General Information
REGISTRATION
The Registration Desk will be open during the Meeting at the following times:
Friday 29 March, 0730-1800hrs
Saturday 30 March, 0700-1800hrs
Sunday 31 March, 0630-1800hrs
Monday 1 April, 0630-1800hrs
Tuesday 2 April, 0630-1700hrs
SPEAKERS' PREPARATION
A Speakers' Preparation Room will be open during the Meeting, located in Meeting Room 4. The room will be open at the following times:
Saturday 30 March, 0730-1700hrs
Sunday 31 March, 0700-1700hrs
Monday 1 April, 0700-1700hrs
Tuesday 2 April, 0700-1530hrs
ENTRY INTO AUSTRALIA
Unless you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, you will need a visa to enter Australia. All other passport holders must apply for a visa before leaving home. Visit www.immi.gov.au for more information.
BOOKING YOUR TRAVEL TO BRISBANE OR THE GOLD COAST
Brisbane Airport (BNE) is serviced by 26 airlines and is located 12km east of the CBD. There are two terminals at the airport. A free terminal transfer bus provides transport between terminals.
Gold Coast Airport (OOL) is serviced by 10 airlines and is located 25km south of the Gold Coast centre and Surfers Paradise, 100km south of Brisbane.
TRANSPORT FROM BRISBANE AIRPORT TO GOLD COAST
You can catch a train directly from Brisbane Airport direct to the Gold Coast taking approximately 90 minutes. The nearest stop for Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre is Nerang, with connecting buses throughout Broadbeach and the Surfers Paradise area. Click here to plan your journey or to organise your trip with a connecting car service visit airtrain.com.au. The cost with connecting bus is AU$30-40, via connecting car service AU$50-60.
TRANSPORT FROM GOLD COAST AIRPORT
Taxis are available from the front of the terminal and the 30 minute journey to the Gold Coast centre costs approximately AU$55 – AU$70
The SkyBus Gold Coast Airport Shuttle is a dedicated service departing right outside the terminal building. The Gold Coast Airport Shuttle services all flights, 7 days a week from Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach, Surfers, Southport up to Runaway Bay. Visit the SkyBus website for more details skybus.com.au/goldcoast
Transfers to and from Gold Coast Airport and Brisbane City are available with a number of private operators. Scheduled transfers are available for arriving and departing passengers.
- Con-X-ion
- LinkTransfers
- Scoot Transfers
Alternatively TransLink’s integrated network on the Gold Coast includes the G:link trams, Surfside Buslines and Queensland Rail. Routes 777 and 760 depart from the airport with various stops. Click here to plan your journey.
Car Rental
Avis Rent a Car is offering its corporate rates to conference delegates. Just call the local Avis office in your country and quote the booking reference number: AWD Z994400.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation will be available to book via the registration form when registrations open on 4 October 2018. If you have any queries in the meantime then please contact The Conference Company, [email protected].
CLIMATE
The Gold Coast enjoys a subtropical climate so for most of the year, the weather is fine and sunny, and even during the short mild winter the sun is often shining. Brisbane’s average temperature for March is 24°C.
CURRENCY / BANKING
The currency used is the Australian dollar. Banking hours are usually 0930 -1600hrs, Monday to Friday. Automatic Teller Machines are well spread throughout the Brisbane business district. International credit cards are accepted throughout the country banks, most hotels and city stores.
DISCLOSURE OF REGISTRATION INFORMATION
If you do not wish your details to be provided to sponsors or other delegates, please select the appropriate option on the registration form.
DRESS
Dress for all scientific sessions is smart casual. Dress for the Gala Dinner will be advised once the theme is finalised.
ELECTRICITY
Australia uses a 240 volt 50 cycle system with 3 pin flat plugs.
GOODS AND SERVICE TAX
Goods and Services in Australia are subject to a 10% tax (GST). This tax is usually included in the price and if not, it is clearly stated.
The Tourist Refund Scheme allows visitors to claim a refund, subject to certain conditions. Please visit www.homeaffairs.gov.au for more information.
INSURANCE
It is strongly recommended that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover the duration of your visit to Australia.
NAME BADGES
Name badges will be given to all delegates on registration. We ask that you wear your badge at all times, including social functions. Entry tickets will be given for all social and optional events.
PARKING
The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre's car park entrance is at the northern end of the building, accessible from traffic lights off the Gold Coast Highway and the main driveway off TE Peters Drive.
The car park will be open 24hrs, 7 days a week, $12 inclusive of GST flat rate is charged for car parking at the centre.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN GOLD COAST
Gold Coast local bus services and the G:link light rail operate to all major attractions, hotel and shopping centres.
There is a bus stop directly in front of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on the Gold Coast Highway. There are also taxi and limousine ranks at the main entrance.
The Gold Coast's G:link light rail system is a 13-kilometre corridor connecting Griffith University to Broadbeach, passing through the key activity centres of Surfers Paradise and Southport.
The service provides an easily-accessible and affordable transport option for patrons and guests, with the Broadbeach North Station conveniently located just metres from the Centre's main entrance.
Services run 7-days a week, approximately every 10 to 15 minutes. The network connects the Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise entertainment and dining precincts to a great diversity of accommodation.
For information about public transport, visit www.translink.com.au for further information, including timetables and maps, or call 13 12 30 anytime.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Every effort will be made to ensure delegates with special needs are catered for. Should you require any specific assistance, or catering please give details required on your registration form.
TIME
The Gold Coast is 10 hours ahead of GMT year round.
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES
Visitor information centres are staffed by friendly and professional people with extensive local knowledge. Click here to find out more.