General information
Venue
Australia's leading business events venue, the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, is superbly located on the Darling Harbour waterfront, adjacent to the bustling Sydney central business district.The Centre comprises three major buildings: Convention Centre Bayside, Convention Centre Parkside and the Exhibition Centre.
The meeting will be held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre (www.scec.com.au) on the waterfront at Darling Harbour, near the heart of the city. The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre offers first-class facilities to delegates, partners and visitors, and is a short walk from accommodation, restaurants and the central business district of Sydney. The CBD is only 20 minutes from the international airport.
The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre is accessible by monorail, lightrail, road or ferry with Monorail and lightrail stations are located right outside the main doors of the venue. Ferries and water taxis provide a memorable journey between the meeting venue and the city's many Harbourside attractions.
Travel information
Getting around Sydney is easy and convenient. Following are the most convenient modes of transport.
Airport & Flights
Sydney airport: for more information on Sydney airport including maps, facilities and duty free shopping, please visit their website: http://www.sydneyairport.com.au/
Taxi: expect a return taxi fare of around AUD50 for a taxi ride between the Sydney Airport and Darling Harbour.
Car Hire
If you require car hire, many rental companies operate from Sydney airport. To make a booking prior to your arrival, contact:
AVIS Car Rental
Within Australia: 13 63 33
www.avis.com.au
Budget
Within Australia: 13 27 27
www.budget.com.au
Europcar
Within Australia: 1300 13 13 90
www.deltaeuropcar.com.au
Thrifty Car Rental
Within Australia: 1300 36 72 27
www.thrify.com
Hertz Car Rental
Within Australia: 13 30 39
www.hertz.co
Public transport
Most of Sydney's main attractions are within walking distance to the conference venue, however public transport is easily accessible and affordable. For more information on travelling on Sydney's public transport please visit www.131500.com.au.
Taxis
Sydney's major taxi servic's include the following:
Legion Cabs (131 451)
Premier Cabs - Airport Taxi Service (131 017)
RSL Ex-Servicesmen's Cabs and Co-Op members Ltd (9581 1111)
Silver Service Fleet (133 100)
St George Cabs (132 166)
International travelers
Visas / Electronic Travel AuthorityAll travelers to Australia, other than Australian and New Zealand citizens, must hold a valid visa or electronic travel authority (ETA). It is your responsibility to ensure documentation is correct and completed before you commence your journey. Delegates must register for the event before lodging their visa/ETA application. Following your registration, you will receive an acknowledgement letter. This is all you require from the event manager in order to make your visa/ETA application. We recommend you apply for your visa/ETA at least six weeks before you travel. For more information, contact your nearest Australian Embassy/Consulate or view the Australian Department of Immigration website www.immi.gov.au/eta.
Invitation Letter
It is our policy not to provide invitation letters, as they are not required for visa applications.
Tourist Tax Refund Scheme
International travellers can claim back the GST (goods and services tax) and WET (wine equalisation tax) they have paid on goods bought in Australia that they are taking with them when they leave the country. The tax can be claimed back at international airports and seaports under the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) subject to conditions such as an $A300 minimum from one store. Details on the TRS are available at www.customs.gov.au under the travellers heading. Please note that this scheme is not applicable to meeting registration fees or accommodation.
Travel Insurance
The Conference Organisers recommend that delegates purchase travel insurance including cover for non-refundable meeting registration fees.
Special diets
Provision will be made for food preferences covering vegetarian or vegan, Halal and Kosher requests. If you have a special dietary requirement, please indicate this on the registration form. Please note that Kosher and Halal meals may incur additional charges. Please note that requests for non-specific requirements, such as low GI or low fat can not be guaranteed.
Dress
Smart casual attire is appropriate for conference sessions and social program unless otherwise advised. A jacket may be required for air-conditioned session rooms.
Climate
June is winter in Sydney, with temperatures ranging from 9 to 18 degrees.