General Information

ESPE Meeting Secretariat

All matters regarding registration, hotel booking, social events, abstract handling, exhibition management and general information are managed by Congrex Sweden AB. Congrex Sweden AB has been appointed official Meeting organiser for this event. The Congrex Group works internationally with offices in Sweden, The Netherlands, United Kingdom and Latin America, offering integrated solutions for the association services industry and corporate and governmental meetings. For more information, please visit: www.congrex.com


Congrex Sweden AB
Att: ESPE 2011
Franzéngatan 5, 5 tr
P.O. Box 5619
114 86 Stockholm
Sweden
Tel: +46 8 459 66 00
Fax: +46 8 661 91 25
Email: espe2011@congrex.com

Banks and Post Offices

Banks typically open 09:30 to 16:00 or 17:00 from Monday to Friday, although some are open slightly later on Thursday evenings and a few branches may be open on Saturday morning until 12:30. Outside banking hours you'll have to use a foreign exchange office, which can be found in the city centre and also at the airport and railway stations. Some offices charge comparatively high commission rates for changing cheques. Avoid changing money or cheques in hotels, as the rates are usually quite low.

Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance will be available for all delegates attending the ESPE 2011 Meeting

Climate

The temperature in September is quite warm; between 8 and 15° with some rainfall. Don’t forget to take warm clothes for chilly evenings.

Customs and Duty Free

Travelling Within the European Union
You do not have to pay any tax or duty in the UK on goods you have bought tax paid in other EU countries which are for your own use, and which have been transported to the UK by you. 'Own use' includes goods which are for your own consumption and gifts. You cannot bring back goods for payment, even payment in kind, or for re-sale. These goods would then be regarded as held for a commercial purpose.

If the Officer is satisfied the goods are being brought into the UK for a commercial purpose, and are not for own use, the goods, along with any vehicle used to transport them, will be liable to seizure and may not be returned. For serious offences you could also be liable to imprisonment, heavy fines or driving disqualification.

Travelling From Outside the European Union
You are entitled to an allowance of goods only if you travel with the goods and do not plan to sell them. Make sure that you don't bring anything into, or take anything out of, Scotland, that you shouldn't.

For more information please visit www.visitscotland.com/guide/travel/library/passports-visas-customs  

Currency

The local currency is the Pound Sterling and the sign for the Pound is £ (GBP). Euros are not used in the UK. Please visit www.oanda.com  for the latest currency rate.

Credit card acceptance in Glasgow

Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, stores, cafés and restaurants. Be prepared to present a picture ID when using a credit card.

ATM’s offer a convenient way of withdrawing Pounds (£) on a credit or debit card. Most banks have these machines, and all major cards are accepted (be sure to have your PIN code). There is a cash machine inside the SECC Congress Centre.

Cancellation or Modification of the Meeting due to Force Majeure

In case of force majeure, ESPE 2011 has the right to alter or cancel the Meeting without prior notice, however a notice of the occurrence shall be given by ESPE 2011 as soon as reasonably possible. Force majeure shall mean any circumstance beyond the reasonable control of ESPE 2011 which prevents or impedes the holding of the Meeting, including, but not limited to, government action, war or hostilities, riot or civil commotion, plague or other epidemic such as SARS, bird flu, etc, earthquake, flood, hurricane, cyclone, fire or other natural physical disaster, explosion, accident or breakdown, strike, lack of the usual means of transportation or terrorism. ESPE 2011 shall not be liable for any direct or indirect, incidental or consequential damages, losses, expenditures or any other inconveniences or costs caused by such modification or cancellation of the Meeting. Furthermore, registration fees will not be reimbursed by ESPE 2011.

Disclaimer/Liability

The Organising Committee and Congrex Sweden AB cannot accept liability for injuries or losses of whatever nature incurred by participants and/or accompanying persons, nor for loss of or damage to their luggage and/or personal belongings. Please check the validity of your own travel insurance. All reasonable endeavours will be made to hold the ESPE 2011 and to present its program as scheduled under circumstances which assure the comfort and safety of all participants and accompanying persons. However, neither the ESPE nor its committees, representatives or agents, shall be held liable by any person as a result of the cancellation of the ESPE 2011 or of any of the arrangements, programs or plans connected therewith, or for any injury, damage or inconvenience which may be suffered by any person while travelling to or from, or during such person's presence in Scotland in connection with this Meeting. Participants and accompanying persons are advised to purchase their own insurance against any such occurrences.

Electricity

The UK, Scotland and Republic of Ireland use a 13 amp plug with 3 rectangular pins which is different to the rest of Europe. As such, an adaptor may be needed depending on the country you are coming from.

Email Centre

An email centre will be situated within the Exhibition hall during the ESPE Meeting.

Exhibition

The ESPE 2011 Meeting includes a commercial exhibition which starts on Sunday September 25 and will be open during the Meeting. For detailed information on the exhibition please read the information published under Exhibition and Sponsorship.

First Aid

First aid room will be available at the venue.

Glasgow

Glasgow is one of Europe’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities offering typical Glaswegian hospitality. It has an abundance of architectural treasures and museums including, The Burrell Collection, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Gallery of Modern Art and the Peoples Palace to name just a few. Glasgow has the second largest shopping centre in the UK. You can shop at many major UK high street stores, smaller boutiques, department stores and a wide variety of specialty shops, including craft and antique shops to suit every taste and interest. You will also be spoilt for choice of venues to whet your appetite for eating, drinking and entertainment and there is easy access around the city centre with a highly developed network of train, bus and underground public transport systems.

Should you wish to explore outside the city, there is breathtaking countryside right on the doorstep, with plenty of opportunities for walking, golfing, cycling and other outdoor activities. The Scottish great outdoors is truly spectacular!

For further information about Glasgow, please visit www.seeglasgow.com
Edinburgh, Scotlands Capital, is only 50 minutes away from Glasgow. For further information about Edinburgh, please visit www.edinburgh.com .

Italian Agency

The officially appointed Italian agency is:
PANDANI VIAGGI
S. r.l, via Fara 13
20124 Milano
Italy
Tel: +39 02 6694541
Fax: +39 02 99989769
Email: Info@pandani.it
Website: www.pandaniviaggi.it

Language

The official language of the ESPE 2011 Meeting is English. No simultaneous translation will be provided.
The official language in Scotland is English.

List of Participants

The list of participants will be available on the website before the meeting starts. Previous years a copy of a list of all registered participants was included in the Meeting bag, but in order to be environmentally friendly ESPE saves trees and cut back on printed matters.

Meals

Coffee and lunches are included in the registration fee and will be served daily. Special diet request must be send to Meeting Secretariat 3 week prior to the ESPE Meeting  e.g no later than 4 September

Meeting Bag

This year delegates will have a choice (while stocks last!) of two bags: black with red tartan trim or natural with beige tartan trim. 

 

‘Tartan’ is the term used to describe a woven pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands of colour.  Although its origins are unclear, it has been synonymous with Scotland since the 17^th and 18^th centuries.  Different tartans were originally associated with different regions or areas and then later with different families or clans.  Tartan is most commonly associated with textiles; in particular, the kilt, which is the knee length skirt-like garment traditionally worn by Scottish men – keep your eyes open during the conference for one or two examples! 

 

The tartans used in this year’s bags are a variation on the same theme.  The red is probably one of the world’s most-recognised designs, Royal Stewart, and the beige is a fashion version of the same design.  Each bag is unique since the trim will differ slightly depending on where, within repeats of the larger tartan pattern, it has been cut.  If you’d like to know more about tartan, further information can be found here.

 

This year’s choice of delegate bag reflects the organisers’ commitment to reducing the impact of the conference on the planet.  These environmentally responsible bags are made from jute canvas - a mixture of jute, which requires less water and pesticides to grow, process and manufacture than other plant fibres, and cotton - and are adorned with wooden fittings.  They are biodegradable and sustainable and have been transported by sea rather than air freight to further reduce their carbon footprint.  After the conference, any unused/unwanted bags will be donated to Oxfam’s Wastesaver recycling programme as an alternative to potentially damaging landfill disposal.

Meeting Logo

 

My concept for the Glasgow 2011 logo was to combine images reflecting ‘the child’, ‘feelings of aspiration’ (uplifting dreams and ambitions to improve children’s lives), ‘the 50th ESPE Meeting’ and ‘Charles Rennie Mackintosh’ – one of Glasgow’s most famous citizens, acknowledged as a leader of the Art Nouveau movement which is an integral part of Glasgow’s architectural and design culture.

The designer has also incorporated, in the black and gold stylised leaf motif, the well-known and established Glasgow: Scotland with Style image. The complementary typography is bold and modern, indicating that Glasgow has re-invented itself as a stylish contemporary City, one of the most dynamic in Europe, yet steeped in culture, rich in history and with unique attractions and architecture. The word ‘Glasgow’ is a reflection of the font now recognised as ‘Mackintosh’.

Chris Kelnar, ESPE President 2011 

Meeting Venue

 
Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC)
www.secc.co.uk

The Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre plays a unique role in the city of Glasgow. It is an iconic landmark venue and business destination with facilities that are second to none. As Glasgow continues to evolve, so will the SECC's story. From the practical perspective of facilities the SECC has the space and facility to deliver. The stunning Clyde Auditorium created by world renowned architects Foster and Partners was designed with the requirements of organizers and delegates in mind. It is directly linked to all other meeting rooms and exhibition areas. The SECC is purpose-built to provide a conference “ecology,” with flexible space, experienced staff, the latest AV equipment, high-quality catering and security. Everything is on site for comfort and peace of mind and last but not least is the location, which offers a superb outlook of the Clyde River.

SECC has won "Best UK Convention Centre" for the second year. The SECC's in-house caterers was awarded "Best Food and Beverage Supplier for 2010".

Official Airline

SAVE UP TO 20% ON TRAVEL WITH THE STAR ALLIANCE NETWORK

The Star Alliance members airlines are pleased to be appointed as the Official Airline Network for the 50th Annual ESPE Meeting.

To obtain the Star Alliance Conventions Plus discounts and for booking office information please visit www.staralliance.com/conventionsplus  and:

1. Choose "For delegates"
2. Under "Delegates login" enter conventions code BD05S11
3. Choose one of the participating airlines listed
4. Call the respective reservation contact listed and quote the conventions code BD05S11 when booking the ticket.

Registered participants plus one accompanying person travelling to the event can qualify for a discount of up to 20%, depending on fare and class of travel booked.

The participating airlines for this event are: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Blue1, bmi, Brussels Airlines, Contintental Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EgyptAir, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS International Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Spanair, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, TAP Portugal, TAM Airlines, Turkish Airlines, THAI, US Airways, United.

Discounts are offered on most published business and economy class fares, excluding website/internet fares, senior and youth fares, group fares and Round the World fares.

Please note: For travel from Japan and New Zealand special fares or discounts are offered by the participating airlines on their own network.

When making your own travel plans please present confirmation of your registration or proof of attendance.

Official Travel Agency

ESPE 2011 has designated event-travel specialist Congrex Travel to serve as the official agent for travel. Congrex TRavel offers reduced airfares for delegates attending the ESPE 2011. These special fares are available for flights to Glasgow and back between 18 September and 5 October 2011. Savings up to 20% are possible, depending on the route and availability.

Book online or contact Congrex Travel:

Email: businesstravel@congrex.com  
Phone: +41 61 560 75 60
Opening hours: 8 am - 5.30 pm CET, Monday-Friday

On-site Registration in Glasgow

The Registration Desk will be open the following hours during the meeting:

Saturday           24 September    14:00-18:00
Sunday             25 September    07:30-18:00
Monday             26 September    07:00-18:00
Tuesday            27 September    07:00-18:00
Wednesday        28 September    08:30-12:30 

Passport, Visa and Letter of Invitation

EU citizen must either present a passport or an ID card valid for the duration of the stay in order to enter Scotland for tourist visits of up to three months. Citizens of other countries must have a valid passport. Some non-EU citizens are required to produce a visa. Please contact your travel agent or the nearest UK diplomatic post for further information. Please note that we cannot enter into correspondence with the Scottish Authorities on your behalf and invitation letter does not imply any financial liability on our part. For more information, please go to: www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1052.html  

Individuals requiring an official letter of invitation in order to obtain a visa and authorisation to attend the meeting should click the link below and fill out the form. 
 Click here to download, fill out and print an official letter of invitation (PDF document) If you do not have Adobe Reader you can download it from www.adobe.com  

Photography

In accordance with the policy of the ESPE, it is strictly forbidden to take photographs during sessions.

Press

Fully accredited members of the Press are invited to attend the ESPE 2011 meeting.
Registration as an accredited press member is complimentary, to apply, send an email to espe2011.registration@congrex.com  with the following information

 

• A photography of your valid Press ID
• Name and web address of the journal you are working for
• The reason for attending ESPE 2011

The ESPE meeting secretariat will reply to your press application within 5 working days. Please note that industry staff and their communication agents are not eligible for press registration.
Online registration is not available.

Smoking Policy

In accordance with the policy of ESPE, this is a non-smoking event. Scotland has a non-smoking policy, i.e. smoking is prohibited in public buildings, public transport, taxis, buses and trains.

Telephones

Mobile telephones have to be switched off during sessions.

Tipping

Service is not normally included in restaurant, hotel and taxi bills. If you are happy with the service, a 10-15% tip is customary, particularly in a restaurant or café with table service. Tipping in bars is not expected. For taxi fares it is usual to round up to the nearest pound (£). 

Tourist Information

For further information about Glasgow, please see www.seeglasgow.com  

Travel / Transportation

Glasgow is a compact city easy to navigate on foot and built on a grid system, the region has an integrated network of public transport services for the convenience of both visitors and residents alike.

We hope that the information below will help you navigate your way into the city centre and around during your stay.

TRAVEL AT A GLANCE

Journey	Operator	Depart	Journey	Single	Return
Glasgow Airport to City Centre	500 Glasgow Shuttle	Every 10 mins, 24 hours	Approx 25 mins	£4.50	£7.00 Open return
Glasgow Airport to City Centre	Glasgow Taxis	On booking	15/20 mins	£19.80	N/A
Glasgow Airport to City Centre	Glasgow Airport Taxis	Immediate	15/20 mins	Approx £ 25.00	N/A
City Centre to SECC	Glasgow Central Station First Scotrail	Every 9 mins	3 mins	£1.30	£1.60

 
Glasgow International airport to city centre

www.glasgowairport.com

COACH TRAVEL

Delegates can use the 500 Glasgow Shuttle service which is operated by First Bus. This direct journey into the City Centre departs every 10 minutes from the front of the terminal building. The 500 service incorporates stops in close proximity to several accommodation locations.
A single journey is £4.50 and an open return of up to 4 weeks is £7, you can buy tickets in advance online for this service.
Tickets can be bought on the bus from the driver and change is given if required.

For further information including timetables & route maps please visit: www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/glasgow/journey_planning/glasgow_shuttle/fares.php

TAXIS

Glasgow taxi
On arrival at the airport delegates can call and book a taxi with Glasgow Taxis on +44 141 429 7070. These are the “black cabs” that you’ll see in and around the city and a standard journey price should be £19.80 from the Airport to the City Centre.
For further information on Glasgow Taxis please visit: www.glasgowtaxis.co.uk/services_fare.php   

Glasgow airport taxis
Delegates can also take one of the Airport Taxis which are always located immediately outside the terminal building. The standard fare from Glasgow Airport to Glasgow City Centre would be £25.00.

For further information on Glasgow Airport Taxis please visit: 
www.glasgowairportaxis.co.uk/glasgow-airport-taxi-c-62.html

CITY CENTRE TO SECC 

Trains to SECC 
Delegates can take the Low Level train from Glasgow Central Station to Exhibition Centre Station which is the station that services the SECC. This service is operated by First Scotrail.
The service runs every 9 minutes from Glasgow Central Station and the journey will take 3 minutes. A single journey to the SECC will be £1.30 with a return fare £1.60. Tickets can be purchased in Central Station at the Ticket Desks or at the Automated Kiosks.

For further information on the First Scotrail Network including rail timetables please visit: www.scotrail.co.uk  

AROUND THE CITY 
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) plan and deliver transport solutions across all modes of transport available in the city. SPT work in partnership with each transport provider and their site provides a wealth of information on each transport element together with ticket and journey guides. A helpful “one stop shop,” to familiarise yourself with the transport options available in the region.

For further information on SPT please visit: www.spt.co.uk  

By subway
The subway is a circular route of 15 stations covering the centre and west of Glasgow. The route operates an inner circle (travels counter clockwise) and outer circle (travels clockwise), a trip round the entire circle would take only 24 minutes! Monday-Saturday services operate from 06:30 and from 10:00 on Sunday. Close 23:30 (Monday-Saturday) and 18:00 - Sunday. Trains run every 6-8 minutes and all trains stop at all stations. A flat fare applies to any one journey on the subway; adult single tickets are currently priced at £1.20, £2.40 for a return.

For full information on times, fares, frequency and tickets please visit: www.spt.co.uk/subway


By rail
Glasgow has two major train stations, Glasgow Central servicing the South and Glasgow Queen Street servicing Edinburgh and the North. You can easily navigate your way around the city departing from either one of these stations.
For all rail enquires and for further information including timetables, please visit: www.scotrail.co.uk

By bus
First Bus is the largest bus operating company in Scotland. With over 1000 buses in operation there will certailnly be a service which will travel along the most appropriate route for you. 

For further information on First Bus services in Glasgow, including fares, routes & timetables, please visit: http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/scotland/swscot/home  

Travel Insurance

A travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is recommended. The ESPE Meeting Secretariat will not be held liable for illness, accidents or thefts suffered by Participants or Accompanying Persons during the meeting or their stay in the United Kingdom before or after the meeting.

Time

Time in Scotland is consistent with Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) except from late March to late October when Daylight Saving Time is in effect (GMT +1 hour).