BANKS AND POST OFFICES
Opening hours for the banks in the city are Mon – Fri 09:00 – 14:00. All banks are closed during weekends and on public holidays.
Cash machines; cajero automático (ATM) are available just outside the Convention Centre. For a Bank Office close to the centre we recommend to go to the “Diagonal Mar” Shopping & Leisure Centre which is situated next to the Convention Centre.
Money can be changed in any bank, at most travel agencies, major hotels and airports. The Post Office; Correos is open Mon – Fri 09:00 – 14:00, Sat 09:00 – 13:00. Stamps are also available at Tobacconists.

CAR PARK
The Convention Centre does not have a parking garage, but there are several public parking places within walking distance to the Convention Centre on Pg. Taulat.

CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE
Participating delegates will receive a Certificate of Attendance in their Congress bag.

CLIMATE AND DRESS CODE
Barcelona’s location on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea means that it enjoys a warm, welcoming climate and pleasant temperatures all year round. The average temperature in June is 21 degrees Celsius.
For weather forecasts please visit: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/ The dress code will be informal throughout the Congress.

CME CREDITS
We are happy to inform you that the EAACI will offer Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits for the Congress in Barcelona. The aim of a CME system is to assure a high level of theoretic and clinical competence throughout the working life of medical specialists.

At present there is no standardised CME system in Europe. Some countries have established CME systems with legal obligation to collect a certain number of credits in order to practice medicine, while other countries have no system and CME is considered only an ethical and moral responsibility. In the United States the CME system was established over 40 years ago and this concept is well integrated in the American medical community. EACCME Credits will be available to US Doctors attending the EAACI 2008, due to a reciprocity agreement signed by AMAAmerican Medical Association, and UEMSEuropean Union of Medical Specialists. EAACI Accreditation Committee is the responsible body for credit evaluation of EAACI events, and EACCME, as the UEMS accreditation body, will be responsible for validation of European Credits. American Doctors who wish to receive ACCME accreditation must show their EAACI credit certificate for reciprocity status.

The EAACI CME Accreditation Committee will review and evaluate CME activities and establish the amount of credits to be given. This will be particularly useful in countries where no CME system is available. The EAACI CME Accreditation Committee will guarantee that the CME programmes are of a high scientific and educational standard, and that they are free from influence from industries and in reciprocity with the American system. The amount of CME Credits that will be assigned to the EAACI 2008 in Barcelona will be announced on the Congress web site prior to the event.

CURRENCY
The local currency is Euro.

DISCLAIMER
The Local Organising Committee and Congrex Sweden AB cannot accept liability for injuries or losses of whatever nature incurred by participants and/or accompanying persons, nor for loss of or damage to their luggage and/or personal belongings.

EAACI EXECUTIVE OFFICE
P.O. Box 24 140, SE-104 51 Stockholm,
Sweden
Telephone: +46 8 459 66 23
Fax: +46 8 663 38 15
E-mail: executive.office@eaaci.org
Internet: http://www.eaaci.net/

EAACI MEMBERSHIP (New Reduced Fees)
EAACI wants to make it financially feasible for its colleagues across Europe to be part of one of the fastest growing societies in Europe. In 2007 EAACI introduced a new membership structure which took into consideration the differences in incomes across Europe. Membership will now be more affordable for Countries with a per capita GNP of less than US$ 10,000 (50% reduction on the annual fee).

Not only does EAACI offer a considerable discount to our colleagues in resource-poor regions we also give all our members priority status at our Meetings and Congresses. Members over 35 years receive a discount of EUR 150 on the Registration fee and Junior members are entitled to register to the Congress at the low “Student” fee.

As a member in EAACI you will be kept informed on the latest research and developments through our official journals ALLERGY and Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (available in printed or electronic version). These journals contain editorials, review articles, original articles, educational series and more.

EAACI is a non-profit organisation. Income derived from fees, congress and meeting profits are devoted to current activities, research and travel awards, and initiatives of interest to members. More information on this and much more can be viewed at http://www.eaaci.net/

ELECTRICITY
The voltage in Spain is 220 volts. Round European style two-pin plugs are used. Appliances designed to operate on 110/120V need a voltage converter and a plug adapter for two-prong, round-prong plugs with side grounding contacts.

INTERPRETATION
The Congress will be simultaneously interpreted English to Spanish. The Nurses Programme will be interpreted English to Spanish and Spanish to English.

ITALIAN PARTICIPANTS
Promoviaggi S.p.A. has been appointed the official agency for Government Authorisation for Italian participants. You may contact them at the following address:
Promoviaggi S.p.A.
Viale Gian Galeazzo, 3
IT-201 36 MILANO, Italy
Telephone: +39 02 581 891
Fax: +39 02 837 34 48
E-mail: promoviaggi@promoviaggi.it

JMA ACTIVITIES
A happy welcome to all Juniors which join the annual Congress in Barcelona! Sunday evening we would like to invite you to a challenging event: The JMA Poster Discussion where you have the chance to win one of the poster prizes! All juniors who have submitted a case report, can also win an award. The winning case report abstract will be presented and awarded on the JMA Case Report Presentation and JMA Club on Tuesday evening. There will be a brand new chance to present clinical cases on Tuesday, where all juniors will have the chance to present and discuss daily clinical practice and present exciting clinical reports. We have also prepared a JMA educational session on the topic: “The successful career of a Junior”. I can assure you that we have key note speakers that will give us precious information how to improve our careers. The JMA Forum is about: “Urticaria and anaphylaxis- the hot spots in Allergy” where young speakers will guide you through hot topics in urticaria and anaphylaxis. Like previous years, we will have a JMA Business meeting on Tuesday 10 June, 17:00 - 19:00, to present and discuss our latest achievements and where you will have the chance to actively participate. Our JMA social event is always a great opportunity for networking and to chillout with new friends in a convenient way and of course in Barcelona “la fiesta” will be unforgettable! Details will be available soon. We are very much looking forward to meeting you in Barcelona 2008.
On behalf of the JMAs,
Luis Miguel Borrego, JMA Chairperson

LANGUAGE
The official language of the Congress is English. Simultaneous interpretation into Spanish will be provided in the largest halls throughout the Congress.

LOCAL GROUND HANDLER

For evening arrangements and bus transfers please contact:
ATLANTA
Calvet, 55
08021 Barcelona
Telephone: +34 932 017 756
Fax: +34 932 017 188
E-mail: dmcbcn@atlanta.es
www.atlanta.es

LOCAL TIME
During the time of the Congress, Barcelona will be 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

MEALS
Coffee/tea is included in the registration fee and will be served daily. There are several bars and restaurants available within the “Diagonal Mar” Shopping Centre which is situated next to the Convention Centre. There are also restaurants available just outside the CCIB. Click here for a list of recommended restaurants in Barcelona.

OFFICIAL CARRIER

The Star Alliance Members are pleased to be appointed as the Official Airline Network for the EAACI 2008 Congress. To obtain details and conditions on Star Alliance™ Conventions Plus discounts and participating airlines*, please contact your local Star Alliance Member and quote the following Event Code JK001S8. When making your travel plans please present confirmation of your registration as proof of attendance and ensure that the Event Code is listed on your ticket. For further information about Star Alliance Members please visit: http://www.staralliance.com/conventionsplus.
*Participating airlines for this event: Air Canada, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS International Air Lines, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Spanair, TAP Portugal, THAI, United.

PASSPORT AND VISA
Participants are advised to make their own arrangements with respect to entering Spain. Individuals requiring an official letter of invitation in order to obtain a visa and authorisation to attend the Congress should direct a request to the Congress Secretariat in Stockholm at eaaci-visa@congrex.se before 1 May 2008. Please be informed that a letter of invitation will only be issued to registered delegates and when Congrex Sweden AB has received full payment. Allow at least 2 months handling of your Visa application from the Spanish Embassy/Consulate in your country. Please visit the following website: www.mae.es/es/Embajadas+y+Consulados/
for a possibility to make a quick search for a Spanish embassy in your country.

PROGRAMME NAVIGATOR
The Congrex Abstract System offers the Congress delegates a way to view the Scientific Programme and to plan for their participation in advance. This service has been highly appreciated among delegates for the last years. Using the Internet-based service - Programme Navigator - participants can search for speakers, abstract authors, word in lecture titles and sessions, and delegates can easily find and select the presentations of interest. The result of the selection is the Personal Planner, which can be viewed and printed by the delegate. The Personal Planner is an agenda for the Congress, specifying date, time, location and presentation title for the selected presentations. The Programme Navigator is available around one month prior to the Congress.

PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISER

Congrex is an independent group of companies that was established in 1982. We employ over 300 full-time experts and operate out of 17 offices in 9 countries. We have production hubs in Europe and Latin America and strategic partnerships in the USA and Australia. Congrex arranges more than 7000 small, medium and large events annually, involving more than 250.000 participants in over 850 venues across 40 countries. No matter where in the world you want to stage an event or meeting, we have the vision and creativity to make it a success. Congrex mission is to be the leading world wide expert offering integrated solutions for the association services industry and corporate and governmental events.

RESTAURANTS
Click here for a list of recommended restaurants in Barcelona.

SECURITY AND PERSONAL SAFETY
Please be aware of thieves and pick-pockets in the area surrounding the Convention Centre, and downtown Barcelona. Do not carry your badge outside the Convention Centre, and do not give it to anybody even if you are leaving the congress. If you carry a laptop, always keep an eye on it, inside and outside the Convention Centre. In the event of a robbery, please contact the General Information Desk who will call Convention Centre Security.

SMOKING POLICY
In accordance with the policy of the EAACI, this is a non-smoking event. Smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the venue, and not immediately outside entrances or on balconies.

SPEAKERS´ PREVIEW ROOM
There is a Speakers´ Preview Room on the M1 level in the VIP Room in the Convention Centre.
The opening hours are:
Saturday 7 June 08.00 – 19.30
Sunday 8 June 07.00 – 18.00
Monday 9 June 07.00 – 18.00
Tuesday 10 June 07.00 – 18.00
Wednesday 11 June 08.00 – 13.00

TRANSPORTATION CARDS
Transportation cards are included in the registration fee and can be picked up at the Transportation Desk in the registration area.
Cards are valid for unlimited number of journeys by Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) metro and bus network, Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat urban lines, Renfe's Rodalies train network and the TRAM beginning with the first validation. Exhibitors and non-registered persons can purchase transportation cards at the Transportation Desk.
Click here for a map of the Barcelona transportation system and what is included in the transportation cards.

TRANSPORTATION
El Prat airport is located 13 kilometres south east from Barcelona and 20 kilometres from the Barcelona International Convention Centre, CCIB.

By Train - RENFE
There is a train service between the airport and the city centre (Paseo de Gracia). There is one train every 30 minutes and the travel time is 25 minutes.

From the train station Paseo de Gracia it is easy to connect with the yellow line (line 4) of the metro. The closest station to the CCIB is Maresme-Forum.
For further information visit: http://www.renfe.es/

Express bus (Aerobús)
There is an airport bus service between the airport and the city centre (Plaza Cataluña). There is one bus every 6 – 15 minutes and the travel time is 30 minutes. Next to Plaza Cataluña, you can take the yellow line (line 4) of the metro at the Urquinaona station. The closest station to the CCIB is Maresme-Forum.
For further information visit: http://www.grupsarbusb.com/

Taxi
The journey to the CCIB from the airport takes about 30 minutes depending on the traffic. Fees change according to the time of the day. There is an additional cost for entry/exit from the airport and for carrying luggage.

By car
The C-31 motorway connects the airport with Barcelona. The most direct way to reach the CCIB is by the Ronda Litoral -exit 24-. It takes about 30 minutes depending on the traffic. If you are going to the CCIB from the city centre by car, the best option is to take the Avenida Diagonal until the end.

Public Transport
You can reach the CCIB by metro (Maresme-Forum station in the yellow line), bus (lines number 7, 36, 41, 43 and 141) and Trambesos (Forum station). All these stops are located just a few minutes walk away from the CCIB.

Click here for a map of the Barcelona transportation system and what is included in the transportation cards.

TRAVEL GRANTS
EAACI and the Local Organising Committee offer 100 travel grants to EAACI Junior Members and Affiliate Junior Members, with an accepted abstract. The travel grant application should be made in connection with the electronic abstract submission.

The application deadline is 16 January 2008
Those who are awarded a travel grant will receive free registration to the Congress, shared accommodation in a twin-bedded room (up to 4 nights) and travel costs refunded up to EUR 500. A hotel for juniors and fellows will be arranged to facilitate social contacts and the use of common transports. The name of the hotel will be announced on the Congress web site at a later stage. Travel grant recipients who do not wish to stay at the JMA hotel will receive free registration and up to EUR 500 for travel expenses. Those JMAs who do not receive a travel grant but are anyway interested in reserving this hotel at their own expense may contact Congrex and they will get accommodation on a first come first served basis. Travel costs will be refunded on site at the Congress, upon presentation of original tickets and travel receipts.

If the abstract is accepted but your grant application is not approved, you must register and pay the registration fee before 28 March. Otherwise your abstract will be cancelled from the Programme and the Abstract Book.

VENUE
The EAACI 2008 will be held at:
Barcelona International Convention Centre, CCIB
Rambla Prim, 1-17
08019 Barcelona, Spain
Tel: +34 93 230 10 00
Fax: +34 93 230 10 01
E-mail: ccib@ccib.es
Web site: http://www.ccib.es/