Tips for Maximizing Your World Congress Experience
This week, a few practical tips for the delegate and his or her entourage, on how to survive the 21st World Congress of Dermatology to be held at the La Rural Convention Center, Buenos Aires September 30th – October 5th.
In order to make the best of such an intellectual and social maelstrom, planning and tenacity are essential. Activities fall into work, official functions and play.
WORK
More details in the coming blogs on which are the talks not to miss but DO go on line NOW to program@dermato2007.org to make sure you work out what you want to see and hear during the week. Planning now can avert disappointment later.
Make sure you put the P&G Beauty Satellite Symposia in your diary, blackberry or iPod.
OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS
See and be seen at the following:
Opening Ceremony (included in the registration fee):
The Opening Ceremony will be held at the Convention Centre, on Sunday, September 30, 2007 at 18.30. Delegates accompanying persons and exhibitors are welcome.
Welcoming Reception (included in the registration fee):
Following the Opening Ceremony, the Welcoming Reception will be held at the Exhibition area of the Convention Centre, on Sunday, September 30, 2007.
Delegates accompanying registered persons and exhibitors are welcome.
Return transfers will be provided by coach.
**A good chance to get stuck into the atmosphere and to arrange to meet with old friends.
Congress Closing Party: Registered delegates and accompanying persons may also participate in what is described as “a unique party” on Thursday, October 4, 2007, from 20.00 to midnight. According to the organisers, “Refreshments, music and dance are scheduled. Wander, relax, be entertained, dance and look out for a few surprises through the night.” – the mind boggles!
Tickets are required; limited attendance. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance. Fee: US $95
PLAY (SOCIALISING)
One should never underestimate the impact of socialising during these major events.
Getting together in the evening with professional colleagues and friends is often as important as set lectures and workshops. Certainly for the Exhibitors this is a key part of the week.
Never deride the importance of industry at such events; without them, barely any progress would ever happen; without their products or surgical provisions, we could be mere observers of cutaneous disease.
In 20 years, the most obvious change has been the emergence of major cosmetic manufacturers as equals to the traditional pharmaceutical houses. For instance, this year the cosmetic powerhouse that is P&G Beauty will offer a series of symposia bringing some of the world’s experts in the science of skin, hair and cosmeceuticals to the podium. In the exhibition hall, the latest technologies in hair, hair colour and skin care will be displayed – AND for the delegates – those quality products to take home to the loved ones! In the poster hall, scientific quality undreamed of a decade ago will be on display for the inquisitive mind.
The Gala Dinner is a great opportunity for “networking” (apologies to aficionados of the Queen’s English) in a homogeneous atmosphere and for some “surprises throughout the night”.
The President’s Dinner, hosted by P&G Beauty, welcomes leaders of the global, regional and local organisations in their increasingly global quest to promote training, safety and efficacy standards, and in some cases, defend the speciality against cost-containing bureaucrats and professional interlopers.
Having penciled in your week, following are some valuable logistics and recommendations for dining and getting out and about…
BUENOS AIRES: USEFUL TIPS FOR DELEGATES
CLIMATE & DRESS
Spring begins in September and visitors can expect a temperate climate with average temperatures in the afternoon around 22°C (~72°F) with occasional rain, so pack light and you’d be prudent to bring an umbrella.
Comfortable cloths for lectures, sightseeing and shopping but ladies, don’t forget posh-frocks for the Gala Dinner and gentlemen will need to sport or hire a tuxedo if invited to the President’s Dinner, sponsored by P&G Beauty.
Smart casual is de-rigueur if out in the better restaurants.
AIRPORTS
The two runway Ministro Pistarini International Airport is located in the suburb of Ezeiza, about 35 km (40 minutes’ drive) from the centre of Buenos Aires city. It is also the hub of international routes of Aerolíneas Argentinas.
The airport has two terminals: International airlines arrive and depart from Terminal A which can be very busy, so arrive in plenty of time for your flight home.
The Aeroparque Jorge Newbery airport, located in the Palermo neighborhood next to the riverbank, serves mostly domestic traffic.
TRANSPORTATION
Taxis in Buenos Aires are distinguishable by their standard black and yellow exterior. They are available 24 hours a day, either by flagging or reservation. Payment is per meter reading and not by district. Available taxis are marked LIBRE.
Buses or Colectivos
Buenos Aires has a large network of buses, locally called “Colectivos”. There are 144 lines, each identified with a number and different colors. You purchase your ticket on the bus with coins only. Once on board, you must tell the driver your destination and he/she will enter the amount on the ticket machine. The machine prints a receipt as proof of payment and it is advised that you do not discard the receipt until exiting the bus. If you do not have exact fare, wait until the machine gives you change. Most lines operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Late night services are less frequent. At your stop, go towards the back of the bus and ring the bell on top of the back door.
Car Service or Remises
Remises can be secured by telephone or in person at the “Remiserias”. The price of the trip is arranged at the time of reservation. This form of transportation is very safe, cheaper than taxis and will always take the fastest route. The “remiserias” or “agencias de remise” are small offices or store fronts located throughout the city.
Subway
The subway system is very reliable and it covers the city centre and outskirts of the city. There are five lines identified with letters A, B, C, D and E, which undoubtedly provide the fastest way to move around the city. The subway system runs Monday – Friday from 6am to 10pm, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 6am to 8pm.
ATTRACTIONS
Luckily for Congress participants, the La Rural Convention Center is in an excellent location, accessible from anywhere in the city. In anticipation of a “balanced” visit I offer some places of interest.
Teatro Colon
One of the world’s finest opera houses, the Teatro Colon is a site not to miss while in Buenos Aires. Located at 9 de Julio Avenue, in the heart of the city and on a site once occupied by Ferrocarril Oeste’s El Parque station, the building has its main entrance on Libertad Street. For show or tour times, please visit http://www.teatrocolon.org.ar/inicio.htm.
La Boca
La Boca embodies the varied architecture of the city’s multinational heritage. With Spanish Colonial design, Italian detailing and graceful French Classicism. Muralists have turned this area of the city into colorful avenues and a delight for tourists.
Plaza de Mayo
The Plaza de Mayo is the city center (the city, in fact, was literally built around it), and some of Argentina’s most important historical events took place here. Surrounding it is the Government House, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Cabildo (town hall).
…and last but not least:
TANGO
Tango music was born in the suburbs, notably in the houses of ill repute of the Junín y Lavalle district and in the arrabales. Its sensual dance moves were not seen as respectable until adopted by the Parisian high society in the 1920s, and then all over the world. Tango enjoyed a resurgence in global popularity later in the 20th century due almost exclusively to Astor Piazzolla and his development of the tango nuevo style. In San Telmo, Sundays are devoted to tango shows on the streets and antiques trade in the bazaars around Dorrego Square. Tango shows can be found in establishments such as Rivero’s El Viejo Almacén.
DINING
If in doubt, be generous to the Concierge in the hotel to get you prime restaurants as well as shows and tours. Never underestimate the power these powerful allies wield.
The dining options in Buenos Aires are infinite. Argentinean culture emphasizes its multinational cuisine and gathering people to enjoy it. In-line with the social norm, most restaurants do not serve dinner until 9pm. Main courses usually consist of Asado, a barbecue of outstanding quality beef, which not surprisingly is the dominant protein source. Bife de Chorizo (sirloin steak) or Empanadas (meat pies) are excellent and will do absolutely nothing for the waist line. Some of the local red wine is an excellent accompaniment. Also, try the Yerba Mate–the traditional gaucho drink made with herbal tea, which claims to have multiple medicinal and healthful properties (placebo not included). Last but not least, you must try the national deserts: Dulce de Leche, a milk jelly, and Alfajores, Argentine sweets made from Dulce de Leche.
Here are a few options to consider for Argentinean cuisine:
Madrigales
With cross-cultural flare, Madrigales serves a fusion of Mediterranean and Argentine dishes in a serene atmosphere with modern oriental décor.
Address: Av. Callao 181, Buenos Aires C1022, Telephone: 11-4370 8007
Golden Tulip Savoy Hotel, MON-SUN 7:00 am-12:00 am
Cost: Inexpensive
Restaurant Pigalle
This restaurant is a hit with travelers - live local entertainment and a traditional Argentinean menu.
Address: President M. Ortiz 1835, Peatonal de Recoleta, Buenos Aires 1113, Telephone: 11-4311-6676, Etoile Hotel
Cost: Moderate
Tago Mago
Dancers and acrobats wait tables while singers, jugglers, dancers and trapeze artists entertain diners during the evening hours.
Address: R Obligado & J Salguero, Costanera Norte, Buenos Aires, Telephone: 11-4312-7291
Cost: Expensive
To finish this week’s blog here are some useful Web sites
About the Congress: www.dermato2007.org
Information: info@dermato2007.org
Scientific Program:program@dermato2007.org
Abstracts: abstracts@dermato2007.org
Registration: registration@dermato2007.org
Exhibition: exhibition@dermato2007.org
Hotels: travel@dermato2007.org
Scholarships: scholarship@dermato2007.org
Press: press@dermato2007.org