Venue
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Center
Cnr Merivale and Glenelg Streets
South Bank, Brisbane
Queensland Australia
Phone
Australia: 07 3308 3000
International: 61 7 3308 3000
Toll Free Australia Only: 1800 063 308
Website: http://www.bcec.com.au

Language
The official language of the conference is English.

Currency and shopping hours
The currency used in Brisbane is Australian Dollars ($AUD). Consult a currency converter or your financial institution for accurate exchange rates.

Most stores in Brisbane open Monday to Saturday until around 5 or 6 pm. Some retailers may remain open until 9pm weeknights and between 9am and 6pm Sundays. Grocery and department stores generally open seven days a week, with late night trading until 9pm on weeknights.

Electricity
Electricity in Australia is 220-240V AC 50Hz. The sockets are three pin and you may need an adaptor. Universal outlets for 240V or 100V shavers are found in most leading hotels and multi-voltage appliances as well as adaptors are readily available in department stores and luggage shops.

Time zone
Brisbane is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. (GMT+10)

Tipping
Tipping is neither compulsory nor expected in Brisbane, but is nonetheless appreciated for good service in places like restaurants (where 10% of the bill is customary) and bars, as well as taxis.

Visa requirements
If you are visiting Brisbane from any overseas country you’ll need a visa for Australia. If you are from New Zealand a visa will be issued on arrival in Australia. If you’re from any other country you’ll need to obtain a visa in advance.

Weather in Brisbane
November in Brisbane is the Springtime. Average temperature 15-25°C (59-77°F). Similar to Autumn with glorious sunny days followed by balmy evenings, perfect for outdoor and indoor activities.

Official Letter of Invitation
Official letters of invitation designed to help overcome administrative difficulties in certain countries will be sent on request. It must be understood that such letters do not represent a commitment on the part of the Organising Committee or Conference to provide any financial assistance.

Liability and Insurance
The organiser is not able to take any responsibility whatsoever for injury or damage involving persons and property during the conference. Participants are advised to take out their own personal travel and health insurance for their trip.

Registration & Accommodation
All participants must submit a completed registration form. Hotel accommodation at special conference rates are offered to participants.

Name Badge
You are kindly requested to wear your name badge during all the conference days and social events.
Please note that a charge of USD 50 / Euro 30 will be made on site in case of loss of your name badge.
Going Green - Please consider the environment!

Clothing
Clothing is informal for all conference activities.

Brisbane Airport
Brisbane’s airports (both international and domestic) are situated next to each other in the suburb of Eagle Farm, less than 20 km from Brisbane's CBD. They are accessible by road and by rail using the Airtrain service, which is linked to the Citytrain network.
The city is easily accessible by car, taxi and public transport upon arrival.

The airports are 75 minutes from the Gold Coast and 105 minutes from the Sunshine Coast. Both destinations can be reached by car, taxi or public transport.

Shuttle buses - Depart regularly. Call Coachtrans on 07 3238 4700.
* Airtrain - Operates every 30 minutes (more frequently in peak hours) from approximately 6am to 8pm every day with an extra morning service to be introduced from 15 February 2010. It's a 22 minute train trip to Central station (and you won’t get stuck in traffic jams!). Trains from the Gold Coast leave every 15 minutes during morning peak periods. It's worth noting that kids travel free on the Airtrain when accompanied by a paying adult. You can also use your go card on Airtrain.
* Taxi - At Brisbane’s Domestic Terminal, taxi ranks are located at both the Qantas and Virgin Blue ends of the terminal. The taxi rank at the International Terminal is on Arrivals level 2.
* Hire car - The airports have the major hire car companies and some are based close to the airport. Contact your preferred hire car company for more information on rates and conditions.