General Information
OVERVIEW
The 13th International Congress on Hormonal Steroids and Hormones & Cancer will be held September 27-30th, 2008, at the Hilton Hotel in the heart of Quebec City, a beautiful old-world city vibrant with music, art, and culture. The Hilton Quebec is across from the Parliament Building and just steps from the fortifications.
CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION
US citizens or permanent residents of the US can usually cross the border without difficulty. However, visitors must carry identification, such as a passport or birth or naturalization certificate, as proof of citizenship. A driver’s license is NOT accepted as proof of citizenship. All other international visitors require a valid passport, and some visitors may need a tourist visa.
For up-to-date information, please see the Government of Canada web site. Be sure to consult the Canadian Embassy or Consulate in your own country well in advance of travel to ensure that the appropriate documentation is obtained.
When required, we encourage scientists planning to attend the meeting to apply for a visa as EARLY AS POSSIBLE. The Secretariat Office will provide letters of invitation to help you make travel arrangements. If you need a letter of invitation to the 13th ICHSHC Meeting, please contact the Secretariat Office at info@ICHSHC2008.com.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Local Organizing Committee has reserved a block of rooms at the Hilton Quebec hotel. Since Quebec City will be celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2008, there will be ongoing events all year long. We therefore strongly suggest that you reserve your room as soon as possible. Please note the reservation code, HORA08, required for booking at the special rate. All rates are in Canadian dollars and do not include a mandatory ($2/night) lodging tax as well as federal (5%) and provincial (7.5%) service tax.
Hilton Quebec. 1100 René Lévesque East, Quebec City, Canada. Tel: 1-800-447-2411; Fax: 418-647-2986.
- Regular floors – $209$ simple or double occupancy
- Executive floors – $259 simple, $279 double occupancy
- Reservation code, HORA08
Every room offers cable TV, radio, hairdryer, minibar, desk & chairs, a coffee machine, voice mail, modem port, 2 telephones and 2 telephone lines, in room video games, and access to the hotel health club. Amenities include a fitness room and swimming pool. Executive floors offer a magnificent view of the city in addition to free access to the sauna of the health club, free local calls, complimentary continental breakfast (served between 7:00 am and 11h00 am) as well as canapes and cocktails (served between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm). The special rates are also valid 2 days prior to and 2 days after the meeting. Reservations will be confirmed online.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
By plane arriving at the Jean-Lesage International Airport.
To get to the Hilton Quebec hotel from the Jean-Lesage International Airport:
By car (about 16 km / 10 miles). From Jean Lesage International Airport, take a right out of the airport. Follow the Boulevard Charest East and turn right onto St Sacrement to reach Rene Levesque Boulevard, then turn left. Follow the road to Hilton Quebec hotel. For more information, click here.
By taxi. Taxi fares are CAN $30.00. it is a flat rate between the airport and downtown Quebec City.
OTHER INFORMATION
Banking and Credit Cards. Normal banking hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with extended hours on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at some locations. Travelers’ checks, ideally in Canadian funds, are the safest way to carry money and are accepted by banks and major commercial establishments. There are different Canadian chartered banks with branches throughout the area along with over 100 Caisse Populaire Desjardins (credit union) branches. Check the telephone directory for listings. Automated teller machines provide banking services and excellent rates of exchange for visitors through Plus, Circus, Interac, etc. Major credit cards such as American Express, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted almost everywhere.
Climate. At the end of September, daytime temperatures are usually in the range of 12–18 degrees Celsius (54–64 degrees Fahrenheit). Occasional rain can be expected. For evenings, sweaters or jackets may be needed. For up-to-date weather information, check Environment Canada or The Weather Network.
Conference Attire. Casual dress is appropriate for all meetings and social events.
Copies and Faxing. Photocopying and faxing services will be located at the Business Center on the second floor of the Quebec Hilton
Dining. While the vast array of activities in the region will help you develop an appetite, the gastronomic wealth of more than a thousand different restaurants will give you a taste of Quebecois friendliness and hospitality. From maple products eaten in a sugar shack to fantastic meals savored in a 17th century residence, the Quebec region is a veritable gourmet circuit. Click here for restaurant suggestions. Located under the Hilton hotel, you will find Place Québec, a shopping district that is home to excellent restaurants and cafés.
Electricity. Throughout Canada, electricity is 120V, 60Hz.
Insurance. Liability insurance is the responsibility of each individual delegate. The Canadian Medical Health Insurance Plan does not cover visitors to Canada. All delegates should therefore have their own medical coverage.
Parking. Daily rates at the Hilton Quebec hotel is range between CAD $20, plus taxes.
Smoking Regulations. Smoking is prohibited in all meeting rooms. Local and Provincial Laws stipulate that smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places.
Sales Taxes. Most goods and services purchased in the Province of Quebec are subject to a 5% Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) and a 7.5% Provincial Sales Tax (PST). Non-resident visitors to Canada may be eligible for a rebate of the GST paid on eligible goods and on short-term accommodations. The Visitor Rebate Program requires that you submit proof of export if you wish to claim a rebate of eligible goods. For further information about the program and its entitlements and requirements, call 1-800-668-4748 (within Canada) or 1-902-432-5608 (outside Canada). You may also visit the Program web site by clicking here.
Tipping. Service is not included in restaurants and it is customary to add a 15% tip to the total. If you are with a group, a 15% service charge is usually automatically added to your bill. If you are not sure whether the tip is include, just ask. Tipping also applies to taxi drivers, hairdressers, etc. Bellhops, porters, and doormen generally receive at least CAD$1 per suitcase/service rendered. Coffee and food counters often have a tip cup next to the cash register; spare change is always appreciated.
Disclaimer. The conference organizers cannot be held responsible for any losses incurred by participants in the event of labor disruptions or cancellation of the Meeting. The program was correct at the time of printing, but organizers reserve the right to alter it if deemed necessary.
Liability. The conference organizers shall not be held liable for personal accidents or losses or damage to private property of registered Congress participants. Participants should make their own arrangements with respect to personal insurance.