The European Society
of Human Genetics

General Information

General Information

Conference Venue
NCC Ost (NürnbergConvention Center Ost), Grosse Strasse, Messezentrum, 90471 Nürnberg, Germany
GPS coordinates: @49.420375,11.120996
<link internal-link>More information

Badges
Participants should collect name badges from the conference registration desks. As only registered participants will be permitted to attend the Scientific Sessions, the Exhibition and poster areas, you are kindly asked to wear your badge when entering the congress venue.
Accompanying persons and exhibitors will also receive badges to allow access to the appropriate areas.
Lost badges can be replaced at the registration desk. However, a handling fee of EURO 50.- will be charged.

Bank services - Money matters
Banks are generally open weekdays between 9.30 - 13.00 hrs and 14.00 - 16.00 hrs and are closed over the weekend. There are multiple bank machines (ATMs) open 24 hours a day throughout the city which accept all major international bankcards. The official currency of Germany is the Euro (€). Major credit cards are widely accepted, but please always check beforehand.

Cancellations and Refunds
Notice of cancellation had to be made in writing by registered letter or fax to the Congress Office.
The policy for refunding registration fees is as follows:
Written cancellation received:
- before April 1, 2012: 75% refund
- between April 1 and June 4, 2012: 25% refund
- after June 4, 2012: no refund
The date of the postmark or fax ID is the basis for considering refunds. Refunds will be made after the congress.

Car Parking
The Nürnberg Conference Center has plenty of parking facilities at and near the exhibition centre. 

Certificate of Attendance
Certificates of attendance will be issued at the registration desk.

Climate
The weather in June is generally nice (average high: 22°C, average low: 11°C), evenings may be cooler and of course occasional rain showers have to be expected.

Cloakroom and Luggage
A cloakroom and luggage storage is available in the NCC.

CME credits
The European Society of Human Genetics is accredited by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME) to provide CME activities for medical specialists. The EACCME is an institution of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), www.uems.net
The European Human Genetics Conference has applied for European external CME credits. The result is pending
EACCME credits are recognized by the American Medical Association towards the Physician's Recognition Award (PRA). To convert EACCME credit to AMA PRA category 1 credit, contact the AMA.
The EACCME credit system is based on 1 ECMEC per hour with a maximum of 3 ECMECs for half a day and 6 ECMECs for a full-day event.

Coffee Breaks
During the session breaks refreshments (coffee, tea, and water) will be served free of charge to participants wearing name badges.

Currency
The official currency of Germany is the Euro (€). 1 EUR = 1,31 USD = 0,83 GBP = 1,30 CAD = 101 JPY = 1,20 CHF = 1,30 AUD as per February 2012. Other currencies.

Dentist
Middle Franconia emergency dental care Phone: +49 911 / 58888355

Drinking water
The tap water in Germany is of good quality and can be used without concern.

Eating Out in Nürnberg
Without a shadow of doubt, Nuremberg's most famous food export is the Nürnberger Rostbratwurst. No bigger than your finger, you can order 6, 8, 10 or 12 of these sausages, which are in most cases served with sauerkraut or potato salad. If you're in the mood for a hearty meal, how about sampling the delights on Franconian menus, which traditionally include “Schäufale mit Kloss und Soss” (roasted pork shoulder with dumplings and gravy) or Sauerbraten (marinated beef). You should definitely try the local delicacies!

Electricity Supply
230 V - 50Hz AC, Standard Schuko sockets.

Emergency Services
Police 110, fire and rescue 112.

Events
See the Nürnberg Tourist Office's website for more information.

Exhibition Opening Hours
Sunday, June 24: 08.30 - 18.00 hrs
Monday, June 25: 08.30 - 18.00 hrs
Tuesday, June 26: 09.00 - 13.30 hrs

GSM Cell Phone Roaming
GSM cell/mobile phone roaming is available without any problems for all major international providers. It is advisable to inquire beforehand or online at your provider which roaming company in Germany offers the cheapest tariffs.

Insurance
In registering for the ESHG 2012 participants agree that neither the organising committee nor the congress office assume any liability whatsoever. Participants are requested to make their own arrangements for health and travel insurance.

Internet and Printing Facilities
Internet (WiFi) access and terminals with printing facilities are available at the venue.

Language
The official language of the congress will be English (no simultaneous translation)

Lunch and Refreshments
Lunch tickets for lunch boxes had to be pre-ordered - they cannot be purchased on site. Please note that lunch tickets are not refundable.

Message Centre
A Message Centre is available in the Registration Area.

Nürnberg Card
Spend just €21 and reap the benefits of the two-day Nürnberg Card. It gives you the following discounts in the Franconian hub of Nuremberg and in the neighbouring towns of Fürth, Erlangen and Schwabach:
2 days free admission to ALL museums and attractions as well as 2 days free travel on ALL public transport services within the entire region of Nuremberg, Fürth and Stein. Children age 11 and under get a free card.
You can order your Nürnberg Card online at www.tourismus.nuernberg.de or at one of the tourist information centres. Your hotel will also be happy to provide you with information about the Nürnberg Card.

Pharmacy
Most pharmacies are open during normal trading hours, between 9.00 and 18.30 hrs. Some are open until 20.00 hrs. Closed on Sunday.

Poster Removal
The organisers cannot assume any liability for loss or damage of posters displayed in the poster area. Posters that were not removed after the end of the meeting on Tuesday, June 26, 2012, 14.00 hrs, will be removed by the staff and will not be kept or mailed to the author after the meeting.

Preview Room
Equipment for a final check of the sequence of your presentation is available in the preview room in the first floor. All presenters should bring their electronic presentation to the preview room preferably in the morning of the day of the talk, but not later than 2 hours before the start of the session (45 minutes for the first morning sessions).

Registration Desk opening hours
Saturday, June 23: 08.30 - 20.00 hrs
Sunday, June 24: 07.45 - 18.45 hrs
Monday, June 25: 07.45 - 18.45 hrs
Tuesday, June 26: 08.30 - 15.30 hrs

Safety - Crime
Nürnberg can be considered as a safe city, when using common sense.
Unfortunately experience has shown that some basic precautionary measures should always be kept in mind in any city:
- Do not carry important items like flight tickets, passports etc. with you when visiting the conference or strolling through the city, leave them in the hotel safe during your stay. Rather carry a Xerox copy of your passport or an identity card with you.
- Try not to carry all documents, money, credit cards and other essential items and valuables in one bag. If it is lost or stolen, everything will be gone and might be difficult to replace on short notice, especially passports and visa to return to your country of residence.
- Take off your name badge when leaving the conference center.

Shops
Large shops and department stores are open between 9.30 am and 8 pm from Monday to Saturday. All shops, with the exception of small souvenir shops, are closed on Sunday. All major credit cards are generally accepted, but it is not possible to pay with foreign banknotes.

Smoking Policy
The ESHG 2012 is officially a “No-smoking-Conference”. Note that smoking is banned in public buildings, restaurants and bars.

Staff
If you should have any questions, the congress staff recognizable by a yellow badge and a black polo shirt will be pleased to help you.

Taxis
Taxis in Nürnberg can be considered as "friendly and service oriented". For information about journey times and prices and to make reservations, call: +49 911 / 19410

Telephones
Many public phones only accept prepaid phone cards (available at newsagents) or credit cards. The country code of Germany is 49 and the area code for Nürnberg is 911. If calling Nürnberg from within Germany, dial 0911 before the subscriber number.

Tipping
Tips are not obligatory, but they are welcome. The norm is 5-10%, but for smaller bills in cafés and bars it's customary to round up to the nearest whole number.

Tourist Information Centres
Tourist information centre opposite the main railway station.
Address: Königstrasse 93, D-90402 Nuremberg
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 9.00 to 19.00, Sunday 10.00 to 16.00 hrs

Tourist information center at the main market square.
Address: Hauptmarkt 18, D-90403 Nuremberg
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 9.00 to 18.00, Sunday 10.00 to 16.00 hrs.

Travelling - Accessibility - Public Transportation
The Nürnberg Conference Center has its own railway station ("Messe") and is about 8 minutes travelling time by subway from the Nürnberg Central Station and about 25 minutes from Nürnberg Airport.
The single ticket is the perfect choice if you're only looking to make one journey. It allows you to hop on and off as and when you please and even break up your journey. The price category 2 ticket is valid for 90 minutes and allows you to travel in one direction only.
If you only intend to travel on public transport now and again, your best option is the 10-Streifenkarte (10-stripe ticket) or the 5-Streifenkarte (5-stripe ticket). This type of ticket can be used for several passengers too. In this instance, one “stripe” is used per person.
The solo day ticket is a good option for individuals travelling alone. The day ticket plus, meanwhile, is perfect for groups of up to six people with a maximum of 2 adults. Both of these tickets allow you to travel wherever and whenever you want for an entire day.
For more information about tickets, prices and journey times, visit www.vgn.de

Travelling to the NCC by Public Transportation
From Nürnberg Central Station, take subway "U1" direction "Langwasser Süd". Get off at "Messe" (approximately 8 minutes). A bus-shuttle will loop between the subway station "Messe" with the entrance of NCC Ost (see map below). Duration of one entire loop: approximately 10 minutes.

Travelling from and to Nürnberg by train
Nuremberg is a junction on the European high-speed rail network with ICE, EC and IC services at hourly intervals. Nürnberg Central Station is practically located in the Old Town.
Rail connections

Travelling from and to Nürnberg Airport
Nuremberg Airport is just 12 minutes away from the Old Town and around 25 minutes away from the NCC. With around four million passengers per year, Nuremberg is among the top ten international airports in Germany. More than 40 flights a day connect passengers with the key hubs in Europe. The U2 underground line provides a direct connection between the airport and the city centre/central station in about 11 minutes . The taxi stands are near the terminal exit. A taxi to the city centre costs about €16.
Directions to the NCC from the airport:
By subway, take subway "U2" direction "Röthenbach" at the airport to Nürnberg Central Station. Change to subway "U1" direction "Langwasser Süd". Get off at "Messe".
A bus-shuttle will loop between the subway station "Messe" with the entrance of NCC Ost (see map below). Duration of one entire loop: approximately 10 minutes.

Travelling from and to Nürnberg by plane
There are non-stop flights to Nuremberg airport from the major European cities. Good connections to the intercontinental flight network through the proximity of international airports (Frankfurt am Main, Paris, Zurich and Munich).
Nürmberg Airport

Airport Nürnberg: Arrival and Departure

Travelling from and to Nürnberg by train
Nuremberg is a junction on the European high-speed rail network with ICE, EC and IC services at hourly intervals.
Rail connections

V.A.T.
The VAT rate is 19%.

Tourist Information Centres
Tourist information centre opposite the main railway station.
Address: Königstrasse 93, D-90402 Nuremberg
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 9.00 to 19.00, Sunday 10.00 to 16.00 hrs

Tourist information center at the main market square.
Address: Hauptmarkt 18, D-90403 Nuremberg
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 9.00 to 18.00, Sunday 10.00 to 16.00 hrs.