MORO 2016

London

Sitting on the River Thames, London is a leading global city with strengths in financial services, the arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, media, professional services, research and development, tourist and transport all contributing to its prominence. It is one of the world’s leading financial centres and the leading investment destination. In 2012, London became the first city to have hosted the modern Summer Olympic Games a total of three times. 

The city contains four World Heritage sites: the Tower of London; Kew Gardens; the site comprising the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St Margaret’s Church; and the historic settlement of Greenwich. Other famous landmarks include Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square and the Shard. 

London is home to numerous museums, galleries, libraries, sporting events and other cultural institutions including the British Museum, National Gallery, Tame Modern, British Library and 30 West End theatres. The London Underground is the oldest underground railway network in the world.

Airport

London is served by six international airports and several smaller airports. The two largest international airports are Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport.

Transportation to the hotel

Taxis are freely available at both airports: Heathrow Airport is 21 miles away from the hotel and the journey should cost around GBP 90 and takes around 75 minutes; Gatwick Airport is 31 miles away from the hotel and the journey should cost around GBP 120 and take around 90 minutes. Alternatively, the Heathrow Express Train takes around 20 minutes to London Paddington station and then take the Circle line on the Underground to Tower Hill. 

Alternatively take a short taxi ride from London Paddington station to the hotel; a journey which should cost around GBP 25.00. The Gatwick Express is a non-stop train taking 30 minutes to London Victoria from where it is possible to take the Underground or a taxi, which should cost around GBP 30.00, to the hotel. All of the above are subject to traffic and prices may vary.

Conference fees

The conference fee includes attendance at all conference sessions and workshops, all conference papers, conferences lunches and two conference dinners. The fee for accompanying persons includes two conference dinners.

Prices GBP
Member: 1100.00 + VAT (20%)
Non member: 2000.00 + VAT (20%)
Accompanying person 200.00 + VAT (20%)

Cancellation policy

Any cancellations received after Friday 6 May 2016 will be subject to the conference fee being paid in full. 

Conference registration 

There will be an ICMIF registration desk located in the Gallery Balcony Foyer on the first floor of the hotel. Entry to the hotel is at ground level where the hotel reception is located and there are stairs and a lift to the first floor and other hotel floors. The ICMIF registration desk will be open from 09.00 to 17.30 on Monday 6 June 2016 and from 08.00 to 09.00 on Tuesday 7 June 2016. Delegates are asked to register in order to receive their delegate pack. 

ICMIF Welcome Reception – Monday 6 June 2016: 19.00-2200 

This will be held in the conference hotel in the stunning North Roof Terrace of the SkyLounge on the twelfth floor. This outdoor rooftop area offers stunning views of the London skyline and provides a welcome opportunity to meet with fellow delegates and accompanying persons as well as to sample a taste of exciting local food with a buffet style dinner. 

Languages 

At the conference, simultaneous interpretation will be offered in English and Spanish for all plenary sessions. Breakout sessions will have translation where possible. 


Conference preview and proceedings 

A conference preview, including a profile on each speaker, will be available for download from the conference website prior to the event and a printed version will be included in your delegate pack. This document will also contain all the latest practical information. The speeches and PowerPoint presentations will be posted on the ICMIF conference website soon after the event has finished. 

Currency 

The currency in the UK is the pound sterling (GBP). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants. 

Climate 

June is a popular time to visit London when the weather is steadily getting warmer as the month goes on. At this time of year the average temperature is 16°C. With an average of 43mm of rainfall divided across 13 days throughout the month of June, there is a good chance you’ll experience some rain during your visit. We do recommend you bring along some form of waterproof coat or jacket and an umbrella. 

Visa information 

All delegates are advised to check with local embassies with regard to visa requirements. This website may also be useful: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa. EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to the UK. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. 

If you require a letter of invitation from ICMIF to support your visa application, please indicate this on your conference registration form, or please let us know as soon as possible after you make your registration to attend the conference. Please note that ICMIF is unable to issue a letter of invitation until your conference registration has been received and processed. 

Free evenings and local cuisine 

London is home to many restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, theatres and museums. The huge variety of cuisines available in London are a reflection of its diverse international population and includes 65 Michelin-starred restaurants as well as over 60,000 restaurants to suit any budget. 

A list of local recommended restaurants will be included in the delegate pack. Information can also be found on such internet sites as http://www.visitlondon.com and http://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants

Shopping 

London has several distinct shopping areas and shopping streets, many of which have their own themes or specialities. From luxury goods in Mayfair to independent and quirky shops in Covent Garden, to large shopping centres like Westfield and the famous London department stores such as Harrods. Other areas include Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street, King’s Road and Knightsbridge. You can easily spend an hour, an afternoon or a whole day browsing the shops in London. 

Local transport 

London has one of the largest urban transport networks in the world, with integrated bus, river and road systems spanning the city's 32 boroughs including: London's famous Red Buses are a quick, convenient and cheap way to travel around the city, with plenty of sightseeing opportunities along the way. The London Underground rail network, or "the Tube" is a great way to travel to and from Central London and will be an integral part of most people's stay in the capital. Travelling by river on a London River Bus is a great way to get around London. You can avoid the traffic and enjoy fantastic views of London along the way. Complete your London experience with a ride in one of the city's Black Cabs. London's official taxis, black cabs can be hailed in the street or at designated ranks situated in prominent places, including many mainline rail, Tube and bus stations. They can also be booked by telephone. 

Local time 

At the time of the MORO we will be in British Summer Time (GMT +1 hour). 

Health 

If you are an overseas visitor to the UK you may be charged for some treatments if you have to visit a hospital or use other NHS services and, depending on how urgent it is, you will usually have to pay in advance. If you are a visitor from the European Economic Area (EEA) then you are strongly advised to bring a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you, otherwise you may be charged. All delegates are advised to take out travel insurance. 


Safety and security 

As in all major cities throughout the world, please exercise caution when walking around on your own. It is advised to avoid carrying large sums of cash and having cameras loose. Do not leave your belongings and luggage unattended and be aware of pickpockets in busy shopping areas and in the evenings. Minicabs which have not been pre-booked are illegal. You may be approached by minicab drivers seeking passengers or offering a service; avoid this as these are unsafe, unlicensed, uninsured and illegal and you put yourself in danger if you use these services. Only taxis (Black Cabs) can be stopped by customers and can pick up off the street. 

Dress code 

The dress code for all conference sessions and the farewell dinner is smart business attire. For the welcome reception it is smart casual.

Green issues

To avoid excessive printing of brochures/literature, delegates who register for the conference will be encouraged to access information about the event primarily via the ICMIF conference website . ICMIF also recycle lanyards and pass holders and we kindly request that delegates return them to ICMIF staff after the event. The DoubleTree by Hilton – Tower of London is committed to promoting environmental sustainability and full details can be found on the hotel website. 

Electricity 

The main electricity supply in London is 240V supply and uses a three pin plug. We advise you to check if your appliances will work and which adaptors you will need before traveling. 

Tipping 

It is customary in restaurants, bars taxis and hotels to leave a gratuity of about 10-15% depending on the service received. However, restaurants often add on a service charge (usually 12.5%), especially if you're in a large group, so it's worth checking your bill if you don't want to tip twice.

Drinking water

London’s water is very safe to drink from the tap. However, if preferred, bottled water is widely available.