General Information

Official Language
English is the official language of the conference. Simultaneous interpretation into Italian will be provided during plenary sessions. During workshops and parallel sessions, it will be provided according to the final number of registered participants from Italy.

Conference Venue

The Fortezza da Basso, a short distance from the Central Railway Station of Santa Maria Novella, is one of the city's most important monuments from the Medici era. It was designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger in the first half of the 1500s on commission from Alessandro de' Medici. The complex extends over an area of almost 100,000 square metres (55,000 indoor); the number and variety of its rooms and spaces make it an ideal setting for the conferences and trade fairs.

Firenze Fiera
Fortezza da Basso
Viale Strozzi 1
50129 Florence (Italy)
website: www.firenzefiera.it

How to reach Florence

By train
High speed trains link the major Italian and European cities to Florence main station S. Maria Novella (http://www.ferroviedellostato.it).

By Plane
"Amerigo Vespucci" International Airport provides direct flights from Florence to the main European cities (http://www.aeroporto.firenze.it/IT/index.php). Taxis and bus services (Ataf: Tel. 800/424500 - http://www.ataf.net/; Sita: Tel. 800/373760 - http://www.sita-on-line.it) are available to take you downtown (20 minutes). The Volainbus line connects Americo Vespucci Airport to the city centre with buses every 30 minutes.

Pisa International Airport "Galileo Galilei" (http://www.pisa-airport.com/) is connected to the Central Train Station of Florence (S. Maria Novella) by a shuttle train (50 minutes) or by Bus (http://www.lowcostcoach.com) (70 minutes).

By Car
The A1 (E35- Milano-Roma/ E45 Roma-Napoli) is the main motorway linking Florence to northern and southern Italy. From the north on the A1, exit at Firenze Nord and then simply follow the signs for Centro. If arriving from Rome, exit Firenze Sud. The A11 leads west to the Tirrenian coast and on to Genoa and the French border. Information are available at: http://www.autostrade.it.

Taxis
In Florence taxis can be reserved by phone (055 4242 and 055 4390, from mobile 055 4224242) or may be found at the official taxi stands. You cannot stop a taxi on streets.

Florence and surroundings
For more information please visit the official website of the Official Tourism Board of Florence: http://www.firenzeturismo.it/index.php?lang=en_EN

Passport and Visa
For citizens of EU member countries, a valid identity card is sufficient. From other country a valid passport is requested for entering Italy. A visa is required for certain countries. For more information, kindly refer to the website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (http://www.esteri.it/visti/index_eng.asp) or contact the nearest Italian Embassy / Italian Consulate in your home country.

Electric Power
All suppliers are 220 volts, 50Hz AC.

Credit Cards
Most major credit cards are accepted in restaurants and shops.

Currency and Exchange
The national currency of Italy is the Euro. Exchange can be secured from local and exchange offices, which usually charge a commission fee. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 08.00 / 08.30 am to 01.00 / 01.30 pm. They are also open in the afternoon, usually from 02.30 / 3.00 pm to 04.00 / 04.30 pm.

ATM
ATMs are located all around the city. They can also be used for cash advances on major credit cards such as MasterCard or VISA.

Official Invitations
Official invitation letters may be issued to help overcome administrative requirements of some countries and will be sent upon request. Please note that such letters do not represent a commitment on the part of the Scientific Committee or the Conference to provide financial assistance or to accept submitted abstracts.

Insurance
Delegates are advised to arrange health and accident insurance before travelling to the Conference. The Conference Organisers cannot accept liability for personal injury or loss / damage to property and belongings of delegates or accompanying persons during the Conference or tours or stay in Florence.

Conference Badges
A name badge will be provided on-site with the Conference material. Wearing this badge is required in order to enter the session rooms.

Smoking Policy
Smoking is not allowed within the Conference venue.

Weather conditions
Winters in Florence are cool and damp. The city receives the majority of its rainfall in the winter months and experiences occasional snowfall. November and December are generally the wettest months; December to January are the coldest months. On average throughout winter Florence will see 6 to 8 days of rain per month.

Average temperatures: