GENERAL INFORMATION

GENERAL
INFORMATION

Your
host

Genova
– your host city

 (city-plan)

Genoa
is proud and shy and doesn’t yield to everybody, to people who pass by in
hurry heading
for
some faraway places. Genoa reveals herself little by little, and she looks like
a woman you love
more
and more. Genoa puts a spell on her visitors, for ever. Genoa’s beauty lies in
her magic old
port,
heart of the town, open gate to overseas world, to the Mediterranean sea that
has always

been
a link between different people, a cultural crossroads of ideas, religious
beliefs, languages,
goods.
Genoa’s beauty lies in the hills bowing around her bay like an amphitheatre,
in her vertical
cityscape,
in her luxurious palaces, in the alleys of the medieval city swarming with life,
where
past
and present meet. Genoa’s beauty lies in her irregular shape, in her stunning
34 kilometres

length
from East to West, in her outskirts that still retain their distinctive
character.

Genoa’s
beauty lies in her sunny Gulf and in her Rivieras, a land of light and winds, a
mimosa
yellow,
tangerine orange, oleander red, grey-green olive land.

Magazzini
del Cotone – your host venue

The
congress venue is located in the authentic heart of Genova, her ancient
historical port,
Porto Antico. In 1992, to commemorate the great exploit by Christopher Columbus, the
old piers
and
docks underwent an important renovation by Renzo Piano, the world famous Genoese
Architect.
Thanks to that , the Porto Antico is today a lively and fascinating seafront,
hosting
tourist
attractions such as Europe largest Aquarium and many others.

The
Congress Center is located in the XIX century cotton warehouses and still
retains its original
feature
of commercial building. The proximity to Genova’s inner city allows visitors
and congress
participants
to discover easily the many art treasures of the city.

Interesting
links

Travel
information

Genova
is easily accessible from any part of the continent by all means of transport:

By
road
 

The
most convenient motorway exit is “Genova Ovest” (West Genoa).

By
train from all major European cities

By
plane

Genoa
is best served by the international airport Cristoforo Colombo, situated 5 km
west of the
city.
The airport has direct connnections with all major European cities and airports.
The Italian
national
air carrier is Alitalia. Other convenient airport are :
Milan
– Malpensa (Italy) 145 km north of Genoa.

From
the airport, Genoa can be easily reached :

• by
  airport Volabus (tickets cost approx. 4 EURO)
  
  

• by
  taxi (fare approx. 20,00 EURO)
  
  

Delegates
can ask BC Congressi for assistance
in arranging their travel :

Local
information

Visa
requirements

In
most cases, a valid passport is sufficient to enter Italy. Participants from
outside the EEC are
advised
to check the requirements at the nearest Italian Embassy or Consulate. The
Secretariat will
assist
participants who might have difficulties obtaining a visa, provided all the
necessary information
is
forwarded at least three months in advance.

Climate

In
Genoa the weather in April is mild with possible sunny day, with an average daily temperature
of
18°C.

Public
transport

Genoa
has a good bus transportation system, tickets can be bought by tobacconists and
newsagents.

Car
parking

Car
parking is available by the Conference Centre.

Taxis

Taxis
cannot be booked but easily found by calling 010/5966.

Currency

The
Italian monetary unit is the Lire. As a member of the European monetary system,
from 2002,
the
lire will be replaced by the euro. The use of the euro will be a fact at the
time of the congress.

All
major credit cards (American Express, Diners, Master Card-Eurocard and Visa) are
widely
accepted
in hotels, larger stores and restaurants.

Restaurants

There
are several restaurants offering national and international dishes (self-service,
à la carte,
Italian,
pizzerias, snack bars) within walking distance of the Congress Centre.

Shopping

One
can go shopping everywhere, in the old streets (caruggi) of the historic centre
as well as in
the
inland trade centres. Just walking along Via Orefici, Via Luccoli, Campetto,
Soziglia, Via
Macelli,
Via Canneto and Sottoripa to find ancient and well established dealer firms or
more fanciful
artisan
studios. In the modern centre, the best shopping areas are Via Roma, Piccapietra,
Via
XX Settembre and its surroundings.

In
the Porto Antico you will find a lot of shops that sel Genoese delicatessen,
records, books and
underwater
outfits.

From
Monday to Saturday usual shopping hours are 10.00 to 19.00.

Drinking
water

Tap
water is safe to drink in Genoa.

Electricity

Voltage:
220 V, 50 Hz.

Time

One
hour ahead of Greenwich mean time (GMT)

Congress-specific
information

Language

The
official language of the Congress is English. However, simultaneous translation
to
Italian will be provided for the plenary sessions.

Delegate
packs

At
registration, delegates will receive a congress wallet containing the detailed
final programme,
the
abstract book, tourist information, information provided by sponsors and a
notepad and pen.

They
will also receive a personal envelope with a name badge and optional vouchers (dinner).

Badges

Congress
badges should be worn by all participants at all times during the meeting and
whilst
visiting the exhibition area.

Lunches
and refreshments

Breaks
will be organised in the exhibition area. There will be lunch facilities in the
Congress
Centre,
at your own expense. Several restaurants of all categories are located in the
vicinity
of
the Congress Centre. The cafetaria of the Congress Centre will be open during
the Congress.

Exhibit

Delegates
are encouraged to visit the exhibition stands and to recognise the valuable
financial
support
which these companies have provided towards the congress.

Insurance

The
Organising Committee cannot accept any liability. Participants should make their
own
arrangements
with respect to health and travel insurance.

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