General information from A-Z
In order to facilitate the use of this section the items are mentioned in alphabetical order.
Access to the congress venue
The congress venue is located south of the city centre and is easy accessible by public transport. The Amsterdam RAI train station is just a five-minute walk from the congress venue. The orbital motorway of Amsterdam can be reached without difficulty from all the main motorways. Numerous signboards indicate repeatedly to the RAI.
Distances to congress venue from the:
| Amsterdam Central Station: | 8 kilometres |
| Amsterdam Schiphol airport: | 12-15 kilometres (15 minutes by car depending on traffic and approximately 15 minutes by train) |
| Historical city centre: | 6 kilometres |
| Amsterdam RAI station (train): | 300 metres |
From Amsterdam Schiphol airport:
By taxi/car
Leaving the airport, follow the signs ‘exit’. Take the A4 (E 19) direction ‘Amsterdam’ and follow for about
8 kilometres, then merge onto A10 direction ‘A10 Ringweg Zuid’ for about 3 kilometres. Take exit ‘RAI (S109)’ and follow the signs ‘RAI’. The Amsterdam RAI Exhibition & Convention Centre (RAI) will be on the left. The RAI has its own underground car parks.
Overall duration of trip: approximately 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
The cost by taxi is approximately EUR 30 - 35, depending on time of the day.
By train
Head to the Schiphol train station and take the train in direction to ‘Almere Oostvaarders’ or ‘Hilversum’. Trains depart 4 times an hour from platforms 1, 2 or 3.
Leave the train at ‘Amsterdam RAI’ train station. Journey time is 10 - 12 minutes. From there it is just a
five-minute walk to the congress venue. From there follow the signs ‘RAI’.
Train station Amsterdam RAI is 300 metres from the RAI and has regular connections to all parts of the Netherlands, like Schiphol, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague and is also linked to the international train network.
Note: Due to work on the rails there might be a delay of 15 minutes of some of the trains.
From Amsterdam train stations:
By tram/bus
• If you arrive at Amsterdam Central Station (CS), you can take the Amstelveen express tram 51: travelling time is 12 minutes, exit at the ‘Amsterdam RAI’ station or tram 4: travelling time is 30 minutes, exit at
‘RAI Europaplein’.
• If you are travelling by train to the Amsterdam Amstel station, you can take the Amstelveen express tram 51: travelling time is 5 minutes exit at the ‘Amsterdam RAI’ station or the bus: route 15, 69 or 169: travelling time is 10 minutes, exit at ‘RAI Europaplein’.
• From Amsterdam Sloterdijk station, the best way to reach the RAI is with express tram 50: travelling time is 15 minutes, exit at ‘Amsterdam RAI’ station.
• The congress venue is also in easy reach of a tram stop of lines 24 and 25. Please exit at the stop ‘Ferdinand Bolstraat’ opposite Okura Hotel and walk through the Scheldestraat in about 8 minutes to the Amsterdam RAI.
Please click here to view the general map of Amsterdam.
Award area
The award area can be found in the Auditorium lounge, ground floor.
Badges
Each registered participant will receive a name badge upon arrival at the registration desk. For organisational and security reasons, we request that all participants and exhibitors wear their badges at all times during the congress activities, including the welcome ceremony and reception, and the congress party. Admission to the sessions is restricted to registered participants wearing their badge. Lost badges can be replaced at the registration desk at a cost of EUR 25 per badge (VAT excluded).
Bank
A cash machine is located on the ground floor of the congress venue, near the Café Amsterdam.
Business centre
Participants may use the congress business centre for copy service and sending faxes. The business centre is located in the hallway to the poster area, on the ground floor.
CD-ROM
Papers of the 23rd ECNP Congress that have been accepted for publication will be available on CD-ROM. This CD-ROM also includes the papers accepted for publication of the 22nd ECNP Congress and the
ECNP Workshop 2010. All pre-registered participants will find a CD-ROM in their congress bag.
Certificate for poster presenters
Certificates for poster presenters will be available for the presenting author on the day the poster is presented. The certificate can be obtained at the poster service desk (poster area, ground floor) from
16.00 - 18.30 hours.
Certificate of attendance
Certificates of attendance will be available for all participants at the registration desks as from
Tuesday 31 August 2010, 09.00 hours.
Cloakroom and luggage
The cloakroom and luggage service is free of charge for congress participants. It is located in the
Auditorium lounge on the ground floor.
Congress Information System (CIS)
The papers of the 23rd ECNP Congress that have been accepted for publication, the scientific programme and the satellite symposia programme are also available on the internet in a searchable database. In addition, CIS offers detailed maps of the congress venue.
During the congress please refer to the CIS stand located on the ground floor to check the searchable database. It is also possible to check your e-mail at this stand.
Congress supplement to the journal European Neuropsychopharmacology (ENP)
All papers accepted for publication are published in the congress supplement to ENP. Participants
that pre-ordered the supplement at EUR 25 (incl.VAT) will receive a copy on registration.
Please note that the congress supplement to ENP is not included in the participant’s registration fee. If still available, you can obtain a copy at EUR 25 (including 19% VAT) at the registration desk.
Climate
Amsterdam has a moderate climate with cool summers, mild winters and a fair bit of rainfall. The average temperature during the congress period is 17-22 degrees (°C), often with cool nights. Although August is usually a drier month, an umbrella for summer showers is recommended.
Congress venue
The 23rd ECNP Congress will take place at the Amsterdam RAI Exhibition & Convention Centre. The congress venue is located south of the city centre and is easily accessible by public transport. The NS Amsterdam RAI train station is just a five-minute walk from the congress venue. The train from the airport to the venue takes approximately 10 minutes.
Credit cards and currency
Major credit cards (VISA, American Express, Diners and Eurocard/Master Card) are accepted in most shops, hotels and restaurants, but not all. It is therefore recommended to either ask about this possibility before you order or ensure you have a sufficient amount in cash to cover the bill.
The currency of the Netherlands is the euro (EUR).
Day colours
The day colours are as follows:
Saturday Orange
Sunday Lilac
Monday Green
Tuesday Blue
Wednesday Red
Delegates’ foyer
The delegates' foyer is located in the Auditorium lounge on the ground floor.
Wireless internet connection is provided free of charge to all participants in the delegates' foyer. The connection name is 'ECNP Congress'.
Disabled persons
The congress venue is equipped with facilities for disabled persons. However, if you have any special needs or disabilities, please let the organising secretariat, Colloquium Brussels, know when you register for the congress. The staff will be available at the registration desk during the congress opening hours.
Disclaimer
For reasons beyond their control (such as war, strikes, lockouts, riots or any such civil disturbances, any acts of God, including but not limited to earthquakes, floods and droughts and any other cause or circumstance of whatsoever nature beyond its control that have an impact on the arrangements, timetables or planning of a scientific meeting), the 23rd ECNP Congress and/or its agent Colloquium Brussels and/or its agents have the right to immediately alter or cancel the congress or any of the arrangements, timetables, plans or other items relating directly or indirectly to the 23rd ECNP Congress. The participants shall not be entitled to any compensation for damages that result from such alteration or cancellation.
Furthermore, with the exception of any wilful damage or gross negligence committed by the
23rd ECNP Congress and/or its agent Colloquium Brussels and/or its agents, neither the
23rd ECNP Congress nor its agent Colloquium Brussels and/or its agents shall at any time be liable for any direct or indirect damage suffered by the participants, including consequential and immaterial damage, caused by failure to comply with any provision of this document.
Dress
For the congress and special events, informal dress is preferred.
ECNP stand
During the congress days, information about the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP), ECNP membership and other ECNP activities can be obtained at the ECNP stand, located on the
ground floor.
Electricity
The normal electricity supply is 220 volts.
Exhibition
The exhibition stands are located in Hall 3 on the ground floor. Please refer to the exhibition floor plan.
The exhibition visiting hours are:
| Sunday 29 August 2010 | 09.00 - 17.00 hours |
| Monday 30 August 2010 | 09.00 - 17.00 hours |
| Tuesday 31 August 2010 | 09.00 - 17.00 hours |
First aid and emergency
A medical specialist will be present throughout the congress at the First Aid room located opposite the Café Amsterdam (near the poster area, ground floor) of the congress venue.
Internal telephone number congress venue: 1591
External telephone number congress venue: +31 20 549 1234
Identification
Dutch law obliges all persons above the age of 14 years to carry a photo ID at all times.
Insurance
The organisers will not accept liability for individual medical, travel or personal insurance. It is highly recommended that all participants carry proper health and travel insurance.
Internet
Participants can browse the congress scientific programme using the computer terminals with internet connection available at the Congress Information System (CIS) stand. Free wireless connection is available near the CIS stand on the ground floor and at the delegates’ foyer located in the Auditorium lounge. The wireless connection name is ‘ECNP Congress’.
Invitation letter for visa application
International participants may need a letter of invitation from the congress organisers in order to obtain a visa for entry into the Netherlands. The organisers will not be able to contact or intervene with any Dutch Embassy or Consulate office abroad on your behalf.
Please start the visa application process as early as possible and at least six weeks prior to your departure. All participants must have registered and have paid the required registration fees in full before requesting an official letter of invitation.
You can obtain your official letter of invitation for your visa application by filling in the online form.
If you are experiencing any problems completing the form, please contact the organising secretariat, Colloquium Brussels, at 
. Please note that in the absence of the afore-mentioned information or if you are not registered to the congress we will not be able to process your request. The registration fees are refundable should the visa application be denied. All refund requests must be received before the congress, by e-mail, fax or letter. No refunds will be made for cancellations received during or after the congress.
This procedure is intended to assist participants who need to obtain a visa or permission to attend the
23rd ECNP Congress and is not an official invitation covering fees and/or any other expenses or financial support from the congress. The organisers are not to be held responsible for the outcome of your visa application.
Language
The official language of the congress is English. No translation will be provided.
Local time
The local standard time zone in Amsterdam is CET and GMT + 1 hour.
Lost and found
For lost and found items, please go to the information desk located on the ground floor near the main entrance of the congress venue.
Lunches and breaks
Lunches, coffee and tea during the official breaks, from Sunday to Tuesday, are included in the registration fee and are served in the poster and exhibition areas. Coffee and tea will be served from 11.00 - 14.00 hours. Lunch is available from 12.00 - 14.00 hours. Badges should be worn during these breaks.
Maps
Please find below the following maps:
Congress venue maps
General map of Amsterdam
How to get to the congress party
Meeting point
Delegates can meet in the delegate’s foyer located in the Auditorium lounge on the ground floor.
Members’ lounge
All ECNP members will have free use of the members’ lounge located in room G103 on the first floor. Besides a relaxing atmosphere, the members’ lounge will offer wireless internet, computer with printer and refreshments.
The ECNP members that have registered for the congress will receive a special ‘member’ badge at the members’ registration desk. Please note that access to the members’ lounge requires you to wear this badge.
Message centre
To leave a message for another congress participant, please refer to the electronic message system available at the CIS stand located on the ground floor.
Mobile phones
The use of mobile phones in the session rooms is strictly prohibited. Please ensure you have your mobile phone switched off when attending a session.
Parking
The Amsterdam RAI Exhibition & Convention Centre (RAI) has a large underground car park. The charge for parking in the RAI car park is EUR 15 per entry (VAT included) as of 4 June 2010. One entry is valid for one day.
Passport and visa information
An identity card is sufficient for participants from EU-member countries. For more information visit the website www.eurovisa.info. All other participants need a valid passport to enter the European Union. Visas may be required for participants from some countries. For specific information, please contact the nearest Dutch Embassy at least six weeks prior to your departure.
Poster presentation
Logistics of poster presentations are given here and in a separate poster sessions booklet to be found in the congress bag. For guidelines, please click here.
Poster service desk
The poster service desk is located in the poster area on the ground floor. Further information is presented here and in a separate poster sessions booklet to be found in the congress bag.
Press
The press room is located in room G107 on the first floor.
The press conferences will be held in room G106 on the first floor.
Public transport
Amsterdam offers an efficient and modern public transport system by metro, tram and bus. All registered participants will receive a public transport card valid for 96 hours on all GVB (local) buses, trams and metro lines.
Please note that the public transport card will be valid hourly and not per day. For example, if your first journey starts at 13.00 hours on Saturday, your card will be valid until 13.00 hours on Wednesday.
The 96 hour card is a disposable ticket, called OV-chipkaart. When travelling with the OV-chipkaart, it is important that you check in at the start of every journey, and check out at the end. Checking in and out is done by holding the ticket in front of a card reader. In the bus and tram, the pink card readers are located at the doors of the vehicle. In the metro station, they are located at the gates. At metro stops, yellow card readers are located on free standing pillars. Please do not hold several tickets at one time in front of the card reader, as there might be a check in (or check out) registered on the wrong ticket.
Recording and photography
Please note that audio and video/DVD recording and taking pictures with flash is prohibited during the congress sessions.
Registration desks
The registration desks are located on the ground floor.
| Opening hours: |
|
| Saturday 28 August 2010 | 09.00 - 19.00 hours |
| Sunday 29 August 2010 | 07.30 - 18.00 hours |
| Monday 30 August 2010 | 07.30 - 18.00 hours |
| Tuesday 31 August 2010 | 07.30 - 18.00 hours |
| Wednesday 1 September 2010 | 08.00 - 11.30 hours |
The following desks can be found:
• Cash payments
• Exhibition
• Faculty
• General information/Hotels
• Lost badges/Name change
• Members
• Non-paid pre-registration
• On-site registration
• Paid pre-registration
• Press
Registration fees
Depending on the type of the registration, different fees apply:
| Early registration and payment (on or before 31 March 2010) |
||
| Excl. 19% VAT | Incl. 19% VAT | |
| Free registration* | EUR 0.00 | EUR 0 |
| Reduced** | EUR 50.42 | EUR 60 |
| Member ECNP/ACNP° | EUR 399.16 | EUR 475 |
| Non-member | EUR 600.84 | EUR 715 |
| Late registration and payment (after 31 March until 16 August 2010) |
||
| Excl. 19% VAT | Incl. 19% VAT | |
| Free registration* | EUR 0.00 | EUR 0 |
| Reduced** | EUR 100.84 | EUR 120 |
| Member ECNP/ACNP° | EUR 500.00 | EUR 595 |
| Non-member | EUR 697.48 | EUR 830 |
| On-site registration and payment (after 16 August 2010) |
||
| Excl. 19% VAT | Incl. 19% VAT | |
| Free registration* | EUR 0.00 | EUR 0 |
| Reduced** | EUR 151.26 | EUR 180 |
| Member ECNP/ACNP° | EUR 600.84 | EUR 715 |
| Non-member | EUR 798.32 | EUR 950 |
* Individuals who meet the criteria for the reduced fee (given below) will receive free registration, provided they present a poster of which the paper has been approved for publication in the supplement to the journal European Neuropsychopharmacology.
** A reduced fee will be considered for:
- Persons studying for a pre-doctoral or doctoral degree
- Post-docs employed at universities and scientific institutions within the first 4 years of receiving their PhD
- Residents within the first 4 years of receiving their MD
- Participants from countries with developing economies (World Bank List – September 2009)
° Please note that if you are not listed on the ECNP/ ACNP membership lists, the organisers reserve the right to register you as a non-member and charge the corresponding registration fee.
Safety tips
As in all major cities, people should take care of their personal belongings. It is not advised to wear your badge outside ECNP Congress activities and special events.
Shops
Shops are open from 9.00 - 18.00 hours from Monday to Friday, and in Amsterdam on Thursday evening
until 21.00 hours. On Saturday shops are open until 17.00 hours. Supermarkets may stay open until
20.00 or 22.00 hours from Monday to Saturday.
In the city centre, the shops are open on Sunday from 12.00 - 17.00 hours.
Smoking
The 23rd ECNP Congress is a non-smoking congress.
Speakers’ secretariat
The speakers’ secretariat is located in room G104 on the first floor. For further information please refer to logistics of presentations.
| Opening hours: |
|
| Saturday 28 August 2010 | 09.00 - 19.00 hours |
| Sunday 29 August 2010 | 07.30 - 18.00 hours |
| Monday 30 August 2010 | 07.30 - 18.00 hours |
| Tuesday 31 August 2010 | 07.30 - 18.00 hours |
| Wednesday 1 September 2010 | 08.00 - 10.00 hours |
Taxis
Taxis can be called from the Amsterdam RAI Exhibition & Convention Centre, Amsterdam,
telephone: +31 (0)20 7777777.