Challenging design paths
ICTVC 7 · Patras, Greece · 19 — 21 June 2019
Useful facts
General
Conference dates and location
The 7th ICTVC will take place in Patras, Greece, from Wednesday 19 until Friday 21 June 2019. The main conference will be preceded by several two-day thematic workshops.
Conference and Cultural Centre of the University of Patras
Address: Panepistimioupoli Patron 265 04, Greece
Phone: +30 261 099 6734
Weather
Greece has a Mediterranean climate with a definite seasonal variation. In June it will be summer with an average temperature of 25°C. Sweaters and light jackets are recommended for windy evenings. Most of the indoor venues are air-conditioned. Swimming is possible at that time of the year.
The weather in Patras
Please bear in mind that June is one of the hottest months and summer sun shines brightly. You have to be extra cautious and use sunscreens with SPF rating of 30 or higher when your skin is exposed to the sunlight, even when you are walking in the city. You could easily get a sunburn without even noticing. It is also advisable to wear hats, sunglasses and lightweight clothes. The temperature might exceed 30 Celsius degrees and many summer nights in Patras can also be extremely humid. Make sure to have something for mosquito bites with you.
Currency
The Greek currency is Euros. Credit cards are widely used in most establishments. Most currencies and traveler’s cheques can be easily changed either at banks, hotels or exchanging kiosks with some handling charges. Banks operate from 08:00 through to 14:30 from Mondays to Thursdays, and 14:00 on Fridays. A bank store is located in the University campus, five minutes walking distance from the conference venue. To check for updated currency conversions, please visit http://www.xe.com/.
Time
Greece is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2) throughout the year.
Language
Greek is the official language but English is widely spoken as well as German and French.
Electricity
Greece uses standard 230 V European sockets, which makes adaptors for delegates travelling with UK and US electrical appliances a necessity.
Opening times
Shops open between 08:30 and 09:00 in the morning and stay open up to 21:00. Some local stores may have an afternoon break usually from 14:30 to 17:00, but large firm stores and market stores stay open during the whole day. All stores are obliged to have POS devices to accept payments by credit or debit cards, but some small ones might not have and therefore accept only cash.
Transportation
Greece is a member of the Schengen Agreement. This means that there are no requirements for official travel documents other than national ID cards and passports. Formal invitations to the Conference can be provided to delegates who request them.
More information about arriving to Patras and getting around.
Swimming
In case you would like to enjoy a swim in the sea, there are nearby beaches easily accessible by bus or even by foot. Some are organised with sunbeds and umbrellas, for which you don’t have to pay, only to order something from the café or restaurant that owns them. This is usually common in Greek beaches, except for the ones that are very popular and touristic. In case you are not certain, you better ask in advance. You will definitely find sandals or flip flops quite handy, make sure to have at least one pair with you, socks can be unbearable at 30 degrees.
Consulates
Citizens from several European countries can be served by the consulates that operate in Patras. There are Consulates in Patras for citizens of Great Britain Austria, France, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Poland, Netherlands, Denmark and Norway.
Useful telephone numbers
In case of an accident or any other incident during your staying in Patras, please call one of the following telephones asking for assistance.
Ambulance: 166
Police: 100
Emergency (European phone number): 112
Fire Department: 199
Tourist Police: 1571
Duty Hospitals, Clinics & Pharmacies: 1434
Useful Links
For more information about travelling, transportation, events, weather and moving around Greece and Patras, please visit the following sites:
Visit Greece, The Official website of the Greek Tourism Organisation
Athens International Airport
ODYSSEUS, the culture portal of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture
Related to the conference
Languages of the conference
English and Greek. Simultaneous translation may be provided for some sessions.
Invitation letters
Requests for a letter of invitation should be addressed to “The 7th ICTVC Organising Committee” (via mail at: info@istvc.org). Please note that the registration fee must be paid in full before sending a request for a letter of invitation. Participants outside Schengen Agreement countries who require an invitation letter for their institution/organisation should submit their request via an official domain name mail service. Emails received through common services such as Yahoo!, GMail, etc. will not be accepted and will be ignored. Please consult the guidelines of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Entry in Greece and where to apply for visa in most of the countries. Detailed information can be also found at Schengen Visa Info. The Conference organisers cannot contact any Greek Embassy or Consulate Office on your behalf so if you require a visa, please begin the application process as soon as possible.
Internet access
There will be free wireless Internet access at the conference venue.
Certificates of attendance
All ICTVC participants will receive a signed certificate after completion of the conference.
Conference badge
ICTVC participants wearing their badge will have access to all registered sessions of the Conference, the Exhibition, and the coffee breaks.
All those, who are willing to participate in specially arranged lunches, dinners or in other social events organised during the conference, will be provided with tickets.
Conference goody bag
All delegates and speakers will receive a goody bag with relevant documentation.
They will be able to pick up their bag upon arrival at the Conference Secretariat Desk on 19 June 2019.