Dates
The Congress will be held from Wednesday 21 through Sunday 25 April 2010.
Certificates of Attendance
Certificates of attendance will be provided for participants upon request.
Badges
A name badge will be provided on-site with the Congress documentation. Wearing this badge is required in order to enter the session rooms.
Exhibits
The Commercial Exhibition will be a major component of the Congress.
Sponsors and exhibitors will be on-site for extended exhibit hours from Thursday through Sunday. This will give delegates ample opportunity to view the display of the latest pharmaceutical products, equipment and instruments to make contacts and exchange information.
The exhibit area will be located in the Libertador B Room at the Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel & Convention Center, and will be open:
| Thursday 22 April |
10.00 - 18.00 h |
| Friday 23 April |
09.00 - 18.00 h |
| Saturday 24 April |
09.00 - 18.00 h |
| Sunday 25 April |
09.00 - 13.00 h |
Social Program
The Organizing Committee is planning an exciting social program, specifically designed to allow delegates time away from the formalities of the congress’ sessions to network and exchange ideas with colleagues and friends from around the world.
Official Language
English is the official language of the Congress. Simultaneous translation into Spanish will be provided in some sessions.
Official Invitation
The official invitation can be obtained through this web site. The invitation implies no obligation, financial or otherwise, by the Congress. It is understood that such an invitation is intended to help potential attendees raise travel funds or obtain a visa.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is not allowed in Lecture Halls and Exhibition Areas.
Transportation in Buenos Aires
As most of the hotels are near the Congress venue, there will be no shuttle service between the hotels and the congress centre.
Insurance
The Congress Organizers will not accept any liability for personal injury, or loss/damage to property, belongings of meeting participants or accompanying persons, either during or as a result of the congress or during all tours or their stay in Buenos Aires. It is, therefore, recommended that participants arrange their own personal health, accident and travel insurance.
Access by air and getting into the city
Buenos Aires can easily be reached by plane or car. It is served by two airports.
The “Ministro Pistarini” is the international airport, located at Ezeiza; it is 35 km (22 miles) southwest of downtown Buenos Aires. This airport is the main gate to Argentina, where all international flights arrive. To travel downtown you can book an Airport transfer, take a bus or a taxi:
BUS: There is a good bus service from the airport terminal to the city center, offering a service about every 1/2 hour from 6.00 to 20.00 h. Purchase a ticket from the booth just outside the customs area. The fare is about US$ 11,50. The buses go to all the major downtown hotels and the central bus terminal.
PRIVATE CARS: Ignore the many offers for a ride to the city from the crowd of drivers outside the arrivals hall. Go to the counter in the arrivals area to book a car to the city. The fare to the city center is about US$ 35. Travel time about 45 minutes, depending on the traffic.
The “Jorge Newbery” Airport is located on the city riverside, five minutes from downtown. From there you can fly to the provinces and some neighbouring countries.
Health Requirements
No special measures must be taken for traveling to Buenos Aires and to the main tourist destinations in Argentina. Check with your physician for appropriate advice if you plan on visiting other places in South America. The public water supply is reliable.
Language
The official language of the country is Spanish, but English is spoken in most hotels, restaurants and shops.
English is the official language of the Congress, and simultaneous translation into Spanish will be provided in some sessions.
Credit cards, currency, exchange
Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, stores and restaurants. The national monetary unit is the Peso ($). Traveler checks are almost exclusively exchanged at hotels and banks.
Climate
The climate of Buenos Aires is mild all year round. The average year temperature is 17.6 °C (63.7 °F), making extremely hot and cold days very infrequent. The average temperature in April in Buenos Aires is about 18º C (64.4ºF). More information at www.weather.com
Electrical Current
The electrical current in Argentina is 220 volts 50 Hz.
Shopping
In Buenos Aires you will find modern shopping malls with international brands, and picturesque handicraft fairs in different parks and squares. There are several shopping circuits, each offering different articles: antiques in San Telmo, books in Corrientes Avenue, leather items in Retiro neighborhood, souvenirs in La Boca. The avant-garde in objects, clothes and decorative elements is in Palermo Viejo neighbourhood.
Telephone
Argentina's code number is 54. Buenos Aires area code number is 11.
Personal Insurance
We recommend that all participants take out a personal travel and health insurance for their trip.
Security – Cut your risk
As in any other big city, it is advisable to leave your values at the safe box in your hotel.
ATM (Automatic Teller Machines)
ATMs are located all around the city. You can withdraw either pesos or USD. They can also be used for cash advances on major credit cards such as MasterCard or VISA.
Restaurants
The cosmopolitan population of Buenos Aires is reflected in a variety of excellent restaurants and cafes at walking distance from the venue, which are open until late night. They offer a diversity of cuisine and the best beef. In addition, Argentine wines are excellent and inexpensive, and their outstanding quality is recognized around the world. Tipping is not included in the service charge and is usually 10%. Dinner is served form 20.00 h to midnight.
Tipping
Tipping is not the general custom in Argentina and service charges are not added to accounts by hotels and restaurants. However, you may tip hotel porters and food and drink waiters in restaurants (up to 10% of the bill) for special service. At any time, tipping is your choice.
Entry Formalities
Every person entering Argentina should be in possession of a valid passport or ID card (neighbouring countries). Some countries require a visa. Please contact the nearest Argentine Embassy or Consulate to your home for further information.
