GENERAL INFORMATION

Registration desk

The VALA2010 Conference Registration and Information Desk will be located on the concourse, opposite Door 7 of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and will be open as follows:

Monday 8 February
0830 – 1745

Tuesday 9 February
0800 – 1800

Wednesday 10 February
0800 – 1800

Thursday 11 February
0800 – 1745

WiFi'n'Recharge
Internet Access

Located at the rear of the Exhibition Hall, the Wifi n Recharge Lounge area has PCs to allow you to check your email. The Wifi n Recharge Lounge also has numerous 240-volt Australian standard power points, so you can recharge your mobile phones, laptops, netbooks, and any other portable devices. See the Exhibition Hall map for details.

Speaker Preparation Room

Speakers are asked to submit and preview their presentations prior to their session. The Speaker Preparation Room is located in Meeting Room 218 on Level 2 and will be open as follows:

Monday 8 February
1200 – 1730

Tuesday 9 February
0800 – 1730

Wednesday 10 February
0800 – 1730

Thursday 11 February
0800 – 1600

Transport to the Airport

Melbourne Airport is located approximately 24km from the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. SkyBus Airport Shuttle provides a regular service to and from the airport with a transfer time of 25 minutes. The current cost for a one way transfer is $16 per adult or $26 return. SkyBus pick up from most major city hotels and Southern Cross Station Bus Interchange (Spencer Street). SkyBus can be contacted on 03) 9335 3066 or www.skybus.com.au. Alternatively, a taxi from Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to the Airport will cost approximately $50–$60.

Car Parking

The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre offers undercover 24-hour, on-site car parking, with access off Normanby Road.

Taxis

Taxis are available from the Melbourne Convention Centre main entrance (next to the Hilton Hotel), and from the Clarendon Street entrance to the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

Trams

A tram stop is located on Clarendon Street opposite the Clarendon Street entrance to the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. There is also a tram stop on Wurundjeri Way (Flinders Street West extension) which is accessible via the new Yarra River footbridge and Siddeley Street. Information regarding tram timetables is available from Metlink.

Catering

Lunch, morning and afternoon teas will be served in the Exhibition Hall. See also "Special Dietary Requirements".

Restaurants

Melbourne is famous for the range and quality of its restaurants and bars. Information about a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, bars and theatres can be sourced by visiting the following website www.citysearch.com.au.

Special Dietary Requirements

Every effort will be made to accommodate all special dietary requirements but advance notification is required. You will need to make yourself known to a staff member at the various catering times in order to obtain your special meal. All buffet lunches have vegetarian options.

People with Special Needs

Every effort has been made to ensure that people with special needs are catered for. Should you require any specific assistance, please contact the Registration and Information Desk to enable us to make your attendance at the Conference a pleasant and comfortable experience.

Smoking Policy

The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is a non-smoking venue.

Messages

Messages can be collected and left at the Registration and Information Desk. All messages will be posted on the message board alongside the Desk. Please check the board on passing.

Lost Property

Please report all lost or found property immediately to the staff at the Registration and Information Desk.