Information General
Date and venue
The Registration office will be open from 8:00 a.m. on September 30th and throughout the Symposium.
Hôtel Château Laurier, Québec City, Québec, Canada.
Conveniently located on the Plains of Abraham and only a five-minute walk from the irresistible charms of Old Québec, Hôtel Château Laurier offers you the tranquility of an inner courtyard and of one of the most prestigious urban parks in Canada. Discover and enjoy!
Badges
Badges must worn and visible at the scientific session, coffee breaks and lunches at the Symposium venue. Access to the Symposium and to the food and beverage area is not covered by Silver, Bronze and other commercial exhibitor badges.
Certificate of attendance
Certificates will be issued at the Registration office to all registered participants on the last day.
Coffee breaks and lunches
Coffee breaks and lunches will be served free of charge at the Symposium to fully registered badge-bearing participants and guests.
The daily menu contains vegetarian dishes and offers a wide array of selections so that persons with special nutritional needs, dietary restrictions or food allergies have a number of options.
Changes
The Scientific and Organizing Secretariats reserve the right to change this program for technical and/or scientific reasons.
Climate
With autumn comes an explosion of colours, scents and flavours! The trees, towering over countless open spaces, are decked out in hues of red, yellow and orange. Our fall season is nothing less than spectacular! The colours are usually at their peak in mid-October. With any luck, you may be with us for the Indian Summer (weather above 21°C/70°F for seven days after the fall equinox).
Here is a weather forecast site:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/qc-133_metric_e.html
Currency and banking facilities
The dollar is the basic unit of Canadian currency. A dollar is divided into 100 cents. There are 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollar bills. One and two dollar bills have been replaced by coins, often referred to "loonies" and "toonies" respectively. There are foreign exchange booths at Jean Lesage Airport in Québec City and throughout the downtown core. Banks and automatic teller machines (ATMs) can be found throughout the city and there are ATMs in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Most major credit cards are accepted, but check first. Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information regarding conversion, go to http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Electrical supply
Electrical supply voltage is 110-120V 60Hz; you will need a voltage converter and a plug adapter.
Internet and other services
In-room Internet connections will be available at the Symposium for every participant. The hotel has a business office with 3 computers with high-speed Internet access. Photocopying and other print services are available at the hotel.
Emergency number: 911 (Police - Fire - Ambulance)
Official language of the Symposium.
English (no facilities for simultaneous translation).
Languages
French and English are the official languages. French is the official language of the Province of Québec. English is spoken by a significant portion of the population and can commonly be heard in most tourist locations, including airports, hotels, tourist attractions, shops and restaurants.
Liability
In registering for the Symposium, participants agree that neither the Scientific Committee Secretariat nor the Organizing Secretariat is liable for any damages. Visitors must assume any costs incurred for hospital or medical services. Participants should therefore organize their own health and travel insurance.
Official invitation
An official letter of invitation will be forwarded to any participant upon request. Note that invitation holders are required to assume all costs related to their attendance of the Symposium. Please send your request to papers@safepork2009.org
Passport and visas
You should keep ID papers with you at all times. A valid passport is required for citizens of other countries. Ask your Embassy or Consulate whether a visa and/or health certificate is required. (See the Visa section below).
Persons with special needs
Every effort has been made to ensure that special needs are met. Should you require any specific assistance, please let us know in advance by indicating any such needs on your registration form. This will help us to make your stay in Québec City a pleasant and comfortable one.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all public places in Quebec, including bars and restaurants. Smoking is permitted outdoors or in other designated smoking areas.
Shopping
Stores in Québec City are open Monday to Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m..
Smalls boutiques in Old Québec may be open later during the week.
Taxes/Tipping
There are 2 sales taxes: federal: 5% + provincial: 7.5%. It is customary to leave a 15% tip on restaurant bills (amount before taxes).
Visas
All participants must have a valid passport to enter Canada. Some participants may also require a visa. Visas are the responsibility of individual delegates, and must be obtained before arrival.
If you are traveling through the US, you may also require an American visa. Please check with your travel agent. If you require a visa, we strongly suggest that you apply at least three months in advance so that the document arrives before your departure. For more information on what is needed to come to Canada and to obtain a visa application form, visit the nearest Canadian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate, or get the application form online from Citizenship and Immigration Canada at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.asp
The Symposium has informed Citizenship and Immigration Canada of the 8th Safe Pork 2009 Symposium and expected international participation. The Symposium does not have the authority to act on behalf individuals in obtaining visas.
General information on Canada and on the Province of Québec:
http:/www.lonelyplanet.com/canada# http://www.bonjourquebec.com/ca-en/accueil0.html
