We have the honour to invite researchers, students and plant protection practitioners to attend and/or participate in the 14th International Botrytis Symposium. This Symposium will again be the showcase for the latest Botrytis research, development and technologies to be presented by participants from across the world. With contributions from scientists, as well as sponsorship and exhibitions from the diverse array of industries involved, the organising and scientific committees will be committed to a Symposium programme of interest to anyone involved in the research and practice of Botrytis. We are proud to host this event in Cape Town, which was recently voted as one of the top tourism destinations in the World! Cape Town is a modern city and is the number one tourist destination in Africa for visitors from all over the world. The city offers the visitors spectacular scenery, exciting places to visit and interesting and colourful people to meet. The many attractions that will entice a visitor to these shores include Table Mountain with a trip up to the top by cable car, the world renowned Victoria and Alfred Waterfront with the entertainment, shopping and craftmarkets and Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. Another popular attraction is Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. More than 6000 plant species can be found in an area of 530 ha. Symposium Venue Cape Town International Convention Centre The Centre opened in 2003 and has held many international conferences and exhibitions and have at this stage received bookings as far as 2015. The venue has state of the art equipment and provides an excellent place for delegates to meet and network. For more information on the centre please visit the CTICC website at http://www.cticc.co.za Registration Information regarding Registration will be placed on this site in September 2006. Notification of intent to attend and/or submit an abstract Please complete the following form and return to us by fax (fax no: +27 21 883 8177) if you intend submitting an abstract for the Symposium. 14th International Botrytis Symposium, 21 – 26 October 2007 1 Sponsorship & Exhibitions Companies who wish to sponsor and/or exhibit at the Symposium must please contact the Secretariat at conf@conferencesetal.co.za Bayer CropScience has been confirmed as main sponsor of the event. There are excellent opportunities for sponsoring companies to obtain exposure on the website and at the Symposium where we expect delegates from all over the world to attend. Investing in the future with novel chemistry Professional Botrytis disease management for quality crops Successful solutions for healthy food Important Symposium Dates 6 June 2006: First circular 18 August 2006: Deadline for the receipt of “Notification of intent to attend and/or submit an abstract” (click here for the form) September 2006: Distribution of second circular and update of information on the website Call for abstracts Accommodation The organizers have negotiated special rates at several hotels ranging from 5 star business hotels, 3 and 4 star leisure hotels to budget accommodation for students. More information on each hotel and the rates will be placed on the website shortly. 14th International Botrytis Symposium, 21 – 26 October 2007 2 Social and Accompanying Persons Programme The social programme for the Symposium has not yet been finalised. It will, however include an opening cocktail and gala dinner as well as accompanying persons programme. The accompanying persons programme will include half day and full day excursions to some of the following famous landmarks: Table Mountain – trip up to the top of the Mountain via cable car to view the Cape Peninsula and surrounding areas from 1134m above sea level. Cape Peninsula tour – this trip includes spectacular scenery of the rocky coastline along the Peninsula, a visit to the fishing harbour of Hout Bay and along the Atlantic Seaboard where the rich and famous from all over the world own property. Cape Winelands – this will include a visit to one of the many wine estates in the beautiful valley of Stellenbosch and Paarl to taste some of South Africa’s award winning wines. For more information on South Africa visit www.southafrica.net and www.cape-town.org Pre & Post Symposium Tours South Africa has always been regarded as a world in one country. There are many places to visit within South Africa and the following are just a few examples of pre and post tours: Kruger National Park – famous game reserve to view the Big Five Fly in, drive tour to a private game reserve in the lowveld of South Africa Garden Route – spectacular scenery along the South coast with charming seaside villages and resorts Eastern Cape Game Reserves – several game reserves, a popular malaria free area to view game Please contact Conferences et al should you require more information on tour options available. Email: deidre@iafrica.com General Travel and Tourist Information Electricity Mains power throughout South Africa is 220 - 230 volts AC; 50 - 60Hz, but many hotels and other tourist centres also provide 110 volts sockets. In most places the most common types of power sockets are the 15 - amp three-pin (round pins), and the 5 - amp two-pin (round pins). 14th International Botrytis Symposium, 21 – 26 October 2007 3 Airlines Many international carriers operate direct flights into Cape Town International Airport from Europe and the USA. Alternatively participants may travel via Johannesburg to Cape Town. Climate The Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate and October is Spring. During October, the days can still be cool so it is advisable to bring along a warm sweater/jacket for the cooler days and evenings. The temperature ranges between 18ºC and 23ºC during this month. Currency The currency unit is South African Rand (R)=100 cents, with the international symbol ZAR. The South African authorities impose no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency travellers may bring with them, however, they set limits on the exports of bank notes. Travellers must obtain the necessary permit from the South African Reserve Bank should they have more than R500 in cash in their possession on leaving the country. Foreign currency can be exchanged at commercial banks, bureau de change and authorised dealers such as Thomas Cook and American Express. Most major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard,Visa and their affiliates are widely accepted. Telephones South Africa has a sophisticated telecommunications network with adequate coin and card operated public telephones. Cellular telephones operate on GSM networks and can be rented at airports or you can enquire at the Hospitality Desk for assistance. VAT (Value Added Tax) Currently set at 14%, VAT is included in the marked/quoted price of most goods and services. Foreign visitors who leave South Africa with goods purchased in the country can claim the VAT refund for amounts in excess of R 250 at the airport on their departure by producing the invoices or receipts exhibiting VAT paid for the goods in question. Passport and Visas For the majority of foreign nationals who travel to South Africa for vacation, entry is straightforward and hasslefree. All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport in order to enter the country and in some cases, a visa. All visitors to South Africa must have at least two blank pages in their passport to be allowed entry into South Africa. 14th International Botrytis Symposium, 21 – 26 October 2007 4 Driving A valid Driver's licence, provided the photograph is an integral part of the document and provided it is printed in English, is accepted. If your licence does not comply with these requirements, you should obtain an International Driving Permit before your departure for South Africa. Insurance It is advisable to take out comprehensive insurance for the duration of your stay in Southern Africa. The host of this event, the 14th International Botrytis Symposium 2007, their sponsors; the organisers, Conferences et al; the venue, Cape Town International Convention Centre and all the service providers cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to personal property, injury or death for the duration of the event or arrangements made on behalf of the visitor, for activities before or after the 14th International Botrytis Symposium 2007. South Africa has no national health scheme. It is advisable to purchase travel insurance that covers medical expenses during your stay. Health and Immunisation The only inoculation requirement for visitors is a yellow fever vaccination certificate from those who enter South Africa within six days of leaving a yellow fever zone. The vast majority of South Africa, including major centres, carries no risk of malaria. Only take anti-malarial medication if you are travelling to a highrisk area. Malaria is endemic in some parts of Mpumalanga, Northern Province and Kwa-Zulu Natal and it is essential to take precautions if you intend visiting these areas. Consult a doctor or pharmacist about the most suitable prophylactic. Shopping Cape Town is an affordable shopping destination with a wide variety of goods on offer. From handcrafted jewellery, intricate beadwork and traditional African art to designer labels, diamonds and precious stones, Cape Town has a shopping experience for everyone. Visit one of the trendy shopping malls or scour the local flea markets and street-side stalls for gifts, souvenirs and a piece of Cape Town to take home. Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain in the heart of Cape Town's working harbour, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront has become South Africa's most visited destination. Set against a backdrop of magnificent sea and mountain views, exciting shopping and entertainment venues are intermingled with imaginative office locations, world-class hotels and luxury apartments in the residential marina. The Waterfront is open for shopping from 9am until 9pm. Movie theatres and restaurants stay open later. 14th International Botrytis Symposium, 21 – 26 October 2007 5 Banking facilities are available throughout the Waterfront, with two bank branches and over ten ATM's and American Express and Rennies Foreign Exchange facilities for International visitors are provided seven days a week. ABSA and Nedbank are the two banks in the Waterfront. Websites For more information on South Africa, visit: www.southafrica.net www.aboutcapetown.com www.cape-town.org Information obtained from: South African Tourism, Cape Town Tourism and V&A Waterfront. 14th International Botrytis Symposium, 21 – 26 October 2007 6 Symposium organised by Gustav Holz (Department of Plant Pathology) Melané Vivier (Institute for Wine Biotechnology) Faculty of AgriSciences, University of Stellenbosch http://academic.sun.ac.za/plantpath/ http://academic.sun.ac.za/wine_biotechnology/ http://academic.sun.ac.za/agric/ Important Contact Information Symposium venue Address: Cape Town International Convention Centre Symposium Secretariat: Deidre Cloete of Conferences et al Postal Address: Conferences et al PO Box 452 Stellenbosch 7599 South Africa Physical Address: Conferences et al Collins Cottage 1 Van Riebeeck Street Stellenbosch 7600 South Africa Telephone number: +27-21-886 4496 Fax number: +27-21-883 8177 General Symposium/Tour enquiries to: deidre@iafrica.com Speaker/Exhibitor enquiries to: conf@conferencesetal.co.za 14th International Botrytis Symposium, 21 – 26 October 2007 7