Invitation from the Chairman: EHPBA 2011 Local Organising Committee
It is with great pleasure that I invite you to participate in the 9th Congress of the EHPBA to be held from the 12th - 16th April 2011 in Cape Town South Africa. We are planning an exciting academic program which will comprise the usual state of the art lectures, updates, and free papers including the very popular video sessions. Our venue is in the heart of the beautiful city of Cape Town with access to incredible hotels within walking distance at very reasonable prices.
Cape Town is an international destination which remains very popular and is considered a safe tourist destination.
We will offer you the opportunity to meet old friends and to make new friends and experience the warm hospitality of South Africans especially the many colleagues you will meet from South Africa and Africa in general.
I urge you to go to our web site and register your interest now so that we can communicate up to date information to you regarding the congress and the many opportunities to see our country during your visit.
MARTIN SMITH
Chairman: EHPBA 2011 Local Organising Committee Invitation
Invitation from the President of EHPBA (International Committee)
Dear EHPBA Members, partners and guests
It is my privilege to warmly welcome you all to Cape Town for the 9th Bi-Annual Meeting of the European Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (EHPBA). As you may know, our Association includes not only all the European countries, but also those from the Middle East and Africa as well. As a testimony of this union, we will hold our Bi-Annual meeting in Africa for the first time.
I would like to invite all members and as many partners and family members as possible to come to South Africa for an exceptional meeting.
Firstly, the Programme Committee of the EHPBA chaired by Rowan Park and the Local Organizing Committee chaired by Martin Smith have put together a superb and comprehensive academic programme covering numerous aspects of HPB diseases that will be of interest to specialties and doctors from various horizons.
Next, the meeting will take place in the beautiful city of Cape Town, the Pearl of Africa! Cape Town is known for its liveliness and attractions including the famous Table Mountain, beautiful vineyards and, many accessible three star sites such as the Cape of Good Hope. I would also recommend that you take a few extra days to visit one of the many safari parks in South Africa. Such an experience in combination with the EHPBA meeting will undoubtedly be unforgettable.
Please, mark your calendar as "Event not to be missed".
P.A. CLAVIEN
President of EHPBA
ORGANISATION
Council of the EHPBA
President
Pierre-Alain Clavien
Past President
Jacques Belghiti
President-Elect
Claudio Bassi
Secretary
Kevin Conlon
Treasurer
Mickael Lesurtel
Members
H. Lang
M. Smith
G. Grazzi
D. Cherqui
Ch. Dervenis
T. Van Gulik
O. Kotenko
Congress Organisation
Local Organising Committee (LOC)
EHPBA Local Organising Committee Chair
Martin Smith
South African Societies Local Organising Committee Chair
Martin Veller
Professional Congress Organiser
Dudley Randall
Scientific Programme Executive Committee
EHPBA Scientific Committee Chair
Rowan Parks
South African Societies Scientific Committee Chair
Damon Bizos
Professional Conference Organiser (PCO)
Gill Slaughter
Turners Conferences and Conventions (Pty) Ltd
PO Box 1935, Durban 4000, South Africa
Tel: + 27 31 368 8000
Fax: + 27 31 368 6623
E-mail: Gills@turnergroup.co.za
KEY INFORMATION
Important Dates
EHPBA Abstract Submission Deadline
30 September 2010
South African Societies Abstract Submission Deadline
15 January 2011
EHPBA Abstract Acceptance Notices
7 January 2011
South African Societies Abstract Acceptance Notices
15 February 2011
Closing Date for Early Registration
31 January 2011
Congress Dates
12 - 16 April 2011
Website
Up-to-date information regarding the congress programme is available on the EHPBA 2011 website: www.ehpba2011.org.za
PROGRAMME AT A GLANCE - 9th EHPBA CONGRESS - CAPE TOWN 2011
Time
Tue 12 April
Wed 13 April
Thurs 14 April
Fri 15 April
Sat 16 April
EHPBA
ASSA/SAGES
EHPBA
ASSA/SAGES
EHPBA
ASSA/SAGES
EHPBA
ASSA/SAGES
EHPBA
ASSA/SAGES
07.00
Breakfast Sessions x6
Breakfast Sessions x6
VASSA Executive Committee
Breakfast Sessions x6
08.00
Updates & Free Papers
08.15
Combined Session & Free Papers
Sessions
Combined Session, Symposium, Video Session & Posters
Sessions
08.30
ASSA Executive Committee Meeting
Keynote Lecture
09.00
Prize Presentations
Sessions
10.00
Tea / Coffee
10.15
Tea / Coffee
Tea / Coffee
10.30
Opening of EHPBA
Tea / Coffee
10.45
Keynote Lectures x 2
Combined Session, Symposium & Video Session
Sessions
Combined Session, Symposium, Video Session & Posters
Sessions
11.00
Presidential Address
Sessions
11.40
Eponymous Lecture
12.20
Guest Lecture
13.00
Lunch Break
Lunch Break VASSA Executive Committee
Lunch Break EHPBA General Assembly ASSA AGM
Lunch Break VASSA AGM
14.00
Registration
Symposia, Videos & Free Papers
ASSA/SAGES Plenary Saint Lecture
Combined Session & Symposia
Sessions
Summary
Sessions
14.30
ASSA/SAGES Plenary Marks Lecture
Prize giving & Closing Ceremony
15.00
ASSA SAGES Plenary: TSA VASSA SASES Guests
15.45
Tea / Coffee
Registration
Tea / Coffee
Tea / Coffee
Tea / Coffee
16.15
Symposia, Videos & Free Papers
Plenary Session
Combined Session, Symposia & Free Papers
Sessions
ASSA Ethics Plenary
18.00
18.15
President's Dinner
Combined Opening Ceremony
18.30
South African Theme Evening
Farewell Party
Evening Activities At Leisure
19.15
Opening Trade Exhibition Welcome Cocktail Party
Late
Sunday 17 April
CALL FOR PAPERS / ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS
The Scientific Programme Committee are pleased to invite delegates to submit their contribution to the 9th EHPBA Congress / Cape Town 2011 through the online submission system www.ehpba2011.org.za/abstracts. The themes for the Congress are Liver, Pancreas, Biliary, Transplant and Miscellaneous.
Submission Guidelines
Authors will be required to register online as a user. Once registered, a confirmation email will be sent to you containing the submission guidelines, instructions and an abstract template.
Please refer to the website for more information: www.ehpba2011.org.za/abstracts.
Oral and Poster Abstract Deadline
The online submission deadlines for EHPBA are 30 September 2010 and for South African Societies 15 January 2011.
Acceptance / Rejection of Presentation
The Scientific Committee will review all submitted abstracts and reserve the right to accept or reject any abstract. Selected abstracts will be presented as Oral or Poster presentations. Abstracts that are submitted for Oral presentations but are not accepted as such will be considered for Poster presentation. Authors of EHPBA abstracts accepted for presentation will receive a provisional notification regarding their presentation not later than 7 January 2011. Final acceptance notification will be sent upon Congress registration.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND PAYMENT
How to Register
To register for the 9th EHPBA 2011 in Cape Town, please visit the congress website: www.ehpba2011.org.za/registration.asp or complete the enclosed registration form and return to the Congress Secretariat. Pre-registration via the website will not be possible after 5th April. After this date only on-site registration will be accepted. It is essential that the instructions for payment of all fees involved are strictly followed. Every participant, including invited participants and accompanying persons, must be registered.
Payment
Registration fees are to be paid in South African Rand's (ZAR), and should be paid according to the procedure described on the registration form included in this announcement. The same procedure will be described when registering on-line on the Congress website: www.ehpba2011.org.za/registration.asp
Registration Fees
The following registration fees apply:
Registration Category
Member / Non Member
Early Before 31 Jan 2011
Standard Before 31 Mar 2011
Late/Onsite After 31 Mar 2011
EHPBA Trainee / Student**
Member
ZAR 2100
ZAR 3100
ZAR 4100
EHPBA Delegate*
Member
ZAR 4200
ZAR 5200
ZAR 6200
AHPBA / IHPBA / A-PHPBA Delegate*
Member
ZAR 4500
ZAR 5500
ZAR 6500
International Delegate
Non Member
ZAR 5300
ZAR 6300
ZAR 7300
South African Society Delegate*
Member
ZAR 4200
ZAR 5200
ZAR 6200
South African Delegate
Non Member
ZAR 5300
ZAR 6300
ZAR 7300
South African Society Trainee / Student**
Member
ZAR 2100
ZAR 3100
ZAR 4100
South African Society Trainee / Student**
Non Member
ZAR 2600
ZAR 3600
ZAR 4600
Nurses, SAGINS & SASA Registration*
Member
ZAR 2100
ZAR 3100
ZAR 4100
Nurses Non Member Registration
Non Member
ZAR 2600
ZAR 3600
ZAR 4600
Day Delegate Registration***
Member & Non Member
ZAR 1500
-
-
Accompanying Persons Registration (Incl. Tour)
ZAR 1850
-
-
Accompanying Persons Registration (Excl. Tour)
ZAR 1520
-
-
*
Membership: Members of the various associations must have paid their membership fees for 2011.
**
Trainee / Student: To qualify for the Trainee or Student fee, you must send documentary proof that you are in full time study at a recognised
educational institution and this must accompany your registration form.
***
Day Delegate: Day Delegates can register for a maximum of two days per person.
What does the Registration Fee Cover?
Participants:
Admission to the Scientific Programme, Exhibition, Abstract Book, Congress Bag, Final Programme, Certificate of Attendance, Light Lunches, Tea/Coffee Breaks, Opening Ceremony and Welcome Cocktail Party.
Accompanying persons:
Admission to the Opening Ceremony, Welcome Cocktail Party, Light Lunches, Tea/Coffee, an accompanying persons Bag and a Cape Town Orientation Tour on Thursday, 14th April 2011, from 08:30 - 13:00.
What is not included in the Registration Fee?
Attendance at the Farewell Dinner on the 15th April 2011, transport to and from Cape Town Airport, special catering requirements, or any other items not mentioned above.
Cancellation of Registration and Refund Policy
The Congress Secretariat must be notified in writing of any cancellations. All approved refunds will be issued after the Congress. An administration fee of ZAR300 will be charged for all cancellations received before 31 January 2011. Please note that no refunds will be made for cancellations after 31 January 2011.
Registration Form
HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
Hotel accommodation can be reserved in Cape Town through Turners Conferences who have secured preferred rates for participants. For full details of the hotels and room rates please visit the official website www.ehpba2011.org.za/accommodation.asp
A trade show for both local and international suppliers will take place on Thursday 14 April to Saturday 16 April 2011 between 08:30 and 17:30.
SOCIAL PROGRAMME
The social programme promises to be a wonderful and enjoyable experience for the delegates, where they will be given the opportunity to relax and socialise with their peers.
The programme consists of the following events:
Combined Opening Ceremony, Opening Trade Exhibition, Welcome Cocktail Party
The above day tours are subject to availability at the time of booking and are subject to a minimum of two passengers. All leisure tours will depart from Cape Town International Convention Centre, unless otherwise specified. Please allow a 15-minute leeway for your pick up time.
Optional Pre and Post Leisure Overland Tours
Full itineraries are available on the Congress website www.ehpba2011.org.za/tours.asp.
Please visit the tours page for more scheduled overland leisure tour options and the terms and conditions.
Dates
Tour Name
Start Time
ZAR per person
08 - 11 April 2011 (Pre) 17 - 20 April 2011 (Post)
The Garden Route (GRT) Pre Tour: Starts in Port Elizabeth and ends in Cape Town. Post Tour: Starts in Cape Town and ends in Port Elizabeth.
Pre: 09:00
Post: 07:30
ZAR 8400.00 sharing ZAR 9250.00 single
07 - 11 April 2011 (Pre) 16 - 20 April 2011 (Post)
Cape Town and the Western Cape are considered among the most beautiful areas in Africa. Characterised by a cultural melting pot of Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers, the local Khoisan (Bushman & Hottentot) tribes and the Bantu tribes from the north, the pristine coastline with its white sandy beaches, the magnificent countryside with its bountiful rivers, wetlands and dams, and the unique flora kingdom, together with a "Mediterranean-like" climate and friendly community, make it a perfect destination for any visitor. Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa, and the historic buildings of the Houses of Parliament are situated in the Cape Town city centre. Situated at the foot of Table Mountain, the Cape Town Central Business District is a relatively small area, which allows for easy exploration on foot. Numerous excellent hotels, loft apartments, trendy restaurants and bars can be found in the heart of the city and along the coast. Take a trip up Table Mountain; visit the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with over 270 shops a wide selection of restaurants and art and craft markets. Last, but not least, take the trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was formerly incarcerated. The City Central area offers a wide range of attractions and activities where the visitor can experience the
"Mother City" at her best.
Electricity Supply
The electricity supply in South Africa is 220 - 240 volts, 50 Hz. The connection for appliances is a round three-pin plug. Most hotels provide dual-voltage two-pin razor sockets (100-120 volts and 220-240 volts).
Health
There are no compulsory vaccination requirements for persons entering South Africa although a certificate for yellow fever may be required if you are entering from certain South American or sub-Saharan African countries. Certain parts of the country have been designated as malaria risk areas. If you intend travelling to one of these areas, it is essential that you take prophylaxis before arrival and whilst in the area. Protective clothing and insect repellents should also be used. Cape Town is a malaria risk free area. South African doctors and dentists are highly trained professionals and hospitals are well equipped. Participants are requested to make their own arrangements with respect to health insurance prior to departure and consult their local general practitioner for personal expert advice. For international travel and health advisories please visit the WHO website at www.who.int/ith or www.cdc.org. It is safe to drink tap water throughout South Africa. However, for those who prefer bottled mineral water, this is readily available in various stores. Smoking is prohibited by law in most public buildings in South Africa (airports, Cape Town International Convention Centre, restaurants etc) except in designated smoking areas.
Insurance
The 9th EHPBA Congress accepts no liability for any personal injury, loss or damage of property belonging to or additional expenses incurred by congress participants either during the congress or as result of delays, strikes or any other circumstances. Participants are requested to make their own arrangements with respect to health and travel insurance.
Language
The official Congress language will be English.
Lunch
Light lunches will be included in the participants' registration fee. Please note that any special catering requirements must be specified when registering and may incur an additional charge.
Passports and Visas
Every visitor to South Africa must have a valid passport. Passport holders from more than 80 countries, including USA, Canada, UK, Japan and the EU can visit South Africa without a visa. Information regarding visas can be obtained from your travel agent or the South African diplomatic or consular representative in your area. Passports should have at least 2 completely empty pages otherwise entry may be denied. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after your intended date of departure. Delegates requiring visas, and who intend taking tours to neighbouring Southern African countries, are advised to secure a multiple entry visa. Tourists must satisfy immigration officers that they have the means of support for the duration of their stay in the country and return /onward tickets. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. A list of countries that currently do not require a visa can be found at the SA Government website: www.home-affairs.pwv.gov.za/imigration/visas/schedule.htm.
If required, upon request, the Congress Secretariat is willing to send you a letter of invitation. It should be understood that this letter will be sent only to help participants to raise travel funds or to obtain a visa. A letter of invitation is not a commitment on the part of the organisers to provide any financial support. Please note that only registered delegates who have paid their Congress registration fees will be issued with a letter of invitation.
Currency and Banks
The unit of currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR) and is indicated with a capital R so that, for example, three Rand and fifty cents would be written R3.50. South Africa has a decimal currency system with one Rand equalling 100 cents. Denomination of Rand notes are R200, R100, R50, R20, and R10 and of the coins are R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c. The following exchange rates were applicable at time of sending out this document.
1 US Dollar = ZAR 7.80
1 Euro = ZAR 10.50
Facilities for cashing traveller's cheques are available at banks (operating hours are Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 15:30, Saturdays
08:30 - 11:00 and at most hotels), banks are closed on Sundays. Foreign exchange agencies are open during the week and on Saturdays. Automatic teller machines (ATM) are open 24 hours and are located at most banks as well as at the Congress Venue. International credit cards (Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard and American Express) are accepted at the majority of hotels, restaurants and shops.
Prices
Prices will vary, but the following is an indication of what delegates might expect:
Tea or coffee
ZAR 15.00
€ 1.00
US$ 2.00
Restaurant meal
ZAR 150.00
€ 14.00
US$ 20.00
Cinema ticket
ZAR 45.00
€ 4.00
US$ 6.00
Wine (750ml)
ZAR 60.00
€ 5.50
US$ 8.20
Big Mac Burger
ZAR 20.00
€ 1.80
US$ 2.70
Beer (340ml)
ZAR 15.00
€ 1.40
US$ 2.00
Cola (340ml)
ZAR 7.00
€ 0.64
US$ 1.00
Sandwich
ZAR 25.00
€ 2.30
US$ 3.50
Programme Changes
The organisers cannot assume liability for any changes in the programme due to external or unforeseen circumstances. Changes will be mentioned on message screens throughout the Congress Centre.
Registration Hours
The registration desk in the CTICC will be open at the following hours:
Tuesday
12 April 2011
14:00 - 18:00
Wednesday
13 April 2011
08:00 - 19:00
Thursday
14 April 2011
08:00 - 19:00
Friday
15 April 2011
08:00 - 19:00
Saturday
16 April 2011
08:00 - 19:00
Security
For those participants who have not previously visited South Africa, or Cape Town, and are concerned about personal safety, we wish to assure all visitors that Cape Town is like any other major city with good and bad areas. Common sense will ensure a trouble free and enjoyable congress and vacation. The area around the CTICC and adjacent hotels is safe and well monitored at all times but we advise that you do not walk alone after dark in unpopulated streets. Ostentatious displays of wealth should be avoided at all times. During the congress, the information desk at the CTICC and your hotel's concierge will be able to assist you with information on places to visit and the appropriate means of transport.
Shopping in Cape Town
Most shops in the city centre and suburbs open between 08.00 and 17.00 to 17.30 hours. Shops in major shopping malls open at 09:00 and close at 21:00 hours or later (especially at the V&A Waterfront), even on Sundays and most public holidays. Government agencies still keep to traditional weekday only hours. Most banks close at 15:30 hours, and have limited Saturday morning opening times. Muslim-owned businesses close at noon on Fridays and re-open at 13:00 hours.
Tipping
Gratuities are expected in South Africa. A guideline for visitors is the following: Airport porters ZAR5.00 per item, taxis 10%, waiters and waitresses in restaurants 10%.
Traveller's Cheques
Most international traveller's cheques are accepted, provided they are in an acceptable currency and may be cashed at most banks. Many hotels and shops also provide this service.
VAT / Tax Refunds
VAT of 14% is levied on nearly all goods and services. Foreign tourists may claim back VAT paid on items that will be taken out of the country. Original tax invoices, foreign passport, plus all the items on which a refund is claimed, must be presented at the VAT Refund Administration Office or an appointed RSA Customs and Excise Official on departure, and the total VAT on these items will be refunded.
Weather
April in Cape Town is the end of autumn. Dawn arrives just before 07:00 and the sunsets at around 18:30. The weather is generally fair but occasional rainy and windy days can occur. Mornings are crisp and evenings can be cool especially if there is a breeze with maximum daytime temperatures of up to 230C.
