VALA2014 General Information

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Conference Information

Registration & Information desk

The VALA2014 Conference Registration and Information Desk will be located on Concourse Area 3, opposite Door 6 of the Melbourne Exhibition Centre and will be open as follows:

Monday 3 February 2014
0830 – 1800

Tuesday 4 February 2014
0800 – 1830

Wednesday 5 February 2014
0800 – 1800

Thursday 6 February 2014
0800 – 1800

Speaker Preparation Room

Speakers are asked to submit and preview their presentations prior to their session. The Speaker Preparation Room is located in Room 215 on Level 2 and will be open as follows:

Monday 3 February 2014
1200 – 1730

Tuesday 4 February 2014
0800 – 1730

Wednesday 5 February 2014
0800 – 1700

Thursday 6 February 2014
0800 – 1700

Name badges and securityName Badge key

Conference name badges must be worn at all times during the Conference. Without a name badge, you will not be admitted to the VALA Exhibition or Conference Session rooms. For evening functions, guests must have their name badge or function tickets with them to gain entry. The Social Functions are not appropriate for children, therefore we ask that you do not purchase tickets for children under the age of 18 years. To avoid difficulty accessing Conference areas and functions, please always have your name badge or function ticket with you.

VEA Network and Recharge Hub

Located in the Exhibition, the VEA Network and Recharge Hub is a place for communication, physical or virtual: recharge devices, organise a meet-up, or check your email or website on the computers provided. See you at the Hub!

Wireless Internet Access

VALA2014 will be supported by a dedicated wireless internet access service, provided for the exclusive use of delegates. The access will be password protected. Please refer to your pocket programme for access code and further details. When using the internet service, please be mindful of your colleagues by deactivating any auto downloads and limiting the number of active connections.


Transport Information

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 an adult is $18 one-way transfer and $30 return. SkyBus pick up from most major city hotels and Southern Cross Station Bus Interchange (Spencer Street). SkyBus can be contacted on +61 3 9335 2811 or you can book online up to three months in advance on www.skybus.com.au. Alternatively, a taxi from Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to the Airport will cost approximately $60 to $70.

Car Parking

There are three car parks available at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, all open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

  • Melbourne Convention Centre – entrance off Siddeley Street.
    Fees start at $8.00 per hour.  Early-bird and weekend rates are available.
  • Melbourne Exhibition Centre – entrance off Normanby Road
    Fees start at $10.00 per hour up to a maximum of $40.00 per day. Early-bird, evening and weekend rates are available.
  • South Wharf Retail Car Park – entrance off Normanby Road
    Fees start at $6.00 per hour.  Evening rates are available.

Rates are applicable at the time of publication.

Taxis

Taxi drop off points are at the following locations:

  1. Convention Centre Place, South Wharf
  2. Clarendon Street, South Wharf (the entrance to the Melbourne Exhibition Centre)

Trams

A tram stop is located on Clarendon Street at the entrance to the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. There is also a tram stop on Wurundjeri Way (Flinders Street West extension) which is accessible via the Yarra River footbridge and Siddeley Street. Click HERE for information regarding tram timetables.

Visit the MCEC website for more detail on directions, public transport and parking information.


Veunue General Information

Conference catering

Lunch, morning and afternoon teas will be served in the Exhibition Area. See also “Special Dietary Requirements”.

Dress

The dress code for Conference and most social events, including the Welcome Reception and Farewell Drinks, is smart casual; the Conference Dinner dress code is After 5.

Disclaimer

VALA, the Conference Organising Committee and WALDRONSMITH Management will not accept liability for the damages of any nature sustained by participants or their accompanying persons for loss or damage to their personal property as a result of VALA2014 and exhibition or related events. Emergency response In the event of an evacuation, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre staff will act as fire wardens to assist in the movement of patrons to the designated assembly point. The closest evacuation meeting point is located outside the World Trade Centre accessed via the pedestrian bridge outside the Convention Centre exit next to Polly Woodside.

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.

Photography and video recording

VALA2014 will be supported by onsite webcasts, video recording and photography. The resulting footage and images may be published by VALA during conference and in future promotional material, including on the VALA website. At registration, delegates were able to withhold their authority for VALA to use any footage or images in which they appear; this will be indicated on name tags where appropriate. If unsure, please enquire at the Registration Desk.

Special Dietary Requirements

Every effort will be made to accommodate all special dietary requirements; however, 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.