The VALA2008 Conference Registration and Information Desk will be located on Level 3 of the Melbourne Convention Centre and will be open as follows:

Monday 4 February	0900 - 1800
Tuesday 5 February	0800 - 1800
Wednesday 6 February	0800 - 1800
Thursday 7 February	0800 - 1800

• Committee/Chair - Red
• Speaker - Blue
• Exhibitor - Yellow
• Delegate - First Time - Green
• Delegate - Full Registration - Black
• Delegate - Day Registration - Orange

Wednesday 6 February 2008 1900 - 2330 Plaza Ballroom, Regent Theatre, Collins Street, Melbourne

This year the VALA2008 Conference Dinner will be held in the historic Plaza Ballroom at the Regent Theatre. Located in the heart of Melbourne, on Collins Street, the heritage listed ballroom is an imaginative combination of Spanish Baroque and Medieval styles. This spectacular and extravagant interior space evokes the romanticism and glamour of night-life during the 1920s and 30s. VALA's most prestigious information technology award, the Robert D Williamson Award 2008, will be presented at the VALA2008 Conference Dinner. Tickets may be purchased via the Registration and Information Desk until 1200 on Wednesday 6 February.

Cost: $110.00 per person including GST.

If you have already purchased tickets, these will be in your registration envelope.

Lunch, morning and afternoon tea will be served in the Exhibition Area, Level 3.

SirsiDynix Internet Area

Located in the Exhibition area near Booths 25-26, the SirsiDynix Internet Area has 10 PCs to allow you to check your e-mail.

Wireless Access

MECC has wireless capabilities if you have your own laptop. Information on accessing the wireless network can be obtained from the Registration and Information Desk on Level 3. The cost of wireless access is $10.00 for a total time of 1 hour online, or $20.00 for 8 hours.

Messages can be collected and left at the Registration and Information Desk. All messages will be posted on the message board alongside the Desk. Please check the board on passing.

Information about a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, bars and theatres can be sourced by visiting the following website www.citysearch.com.au.

Every effort will be made to accommodate all special dietary requirements but advance notification is required. You will need to make yourself known to a staff member at the various catering times in order to obtain your special meal. Vegetarians will be catered for on the buffet during lunches.

The Melbourne Convention Centre is a non-smoking venue. This policy also applies to restaurants, shopping centres and bars in Melbourne.

Every effort has been made to ensure that people with special needs are catered for. Should you require any specific assistance, please contact the Registration and Information Desk to enable us to make your attendance at the Conference a pleasant and comfortable experience.

Please report all lost or found property immediately to the staff at the Registration and Information Desk.

Speakers are required to submit and preview their presentations prior to their session. The Speaker Preparation Room is located in John Batman Room 2(JB2 off the Atrium). Opening hours are 0800 - 1800.

Car Parking

The Melbourne Convention Centre offers undercover 24-hour, on-site car parking, with access off Flinders Street.

Taxis

Taxis are available from the Crowne Plaza Hotel concierge on Level 2 of the Melbourne Convention Centre.

Trams

A tram stop is located on Spencer Street opposite the Spencer Street entrance to the Melbourne Convention Centre. Information regarding tram timetables is available from Crowne Plaza Hotel.

To the Airport

Melbourne Airport is located approximately 24km from the Melbourne Convention Centre. Skybus Airport Shuttle provides a regular service to and from the airport with a transfer time of 25 minutes. The current cost for a one way transfer is $15 per adult. Skybus pick up from most major city hotels and Southern Cross Station Bus Interchange (Spencer Street). Skybus can be contacted on (03) 9335 3066. Alternatively, a taxi from Melbourne Convention Centre to the Airport will cost approximately $50.00.

Transport:

Taxis 13 22 27

Car Hire:

Avis 13 63 33
Hertz 13 30 39
Thrifty 1300 367 227

Airlines:

Jetstar 13 15 38
Qantas 13 13 13
Virgin Blue 13 67 89

For further enquiries regarding the VALA2008 Conference, please contact the VALA2008 Conference Office.

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