General Information

The 2018 Blue Shield Australia Symposium was held at the National Library of Australia, located in Canberra.

Welcome to Canberra

Canberra, the Aboriginal word for ‘meeting place’ is the capital city of Australia. Designed around three lakes, Canberra is laced with parks, gardens and is surrounded by mountain ranges. Its distinct seasons make it a picturesque and ever-changing city. Canberra has more restaurants per capita than any Australian city and boasts some excellent local wineries.
Extensive bike paths make cycling a joy and Mt Kosciuszko (the highest peak in Australia and part of the snow fields) is only a two hour drive away. The city is home to many of Australia’s national cultural institutions and iconic buildings, all of which are located within easy reach of hotels.

Canberra is an exciting place to visit and is home to a diverse and multicultural population of about 325,000 people. It is a vibrant, creative city and offers many attractions including national institutions, scenic outdoor areas, wineries, museums and art galleries.
To learn more about what Canberra has to offer, go to www.visitcanberra.com.au.

Visa Information

Delegates who are coming from overseas (except for New Zealand passport holders) will need a visa to travel to Australia. Please refer to the following documents for more information:

Business information sheet: for guidance on the visa options that may be most suitable for you
General information for visa applicants:  for information on visa application requirements

It is recommended that you apply for a visa two months prior to your travel to Australia, and four months prior for people with character or health concerns.

If you require assistance with your visa application, please provide Conference Logistics with your passport details (country of passport, passport number, current country of residence and name in full as it appears on your passport) by email at BSAsymposium2018@conlog.com.au, these details will then be forwarded to the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection. However you will still need to register for the symposium and make your own visa application through your nearest Australian Embassy.

More information can be found at www.border.gov.au.

Accommodation

Special accommodation rates have been secured for delegates attending the symposium. Accommodation can be booked when registering for the symposium. All rates are per room per night. For more information please visit the accommodation page.

Cancellation and Changes Policy

Delegates who find themselves unable to attend the 2018 Blue Shield Australia Symposium after submitting a registration form are most welcome to nominate a substitute. All substitutions and cancellations must be made in writing to Conference Logistics at BSASymposium2018@conlog.com.au.  Cancellations received on or before Friday 22 December 2017 will be refunded, less an administration fee of $99. Cancellations received after Friday 22 December 2017 are not refundable. Exceptions are at the discretion of the Organising Committee. By submitting your registration you agree to the terms of the cancellation policy.

Communication

All communication with registered delegates will be by email.

Find us on Twitter. Tweet using the hashtag #BSASymposium to join the conversation!

Conference Secretariat

Conference Logistics
PO Box 6150
Kingston ACT 2604
P: 02 6281 6624
F: 02 6285 1336
W: www.conferencelogistics.com.au

Disclaimer

The symposium registration information and program is correct at the time of publishing. However, the organisers reserve the right to change the information where necessary without notice.

Dress

Recommended dress for the symposium is business attire for all symposium sessions and the social function.

Payment of Fees

All symposium, workshop, and tour payments must be received prior to the symposium.

Personal Insurance

Delegates shall be regarded in every aspect as carrying their own risk for loss or injury to person or property, including baggage during the symposium. We strongly recommend that at the time of booking your travel and tours you take out a travel insurance policy of your choice. The policy should include the loss of deposit through cancellation, medical insurance, loss or damage to personal property, financial loss incurred through disruptions to accommodation or travel arrangements due to strikes or other industrial action. The organisers are in no way responsible for any claims concerning insurance.

Privacy Clause

In registering for this symposium, relevant details will be incorporated into a delegate list for the benefit of all delegates (name, organisation and state only) and may be made available to parties directly related to the symposium including Conference Logistics, venues and accommodation providers (for the purpose of room bookings and symposium options), key sponsors (subject to strict conditions).

Special Needs

We endeavour to ensure delegates with special needs are catered for. Should you require particular assistance, please make a note on your registration form or contact the Conference Secretariat.

Transport to and from the Canberra International Airport

The symposium venue is approximately 15 minutes by taxi (non peak time) from the Canberra international airport. The cost is approximately $25-$30.

Canberra Elite Taxis       +61 2 6126 1600

Weather

During summer in Canberra, average temperatures range from 14.39 – 32.8°C (54.7 – 80.6°F), with little humidity and balmy nights.  January is the hottest month of the year, so be prepared and bring a hat and sunscreen.

For further information please contact the Symposium Secretariat, Conference Logistics on 02 6281 6624.