General Information

Venue
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Hilton Tel Aviv hotel is 1 minute from the beach. Relax by the outdoor pool or be pampered at the spa. Dine on sushi at Yakimono Sushi Bar or Mediterranean dishes at King Solomon. Relax with a cocktail at the Lobby Lounge.
The Hilton Tel Aviv hotel has 14 meeting rooms for 6 to 1500 guests, a business centre, Executive Lounge and Business Lounge. All guest rooms and public areas have wireless Internet access. Between meetings, take in sea views from the 17th-floor Executive Lounge.
De-stress with a workout or massage at the Cybex Spa. Swim in the onsite saltwater pool or at the beach one minute's walk away, where you can also watch the yachts come and go at the Marina. Shop till you drop at Dizengoff Center or explore the Old City of Jaffa.
All rooms, from Hilton Guest Rooms to Suites, have wireless Internet access and private balconies. Most have sea views. Business guests can enjoy the outstanding services of our 12th floor HHonors Business Lounge overlooking the Mediterranean, the yachting marina and Jaffa. The rooftop Executive Lounge welcomes Executive guests and offers panoramic views from the glass walls. Both lounges offer complimentary breakfast, beverages and snacks throughout the day.

Hotels of varying grades, all within close proximity to the Conference venue, will be offered to the Conference participants.

Exhibition
A relevant, professional exhibition will accompany the Conference. Companies, agencies, manufacturers and publishers who are interested are invited to contact the Conference Secretariat for further information.

Language
The official language of the Conference is English.

Travel
Ben Gurion International Airport (BGIA), located just off the road linking Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, is one of the busiest airports in the Middle East. Many major international airlines arrive at and depart from BGIA with increasing frequency.

Climate and Clothing
May is early summer in Israel. Temperatures in Tel Aviv range between 17 - 25°C / 63 - 77°F. Light rain is possible. Dress will be informal throughout the Conference. In addition, modest dress appropriate for visits to religious sites is recommended.

Pre and Post – Conference Tours
Pre and Post-Conference tours in Israel will be arranged for interested participants. Further details will be published in the Second Announcement.

Visa
All international Conference participants are eligible to enter Israel. Citizens of North American, Western European and many Asian and South American countries need only a valid passport in order to be admitted entry to Israel. It is recommended to verify visa requirements with the Israeli Embassy in your country.
Individuals residing in countries without diplomatic relations with Israel should write to the Secretariat no later than three months prior to the Conference, giving their full name, date and place of birth, nationality, passport number, dates of issue and expiry, place of issue, flight number, point of departure and arrival date and time.

Currency
The unit of currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS) commonly known as the Shekel. Approximate currency rates as of January 2008 are as follows:
US $ 1 = NIS 3.85 Euro € 1 = NIS 5.66
There are no restrictions on transfer and use of foreign currencies in Israel.
Most international credit cards are accepted.

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 websites:
Tel Aviv’s Official Site
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

*Details are subject to change.