General information

Welcome to Tampere, Finland
Tampere is a beautiful town located between two large lakes on the banks of the Tammerkoski rapids. It is about 180 kilometres north of Helsinki with a population of 201,000. Tampere was founded in 1779 and is today the largest inland city of the Nordic countries. Tampere is a significant conference destination. It is a safe and vibrant town with vivid cultural life and lively summer events.

Tampere is a city of education and research on both a national and international scale. It is also an outstanding centre for Finnish cultural life with its theatres and events focusing on arts, music, literature, and architecture.

There are excellent flight connections to Finland from all parts of the world with over 130 direct flights daily from over 30 European cities to Helsinki. Tampere is served by several daily connecting flights from Helsinki, as well as direct flights from Copenhagen and Stockholm. Tampere can also be reached by a direct bus connection from Helsinki airport and by frequent trains from Helsinki. The bus and train rides take less than two hours.

Congress venue - Tampere Hall
Tampere is well prepared to host international meetings having been the venue for hundreds of international conferences. Tampere Hall, the largest purpose-built congress and concert centre in Scandinavia, offers excellent facilities for major international congresses and exhibitions. It is located beside a lovely park in the very heart of Tampere opposite Tampere University and just a stone’s throw away from the railway station. It is within easy walking distance of the congress hotels, city centre and the various attractions.

For more information on Tampere Hall please see: www.tampere-talo.fi/english

Tampere Tourist Information
Tel. +358-(0)20-716 6800
Fax +358-(0)20-716 6463
E-mail: touristbureau@tampere.fi

 Important dates (FESPB 2008)

 Congress information

Information and registration desk
The information and registration desk will be available at Tampere Hall in the registration area during the congress hours. Advance information on Tampere can be obtained through the website of Tampere  (www.tampere.fi/english). Participants can pick up their personal congress material at the registration desk, which will be open at Tampere Hall (street address: Yliopistonkatu 55) as follows:

Friday, 15 August 2008 (to be confirmed)
Saturday, 16 August 2008 (to be confirmed)
Sunday, 17 August 2008 at 14:00–20:00 (FESPB 2008)
Monday-Friday, 18–22 August 2008 at 08:00–17:00 (FESPB 2008)

Language
The conference language is English. There will be no simultaneous interpretation.

Climate and clothing
The average day-time temperature in Finland in August is between 15-25°C (55-75°F). Evenings are cooler. Occasional rain showers may occur. It is advisable to bring some warm clothes with you.

Currency
The official currency in Finland is Euro (€).

Electricity
Electricity supply in Finland is 220 volts (50 Hz), and wall outlets are the Northern European Standard (CEE7/4) with two round contacts. The standard two-pin Euro plug (CEE 7/16) can be connected to these outlets.

Name badges
Participants and accompanying persons are obliged to wear the official conference name badges on all conference occasions. Additional fee will be charged for reproduction of lost name badges.

Exhibition
The commercial exhibition will take place in the lobby areas of Tampere Hall. Access to the exhibition is free for registered participants. The exhibition will be open throughout the meeting hours.

Lunch and refreshments
Lunch is included in the participants’ registration fee. Coffee, tea and other refreshments will be available in the exhibition area during the breaks.

Non-smoking policy
Smoking is prohibited in the congress and exhibition areas. Smoking is also prohibited indoors in public buildings and other places open to the public, except in designated smoking zones.

Certificate of attendance
All participants will receive a certificate of attendance during the congress together with the congress material.

 Contact information

Scientific secretariat
fespb2008@helsinki.fi

Congress secretariat
CONGREX / Blue & White Conferences Oy
P.O.Box 81, Sulkapolku 3, 3rd floor
FI-00371 Helsinki, Finland
Tel: +358-9-560 7500
Fax: +358-9-560 75020
E-mail: fespb2008@congrex.fi