Banking Details

Banking Facilities

Banks are generally open from 09h00 to 15h00 Monday to Friday and from 08h00 to 11h00 on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays.

Cancellations and Refunds

• Cancellations must be received in writing to swsd2015@aceconferences.co.za and will be accepted up until 28 August 2015.  Refunds will be executed post conference less a 25% administration fee.

• Cancellations after 28 August 2015 cannot be accepted; however, transfer of registration to another person will be accepted and must be communicated to the Secretariat in writing to swsd2015@aceconferences.co.za.

Climate

East London has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa), with the warm temperatures and moderation typical of the South African coastline. Although it has no true dry season, there is a significant drying trend in the winter, with the wettest times of year being "spring" and "autumn". There is also a shorter and lesser dry period in December and January. The all-time record low is 3 °C (37.4 °F), and the all-time record high is 42 °C (107.6 °F). The hottest temperatures have been recorded in springtime, rather than the summer months. Temperatures above 38 °C (100 °F) have only been recorded early in the season, from August to December. Although temperatures have never dropped below freezing since records began, East London has recorded snowfall in 1985 and 1989

Currency and Exchange Rates

South African currency works on the decimal system with one Rand equalling 100 cents.

Denomination of Rand notes:-  R200; R100; R50; R20; R10

Denomination of Coins:-  R5; R2; R1; 50c; 20c; 10c

The official currency of the Conference is South African Rands.  Fluctuations in foreign exchange markets are reflected in new rates daily. Traveller’s cheques and foreign currency notes of all major currencies can be exchanged at any commercial bank. American Express offices and most category A and B hotels have exchange facilities for guests. 

For up to date exchange rates and currency converter please visit http://www.xe.com/tools.php

Electricity and Plugs

The electricity supply in South Africa is 220/230 volts, AC 50Hz.  It would be in your interest to purchase an International plug converter to enable your plugs to be compatible with the South African plug points.  The plugs used in South Africa are standard round pin, 3 point, 15amp plug.

Exhibitors and Sponsors

Any interested Business Sector and other stakeholders should contact the Conference Secretariat on swsd2015@aceconferences.co.za for Sponsorship information.

Insurance

Registration fees do not include personal travel or health insurance of any kind.  It is strongly recommended that when registering for the Conference and booking your travel, that travel and health insurance policies be taken out.  The Organising Committee and the Conference Secretariat do not take responsibility of any delegates failing to insure themselves.  The Organising Committee and Conference Secretariat also accepts no liability for personal injuries, or for loss or damage to property belonging to Conference delegates, either during, or as a result of the Conference, please check the validity and upgrading of your own insurance for this purpose before leaving for South Africa.

International Travel to South Africa

If you are unsure of whether you require a visa please either check with your consulate or visit the South African Department of Home Affairs website (http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/visa_detail.asp) for further information on visa requirements.

Letter of Invitation

The Conference Secretariat will send a letter of invitation to delegates who request this service, please note that the letter of invitation DOES NOT obligate the Conference Organising Committee or the Conference Secretariat to provide any financial support to attend the Conference. Letters of invitation will not be issued unless you have submitted your registration form and payment of registration fees.

Name Badges

Each delegate will receive a name badge when registering for the Conference, please ensure that you wear your name badge when attending any of the conference sessions and the social functions.  Only delegates wearing their name badges will be admitted to the sessions, social functions, catering and exhibition areas.

Official Language of the Conference

The official language of the conference is ENGLISH.  Please note, all abstracts must be submitted and presented in English.  

Registration

Registration will take place at the East London International Convention Centre (ELICC), East London, South Africa, from

The registration and information desk will be situated at the East London ICC, and will be in operation during all tea and lunch breaks according to the final conference programme.

Social Events

• The Welcome Reception will be held on Sunday, 4^th October 2015.

• The Banquet dinner will be held on Tuesday, 6^th October 2015.

All delegates are invited to purchase a ticket when registering, together with accompanying person, this must be indicated on the delegate registration form. The Welcome reception carries no cost to delegates.

Time Zone

The time zone for South Africa is: South Africa’s GMT +2 hours.

Venue

The East London International Convention Centre is positioned on the Esplanade and has magical views of the Indian Ocean and is only a 15 minute drive from the East London Airport, the Industrial Development Zone and all major industries. It offers a fresh Eastern Cape alternative to the Tourism sector both locally and internationally.