Frequently Asked Questions

Visa Issues

As a rule, foreign nationals who require (e.g. Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam) an entry visa are requested to apply it from either the Finnish mission or a mission of a Schengen country that represents Finland in their home country.

Finland requires travellers to have travel insurance for the entire period of their stay in Finland. Without travel insurance you can not get a visa to Finland.

Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland will give more information on issues related to foreign nationals arriving in Finland.

Participation Fee

The participation fee is 200 euro for payments received before 31 July and 300 euro for payments between 31 July and 18 August 2006.

Keynote Speakers and Working Group Chairmen and Co-Chairmen are invited to take part in AEBF10 without the participation fee. In addition, one Steering Committee Member and Contact Point from each AEBF country can participate without the participation fee. In case either one of them cannot participate, a replacing representative from the cooperation organisation (e.g. industrial federation, chamber of commerce) can participate for free.

Hotel bookings

Early hotel bookings are recommended in order to ensure the hotel of your choice. Hotel bookings can also be requested separately by e-mail after registration aebf10@congrex.fi. Please note that individual bookings in the Helsinki area may not be possible due to the ASEM 6 Summit and other international conferences. All hotel bookings made through CONGREX after 31 July are subject to availability.

You may reserve a shared double/twin room together with another participant. Indicate the shared room reservation in online registration forms of both parties. Additionally, please indicate the name of the other participant in the "Remarks" field. The default hotel deposit is 50% of the room rate for both participants sharing the room.

In AEBF10 hotel bookings related questions please approach CONGREX (organisation providing conference services) directly by emailing aebf10@congrex.fi.

Payments

You need to select method of payment while making your booking. You have a possibility to use credit card (VISA, MasterCard or EuroCard are accepted) or bank transfer. The credit card information will be submitted safely in encrypted format and the automated e-mail feedback will only display the first four numbers of the credit card.

The total amount of your participation fee (200€ before 31 July, 300€ between 1 August and 18 August) including possible hotel deposit of one night will be charged to your credit card/by sending an invoice.

In AEBF10 payments related questions please approach CONGREX (organisation providing conference services) directly by emailing aebf10@congrex.fi.

Confirmation

You will receive a preliminary electronic confirmation of your registration to AEBF10 after registration.

You will receive a confirmation of the bookings as well as the payment after processing of the credit card payment or receipt of the bank transfer payment depending on the method of payment you have chosen. The confirmation will be sent to you by airmail in due time.

In AEBF10 confirmation related questions please approach CONGREX (organisation providing conference services) directly by emailing aebf10@congrex.fi.

Country Delegation

We kindly request each AEBF-country to nominate one representative to each working group (altogether five representatives).

Arrivals

 

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport

 

Most of the AEBF10 delegations will travel to Finland by air and arrive at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is located 20 km north of central Helsinki.

 

To and From

• By bus

Buses run between the airport and central Helsinki in every 10-20 minutes.

Information on the routes, fares and timetables of public transport in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area and surrounding towns is available on Journey.fi that provides door-to-door transport information.

In addition, you can take the Finnair City Bus from the airport to the downtown Helsinki. For timetables and fares please contact Helsinki-Vantaa Airport Information.

Airport Information

Telephone inquiries 24 h, tel. +358 200 14636 (0,57 €/min + lnc)

information.efhk@finavia.fi

International Terminal, Departure Hall 2, open according to departing flights

International Terminal, Arrivals Hall 2, open 24 hrs

Domestic Terminal, Arrivals Hall 1, open Mon–Sun 7– 23:45

• By taxi

The taxi journey from the airport to the centre of Helsinki takes nearly half an hour and costs about 30 €. There are taxi stations right outside the Arrivals Halls of the Domestic and Inter-national terminals. Service desks for the taxi operators can be found at Arrivals halls 1 and 2.

• By rental bus for own use

If your delegation needs a rental bus for your own use you may contact a tour organizer that will help you in arranging one. For example you may use the services of Northern Star Tours.

Northern Star Tours

Ms. Merja Karjalainen
Kirkkokatu 5
FI-00170 Helsinki
FINLAND

Tel: +358 9 68135490
Mobile: +358 40 5065046
E-mail: merja.karjalainen@nst.inet.fi

Registration and Information Desk

On Saturday 9 September 2006 registration is possible at the AEBF10 conference venue Marina Congress Center which is close to the premises of Welcome Reception. Registration and information desk are open 13:00-21:00.

AEBF10 venue

Marina Congress Center
Katajanokanlaituri 6
00160 Helsinki

On Sunday 10 September 2006 registration is organized in the premises of AEBF10 in Marina Congress Center. Registration is open 7:30-9:45 a.m. Information desk is open throughout the conference.

Receptions

All participants are welcome to the Welcome Reception hosted by Mr Matti Vanhanen, Prime Minister of the Republic of Finland, held at Wanha Satama from 7:30 p.m. onwards on 9 September 2006. Invitations are necessary due to security reasons. Invitations are distributed at registration (on 9 September in Marina Congress Center).

Welcome Reception Premises

Wanha Satama
Pikku Satamakatu 3-5
00161 Helsinki

ASEM 6 Summit Reception is hosted by City of Helsinki. Participation is limited to a limited number of each country. Invitations are distributed at registration. Transportation is arranged from ASEM 6 Summit Reception to Gala Dinner.

Dress code

Welcome Reception, Business Attire
During AEBF10 conference, Business Attire
ASEM 6 Summit Reception, Business Attire
Gala Dinner, Dark Suit

Bus Service

Bus service is arranged from conference hotels to conference venue and back. In addition, bus service is available to and from Gala Dinner. More information on bus service will be announced later.

Bus service is arranged as follows:
 
 

Sunday 10 September 2006
	From	To
Morning	Conference hotels	AEBF10 venue, Marina Congress Center
Afternoon	AEBF10 venue, Marina Congress Center	Conference hotels
Evening	Conference hotels	ASEM 6 Summit Reception, Helsinki City Hall  AND Gala Dinner, Finlandia Hall
Evening	ASEM 6 Summit Reception, Helsinki City Hall	Gala Dinner, Finlandia Hall
Evening	Gala Dinner, Finlandia Hall	Conference hotels
Monday 11 September 2006
Morning	Conference hotels	AEBF10 venue, Marina Congress Center
Afternoon	AEBF10 venue, Marina Congress Center	Conference hotels

Spouse Programme

Unfortunately, we cannot offer any spouse programme.

Additional Information

If you have any questions, please contact us at aebf10@ek.fi.