Practical Information A-Z
Abstracts on USB keys
With the support of AstraZeneca, the ERS is offering delegates an electronic copy of the ERS Congress Abstracts on USB keys, which they can collect free of charge from the AstraZeneca exhibition stand D.04 (located in the Exhibition Hall) in exchange for a voucher in the Programme-at-a-Glance.
The USB keys will be distributed on a "first come, first served" basis.
To run the programme:
- Insert USB into USB drive
- Navigate to the USB drive through Explorer or Finder (if not already visible in a window).
- Double-click the autorun.exe file (for Windows) or the run_osx file (for Mac), then follow the instructions
App
The official Congress app (available soon) will be free to download, and allow delegates to browse the full programme on the go, access abstracts, ePosters and webcasts, and build a personalised agenda to plan your Congress.
Business Services
A Business Services shop is available for printing services and foreign currency exchange on S4/N4 - underground level (Level 0). The opening times are from 08:30 to 17:30. The services are at the delegates' own expense.
Cash dispensers
Many cash dispensers are located inside the congress venue London ExCeL.
Childcare
A childcare facility is available onsite at Congress so that children can be looked after whilst parents attend sessions. Please note that children can be left for a maximum of four hours at any time and food will not be available. If parents wish to attend a full day of sessions, they are required to collect their children for at least a one hour lunch break before returning for an additional four hours. Drop off and collection times are flexible, providing they do not exceed the four hour maximum and are within the opening times.
To utilise the childcare facility, please purchase vouchers at the Registration Desk. Once the voucher is purchased it can be handed to the staff at the time of drop off. The price of the voucher is £30.- (for a maximum of hours split by 1h hour break). The same price applies if there are more than 1 sibbling.
The childcare facility is located in the Capital Hall, close to the East Entrance and open from 07:30 to 17:30 from Saturday 3 September 3 to Tuesday 6 September and from 07:30 to 12:00 on Wednesday 7 September. See further conditions on site.
Children and members of the public
Children and members of the public are not permitted to participate in the congress programme or to enter the exhibition. A childcare service is available for parents use and children will only be allowed access to the registration area and the childcare service area.
Cloakroom
A cloakroom service for coats and reasonably sized luggage is available during the opening hours of the Congress on S4/N4 underground level (Level 0) - approximately 450 m away from the registration area towards the West Entrance.
Congress resources
Sponsored by CSL Behring
This year the you can find the Congress guide, publication abstracts and all E-Posters within the Congress Resource Areas, which will be available in eight areas throughout the Congress centre.
Data scanning system
Congress badges will contain a barcode (acting as an electronic business card) to enable visitors to leave their contact details for exhibitors quickly and easily.
Dates and opening hours
| Date | Congress Centre | Registration | Speakers Room | ERS Sessions | Evening Symposia | Exhibition |
| Saturday, 3 Sept | 07:00–21:00 | 07:00–18:15 | 07:30-17:30 | 09:30–17:30** | ||
| Sunday, 4 Sept | 06:30–19:30 | 06:30–17:30 | 07:30-17:30 | 08:30–16:45 | 17:15–19:15 | 09:00–17:00 |
| Monday, 5 Sept | 6:30–19:30 | 06:30–17:30 | 07:30-17:30 | 07:00–16:45 | 17:15–19:15 | 09:00–17:00 |
| Tuesday, 6 Sept | 06:30–19:30 | 06:30–17:30 | 07:30-17:30 | 07:00–16:45 | 17:15–19:15 | 09:00–17:00 |
| Wednesday, 7 Sept | 06:30–13:30* | 06:30–14:00 | 08:00–11:00 | 08:30–12:45 | 09:00–12:00 |
* No afternoon sessions / ** Postgraduate Courses only. All timings are subject to change.
Dress code
Dress will be informal throughout the Congress. ERS reserves the right to refuse access when deemed necessary for the comfort and safety of all delegates.
ERS Central
Sponsored by the Menarini group
ERS Central is a serviced lounge and meeting area that will be located in the centre of the ERS World Village. This area includes seating and will provide delegates with the opportunity to network, meet up, or simply recuperate with refreshments. The area will also house an information desk where delegates will be able to charge their electronic devices.
Exhibition access
Access to the exhibition will be limited to participants over the age of 16 years who are respiratory professionals.
Hotel Desk
A Hotel Desk will be available in the ERS Registration Area from Saturday 3 September to Wednesday 7 September 2016, during Congress opening hours.
Insurance and disclaimer
ERS accepts no liability for injuries and/or losses of whatever nature incurred by participants, nor for loss or damage to their luggage and/or personal belongings. Please check the validity of your own insurance.
Language
The official language of the Congress is English. No translation will be provided outside of the designated language day sessions which are noted in the programme.
Information regarding special programmes will be given at a later date.
Lost and Found
Please contact +44 (0) 20 7069 4445 in case of lost property.
Lunch and refreshments
No official meals will be provided. Meal facilities at the Congress Centre include cafeterias and restaurants. A number of bars and coffee/snack points serve sandwiches and snacks.
Mobile phone policy
Please respect your fellow colleagues and friends by switching off your mobile phone in all meeting and poster rooms.
Members Lounge
The new ERS members' lounge has been provided to thank our members for their continued support of the society. It offers a quiet area to allow you to briefly escape the hustle and bustle of the Congress, catch up on commitments outside the Congress, conduct meetings and telephone calls that require a quieter environment, or to simply consider your path through the Congress programme. Power points, WiFi, and internet drops are available.
This service is provided exclusively for ERS members. If you are not currently a member of ERS, pass by the World Village and visit your national respiratory society's booth to take advantage of their ERS institutional membership agreement or meet us at the ERS booth to sign up directly.
Parking
Delegate car parking is available and is £15.00 flat rate for 24hrs on a pay and display system.
Patient involvement
Patients are welcome at the Congress as professional representatives of patient organisations or to participate in sessions for which they have been invited to contribute. Due to international law and industry self-regulation patients are not permitted to enter the exhibition.
Security
Please pay special attention to your personal belongings, especially when walking around the city center and in the public transportation system.
Any security problems or concerns within the Congress Centre should be reported to a uniformed member of staff. The London ExCeL security staff will handle any emergency situation and everyone is asked to follow the instructions announced on the loudspeaker. Emergency exits are marked with exit signs.
Smoking
London ExCeL is a smoke free venue, the smoking ban applies to all buildings, including the catering locations and loading areas. As smoking is a major cause of lung disease, ERS further asks Congress participants and exhibitors not to smoke in the ExCeL or any area within 100 meters of the building.
Special accessibility needs
It is possible to acquire a wheelchair on site. Kindly contact the West or East Information Desk ExCeL staff and they will be able to help you. Wheelchairs are free of charge, but a fully refundable deposit is taken.
Taxis
Taxis will be available outside the entrance of ExCeL during congress days and opening times. When in London, please note that you can ask any restaurant or hotel to call a taxi for you.
Please visit the travel section of the website for further information on travel from and to the London airports.
Tourist information
The London City Desk, located in the ERS main entrance area, will be available to provide further information about the city and your visit. For additional tourist information, please visit www.visitlondon.com