ENTER Conference
AmsterdamAmsterdam and The Netherlands
Please visit www.iamsterdam.com and www.holland.com/amsterdam/
GENERAL INFORMATION
About the Netherlands www.holland.com
Holland; small in size, big in events, attractions and activities! This site aims to give you a taste of the many things our country has to offer. From exciting exhibitions to invigorating cycle routes. From deluxe hotel accommodations to wonderful flower shows. We warmly welcome you to our site. We trust it will inspire you to come and explore the many surprising and versatile aspects of Holland. LOCAL TIME: GMT + 1
About Amsterdam www.iamsterdam.com
Amsterdam 's appeal lies in its rich cultural heritage, diverse & creative culture, commercial dynamism and high quality of life. Ultimately, the city's strongest asset is its people: the people who live here, the people who work here, the people who study here, and the people who visit here. From its humble beginnings as a 13th century fishing village on a river bed to it's current role as a major hub for business, tourism and culture, Amsterdam has had a strong tradition as a centre of culture and commerce. The city's beauty and cultural attractions alone drew over 7 million overnight stays in 2004. What makes Amsterdam so special? With its unique combination of old-world charm and cosmopolitan culture, Amsterdam is one of the most popular European cities for international visitors. Amsterdam ranks high for overall quality of living in a 2005 survey by Mercer Human Resources Consulting. And the city's popularity has surged amongst expats & knowledge migrants from places such as Europe, the US, Australia, Canada & Japan. Recent statistics from the City's Research & Statistics Department reveal that since 1992, the city’s expat community has grown by 9,000 to now totals circa 100,000. This community tends to work mainly within the creative industry.
Weather/ Climate
Amsterdam in January has temperatures between an average low of -1ºC and an average high of 5ºC and average precipitations of 7.0 cm.
Language
The official language of the congress is English. No simultaneous interpretation facilities will be provided during the conference.
How to get to Amsterdam
By Plane Schiphol Airport WWW.SCHIPHOL.NL
Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam is one of the few airports where you can still find everything you need under one roof. Schiphol was once again named best airport in Europe this year and does everything within its power to make your departure and arrival as pleasant as possible. Schiphol is situated very centrally in the Netherlands and is not far from Amsterdam. You can easily take a train or bus from here to the place where you are going to be staying. Of course, there are always plenty of taxis available as well. The Schiphol Travel Taxi fares (combined journey) are very reasonable. There are plenty of parking facilities but if you would prefer to have your own transport throughout your stay, then just go to one of the car rental companies on Schiphol Plaza. You can arrange all the details of your visit on www.schiphol.nl. The site offers you the possibility to take out an insurance policy, book an airline ticket, hotel, rental car or Schiphol Travel Taxi. It also contains real-time flight information, advice on where to park, maps, information about checking in, baggage, customs and passport control, all the airlines, catering establishments, business facilities, and much more.
By Train:
Travelling through The Netherlands by train is fast, comfortable and very affordable. Holland has a dense, efficient railway network with modern, fast trains that interconnect cities several times an hour. Trains reach many cities, towns and villages. Another advantage: you'll always get off the train in the centre of the town. So there's no need to look at your map too much: you're always near the museums and the historic sites you want to visit. Fast trains in combination with short distances make for short traveling time. For example: a train ride from Amsterdam to Utrecht takes only 30 minutes and getting to Amsterdam from Schiphol Airport only 16 minutes. Do you want to make a trip from Amsterdam to The Hague? Within 45 minutes you'll get off the train right in the city centre!
Travel within Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a wonderfully walkable city with most major sites located in or near the city center. Public transportation is excellent and driving is strongly discouraged within the canal ring. Of course biking is the preferred Dutch way to travel and some would say the only way to truly experience the city. Airport transfer is short, cheap and convenient (10-15 minutes to city center by public bus; 5-10 minutes to city center by taxi). Within the city, a dense network of frequently running public buses and streetcars can be found. It is important to note that the old town, the congress venue, the major tourist attractions, and most hotels are within easy walking distance.
GVB (www.gvb.nl) is the public transport company of Amsterdam providing integrated metro, tram and bus service throughout Amsterdam and its surrounding areas. 24-, 48- and 72-hour GVB passes allow for unlimited travel on all trams, buses, metros and night buses for the duration of the pass and provide the most economical way for visitors to explore the city. Passes can be purchased at one of the GVB Tickets & Info Offices located at all major train stations. In addition, 24-hour passes may be purchased from GVB drivers and conductors, as well as at most major hotels and the tourist office.
Travel to the RAI CONFERENCE CENTRE www.rai.nl
By air: You can reach Amsterdam RAI from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol by car or public transport in less than 15 minutes. Schiphol Airport is one of Europe's biggest airports and offers passengers a high standard of service.
By Tram & Bus: If you arrive at Amsterdam Central Station (CS), you can take the Amstelveen express tram 51 (travelling time: 12 minutes, exit at the Amsterdam RAI station) or tram 4 (travelling time: 30 minutes, exit at the RAI Europaplein). If you are travelling by train to the Amstel station, you can take the Amstelveen express tram 51 (travelling time: 5 minutes) or the bus (route 15, 69 or 169), which will bring you to the RAI within 10 minutes. In this case you should get off at RAI Europaplein. From Amsterdam Sloterdijk station, the best way to reach the RAI is with express tram 50.
By Train: NS-station Amsterdam RAI is 300 meters from the RAI and has regular connections to all parts of the Netherlands, like Schiphol, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague and is also linked to the international trainnetwork. Check the NS website for your itinerary.
http://www.rai.nl/Contactformulier.aspx
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