VENUE AND GENERAL INFORMATION

VENUE

The 2010 UDIA National Congress will be held predominantly at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. Situated on the waterfront and within walking distance to Darling Harbour and the heart of the Sydney CBD, the Centre enjoys sweeping views of Sydney's Harbour and skyline.

Its central location ensures delegates have easy access to all that Sydney has to offer. Frequent monorail and light rail services provide delegates with easy access to Sydney's CBD. Darling Harbour offers delegates a vibrant region of live entertainment, impressive restaurants, beautiful gardens and attractions.

Address
Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre
Darling Drive
Darling Harbour NSW 2009
Australia

ABOUT SYDNEY

Sydney is a beautiful city situated on one of the largest natural and most spectacular harbours in the world. It is a vibrant city, renowned for its scenic beauty and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Sydney offers delegates the chance to experience the high life at a slow pace. From fine dining on the Harbour's edge, bush walks that uncover secluded bays, sailing around the Harbour, weekend markets in the Historic Rocks precinct or visiting one of Sydney's 70 golden beaches, Sydney has something for everyone.

The stunning Sydney Opera House provides the perfect backdrop for photos on Sydney's Harbour and is classified as one of the cultural hubs of Sydney, offering an extensive selection of dance, theatre, drama, opera and concerts to delegates.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to view one of Australia's most photographed attractions, the Sydney Harbour Bridge. As the world's largest steel arch bridge, the bridge is one of Sydney's natural icons allowing delegates to experience the world's finest harbour and views of the city.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Banks
The closest ATM to the Convention Centre is located in the Harbourside Shopping Centre. The closest banks are located in Haymarket, a short walk from the Convention Centre.

Dress Code
The dress code throughout the Congress will be smart casual. Refer to the Social Program page for evening dress codes.

Insurance
It is strongly recommended that at the time you register for the Congress and book your travel you take out an insurance policy. The policy should include loss of fees/deposit through cancellation of your participation in the Congress, or through cancellation of the Congress, loss of international/domestic air fares through cancellation for any reason, loss of tour monies through cancellation for any reason (including airline or related services strikes within Australia), failure to utilise tours or pre booked arrangements due to airline delay, Force Majeure or any other reason, medical expenses (including sickness and accident cover), loss or damage to personal property, additional expenses and repatriation should travel arrangements have to be altered.

The Congress Managers cannot take any responsibility for any participant failing to arrange their own insurance. This insurance is to be purchased in your country of origin.

Parking
Parking is available at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre car park. The car park entry is located on Darling Drive, underneath the Exhibition Centre. The car park has direct access to the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre as well as the many entertainment attractions of Darling Harbour.

Privacy
Australia has strict privacy laws which are designed to protect the right of the individual to privacy of their personal information. The Congress Secretariat complies with this legislation and any information collected in respect of proposed participation in any aspect of the Congress will only be used for the purposes of planning and conducting the Congress.

Provision will be made on the Congress registration form for delegates to elect whether they wish for their details to be included in a "Delegate List" of attendees.

Public Transport
Sydney's public transport system allows easy travel for delegates between their hotel and the Congress venue or around Sydney's central business district. Delegates can secure savings on travel throughout the city by purchasing a Day Tripper pass which allows travel on train, bus or ferry from $15.00.

Darling Harbour is linked with Sydney's central business district through a regular monorail and light rail service. Services depart every 10 - 15 minutes for the Light Rail and cost $2.90 per trip. Services for the monorail depart every 3 - 5 minutes and cost $4.00 per trip.

Taxis can be booked in advance through hotel concierge or hailed from the street.

Restaurants
Sydney is one of the most eclectic food capitals in the world. Combining its fresh food produce, creative chefs and multicultural flair, Sydney prides itself on being a world class food destination. King Street Wharf, Cockle Bay and Darling Harbour are areas within walking distance from the Congress venue that provide an array of cuisines. For dinner with a view, Circular Quay, home to the famous Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House also have an extensive selection of restaurants to cater for all tastes.

Shopping
Shops are open from 0900 to 1730 Monday to Friday with late night shopping until 2100 on Thursday evenings. Shops are open from 0900 to 1700 on Saturdays and from 1000 to 1600 on Sundays.

The closest shop to the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre is the Harbourside Shopping Centre at Darling Harbour. Here you will find a range of retail and souvenir outlets as well as services including a chemist, currency exchange, Internet Cafe and Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs).

Transfers
The Congress does not provide any transfers from the airport to the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre or the Congress hotels. Each delegate must make their own transport arrangements to the Congress. The following costs are provided as estimates for travel from the airport to Sydney's central business district.

Airport Shuttle Bus	$20.00
Taxi	$35.00 - $40.00
Train	$15.00

LINKS