30 APRIL - 3 MAY 2008
ISTANBUL CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTER
ISTANBUL / TURKEY

Carrying Hope Between East and West for 3 C's: Children, Cultures, Commitments

General Information

Place

Istanbul, a unique city where the East and West meet, is a natural and cultural bridge between Europe and Asia; it's a thriving universal metropolis with more than 10 million inhabitants. Over the course of millennia, Istanbul has been the seat of three great empires, namely the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, and a site of convergence for people of many cultures and beliefs, who came together and enjoyed life in peace and harmony. Modern amenities, the splendors of the Ottoman past and the honored traditions of Turkish hospitality combine to make Istanbul a perfect meeting point, one that will leave treasured and lasting memories.

Venue

The Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Center (ICEC) is ideally located in the heart of the city's business, cultural and commercial districts. It houses 21 meeting rooms, including a 2000 seat auditorium, equipped with latest technology for compliance with total convention and production requirements, including simultaneous interpretation and an electronic voting system. All the arranged hotels are close to the Congress Hall and it is easy to reach the city center as well as the cultural and the historic sites from the hotels. The Center has the facilities for delegates with special needs (physically challenged). Within the ICEC, the top quality in-house food service will cater to your food and beverage needs during the congress. There will also be a cafeteria within the Exhibition Hall. The ICEC is fully air conditioned.


Web site

Primary importance will be given to the web-site, at every stage of preparation and operation of the congress, including scientific programme, pre-post congress tours, links to IACAPAP components and member societies, sections, publications, and relevant material.

Internet Access

An internet point and an internet access facility for wireless laptop users will be available at the congress site.

Exhibition(Commercial/Non-commercial)

A center for commercial exhibitions, including bookstores and souvenir booths, will be organized during the congress.

Transportation

Istanbul Atatürk International Airport is an important destination and transfer point for many international flights from all over the world.

A Welcome Booth at the Airport

A welcome booth will be opened at Istanbul Atatürk International Airport to serve the congress participants. Guidance for various services including transfers to hotels will be provided upon arrival.

Visas

All participants will require a valid passport to enter Turkey. Please contact your nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate to check the visa regulations.

Security

Based on data provided by well known statistical institutes worldwide, Istanbul, among other metropolises, is regarded as one of the few cities with a low rate of crime. In the ICEC, security staff are on duty using the newest technological security systems.

Local Time

The time in Turkey is 2 hours ahead of G.M.T.

Currency Exchange

The currency unit is the Turkish Lira (TL). Convertible foreign currency may be exchanged at the airport, hotels, banks and exchange bureaus at the current exchange rates. The rates are announced in the daily newspapers. International credit cards are widely accepted.

Banks

Working hours for most of the banks are from Monday to Friday, 08:30 - 16:30. They are closed at weekends and on public holidays.

Electric Current

Electric current is 220 Volt, AC 50 cycles. Two-pin round plugs are used.

First Aid and Hospital Services

A doctor and a nurse will be available in the first-aid room of the ICEC during the congress. In the event of an emergency, transfer to the nearest hospital will be provided by ambulance.

Driving License

International Driving Licenses are recognized throughout Turkey. Car rental companies ask for a valid driving license.

Restaurants

For gourmets, this will be an outstanding opportunity to taste various examples of Turkish, European, Asian and international cuisine in Istanbul.

Shopping

Most shops in Istanbul are generally open from 09:00 to 19:00, Monday to Saturday. Big shopping centers are open every day of the week, usually from 10:00 to 22:00. In all shopping centers major credit cards are accepted and tax-free shopping is possible. You will also have the chance to do shopping in the historical Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, which are located in the Old City district.