Welcome to scientific conference

Conferences are one of the few perks of the scientific life, so make sure you take advantage of their career-enhancing properties. Well-run professional meetings and conferences give their participants the opportunity to meet, present their works and discuss problems in a relaxed atmosphere.

Some conferences will offer exciting activities in the afternoons. These activities are excellent opportunities for networking, so don't just spend all your free time hanging around, playing table football or on tennis courts, taking golf courses or walking along the paths in parks and forests (information of these facilities is usually provided, on request, beforehand or at registration). Instead try to speak to group leaders about your work, their work, or the possibility of working for them.

A full program of social events allows participants to take advantage of these international meetings. The participants are invited to social activities and in addition a program of tours is usually arranged to enable them to become familiar with the site and the vicinity. Descriptions of places of historical or cultural interest in the region also are available. If no organized group trips are planned to such places, the Travel Agent will assist individuals who are interested in private excursions.

At many conferences, the last night provides an opportunity for a dinner and entertainment. In many cases it is also usually the last chance to make new contacts and exchange ideas. It's a good idea to take a notebook to a conference, especially if your boss is expecting you to give a meeting report upon your return. Conferences can lead to some very productive experimental ideas.

Organizing Committees of scientific forums try to envisage all awkward situations, which a participant can encounter. For this reason conference receptionists are usually located in the main lobbies of Airport buildings and railway stations. Representatives holding signs with the conference symbol can be found at most of the exit for passengers completing customs and passport formalities. They are ready to assist participants with travel related problems.

The members of local Organizing Committees also are ready to help with accommodation and dining arrangements. They organize meals at quite reasonable rates (approximately $10-20 per day) and inform the participants about dining and lunch services at registration.

People coming to scientific conferences are normally offered a choice of two types of accommodation: student residence halls (dormitories) available at low charges, and comfortable hotel rooms at much higher rates. A special reservation card is required for the hotel accommodations. The card should be returned directly to the hotel. Any inquires about the services of the hotel should be directed to the Organizing Committee.

Some participants of conferences are lucky enough to receive so-called travel awards or travel grants, a special fund established to aid foreign travellers. The intent of these awards is to aid those who could not otherwise attend the conference.