Practical Information A-Z
Abstract printing service
Two Abstract Print Zones will be available at Congress. The Abstract Print Zone gives delegates free access to PCs in designated areas. Here, delegates can select and print abstracts in exactly the same format as the official Abstract Book on the USB key. Each PC will be equipped with its own printer, and staff will be on hand to assist. Abstracts can be easily accessed by using advanced search tools with three search options:
- by day and session
- by Scientific Assembly or Group
- by topic
All abstracts, bar those which are under embargo, will be available for download and/or printing from 19 September, 2015. For more information, please go to the programme page
ERS Congress App
Sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals and Sandoz
The ERS International Congress final programme will be available for the fifth time as an interactive smartphone app compatible with iPhone and Android devices. The app can be downloaded free of charge, and will help you to plan your Congress, search by room, time, speaker, disease group, etc. and also offers practical information such as floor plans, exhibitor lists and maps.
The app will be available from early September.
Due to the size of the Congress app, we recommend that delegates download it using a WiFi network. Once downloaded, the app will work offline without an internet connection. Delegates can access the app on their own devices or use the E-programme area where Ipads are available to consult the programme.
Business Centre
The Business Centre is located in the -1 level of the Elicium. The services are at the delegates' own expense.
Cash Machine
A cash machine is located in the main entrance (Entrance K).
Children and members of the public
Children and members of the public are not permitted in the exhibition area or any room hosting an industry activity. In addition, 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 rules that apply to restricted access areas. In the event that a member of the public is invited to participate in the ERS Congress Scientific Programme, they should be accompanied by a qualified healthcare professional or ERS representative, observing any ERS restrictions where appropriate.
Cloakroom
A cloakroom service for coats and reasonably sized luggage is available during the Congress opening hours in the basement of the Main Entrance (Entrance K).
Data scanning system
Congress badges will include a barcode—acting as an electronic business card—to enable delegates to leave their contact details for exhibitors quickly and easily.
Dates and opening hours
| Date | Congress Centre | Registration | Speakers' Preview Room | ERS Sessions | Evening Symposia | Exhibition |
| Saturday, 26 September | 07:00–21:00 | 07:00–18:15 | 07:30–17:30 | 09:30–17:30** | ||
| Sunday, 27 September | 06:30–19:30 | 06:30–17:30 | 07:30–17:30 | 07:00–16:45 | 17:15–19:15 | 08:00–17:00 |
| Monday, 28 September | 06:30–19:30 | 06:30–17:30 | 07:30–17:30 | 07:00–16:45 | 17:15–19:15 | 08:00–17:00 |
| Tuesday, 29 September | 06:30–19:30 | 06:30–17:30 | 07:30–17:30 | 07:00–16:45 | 17:15–19:15 | 08:00–17:00 |
| Wednesday, 30 September | 06:30–13:30* | 06:30–14:00 | 08:00–11:00 | 07:00–12:45 | 08:00–12:00 |
* No afternoon sessions
** Postgraduates Courses only
All timings may be 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.
E-Programme
Sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals and Sandoz
This year there will be no printed Congress guide. The Congress guide will be available thanks to the Ipads in the E-programme areas, located as follows:
- Auditorium
- Pavillon 14
- Europe Foyer
- Between Hall 3 and Hall 6
- Elicium
- Amtrium
ERS Lounge
The ERS lounge is located in Hall 1. This area offers delegates free access to a quiet and comfortable working space as well as plugs to charge devices.
Exhibition access
Access to the Exhibition will be limited to respiratory professionals over the age of 16.
Like our Facebook page to hear about news, research, funding and what is going on at Congress.
Hashtags
Follow the conference with #ERS2015 and @ERStalk
Hotel Desk
A Hotel Desk will be available in the ERS Registration Area from Saturday 26 September to Wednesday 30 September, 2015, 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 except for the special language sessions.
Lost and found
Please contact the information desk in the main entrance (Entrance K) or call +31 20 549 1304.
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 will 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 P1, P2 and P3 at a cost of €17 per car, per day.
Photography and filming
Disclaimer
Professional photography and video production will be taking place at ERS International Congress and these images may be used on future promotional materials for ERS events. Please note that by attending the event, you are giving your consent for your image to be used on any ERS material and publications in the future.
Photography and filming for all delegates
(See separate media guidelines for photography and filming for press purposes)
- No scientific session presenter or exhibitor may be filmed, recorded or photographed without his/her consent (including mobile devices, etc).
- All slides are copyrighted material and cannot be reproduced without prior permission from the author.
- Presenters are the sole proprietors of the content disclosed (data, photographs, slides and so on) during the scientific and poster sessions and are able to authorise or refuse what can be filmed, photographed or recorded and to what extent this information may be used.
- It is forbidden to film or take photographs in the exhibition at all times.
- Transmissions, webcasts, videos, recordings, photos etc from an ERS Event are not allowed to carry the ERS trademarks or logos without the ERS's prior approval.
Security
Please pay special attention to your personal belongings, especially when walking around the city centre and using the public transportation system.
Any security problems or concerns within the Congress Centre should be reported to a uniformed member of staff. The RAI Amsterdam security staff will handle any emergency situation and everyone is asked to follow the instructions announced on the loudspeaker. Emergency exits are clearly signposted.
Smoking
Amsterdam RAI has been smoke-free since 1 July 2008. The smoking ban applies to all RAI buildings, including the catering locations and garages.
As smoking is a major cause of lung disease, ERS further asks Congress participants and exhibitors not to smoke in the RAI Amsterdam or any area within 100 meters of the building.
Special accessibility needs
Wheelchairs may be reserved in advance by e-mailing: frontoffice@rai.nl.
Please give the date, the name of the event (ERS) and your name. A deposit is not required.
If you need a wheelchair onsite, please go to the information desk in the Main Entrance (Entrance K).
Taxis
TCA (Taxi Central Amsterdam) is the official taxi company of the City of Amsterdam and of RAI Amsterdam, guaranteeing the best rates and the highest quality service.
More on TCA: www.tcataxi.nl or call +31(0)20 777 77 77.
From RAI Amsterdam to:
· The city centre: costs approximately €23 and takes about 15 minutes
· Schipol airport: costs approximately €37.50 and takes about 15 minutes
At Schiphol airport, taxis are available at the exit of the arrivals area, just follow the signs towards the taxi stop. A taxi from the airport to the city centre costs approximately €50 per trip and takes about 25 minutes.
Tourist information
The Amsterdam City Desk, located in the Main Entrance area of the Congress, will be available to provide further information about the city and your visit.
For additional travel and tourist information, please visit the I amsterdam site.