GENERAL INFORMATION

Important notice:

Participants should be aware that, following the decision by FIP to organise its 1997 Congress in Vancouver, a decision was also made to hold the 1997 Molson Indy 500 motor car race in the centre of Vancouver starting on 29 August until 1 September 1997.Two major events being held simultaneously in Vancouver will cause considerable pressure on both hotel accommodation and all flights in Vancouver International Airport.

Participants are strongly advised to reserve hotel rooms and make travel arrangements as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

 

Congress location: Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre, Suite 200, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 3C1

Date: 31 August until 5 September 1997

Badges: The participants’ name badge will be provided at the registration desk. All participants’ and accompanying persons are kindly requested to wear their badges throughout the Congress. Only badge holders will be admitted to the sessions, the exhibition and the social events programme such as: Welcome Reception, Cultural Event, Section Dinners and Closing Dinner.

Bank: Thomas Cook has an office in the Congress Centre for money exchange

Cheques: Travellers' cheques are accepted by all leading banks in Canada. Personal or company cheques will not be accepted at the FIP registration desk, nor in the shops in Canada.

Congress offices

Registration of all delegates: Form A

FIP Congresses & Conferences, Andries Bickerweg 5, 2517 JP The Hague (The Netherlands)

Tel.: +31-70-363 19 25 Fax.: +31-70-365 90 47

Credit cards: Commonly accepted cards in hotels, shops and at the FIP registration desk at the Congress venue are: American Express, Diners Club, Visa, Master Card/Eurocard.

Climate: Vancouver has a mild climate in September. The average temperature is between 18-20¡C degrees. However, it is recommended to bring a coat for the evenings.

Dress: Informal dress is acceptable for all sessions but business attire is recommended for the Opening Session. Evening dress/black tie is recommended for the Closing Dinner on Friday.

Official carrier: Canadian Airlines and Air Canada will provide special rates for their flights to Vancouver.

Official travel/housing agent: Carlson Wagonlit Travel in Vancouver is the official housing and tour agent.

Further information can be found under the accommodation and tour section.

Visas: For participants from most countries, a visa to Canada is not necessary, but we suggest that you consult with your travel agent. For participants from countries where a visa is required to enter Canada, it is your responsibility to contact the Canadian Embassy in your country for requirements to obtain a visa.

Insurance: The FIP Organising Committee and the Canadian Host Committee accepts no liability for personal injuries sustained, or for loss or damage to property belonging to Congress participants, either during or as a result of the Congress.

Language: The official congress language is English. Simultaneous translation will be available in selected symposia from English into French, German, Spanish and Japanese where there is a minimum of 50 delegates per language group.

Posters: The size of your poster should be 240 cm wide (8 foot) and 120 cm high (4 foot).

Press centre: The Congress Press Centre offers a number of services to professional press observers. They will have access to written press material (press releases, speakers manuscripts etc.), participation in press conferences and a daily press briefing focusing on the highlights of the day. Press observers have access to working facilities and a chance to socialise with their colleagues.

A plan of activities taking place during the Congress week will be sent to observers beforehand. Press observers must register in the Press Centre to get press accreditation and a badge. Press accreditation will only be given to journalists that report for professional media that has published the FIP Provisional Congress Programme in advance and will report afterwards. Further information regarding this can be obtained from:

Peter Zethner-M¿ller, Publication Manager, FIP Publications. Email: p.zethner-moller@fip.nl

Slide preview room: Testing of slides before presentation can be done in the slide preview room. Cassettes marked with your name should be handed over to the technicians in the meeting room prior to your lecture.

Exhibition: An exhibition, at which delegates can review the latest achievements in new equipment, techniques and products will be organised at the Congress Centre by the Canadian Host Committee. The exhibition gives companies the opportunity to promote their products and services and to meet with community and hospital pharmacists, pharmacy educators, students, and senior officials of national and international organisations and governments, all of whom play an important role in the decision to acquire products and services related to the profession. It will be integrated with the Scientific and Section posters and will take place from 14.00 hours on Monday, 1 September until 17.00 hours on Thursday, 4 September.

Food Court: For the convenience of registrants there will be a food court offering food and beverage service during the Exhibition hours. This will be adjacent to Exhibition Hall A.