We are delighted to welcome you to South Africa and in particular, to Durban.  We hope your stay will be both a memorable and enriching experience!  To facilitate arrangements we request that you take note of the following information, also available as Word document:

1.  MEETING REGISTRATION

Registration will take place at:

The registration desk will also become the General Help Desk during the Conference.

Conference Fee

If you have not as yet paid the conference fee, please do so at the time of registration.

NAME BADGES will be issued at registration, and we request that these are worn at all formal conference proceedings and social functions.  In the back of your name badge holder you will find 2 x -drinks tokens, for Sunday 1 November at Durban Botanic Gardens

2.  OFFICIAL HOTELS

Hilton Hotel
Telephone  : 27-31-336 8100
Fax  : 27-31-336 8200

Elangeni Hotel
Telephone  : 27-31-362 1300
Fax  : 27-31-337 3077

City Lodge
Telephone  : 27-31-332 1447
Fax  : 27-31-332 1483

Blue Waters Hotel
Telephone  : 27-31-327 7000
Fax  : 27-31-337 5817

Numbers are listed for international dialing.  If you are dialing locally, simply dial:  031, followed by the last 7 digits.

Check-In and Payment

FULL PAYMENT for your hotel reservation is payable on arrival directly to the hotel at check in by credit card.

Your extras are for your own account and must be settled directly with the hotel prior to departure.  The Conference will not be held liable for these charges:
- Telephone, Room Service, Laundry and Parking
- Additional meals such as dinners
- BEVERAGES (alcoholic & soft drinks) or bar accounts during lunches and dinners
- Mini Bar Fridge in your rooms if you have one
- Business Centre costs for internet access etc

Caution:  Hotel telephone charges are high, and we urge you to use this service conservatively.

3.  THE ICC (INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE)

Please see the congress programme handbook for paper and workshop venues.

Language

The official language for the Congress is English.

General Help Desk & Notices

Assistance and general information is available at the Registration Desk.  Messages & Daily notices will also be displayed on the notice boards at Registration.

4.  CAR TRANSFERS 

DHM Tours is the official transport company for all transfers at the conference i.e. between official hotels, the Durban Botanic Gardens and the ICC.  Please note that if you are not staying at one of the official hotels, all transfers are for your own account and arrangement.

Should you wish to arrange airport transfers, kindly contact Nicole at DHM Tours, email Cet e-mail est protégé contre les robots collecteurs de mails, votre navigateur doit accepter le Javascript pour le voir

5.  RECEPTIONS

The following receptions are also included for all participants:

NOTE:  Please be on time, as transport will not wait for late participants!

6.  CATERING

Breakfast

Is included in your daily hotel rate

Refreshment Breaks

Morning and afternoon tea/coffee breaks during the conference dates of 1 to 5 November, are included

Lunch

Lunch is included on the official meeting days only 2 to 5 November.

Dinner

Dinner is for your own account unless at social functions which form part of the conference.

7.  GENERAL INFORMATION

Medical Emergencies

If you need a doctor, please contact the hotel reception for the House Doctor on Duty.  In case of hospitalization, it is recommended that you go to a PRIVATE hospital.  All medical expenses will be for your own account.

Smoking

Smoking is NOT permitted inside the Conference Venues or in public restaurant areas.  You are required to smoke in the designated areas only.

Dress / Clothing

Casual / Comfortable dress.  Remember a jacket, as it is difficult to regulate room temperatures during sessions. 

Parking

If you have hired a car, parking is available but is for your own account.

Foreign Exchange

At the time of going to print, the current rate of exchange was R7.30 (SA Rand) to 1 US$  Traveller’s cheques and foreign currency notes of all major currencies can be exchanged at any major bank.   Banks are open Monday to Friday 09h00 – 15h30 and Saturdays 08h30 – 11h00.  Master Cards and Visa Cards are accepted throughout the country.  There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that may be brought into South Africa.  However on departure from South Africa, visitors are required to provide proof of foreign exchange transactions, in order to convert excess Rands back into foreign currency.

8.  SECURITY ALERTS

As a visitor to South Africa, your well-being is of utmost importance to us.  Unfortunately the levels of recorded crime have steadily increased in South Africa since 1995 at an alarming rate.  Street Crime in particular has increased at a greater rate including street robbery and muggings.

As in other countries around the world there are a few basic security precautions you need to be aware of, and to ensure your visit is as pleasant and safe as possible.

9.  SAFETY ON THE STREET

Do Not:

1. Wear expensive looking jewellery when walking on streets
2. Leave large amounts of cash/credit cards/travel documents behind and lock them in your hotel safe.  Separate your cash and credit cards and do not carry with you unnecessary large amounts of cash.
3. Countersign your traveller’s cheques in advance
4. Wear items that identify you as an international participant e.g. name badge/conference bag on the street
5. Keep cell phones, cameras and wallets tucked away where no-one can see them including cameras
6. Do not walk alone on the streets, but rather walk in groups or take taxis
7. Do not walk alone at night – always take a taxi when going out at night.  The hotel porter will assist you with this.
8. Keep away from strangers and do not talk to them.  Be aware of strangers offering to sell you items as this could be a decoy.
9. Do not allow strangers to assist you with any ATM transactions at the bank
10. Make use of the transport service officially recognised by the Meeting Organisers

10.  HOTEL SECURITY

1. Secure valuables in the safety deposit box in your room or at reception
2. Do not leave your luggage unattended in the hotel lobby (special attention to your note book computer)

11.  IF YOU ARE CONFRONTED

If you are confronted, DO NOT FIGHT BACK.  Give up your valuables as these can always be replaced!  Report the incident immediately to the conference organizer.