Practical information A-Z
A B C D E H I L M P S T
Abstracts on USB keys
Sponsored by GSK
With the support of GSK, 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 GSK exhibition stand (located in the Exhibition Hall) in exchange for a voucher in the Badge Holder.
The USB keys will be distributed on a "first come, first served" basis.
App - ERS Congress
Sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals
The ERS International Congress Final Programme will be available for the Eighth time as an interactive Smartphone app compatible with iPhone and Android devices. The app can be downloaded free of charge via the brand new ERS Connect App! It will help you to plan your Congress, search by room, time, speaker, disease group, etc. and also offers practical information such as floor plans, exhibitors 'lists and maps.
The app can be downloaded free of charge by the end of August 2019.
Due to the large amount of data required to run the Congress App, we recommend using a Wi-Fi network to download it. Once downloaded the app doesn't need an internet connection to run. Delegates can access the app on their own devices or use the Congress Resource Areas where iPad are available to consult the programme.
App – Session & Programme Page
Sponsored by Actelion
The programme pages of the ERS App will provide delegates with an extensive searching tool. All the sessions of the Congress will be displayed and easy to track down.
App – Industry Page / Exhibition Map
Sponsored by Sanofi Genzyme and Regeneron
The Industry page of the ERS App will provide delegates with an extensive searching tool specifically aimed at the Industry organised sessions and their exhibition stands.
Business Centre
The Business Centre is located within the Registration area in Hall 10. The Business Center Services are at the Delegates' own expense.
Cash Dispensers
Cash dispensers are located in the lobby of both the North and South entrances of the Congress Centre.
Catering
No official lunches will be provided for Congress participants but there will be a number of lunch facilities around the congress centre, including cafeterias, restaurants, bars and several coffee/snack points.
Childcare
During the ERS International Congress 2019, Nipperbout will be providing a childcare facility for children aged between 0 – 16 years old so they can be looked after whilst parents attend sessions. The childcare facility is available to ERS Congress delegates only.
The childcare facility has a limited capacity, especially for young children. Therefore, we kindly ask all interested parents to register their child(ren) as soon as possible.
If you are interested in using the childcare facility, please contact Nipperbout either by phone on +44(0)1296 712 658 or by email at registration@nipperbout.com.
Important information
Please note that children may stay for up to a maximum of four hours at a time.
If parents wish to attend a full day of sessions, they are required to collect their child(ren) 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 four hours and are within the opening times. Please be aware that no lunch will be provided.
The childcare facility is located in room A4.2 (above Hall 4), 250 meters up the Avenida from the South Entrance and is open as follows:
- Saturday, 28 September to Tuesday, 01 October: 08:00 – 18:00
- Wednesday, 02 October: 08:00 – 13:00
Cloakroom
A cloakroom service for coats and reasonably sized luggage is available during the opening hours of the Congress. The Cloakroom service will be located at the North Entrance and is at the Delegates' own expense.
Congress Resources Area & Charging points
Sponsored by CSL Behring
This year the Congress Guide (the App), the Abstracts and the E-Posters will be united in the Congress Resources Areas. Those services will be available in 5 areas throughout the Congress Centre.
The Congress Resources Areas will also provide delegates with the means to charge their Apple and Android devices for free.
Data scanning system
Congress badges will have a barcode that contains a link to some of the personal data (first/last name, address, e-mail and professional category) delegates have submitted to ERS to register for the 2019 ERS International Congress. By allowing any third party to scan their badge during this event, delegates give their consent to share their data with them. The barcode will act as an electronic business card. Nonetheless, delegates are under no obligation under any circumstances to share their details with any third party during this event. This does not include the security checks at the entrance of the Congress Center or of each halls.
Dates and opening hours
| Congress centre | Registration | Speakers' preview room | ERS sessions | Industry evening symposia | Exhibition | |
| Saturday, 28 September | 07:00-21:00 | 07:00-18:15 | 07:30-17:30 | 09:30-17:30** | ||
| Sunday, 29 September | 06:30-19:30 | 06:30-17:30 | 07:30-17:30 | 07:00-16:45 | 17:15-19:15 | 09:00-17:00 |
| Monday, 30 September | 06:30-19:30 | 06:30-17:30 | 07:30-17:30 | 07:00-16:45 | 17:15-19:15 | 09:00-17:00 |
| Tuesday, 01 October | 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, 02 October | 06:30-13:30* | 06:30-14:00 | 08:00-11:00 | 07:00-12:45 | 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
ERS will build and service a lounge and meeting area for the Congress delegates. This area will be located in the middle of the ERS World Village. The seating area will cover a total of 450sqm and will offer delegates the possibility to work, meet up, network or simply rest with a cup of coffee. An information desk will also be available where delegates will be able to charge their electric devices.
Exhibition Access
This exhibition is restricted to Healthcare professionals. The general public (Inclusive of patients and children) are forbidden by international law to enter the exhibition or any room hosting an industry activity. In addition, the ERS asks delegates and faculty to refrain from taking children to any scientific sessions or practical demonstrations. In the event that children are required to enter the Congress centre, they should by supervised by an adult at all times and observe the restrictions that apply to limited access area. In the event that a member of public is invited to participate in the ERS Congress Scientific Programme, they should be accompanied by a qualified Healthcare professional or ERS representative, observing the ERS restrictions where appropriate.
Hotel Desk
A Hotel Desk will be available in the ERS Registration Area from Saturday 28 September to Wednesday 02 October 2019, during Congress opening hours.
Insurance and disclaimer
ERS accepts no liability for injuries and/or losses of whatever nature incurred by participants and/or accompanying persons, 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.
Lost and Found
Please refer to the Cloakroom for the Lost & Found items.
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.
Parking
Delegate car parking is available at a cost of €2.25 per hour. Parking is available from 07.00 to 22:00. Overnight parking is forbidden.
Programme-at-a-Glance
The education, scientific and industry program of the congress will highlight state-of-the-art clinical practice, recent advances, new data and views from different stakeholders and international organizations, all of which can be found in the Programme-at-a-Glance available in the Registration area.
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. Emergency exits are marked with exit signs.
Smoking
The ERS congress will take place in IFEMA Feria de Madrid, which is a smoke free venue. The smoking ban applies to the whole 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 IFEMA Feria de Madrid or any area within 100 meters of the building.
Special accessibility needs
Depending on the availability, it is possible to acquire a manual wheelchair on site. Manual wheelchairs are free of charge and can be picked-up at either the North or South entrances.
Taxis
Taxis will be available outside the entrance of North and South entrances during congress days and opening times.
Tourist information
The Madrid City Desk, located in the registration area, in the North Convention Center, will be available to provide further information about the city and your visit.
Transportation Cards
Sold out - Not available anymore
The quickest and most economical way to travel to the venue of the ERS International Congress 2019, IFEMA – Feria de Madrid, is by public transportation. ERS has negotiated a special rate for public transportation cards with the Madrid Transport Authority (CRTM) for ERS Congress delegates. Please note that these cards will be sold on a first come first served basis.
Please note: The transportation card is not included in the ERS Congress registration fee, however it can be purchased in advance.
A transportation card will cost €14.74 for five full days of unlimited travel within the city. The card will allow you to travel on all buses, metro and commuter trains within the A Zone which covers the entire city centre, including to/from the airport. If you choose to purchase a card, you may collect it at the Transportation Card desks in the Congress centre.
Buy your transportation card today!
As ERS has negotiated a special rate for delegates, please note that no reimbursement will apply in case of cancellation. Additionally, should you require to cancel your registration to the ERS Congress, please note that no reimbursement will apply for the purchased transportation cards.