Newsletter

18th September 2007

REGISTRATION

The number of participants is looking good with 156 confirmed delegates, and at least a further 31still in the process of finalising their registration.

We ask that those of you who will be attending but who have not yet completed your registration, to please do so as soon as possible because there is a cut-off date for the ordering of bags, abstract booklets, proceedings, etc. Delegates who register late may not be able to receive these.

You can register online at www.iufrodurban.org.za or email to info@iufrodurban.org.za

PROGRAMME

The scientific programme is now available on our website and looks excellent! Thank you to all the authors for your contributions. We are especially pleased by the range of expertise that the invited speakers are bringing to the plenary sessions. Information on our invited speakers can also be found on the website.

ON-SITE REGISTRATION

The registration desks at the International Convention Centre will be open from 14h00 to 18h00 on Sunday 21st October 2007. Delegates must report to the registration desk to collect their Conference bags, name badges and Conference materials.

The desk will also be open from 07h30 on Monday 22nd October but we encourage you to avoid the rush and register early.

ARRIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA - PASSPORTS & VISAS

Every visitor to South Africa requires a passport to enter the country and please note that your passport must have at least 2 clean pages otherwise entry will be refused. Nationals of some countries require visas to enter South Africa and you may check to see if you need one by visiting http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za/visas.asp

ARRIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA - LUGGAGE

If you are arriving in South Africa through OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg or through Cape Town or any other international airport, please take note that you must collect all your luggage at your first point of entry. You will have to pass through customs control with your luggage and then re-check it on your flight to Durban.

ARRIVING IN DURBAN

For those of you who are flying into Durban International Airport, please be aware that there will not be a hospitality desk in the arrivals area.

You are therefore encouraged to book a transfer from the airport to your hotel in advance, either online or through Lucille at Turners Conferences Lucilleh@turnergroup.co.za. Alternatively you will be able to organise a taxi once you arrive at the airport.

Pre-Conference Tour

Due to exceptional demand, this excellent tour has been fully booked for the past few weeks, with 43 delegates participating.

It is likely that the pre-conference tour manual/booklet will be made available on CD at the conference, for those of you who were interested in the tour, but could not make it.

Mid-Conference Tour

If you have not already done so, kindly register for the mid-conference tour to the Research Facilities and trials in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands as soon as possible. Numbers for this tour are limited to 120 and there is still limited space available.

Conference Dinner

The dinner on the Thursday night must be booked before the start of the conference. This will be an extraordinary experience, and promises to be one of the conference's highlights! Held at the fabulous new Moyo restaurant at UShaka on Durban's waterfront, the dinner will offer delegates a modern, sophisticated African Feast rich in taste, touch, sight and sound, set to the vibrant rhythm of the African drum. Don't miss out!

Transport will be provided from the appointed hotels to Moyo and return for the gala dinner. Transport schedules will be displayed in the appointed hotels.

Security

For those delegates who have not previously been to South Africa, we wish to assure you that Durban will offer a trouble free and enjoyable Congress and vacation.

Like many major cities, Durban has both good and bad areas. It is advisable when walking in the city, particularly at night, that one should be aware of people around you, and ideally you should not walk alone but in a group. Ostentatious displays of wealth should be avoided, and it is not advisable to look like a typical 'tourist' with cameras strung around your neck. Do not leave valuables unattended.

During IUFRO 2007, the information desk at the ICC and your hotel's concierge will always be delighted to assist you with information on, for example, places to visit and appropriate means of transport, and most of the hotels provide safes in which to lock up your valuables while you are away from your room.

WELCOME

The organising committee takes this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to all delegates and accompanying persons to the IUFRO Working Group 2.08.03 and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Tammy Swain

Chairperson, Local Organising Committee, IUFRO Working Group 2.08.03