Satellite Symposia
Satellite symposia, supported by a variety of pharmaceutical companies, will be open to Congress attendees free of charge. Topics have been chosen to complement the plenary sessions of the Congress.
Congress Language
The Congress language is English. No translation will be provided.
Congress Location
The International Convention Center of Barcelona
Centre de Convencions Internacional de Barcelona (CCIB)
Rambla de Prim 1-17
08019 Barcelona, Spain This modern convention center is located in the heart of a new activity area at the junction of the Mediterranean Sea and the Besos River, in North-East Barcelona. IMPORTANT DATES
Abstract Submission Deadline
19 February 2009 |
Abstract Presenter Registration Deadline
30 April 2009 |
Discounted Registration Deadline
19 March 2009 |
Regular Registration Deadline
4 June 2009 |
Abstract Notifications Mailed
6 April 2009 |
Congress Dates
24 – 27 June 2009 |
About Barcelona:Located in a privileged position on the northeastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula and the shores of the Mediterranean, Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain in both size and population. It is also the capital of Catalonia, 1 of the 17 Autonomous Communities that make up Spain.
There are two official languages spoken in Barcelona: Catalan, generally spoken in all of Catalonia, and Castillian Spanish. The city of Barcelona has a population of 1,510,000, but this number spirals to more than 4,000,000 if the outlying areas are also included. The capital of Catalonia is unequivocally a Mediterranean city, not only because of its geographic location but also and above all because of its history, tradition and cultural influences. The documented history of the city dates back to the founding of a Roman colony on its soil in the second century B.C. Modern Barcelona experienced spectacular growth and economic revival at the onset of industrialization during the second half of the 19th century. The 1888 World’s Fair became a symbol of the capacity for hard work and the international outlook projected by the city. Culture and the arts flourished in Barcelona and in all of Catalonia; the splendor achieved by Catalonian modernism is one of the most patent displays.
The first Olympic Games in three decades without a boycott were hosted by Barcelona in 1992, touching off unprecedented changes and improvements throughout the city. Athletes from most of the new countries of the former Soviet Union competed as the “Unified Team” and for the first time since 1964, Germany competed as a unified country. South Africa also rejoined the Games having eliminated apartheid making the Barcelona Olympics a truly historic event.
Barcelona, more than just a single city, is really a collection of multi-faceted and diverse cities offering the best of European culture throughout the ages in one location. Neatly matching the ancient with the ultra modern, Barcelona truly stands out as the jewel of the Mediterranean.
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR YOUR STAY IN BARCELONA
Entering Spain: Visitors from other European Union member countries may enter Spain using either a passport or their national identity document. Visitors from other countries must have a valid passport and a visa if required. Inquiries regarding visas can be directed to Spanish diplomatic representatives abroad.
Climate: Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, sunny winters, warm summers and relatively low rainfall. June temperatures are very pleasant at 24? Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit) on average.
Language: Spanish and Catalan are the two main languages spoken in Barcelona. English, and to a lesser extent French, are also fairly widely spoken. Tourist information, menus, etc. are nearly always available in English, French, and German.
General Safety Advice for Visitors: Barcelona is a safe city, with almost no violent crime, and tourists and visitors can stroll around and sightsee at ease. However, as in any big city, some basic safety precautions should be observed. When walking around typical tourist spots, be especially vigilant of handbags and wallets.
Health Regulation: No international immunization is needed when entering Spain. However, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of all countries through which you may have to pass on your way to Spain.
Liability and Insurance: The Congress organizers cannot accept liability for personal injuries, loss or damage to property belonging to Congress participants (or their accompanying persons), either during or as a result of the Congress. Please check the validity of your own insurance.
Banks: Banks are open from 8:30 to 14:00 from Monday to Friday during the summer months.
Credit Cards, Currency and Exchange: AII major international credit cards are accepted. Foreign currency and traveler’s checks can be exchanged in Spain at banks and foreign exchange offices. Cash-point machines accepting major international credit cards and charge cards are available at most banks. The Spanish currency is the Euro.
VAT: There is a variable value added tax (VAT) of 7 percent to 16 percent applied to most items and services, but most prices you see will include it. When it is not included, it should be clearly indicated.
Shopping: Normal trading hours are Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 13:30 and 16:30 to 20:00; however, in the city center and shopping malls, many shops stay open all day from 10:00 to 21:00, or even later in some tourist spots such as Maremagnum and Diagonal Mar.
Duty Free: There are no restrictions on visitors entering Spain with goods bought in another European Union member country, as long as they are for their own use and not to sell.
Public Transport and Car Rental: Barcelona has a good, comprehensive public transport network, with special ten-trip and one, two or three-day tickets valid on bus, metro and local trains. Taxis are abundant and reasonably priced. Free parking is very limited in the city center and car parks are expensive, so car rental is only really recommended for excursions outside the city.
Taxis: Taxis in Barcelona may be ordered by phone, picked up at authorized taxi stands, or flagged down in the street. Always check that the meter is running. Taxis must usually be paid in cash though some accept credit cards.
Tipping: In restaurants, hotels, taxis, hairdressers and so on, a gratuity is not included in the price. Although optional, tips are readily accepted and a general guideline is between 5 percent and 10 percent of the bill, depending on the quality of the service. Hotel and airport porters will take, depending on the luggage you have, 1 to 3 Euros.
Italian Participants: Fargo International Meetings & Conventions Srl has been appointed as the official agency for government authorization for Italian participants. You may contact them directly at:
Fargo International Meetings & Conventions, Srl
Via Piattro Maroncelli 44/46
50137 Firenze Italy
Fax: +39 055 609 078
Tel: +39 055 600 555 |
