General Information

ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE
All participants will receive an attendance certificate which will be included in the Congress documents.

DATES
The FIABCI Regional Congress of the Americas and Asia Pacific will be held from Thursday 23 October to Saturday 25 October 2008, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

PROGRAM REGISTRATION FEES
Early-bird registration fees (registrations paid on or before 15 August 2008):
US$ 350.00 FIABCI members
US$ 275.00 Young FIABCI members (35 years or younger)
US$ 450.00 Non-members
US$ 200.00 Persons accompanying FIABCI members
US$ 250.00 Persons accompanying non-members

Full registration fee (registrations paid after 15 August 2008 and before 30 September 2008)
US$ 450.00 FIABCI members
US$ 350.00 Young FIABCI members (35 years or younger)
US$ 550.00 Non-members
US$ 250.00 Persons accompanying FIABCI members
US$ 300.00 Persons accompanying non-members

Late and On-site registration fee
US$ 525.00 FIABCI members
US$ 425.00 Young FIABCI members (35 years or younger)
US$ 625.00 Non-members
US$ 325.00 Persons accompanying FIABCI members
US$ 375.00 Persons accompanying non-members

The registration package for delegates and accompanying persons will include:

  • The Welcome Reception with light hors d'oeuvres
  • The Opening Ceremony
  • Lunch on Friday, October 24
  • Panorama of Asia-Pacific Real Estate
  • Panorama of Real Estate in the Americas
  • Admission to two conferences
  • Admission to marketing sessions (attendance is free; to all delegates, however, only FIABCI members can make marketing presentation for $50 per session)

Cost of the Gala Dinner will be US$ 160.00 per person.

Cancellation Policy - The deadline for registration cancellations with full refunds will be August 31, 2008. Cancellations must be submitted in writing via email or fax and received by MC&A, Inc. no later than August 31, 2008. Cancellations after August 31, 2008 will be subject to a $100.00 cancellation processing fee. Refunds will be issued via the original payment method.

HOTEL REGISTRATION
A special Congress rate of $215.00 + 11.712% tax, per night will be available at the Sheraton Waikiki from October 19 - 29, 2008. Please click on the Hotel Registration Link to make your reservations at the Sheraton Waikiki.

For alternate lower-priced hotel accommodations, please contact us via email at FIABCI2008@mcahawaii.com for recommendations.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE TRANSPORTATION
Roundtrip airport transportation to and from Sheraton Waikiki is available. Services include: Traditional lei greeting upon arrival at the Honolulu Airport, assistance with luggage, and shuttle transportation to Sheraton Waikiki. Return shuttle transportation from Sheraton Waikiki to Honolulu Airport.
Cost: $43.00 per person

TRANSPORTATION
All Congress events will take place at the Sheraton Waikiki, however if you wish to explore Honolulu and Oahu, there are several options, such as renting a car at Honolulu International Airport (HNL) to explore the island. Additional options include airport shutttles, trolleys, taxis or city buses.

BADGES
Badges are essential for admission to scientific sessions, social events and the exhibition area.

BANKS AND EXCHANGE
Official opening hours of banks in Hawaii are from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday to Thursday and from 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Friday.

CREDIT CARDS
Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept major credit cards.

CURRENCY
The currency in Hawaii is the US dollar. All fees and rates are charged in US dollars. No other currency will be accepted.

TIPPING
U.S. standards apply: 15 - 20% on meals, at least $1 per bag for porters, and at least $1 per night for housekeeping.

HAWAII STATE GENERAL EXCISE TAX
Items for sale on the island of Oahu are subject to a 4.712% Hawaii State General Excise Tax.

DISCLAIMER
The FIABCI 2008 Congress and/or its agents have the right for any reason beyond their control to alter or cancel, without prior notice, the Congress or any of the arrangements, timetables, plans or other items relating directly or indirectly to Congress. The Organization and/or AOPC shall not be liable for any loss, damage, expenditure or inconvenience caused to participants and their belongings either during or as a result of the Congress or as a result of such alteration or cancellation. Please check the validity of your own insurance.

VISA
 Participants requiring a visa for entry to the United States are strongly advised to make their application in their home country at least three months before the intended date of travel. If in doubt, information can be obtained from your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

PREPARING FOR U.S. CUSTOMS IN HONOLULU
Please click here for information on preparing for U.S. Customs and Border Protection Processing at the Honolululu International Airport.

ELECTRICITY
The electric current in Hawaii is 120 Volts, 60 Hz.

FINAL PROGRAM
The final program will be given out on-site upon arrival at the venue. However, please check this web site for updated information before coming to the Congress.

LANGUAGE
The official language is English. Simultaneous translation will also be provided according to the participation of the corresponding language speaking delegates.

INTERPRETATION
On the Program Registration link, you may indicate your request for interpretation during Congress meetings. Interpretation services may be provided based on the number of attendees requesting this service but is not guaranteed. You must register by September 8 if you require interpretation services.

AREA CODE/CELL PHONES
The area code for all of Hawaii is (808). Cell phone coverage is readily available in most places if you're coming from the U.S. Check your carrier and calling plan for details.

LOST AND FOUND
A lost and found service will be available at the Registration Desk.

SHOPPING HOURS
Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

VENUE
The venue of the Congress will be the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. The hotel is a modern monument to traditional Hawaiian hospitality. This Oahu hotel is perfect for families seeking Hawaii activities, couples in search of romance, or weary travelers seeking a rejuvenating escape. The Sheraton Waikiki Hotel and Resort is your gateway to Hawaii's favorite playground, Waikiki Beach.

Address:
2255 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
USA

WEATHER AND TEMPERATURE
The average daytime temperature in October is 83 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures at night are approximately 10 degrees Fahrenheit lower.

The islands are an incredible collection of many diverse micro-environments, each with its own unique weather, plants and animals. For the most part, Hawaii's weather remains constantly sunny. However, don't be surprised if a light tropical rain cools off your day.

WHAT TO WEAR
For travel to Hawaii, casual and lightweight clothing is recommended. As for daily wear at the resort, comfortable casual wear - shorts, sandals, comfortable shoes, bathing suits and cover-ups is the daytime attire. This attire should also be appropriate for optional activities, but be sure to read through the descriptions of your activities for full details.

Business attire - Hawaii's professional attire is much more casual than in many locales. Slacks and short sleeve cotton or silk "Aloha" print shirts are appropriate for men and women, as well as dresses or skirt ensembles for women.

TIME ZONES
Oahu is ten hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-10). When it is 10 a.m. in Hawaii, it is:

Time City
1:00 p.m. Los Angeles / San Francisco
3:00 p.m. Chicago / Houston / Mexico City
4:00 p.m. New York
5:00 p.m. Sao Paolo / Santiago
3:00 a.m. Bangkok
4:00 a.m. Hong Kong
5:00 a.m. Seoul / Tokyo

OCEAN SAFETY
The ocean is Hawaii's playground, but there are precautions to observe. Offshore winds and currents can be powerful, and they can change suddenly. That means not straying too far from shore or heading out to kayak, windsurf or sail if warning signs are posted or if conditions warrant caution. It is a good idea to let some one know where you are, every time you venture out into the water.

INCLUSIONS
The following items and events will be provided for each registered DELEGATE: Free access to the welcome party, opening ceremony, panoramas of Asia-Pacific & Americas Real Estate, marketing sessions, two conferences, coffee breaks, lunch on October 24, delegate bag, & list of participants.

The following items and events will be provided for each registered GUEST: Free access to the welcome party, opening ceremony, panoramas of Asia-Pacific & Americas Real Estate, marketing sessions, two conferences, coffee breaks, lunch on October 24.

PERSONAL EXPENSES
The following incidental expenses are not included during your stay: hotel accomodations & all associated charges, airfare, airport transfers, Marketing Presentations, Business Contact Lunch, Study Tours, Gala Dinner, and additional recreational activities.