              MOP  8.26

Macao’s official currency is the Pataca (MOP) and it is divided into 100 avos. The Pataca is linked to the Hong Kong dollar (HK$) which is accepted as currency in Macao. Roughly 1 EURO is equivalent to 11 Patacas while 1 US Dollar is equivalent to 8 Patacas. Foreign currency or travellers’ cheques can be changed in hotels, banks and authorised exchange dealers located all around the city. Banks open normally from 09.00 to 17.00 on Mondays to Fridays. Most credit cards are accepted in many hotels, shops and restaurants. There are no restrictions on the amount of currency to be brought in or taken out of the territory..

Disclaimer

The information and content provided in this newsletter is intended purely as a guideline for participants and visitors to ISBT 2008. The information may change at any time and without notice and the event and organisers accept no responsibility or liability as a consequence. Errors and omissions excepted.

For more information about ISBT 2008 please visit the Congress website:  www.isbt-web.org/macao

WELCOME TO ISBT 2008