 |
NINETEENTH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INFORMATION SYSTEMS HELSINKI, FINLAND December 13-16, 1998 |
 |
|
NINETEENTH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INFORMATION SYSTEMS HELSINKI, FINLAND December 13-16, 1998 |
|
| Currency | Bank and exchange | Electricity | Climate | Travelling | Tours |
The conference organizers cannot accept liability for personal injuries sustained, for loss of, or damage to, property belonging to conference participants (or their guests/accompanying persons), either during or as a result of the conference. Please check the validity of your own insurance.
Participants requiring a visa for entry to Finland are strongly advised to make their application in their home country at least three months before intended date of travel. For more information, please contact your nearest embassy or consulate of Finland or consult your travel agency. (Also see 'missions' at http://virtual.finland.fi/ministry/formin.html)
The Finnish currency is Mark (FIM). One USD equals approximately 5.4 FIM, one DEM approximately 3 FIM and one ECU approximately 6 FIM. (Exchange rate in May 1998.). See Currency Rates.
Facilities for cashing travellers' checks are available at banks (opening hours weekdays 9.30-16.00) and at most hotels. Banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays except for the bank at Helsinki International Airport. Some foreign exchange agencies, for example Forex, at the main railway station are also open on weekends.
The electric current in Finland is 220V (50 Hz). Plugs and sockets are the same as in the Continental countries of the European Union. British and American participants need plug adapters for electrical appliances.
The average day temperature in December is around freezing point. Winter clothing is advisable (see Weather in Finland). Semiformal wear for the Conference Dinner is recommended. The conference sessions and Get Together Reception are casual.
Major international airlines fly direct to Helsinki international airport from most capitals and major cities in Europe, USA and Japan. From Helsinki international airport there is a direct bus connection via Hotel Inter-Continental to the Helsinki city centre where taxis are readily available. The bus leaves every 20 minutes to/from the airport and the trip takes about 30 minutes.
The Official Carrier of the Conference is Finnair. Finnair offices around the world will be happy to assist you with your travel arrangements. For more information kindly contact your local Finnair office or your travel agent.
Note: on behalf of the conference, a special airline fare (economy class) to Finland available:
$499 (+$51 tax) round-trip New York (JFK) to Helsinki, minimum stay 1
week. This offer is subject to availability and we urge everyone to reserve your seat now
(ticketing will be done October 15, 1998). More information from http://www.conferencesintl.com or you
can send them e-mail.
Monday, 14 December. Departure at 10 am from Marina Congress Center.
The best and most enjoyable way of getting around to know Helsinki in a short time is by taking this sightseeing tour by bus. The City tour includes all the highlights of Helsinki. During the tour we will visit the Market Square right in the heart of Helsinki and one of the most popular sights, the Temppeliaukio Rock Church, which is carved out of a solid rock. Nearby lies the Sibelius' monument, an obscure steel sculpture commemorating the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. The tour will end at Marina Congress Center at 12.30 p.m.
Price: USD 38 (~FIM 200). Duration is 2,5 hours.
Tuesday 15 December. Departure at 1.15 pm from Marina Congress Center.
An afternoon drive west of Helsinki trough suburbs and rural landscape to Hvitträsk. Built in 1902, Hvitträsk is the former studio-home of three leading Finnish architects from the beginning of this century; Eliel Saarinen, Herman Gesellius and Armas Lingren. The house, built of natural stones and logs, lies on the top of a rocky hill overlooking a beautiful crystal clear lake. Nowadays Hvitträsk is a museum and a living art centre with exhibitions. After visiting this fascinating building, coffee/tea is served at the rustic Hvitträsk restaurant.
Price: USD 52 / person (~FIM 280). Duration is about 3 hours. Afternoon coffee/tea included.
Thursday 17 December - Saturday 19 December (3 days)
In Lapland you can enjoy the enchanting Nordic winter and wonders of snow. There the landscape takes a mystical snowery form with the only natural light coming from the stars, the moon and the Northern lights. Here, in the middle of Finnish Lapland, north of the Arctic Circle, is the home of Santa Claus.
Price: USD 768 (~FIM 4150) in a shared double room, USD 813 (~FIM 4390) in a single room. Additional information available.
Thursday 17 December- Saturday 19 December (3 days)
This will be an unforgettable tour by train to St. Petersburg, the old capital of the Russian Empire. St. Petersburg is nothing less than a true metropolis of arts - an attractive pearl for art lovers, ballet, music and theatre enthusiasts, as well as admirers of great architecture. Innumerable treasures of European and Russian art can bee seen in the museums, galleries and collections.
Price: USD 694 (~FIM 3750) in a shared double room, USD 944 (~FIM 5100) in a single room. Additional information available.
This website was updated July 06, 1998. For questions concerning the program, Doctoral Consortium, exhibition, registration etc. please see contact information. Observations concerning these web pages should be addressed to Jouni Huotari
| ICIS 98 home page | Welcome | CFP | Committee | Links to Finland |