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General Information on Venue

Stockholm - Beauty on Water

Stockholm - the Royal Capital of Sweden - is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is situated on 14 islands and laced by water so clean that you can fish and swim in it right in the middle of the city.

Stockholm became the capital of Sweden 700 years ago, and is today a modern city with more than 1 million inhabitants. In the picturesque winding alleyways of the city's medieval Old Town section, the very air is redolent with history. The Old Town is well known for its excellent restaurants and shopping facilities, and within a few minutes' walking distance is the throbbing pulse of a modern city. An optional guided tour will be held August 2.

Since 1901 the city has been the venue of the Nobel Prize Ceremony, the most prestigious of all meetings - and indeed the city makes a fitting venue. The reasons are basic; facilities and experience are excellent, the city's infrastructure is good and it is a safe place to be.

The city offers many attractive options for visitors. Perhaps the most breathtaking scenery of all awaits visitors to the archipelago, which with 24,000 islands is one of the largest archipelagos in the world. Why not take a steamship trip out there? You can be away all day or just a few hours. If you are interested in history you can visit the famous Open Air Museum or the Vasa Museum. An optional guided tour will be held at the Vasa Museum on August 3. There will be a one hour cruise through the archipelago ending with IJCAI-99 Dinner at Vaxholm Fortress on August 4.

Stockholm is also one of the communication hubs and economical and cultural centres of the Nordic area. Arlanda Airport handles some 200 flights daily to and from 40 countries on 5 continents. There are direct flights from most major cities in Europe and from the large cities in the U.S. and easy connections from the rest of the world. Stockholm is like a Swedish Smörgåsbord - it has everything.

Climate and Dress

The weather in Stockholm at this time of the year is usually somewhat sunny with temperatures around 21 degrees Celcius (70 degrees Fahrenheit). An umbrella might be useful as showers can occur. Dress will be informal throughout the Conference.

Time Zone

The time zone in Stockholm is GMT + 1 hour.

Banks

Most banks open at 9.30 am and close between 3pm and 4.30 pm. The banks closest to the venue are:

Post Offices

Post offices are generally open between 9 am and 6 pm. There are two post offices close to City Conference Center. One is located at the Central Station, open Monday - Friday from 7 am to 10 pm, on Saturdays/Sundays from 10 am to 7 pm (no parcels). The other post office is located at Sveavägen 31, open Monday - Friday from 7 am to 7 pm, on Saturdays 10 am to 2 pm.

Currency

The official currency is Swedish Krona (SEK). USD 1 = Approx. SEK 8.40 (July 1999).

Tipping

When buying services in Sweden such as; restaurants, hotels, sightseeing, etc., tipping is not required.

Where to eat

Lunches are not included in the registration fee. Coffee will be served mornings and afternoons at several stations near the conference rooms. There are many restaurants, fast food, economic and luxury class, in the surroundings of City Conference Centre. Most of them are open both for lunch and dinners. The restaurant at City Conference Centre will be open for lunch, but not for dinner.
  Lunch Dinner
Fast food 35-45 50-100
Economy 55-65 250 (3 dishes)
Deluxe 85-150 400-500 (3 dishes)

Restaurant costs in Sweden. Breakfast is normally included in hotel prices. Prices in SEK.

Tax-Free

Non-European Union citizens have tax-free shopping privileges for goods that are packed and sealed in the shop, and that are meant for use outside the border of Sweden. You get a form when you make the purchase, and when you leave the country, most of the VAT is refunded.

Adminstrative Offices

The IJCAII office will be in room 510, Folkets Hus. The IJCAI-99 administrative office will be in room 406 in Folkets Hus. Volunteer headquarters at the IJCAI-99 Registration Desk in Marmorvalvet, Norra Latin, will be open from 8 am - 6 pm.

Speaker Ready Room

Room 201, Folkets Hus. The room will be open from 8 am to 6 pm daily from July 31 to August 6. On July 30 the room will be open from 2 pm to 5 pm. Assistance will be available.

Message Board

A message board for your convenience is located near the IJCAI-99 registration desk. Please check regularly for messages.

Internet

Internet access will be provided in room 300, Folkets Hus. The room will be open daily 8 am to 6 pm from July 29 to August 6.

Telephones

Public telephones for domestic and international calls are located close to the reception desk at Norra Latin. At Folkets Hus you will find the telephones at the entrance and at the second floor. Telephones operate by telephone card, which may be purchased at the reception desks in Norra Latin and Folkets Hus.

Tourist Information

The Conference Secretariat will be most happy to give you more information about Stockholm, book tour tickets, and make restaurant reservations or assist you in any other way during your stay in Stockholm. You can also contact the Stockholm Information Service: P.O. Box 7542, SE-103 93 Stockholm, Phone: +46 8 789 24 00, Fax: +46 8 789 24 50. Visiting address in Stockholm: Hamngatan 27, Sweden house.

Professional Conference Organizer

Congrex Sweden AB has been appointed Professional Conference Organizer. Congrex Partnership is an international group of professional conference management companies with offices in Europe, North America, Latin America and Pacific Asia.

Webmaster: Sven Olofsson, sveno@dsv.su.se
Last modified: Sun Aug 8 23:43:52 MET DST 1999