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An invitation to:
Members, Sponsors, Exhibitors, Advertises
The Chinese Academy of Sciences, State Forestry Adminstration P.R.China and the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) invite you to Beijing, China 11-16 July 2009 for the International Congress for Conservation Biology (23rd Annual Meeting of the Society for Conservation Biology), it is recognized as the most important global meeting for conservation professionals and students.
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Annual Meeting Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Registration
Call for Proposals
Program Information
Student activities
Location & Accommodations
Others
Contacts
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General Information
* What is the Annual Meeting?
The Society for Conservation Biology Annual Meeting is recognized as the most important international meeting for conservation professionals and students. Annual Meetings are a forum for addressing conservation challenges. They are the global venue for presenting and discussing new research and developments in conservation science and practice. Most importantly, they connect our global community of conservation professionals and serve as the major networking outlet for anyone interested in conservation.
* When and where is the annual meeting?
The Annual Meeting changes location, often continent, every year. To find out what is already scheduled, and where Annual Meetings have been in the past, please go to:
http://www.conbio.org/Activities/Meetings/annual.cfm
The Meeting is generally scheduled in June or July.
* Why should I attend the annual meeting? Who attends the annual meeting?
Our attendees are concerned with the science and practice of conserving biological diversity. SCB Global Meetings bring together conservation professionals and students from every sector of the field including the biological and social sciences, management, policy, and planning. Attendees work for universities, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, private foundations and organizations, and publications. They are scientists, students, managers, decision-makers, writers, and other conservation professionals from throughout the world. Some come to present, others come for the incredible networking opportunities of the meetings, so do not hesitate to join us!
* What is the official language of the meeting?
The official language of the meeting is English
* What is the theme of this year¡¯s meeting?
Conservation: Harmony for Nature and Society
Since ancient times, Chinese philosophy believes that the harmony of development rests on its relationship with conservation of the environment. Humankind cannot progress without a healthy and diverse nature. Nature and society, diversity and mankind, those connections are critical for achieving the goals of conservation. [top]
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Registration
* When and how do I register for the annual meeting?
To find out more about meeting registration dates, fees, and cancellation policy, please visit: http://www.conbio.org/2009/register
* How do I know if I live in a country not defined as high income according to SCB?
To find out if you qualify for the registration discount for residents of countries not defined as high income, please visit:
http://www.conbio.org/help/DevelopingCountries.cfm
* Are there other costs to the Annual Meeting besides the Registration Fee?
Yes. The following items will also need to be purchased (if desired):
- short course
- some social events (e.g.: banquet)
- fieldtrips
- lunches
- souvenirs
- guest tickets for social events and fieldtrips
* What does my registration fee include?
All registered attendees will receive a registration packet with nametags, meeting program and a meeting bag. All meeting attendees will be required to pick up their registration packet. Nametags will be required to enter the meeting location and to access the sessions.
Registration fees include:
- all workshops (unless posted on the website)
- all symposia
- all discussion groups
- all oral presentations
- all speed presentations
- all poster sessions
- SCB members¡¯ meeting
- Access to the exhibition floor
- Meeting bag with meeting program
* Can I register for the meeting onsite?
Yes, you may register onsite! SCB and the LOC always highly recommend registering online to be sure that you have reserved tickets for special activities. Some activities will book early (fieldtrips and sometimes banquet tickets)!
* Will I receive a confirmation of my registration?
Yes, as soon as you have finished your registration, you will receive a confirmation at the email address you provided during registration. Please make sure you receive the email, if you do not there is a problem and you may not be registered for the meeting. For all questions concerning registration please contact: annualmeeting@conbio.org
* Do you offer one day registration?
Yes, one day registration will be available.
* What methods can I use to pay for the Annual Meeting registration?
Online payment
You may pay online during registration with a credit card, or arrange for a bank wire.
The following credit cards are accepted: Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
To arrange for a bank wire, please contact: annualmeeting@conbio.org
On site registration payment
You may also pay onsite with a credit card and cash
* Can I obtain financial assistance to attend the annual meeting?
You may apply to get reimbursed for some of your travel expenses. Please visit the following page: http://www.conbio.org/2009/travelsupport
* Can my spouse or companion attend the meeting?
Your spouse or companion will have to register for the meeting like any other meeting attendee if they wish to attend the scientific sessions. If they only want to be with you for social events and/or fieldtrips, you will have the opportunity to buy guest tickets for these events. Just go through the meeting registration pages when registration is open: you will have the opportunity to buy guest tickets (if they are not sold out).
* What is the dress code for the Annual Meeting?
The dress code for the meeting is casual unless otherwise posted.
* How do members of the press register?
If you are a member of the press, please contact mkaufmann@conbio.org for information regarding press registration.
* I need a Letter of Invitation to attend the meeting. Who should I contact about this?
If you need a letter of invitation to attend the meeting, please read the information provided at:
http://scb2009.ioz.ac.cn/visa.asp
Please note that we do not send any invitation letters to people who have not paid their registration fee. This proof of payment is usually one of the requirements to apply for a visa. For more information about registration, please visit: http://www.conbio.org/2009/register
* What is the cancellation policy?
The meeting has a cancellation policy when you cancel your registration. Please refer to the registration information on the meeting web site: http://www.conbio.org/2009/cancellation
* When will I receive a refund if I cancel?
If you paid by credit card, your refund will be available to you the day after your cancellation. If you paid by another method, and would like to be refunded, please send a message to annualmeeting@conbio.org with the following subject: cancellation of registration, refund needed. According to the method of payment and the refund method, refund can take up to 3 weeks.
* When will I receive my program book and badge?
Name badges are obligatory in the premises of the meeting. You may retrieve your program book and name badge at the registration desk on site. Check in is mandatory. Registration desk hours will be available closer to the meeting dates at: http://www.conbio.org/2009/register
* I'd like to volunteer. Who do I contact to arrange this?
During the registration process, you will be asked if you would like to volunteer.
Please keep in mind that many people ask to volunteer. You are only scheduled to volunteer if you are contacted by the volunteer coordinator. If you do not receive confirmation, you are not scheduled to be a volunteer and will not receive the discount on meeting registration.
www.conbio.org/2009/volunteer
* I would like to moderate a session. Who do I contact to arrange this?
The proposal and abstract online system offers you the opportunity to moderate a session. Also, during online registration you will be asked you if you would like to moderate to confirm your availability. The LOC will contact you if they need moderators.
Moderators' guidelines are available: http://www.conbio.org/2009/moderators
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Call for Proposals and call for Abstracts
* What is the difference between the call for proposals and the call for abstracts?
The call for proposals is a call for Symposia, Workshops, Discussion Groups and Short Courses. The entire call can be found at:
http://www.conbio.org/2009/proposals.
The call for abstracts is a call for oral, speed and poster presentations. The entire call can be found at: http://www.conbio.org/2009/abstracts .
* When do I submit my proposal / abstract?
Check the home page for important deadlines:
http://www.conbio.org/2009
Dates are also available from the calls:
http://www.conbio.org/2009/proposals
http://www.conbio.org/2009/abstracts
* How do I submit a proposal?
Read the text of the call for information about which format to submit and then follow the instructions provided:
http://www.conbio.org/2009/proposals
* How do I submit an abstract?
Read the text of the call for information about which format to submit and then follow the instructions provided:
http://www.conbio.org/2009/abstracts
* How many proposals / abstracts can I submit?
If you are the submitter and the presenter: you cannot present more than one presentation for the following formats: Symposium presentation, oral presentation, speed presentation, and poster presentation.
Example: you cannot present at a symposium and present an oral presentation or any other combination. However, you can present a symposium and a workshop or a short course or a discussion group. Please always refer to the calls:
http://www.conbio.org/2009/proposals
http://www.conbio.org/2009/abstracts
* Can you extend the calls deadline?
Unfortunately, SCB and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) choose the deadlines according to several meeting deadlines and cannot change the deadlines of the calls.
However, due to technical reasons SCB and the LOC may extend deadlines. Always refer to the meeting web site for regular updates.
* I want to edit my proposal/abstract, what do I do?
You can only edit you proposal or abstract before the deadline of the call. Submit early and edit your submission (retrieve your account username and password email if needed) before the call ends. To do this, just log on to the submission system at: www.conbio.org/2009/submit
Log in with your username and password (this is different than your login information for your SCB member page)
Click on "Edit"
If the submission deadline has passed, you cannot edit your proposal / abstract because the review process has started.
* I want to submit but the deadline has passed, what do I do?
Unfortunately, and to be fair to people who did submit in time, SCB and the LOC will not be able to accommodate your late submission because as soon as the call closes, submissions are sent to be reviewed.
If you missed the call for proposals, you still have a chance to submit for the call for abstracts.
If you missed the call for abstracts deadline, we are hoping that you will be able to attend the meeting and enjoy the networking opportunities. We will be glad to receive your submission in time for the next Annual Meeting! Remember to always check the SCB home page for SCB news, including news about meetings, at: www.conbio.org
* What are the selection criteria for the calls?
Criteria are also available in the text of the calls:
http://www.conbio.org/2009/proposals
http://www.conbio.org/2009/abstracts
* When will I be notified if my proposal / abstract has been selected?
You will receive an email at the email address you provided during submission. To find out the notification dates please refer to the important dates posted on the meeting home page:
www.conbio.org/2009
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Program Information
* What is the general schedule for the Annual Meeting?
The general schedule is available at:
www.conbio.org/2009/schedule
* What are the pre- or post-conference activities?
Detailed information about the pre and post conference tours is available at:
www.conbio.org/2009/fieldtrips
* What are the special events and are there any additional fees?
Some information is available at:
www.conbio.org/2009/socialevents
* Do I have to sign up for the concurrent sessions?
No, you do not need to sign up for concurrent sessions. They are open to all unless posted otherwise on the scientific program pages:
www.conbio.org/2009/scientificprogram
* Do I have to register for short courses?
Yes, you are required to register for short courses. If you are adding short courses to a full meeting registration (i.e. you are coming for more than one day) just follow the meeting registration procedure and add the short courses.
If you wish to come only for the short courses, choose the one-day meeting registration for short courses and workshops and then choose the short course you would like to attend.
* Are there any concurrent sessions of international interest?
SCB global meetings are international and a lot of the presentations are given by authors coming from all around the world and/or who work on international conservation projects. For more information about the program, please check:
www.conbio.org/2009/scientificprogram
* Can you tell me about awards?
Each year, the Society for Conservation Biology recognizes and awards achievement by outstanding individuals in our field. For more information about SCB awards given at the 2009 Annual Meeting, please check:
www.conbio.org/2009/awards
For more information about the awards in general and nomination forms and timeline, please check: http://www.conbio.org/Activities/Awards/
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Student activities
* Are there events/meetings specifically for students?
Encouraging student involvement is an important goal of the Society for Conservation Biology. The annual meetings provide an incredible forum for students to learn more about the practice of conservation worldwide and to make valuable contacts. For more information:
http://www.conbio.org/2009/students
* Are there presentation awards for students?
SCB offers students from all backgrounds the opportunity to enter a competition for oral and poster presentations. To find out more about the program, please read the text of the call for abstracts: http://www.conbio.org/2009/abstracts
* What is the mentoring program?
To encourage participation of members whose first language is not English, SCB's Student Affairs Committee offers a mentoring service for students submitters. This service is only available for the call for abstracts and usually closes two weeks before the official call for abstract deadline. For more information: http://www.conbio.org/2009/abstracts
* Can I attend events for BOG/students/Smith Fellows/etc. even if I'm not one?
Student activities are reserved for current students. To attend these activities students must enlist during registration.
* I am a student and would like to share a hotel room with another student to reduce costs. Any suggestions on how to arrange this?
You might consider posting a message on SCB¡¯s Bulletin Board, located here: http://www.conbio.org/2009/bboard
SCB accepts no responsibility or liability for travel or housing arrangements made through this web site.
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Location & Accommodations
* Where can I stay during the Annual Meeting?
The Meeting venue will be where all meeting attendees will stay. For more information and rates:
www.conbio.org/2009/Accomodation
* I would like to explore Beijing while I am there. Where can I find out more information about touring the city?
For information about Beijing, please visit: http://www.ebeijing.gov.cn/Travel/default.htm
* What airport is most convenient to fly into? How far is the airport from the meeting?
The best airport to fly into Beijing is: Beijing Capitol Airport (PEK). The airport is located 40 minutes from the venue. A shuttle will be arranged to transport you from the airport to the venue.
www.conbio.org/2009/transportation
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Others
1. How can I get to and leave the Jiuhua International Convention Center?
Arrival in Beijing
Taxi service is available at Beijing Capital International Airport (http://en.bcia.com.cn/) the whole day. The cost from the airport to the conference venue is about 40 to 50 USD, or RMB 200 to 300 enclosed the extra highway fee RMB10/car. Please do ask for the receipt from the driver. Payment should be made in RMB cash. You can use the ATM's or bank offices at the airport to get change. It is not customary to tip drivers. Please pay strictly accordingly to the meter in the taxi.
Airport-Hotel Shuttle Bus on July 11
The Local Organizing Committee of SCB2009 will arrange Congress shuttle buses between the conference venue and the airport on July 11 from 08:00 to 20:00 every one hour. On the occasion, there will be volunteers with our logo at the airport showing the way of the shuttle.
Leave for airport
Jiuhua Convention Center provides shuttle service for airport, which costs 30RMB. You can register the time you leave when you check in.
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2. How is the weather in Beijing?
Weather
There are four distinct seasons in Beijing. July is hot and rainy with an average temperature of 27¡ãC (around 80¡ãF). A raincoat or umbrella is recommended, and a light jacket or pullover may be necessary in the evenings.
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3. Do I need any insurance?
Insurance
The Congress Organizers recommends participants to possess travel, property medical or other necessary insurances before coming to China. The SCB2009 Congress Organizers cannot be held responsible for the costs resulting from personal accidents or property loss during the Congress.
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4. Is there emergency aid in the convention center?
Emergency
The nearest hospital Xiaotangshan Hospital is in 10 minutes walk from Jiuhua.
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5. Are there phone and internet service?
Phone& Internet at the hotels
There is payphone in the hotel as well as public payphone all around Beijing. In every room, there is computer connected with internet.
Phone& Internet at the Convention Center
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6. How about our food and drink during the meeting?
Food and Drink at the convention center
Dining-rooms with different styles are located in the Beijing Jiuhua International Conference and Exhibition Center. These restaurants provide Chinese food, Western food 24 hours a day. Coffee houses and Bars in the Center will also serve attendees. Participants can taste many kinds of Beijing style food at restaurants in the vicinity of the Center.
Food and drink downtown
Of course, you also can go to the downtown enjoying the gourmand's delight of Chinese cuisine.
http://www.echinacities.com/
Pub &bar (http://www.bars-beijing.com/)
Cafes and bars provide the alternative to traditional Chinese restaurants and teahouses. Apart from Starbucks, most cafes have tea and simple meals. Naturally, the city bars are central to Beijing's quality nightlife. Such as Sanlitun bar street (http://www.beijingtraveltips.com/),
Shichahai (http://english.cri.cn/),
Houhai (http://www.bars-beijing.com/), all have large bars with performances.
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7. How is the voltage, socket and plugs in China?
Voltage, Socket and Plugs
The electrical current in China is 220-volts, 50Hz A/C. Hotels generally provide wall sockets in every room, accommodating both the standard "Flat blade attachment plug (Type A)" and common "Oblique flat blades with ground (inverted V) plug (Type I)" as well as the not-so-common "Round pin attachment plug (Type C)" as shown in following photographs.
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| Wall socket |
Type A plug |
Type C plug |
Type C plug |
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8. How is the traffic in Beijing?
Traffic in Beijing (http://china.citw2008.com/)
Beijing currently has three million motor vehicles, of which about legitimate cab 67,000. And taxi service (http://www.tour-beijing.com/taxi/) is available all around the city for whole day. On the other hand, The Beijing Subway (http://www.chinahighlights.com/beijing/map/beijing-subway-map)is a rapid transit rail network that serves the urban and suburban districts of Beijing municipality, with 8 lines, over 200 km of tracks and 123 stations currently in operation and ridership averaging 3.4 million per day. A flat fare of RMB2.00 with unlimited transfers applies to all lines except the Airport Express, which costs RMB25.00. Children less than 1.2m in height ride for free when accompanied by a paying adult. All lines now collect fares through automatic fare collection (AFC) machines that accept single-ride tickets and Yikatong, an integrated circuit card (ICC card) that can store credit for multiple rides. Riders can purchase tickets and add credit to Yikatong, an integrated circuit card (ICC card) that can store credit for multiple rides. Riders can purchase tickets and add credit to Yikatong at ticket counters and vending machines in every station. Yikatong is also accepted on many city buses. Refer to the distance away from the downtown, we LOC provide free shuttle buses between the meeting venue and the nearest subway station Tiantongyuanbei Station during the conference.
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9. How can I get bank service?
Currency Exchange
The currency in circulation in China is the Chinese yuan, or RMB yuan, whose international standard abbreviation sign is CNY. 1 RMB consists of 10 jiao (dimes) or 100 fen (cents). The denominations of the RMB in bank notes are 1, 2, 5, 10, 50 and 100RMB. Participants can exchange their currencies at airports, major hotels and banks in China. The exchange rate will be given daily by the Bank of China. Currently, 1 USD can be exchanged for about 6.8 CNY. All currency exchange receipts should be saved in case participants want to exchange RMB back to their own currency. Banks may demand to see the original exchange receipt.
Credit Cards & ATM, Banking
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and JCB are accepted in many department stores and hotels. ATMs (http://www.beijingholidays.net/traveltips/ATM.htm) may be of use in obtaining RMB with your credit card. A growing number of international ATMs can be found in branches of the Bank of China as well as in some up-market hotels around the city. Besides, there are many kinds of banks in Beijing where you also can get RMB (http://www.beijing.alloexpat.com/beijing_information/banks_beijing.php). The amount debited form your account will vary due to fluctuations in the exchange rate. There is normally a 4% additional bank charge. It is also recommended to check with your bank before departure for any additional fees that they may charge you.
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10. Can I use the projectors in the center during the presentation?
Projectors
Overhead projectors and computer-aided projectors (for Microsoft PowerPoint presentations only) will be available. Mac computers will not be available for PowerPoint presentations. Mac users can connect to the computer-aided projectors if they bring their own computer and connecting cord.
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11. How big is the poster display board?
Poster Display Board
Each poster presenter will be provided with a vertical surface to mount their poster presentation. The area available for the poster is limited to a rectangle 245 cm tall by 95 cm wide. Each board will host one poster, and it¡¯s recommended that each poster use the standard size of 120 cm tall by 90 cm wide. Poster materials must be legible from a distance of two meters. Lettering in text and figures should be at least 5 mm, and the heading should be at least 10 mm. The title of the paper, the authors, and their affiliations should appear near the top of the poster in letters approximately 25 mm high.
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FAQ about the field trips
1. Do I need any special permit for the field trip to Tibet?
No, we will arrange collective organized tour and get the permit.
2. In which way and when can I get the refund if I cancel the trip once registered?
3. Can I register the PT trip as well as the PR one?
Of course you can.
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Other useful information
Customs
Information about Chinese customs is available from your local Chinese Embassy or Consulate or your travel agency.
Language
The Congress working language is English.
Car parking
There is Car Park, located in the Convention Center.
Water
It is not recommended to directly drink the water from the tap in your hotel room. If you want to drink cold water, it is best to order or buy bottled water, mineral or distilled. Avoiding the ice cubes being made from tap water is also recommended.
Upon request, hotels will provide containers of hot or chilled drinking water in the sleeping rooms at no extra cost. Hotels will also provide an electrically heated kettle to boil water from the tap in your room. The boiled water can then be stored in a vacuum thermos for drinking. Some hotels also provide a special tap in the lavatory that delivers a flow of purified water for drinking or taking medications.
This advice also applies to your pre-Congress or post-Congress travel in others cities in China, such as Guangzhou, Xi'an, Guilin and Shanghai.
Smoking Policy
Please note that smoking is prohibited within the conference premises.
Duplication, Recording
Without permission from authors, taking photographs, audio-taping, video-recording, digital taping and any other form of duplication are strictly prohibited in the session rooms and poster areas.
Cell Phones
Participants are kindly requested to turn off their cell phones or keep the cell phones in vibration state when entering the meeting rooms and in the poster areas.
City Map
A city map is provided in the conference bags.
Hotlines
| Phone Number |
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Police |
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Local Telephone Number Inquiry |
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Domestic Long Distance Inquiry |
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Time Inquiry |
| 119 |
Fire |
| 120 |
Ambulance |
| 121 |
Weather Forecast |
| 122 |
Traffic Police |
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Contacts
If your question was not answered in our FAQ, please contact the following people with questions regarding general meeting information, specific questions about sponsorship and exhibiting, travel information, etc.
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