General Information

Bank and Post Offices

There are many banks in the Lake Geneva region for all your financial requirements. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Post offices are usually open from 7 am to 12 noon and from 1.30-2 pm to 6 pm on weekdays. On Saturdays, post offices are open from 8.30 am till 12 noon.
 
Certificate of Attendance

Participating participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance.

Climate and Dress

The climate of Geneva is temperate and in June it is usually mild and sunny but be prepared for rain and chilly evenings. From June to July the daytime temperature ranges from 18º C to 28º C (65º-82ºF).

Currency

The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Please visit www.oanda.com for the latest currency rate.

Disclaimer

The SOE 2011 Congress 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 SOE 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 SOE nor its committees, representatives or agents, shall be held liable by any person as a result of the cancellation of the SOE 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 The Netherlands in connection with this Congress. Participants and accompanying persons are advised to purchase their own insurance against any such occurrences.

Cancellation or Modification of the Congress due to Force Majeure

In case of force majeure, SOE 2011 has the right to alter or cancel the Congress without prior notice, however a notice of the occurrence shall be given by SOE 2011 as soon as reasonably possible. Force majeure shall mean any circumstance beyond the reasonable control of SOE 2011 which prevents or impedes the holding of the Congress, 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. SOE 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 Congress. Furthermore, registration fees will not be reimbursed by SOE 2011.

Electricity

The electrical current in Switzerland is 220 volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. Current (AC); wall outlet take Continental-type plugs, with two round prongs. If you travel to Switzerland with a device that does not accept 220 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter.

How to get to Geneva City Center from the Airport

The city of Geneva is easily accessible by rail and road networks and the Geneva International Airport, (GVA) is located 20 minutes by car into geneva City centre. Tourist information and tickets can be obtained at the Unireso information counter in the Arrivals hall of the airport. Tickets can also be purchased from the machines located at bus stops (CHF or Euro change required) and at the Swiss railway station.

The award winning Geneva International airport is serviced by many international carriers. It is possible to fly direct from most European and major international destinations.

How to get to Geneva Palexpo Exhibition and Conference Centre

Geneva Palexpo Exhibition and Conference Centre is located 500 meters from the Geneva
International Airport.

1. For those who wish to walk:
It is approximately a 10 - 15 minute walk from the airport to Palexpo (follow the signs).

2. For those who wish to take the bus:
Bus 5: From Gd-Saconnex Place to Palexpo (3 minutes).

Language

The official language of the Congress will be English.

Local Time

Local time in Switzerland is Central European Time (GMT+2 hours).

Official Carrier

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Swiss International Air Lines is proud to be the Official Carrier for The Joint Meeting of SOE/AAO 2011 in Geneva and is offering special Congress Fares to all participants. These Congress Fares offer reductions of up to 25% depending on the fare type, route and space availability.

Congress Fares are valid on the entire SWISS route network for flights to Switzerland, including flights operated by partner airlines under an LX flight number. These fares are now bookable for the travel period 14 days prior to and 14 days after the event.

To take advantage of this offer, book easily and conveniently through SWISS.COM via the following link: 

www.swiss.com/event

Please enter your email address and the following event code: 8785-9182-8513-8602

The special SWISS congress fare is marked with a "C". It may not necessarily be the lowest fare but it offers flexibility in the event of rebooking or cancellation.

SWISS looks forward to pampering you on board with typical Swiss hospitality

Professional Congress Organiser

Congrex is the official organiser of the Joint Congress of SOE/AAO 2011. We are a leading international management company offering comprehensive services for meetings, events, conferences, association management, travel and accommodation. Let’s meet, visit www.congrex.com

Public Transportation

Geneva is a small city, but has an extensive, world-class public transportation system consisting of city buses, trolleybuses and trams. A ferry service also operates on Lake Geneva. The TPG (Tranports Publics Genevoise) operates 345 trolleybuses, trams, and autobuses in and around Geneva, while the Swiss Federal Railway provides regional and national rail transportation.  Download a pdf of the Geneva map
Smoking Policy In accordance with the policy of the SOE, this is a nonsmoking event. Venue The Joint Congress of SOE/AAO 2011 will take place at the Geneva Palexpo Exhibition and Conference Centre from 4 - 7 June 2011. The Geneva Palexpo has excellent modern facilities with plenty of space for both scientific meetings and a large commercial exhibition. The venue is conveniently located only 10 minutes away from Geneva's City Centre.