Practical information
 

Conference

Accreditation

Accreditation of the program will be requested by several Dutch societies.

Language

The official language during the Symposium is English. No simultaneous translation will be provided.

Getting there
Groningen is situated in the north of the Netherlands. The city is easily accessible form all parts of Europe.

By air
The city airport, Groningen Airport Eelde, has direct scheduled services from and to Aberdeen. Check www.flybmi.com for more information. Aberdeen has connections with Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Heathrow and Newcastle.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the main airport in the Netherlands. Scheduled services with airports all over the world can be found on their website. The best way to travel from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Groningen is by train. The railway station (NS) is located at the airport. For all information check www.ns.nl.

Public transport
It takes about 2-2,5 hours by direct train from Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam and the Hague to arrive at Groningen Central Station. A return ticket costs approximately € 60,- (2nd class).

Arriving at the Central Station in Groningen, several busses will take you to the city center. Bus 4 and 7 will take you directly tot the University Medical Center Groningen. Both the city center (10 min) and the University Medical Center (15 min) are at walking distance from the Central Station.

By car
By car the UMCG is easily reached with a 2-3 hours drive from Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam and The Hague. When you have reached Groningen, follow the signs UMCG and later on UMCG Parking Noord. Parking facilities are available in garage 'Noord' (paid parking).

The Netherlands
 

Language
Dutch is the predominant language in the Netherlands but English is very popular and is spoken almost anywhere

Currency and banks
The currency is Euro (€). Other currencies can be changed at banks and hotels. Banking times are 08:00-17:00 everyday except Saturday and Sunday

Shopping
Most shops and department stores are open from 09:00-18:00 Monday to Friday. Saturday from 10:00-17:00 hours. Sunday all shops are mostly closed. Major credit cards are widely accepted.

Weather
The climate in the Netherlands is a sea-climate with temperatures between 7-14°C in October. Please note that there is always a chance of showers, due to variable weather patterns.

Time
The Netherlands is one hour ahead on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time.

Power
Electricity sockets take two pin round plugs. The electrical current is 220 volts.