The Conference Site and Venue
The conference will take place at the AFEKA Tel Aviv Academic College of Engineering, which is only a twenty-five minute drive from “Ben-Gurion” International Airport, less than an hour from Jerusalem and within easy reach of the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea.

Tel-Aviv is the 2nd largest city of Israel. As an exciting and cosmopolitan mix of leisure activities, Tel-Aviv offers something for everyone – to be fully enjoyed in its ideal Mediterranean climate: outdoor cafes, ethnic restaurants, historic sites, open oriental markets and of course, the Mediterranean coast and its golden beaches.

The Organizing Committee has reserved rooms at the Sheraton Moriah Tel Aviv hotel as well as an alternative hotel grade, which is offered to the participants at special reduced rates when booked via the conference secretariat, Ortra Ltd.

Language
The conference will be conducted in English. More information will be published on the detailed program on the conference website in due time.

Travel To Israel
The best way to travel to Israel is by air. There are regular flights from most major cities in Europe and North America to Tel Aviv, Ben-Gurion International Airport.

Visas
Participants from most countries do not require an entry visa to Israel. Individuals from countries without diplomatic relations with Israel should write up to 3 months in advance to the Secretariat, giving their full name, date and place of birth, passport number and date of issue, time of arrival and flight number. The secretariat will arrange for a visa to be issued at the airport upon arrival.

Pre and Post Conference Tours
Pre- and post-conference tours will be arranged for those interested in touring Israel. See “Travel, Tours and Accommodation” section for more details.

Climate & Clothing
October is autumn in Israel, with temperatures ranging between 19-27°C. Rain is to be expected.
Dress will be informal throughout the conference.

Currency
The unit of currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS), commonly known as the Shekel.
The Shekel consists of 100 Agorot, US$1 = NIS 4.50= (As of July 2006).

Electricity
Electricity in Israel is supplied at 220V, 50Hz and has a three-pin connecting plug.

Value Added Tax Reimbursement
According to the Value Added Tax (VAT) Law, a foreign tourist is able to benefit from a zero rate of VAT on a vast array of services obtained during a stay in Israel. In addition, a special arrangement exists whereby a tourist may also request a VAT refund on purchases made during a stay.
For more details please visit the official website of the Ministry of Finance, Israeli Department of Customs and VAT

More Information about Israel on the Internet see the following web sites:
Ministry of Tourism: http://www.tourism.gov.il/english
Jerusalem’s Official Site: http://www.jerusalem.muni.il
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.mfa.gov.il