General Information
Programme as of November 2007
The Organizing Committee/Scientific Committee of the ERS Congress reserve the right for adjustments or changes. The final printed program will be provided at the registration desk in Crete. The Preliminary Scientific program will also be posted at the site of the Congress www.ers2008isian.com at the beginning of November.
CME Credits
The 22nd Congress of the European Rhinologic Society & 27th International Symposium of Infection & Allergy of the Nose (ERS & ISIAN 2008) is accredited by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME) to provide the following CME activity for medical specialists. The EACCME is an institution of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), www.uems.net.
The 22nd Congress of the European Rhinologic Society & 27th International Symposium of Infection & Allergy of the Nose (ERS & ISIAN 2008) is designated for a maximum of 30 hours European external CME credits. Each medical specialist should claim only those hours of credit that he/she actually spent in the educational activity.
EACCME credits are recognized by the American Medical Association towards the Physician's Recognition Award (PRA). To convert EACCME credit to AMA PRA category 1 credit, contact the AMA.
Congress Venue
The luxury resort Hotel is located on the Cretan Sea. Creta Maris is a unique combination of Aegean architecture and luxurious facilities. Situated 24 km east of the Heraklion International Airport, it is close to the fishing village of Hersonissos, a long sweeping bay of sandy beach and crystal clear water, Creta Maris has been created with loving care and attention to detail, characterising one of the many thousands of villages on the Aegean Islands. A visit to "Thalasso" will offer you the unique opportunity to indulge your senses and benefit from the rich elements of the sea. The Conference Centre directly connected to the hotel, covers an area of 6.000m2 and can accommodate up to 5.500 delegates in its 68 halls. High quality accommodation and expertise combine with traditional Cretan hospitality to make Creta Maris the obvious choice for holidays, conferences and meetings.
Creta Maris
Dimokratias 50
GR-70014, Limin Hersonissos, Crete
Tel.: +30-28970-27000
Fax: +30-28970-22130
Homepage: http://www.maris.gr/creta
Trade Exhibition
The ERS/ISIAN Congress will host a trade exhibition including the latest technology, equipments, pharmaceutical products and books. A specific brochure for exhibitors is available upon request.
Parking
There is ample free space for parking in the forecourt of the Conference Centre.
Hotels
Crete in June is a high requested destination. Block hotel rooms in two different hotel categories (DeLux & A' category) have been reserved for the ERS Congress participants. It is advisable to make your reservation as soon as possible. Rooms will be allocated on a first- come- first -served basis. No rooms can be reserved unless complete credit card details are sent to FREI SA on the enclosed accommodation form. Check-out time from hotels is 12.00. Most hotels will store luggage for a few hours before departure to the airport.
Climate and Clothing
At this month of the year the temperature ranges from 26oC to 35oC (78oF to 95oF) and is getting cooler during the nights. The dress code is of individual choice and variable from casual to sporty, according to personal preference.
Electrical supply
Voltage in Greece is 220 V, at a frequency of 50 Hz.
Plugs are continental style, two-pin. A plug adaptor should be taken along incompatible electric / electronic gadgets to be used.
Internet
Internet facilities are available at the Business Centre of the Creta Maris Hotel.
Taxis
Taxis may be arranged by the concierge of hotels or the Congress Secretariat. The trip to Heraklion airport or to downtown Heraklion takes approx. 20 or 30 min. respectively; fare is around € 30 or € 40.
Post-Congress tours - Car rental
Various post-congress tours in Crete, in the Greek islands or in mainland Greece can be organised. Car rentals may be arranged through the Congress Secretariat.
Mobile telephones
There is excellent coverage for mobile telephones in Greece. The local mobile telephone providers have roaming arrangements with worldwide mobile telephone providers. Please note that in Greece speaking on a mobile telephone, whilst driving is not allowed and if caught it may lead to prosecution. Mobile telephones MUST be switched off when inside the scientific sessions.
Emergencies
Whilst in Greece, European Union citizens may seek any help they might need (police, ambulance, fire brigade, coast guard) by ringing from anywhere in Greece the number "112". The number is answered by English-speaking staff, and may be dialled from public telephones or mobile telephones.
Please note, the registration fee does not include medical or any other insurance. In emergency cases, medical services in Greece will be provided at nominal fees, under the National Health Service auspices. However, no transportation to the delegate's home country would be provided. There is a private medical centre in Hersonissos and a University Medical School Hospital in Heraklion.
In case of emergencies, please talk to members of the organising committee or the congress secretariat for immediate attendance.
Currency - Banking hours
The currency in Greece is the Euro (€). Banking hours are Monday-Thursday from 8:00 to 14:30 and Friday from 8:00 to 14.00. Servicetills are available in all bank branches and accept cards from most banks of the world. Please note that Monday, 21 June is a Bank holiday in Greece.
ATM
Automated Cash Dispensers (ATM) are located outside most banks. Cash can be withdrawn there, 24 hours a day. National and foreign Maestro Cards (Cash Cards) as well as Mastercard, American Express, VISA and Diners are accepted. Money can also be changed at the airport.
VAT refund
Visitors from outside the European Union will be able to claim on purchases at the VAT offices at the point of departure from the European Union. Further information can be provided by the Congress Secretariat.
Visa and Passports
Citizens from the most European countries will only need a valid passport. Please consult the Greek Embassy of your country about the necessity of visa application.