Dear Delegate,
This newsletter has been prepared to provide you, the congress participant, with information and guidance that will make your travel to the South African Association for Food Science & Technology Congress 2017, to be held at the Century City Conference Centre (CCCC), a pleasant and memorable one. It covers aspects that facilitate easy transit through airports and immigration as well as Congress deadlines and hints on practical and social issues.
We look forward to welcoming you to Cape Town and to the Congress.

CONGRESS VENUE
The congress will take place at the Century City Conference Centre.

Address:	No. 4 Energy Lane, Century City, Cape Town, 7446
Phone:	021 204 8000

ON-SITE REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
Please bring your email confirmation on-site with you, to collect your registration pack from the registration desk. If you are paying your registration fees on-site, please report to the on-site desk. Please note that all outstanding balances must be settled prior to attending all sessions and workshops, as access to the venues is monitored.
The registration desk operating hours will be as follows:

Sunday 3 September	15:00 - 18:00
Monday 4 September	07:00 - 18:00
Tuesday 5 September	07:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 6 September	07:00 - 17:00

SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMME TIMES
The scientific programme times are:

Monday 4 September	08:00 - 19:45
Tuesday 5 September	08:00 - 17:10
Wednesday 6 September	08:00 - 17:00

Please visit the website to view the full programme http://www.saafost2017.org.za/ScientificProgramme/Programme.asp

CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND TRANSPORT TO HOTELS
If you have pre-booked a transfer from the airport to your hotel and you experience difficulties due to flight delays, or if you want to make changes to your pre-booked transfer, please contact Aqua Tours & Transfers on: +27 (0) 861 002 782 or after hours on +27 (0) 82 778 6081.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS
All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport and it is a requirement that the document should have at least 2 empty pages when you arrive in South Africa. The passport must be valid for no less than 30 days after the final date of your intended stay in South Africa. Your passport needs to be machine re-able.
Nationals of some countries are exempt from visas whilst for nationals of others they are a requirement. Visas must be obtained in your home country or from missions outside of South Africa and cannot be applied for at South African ports of entry.

LUGGAGE AT ARRIVAL AIRPORTS
South African customs regulations require that all checked luggage must be collected at your first airport of entry into South Africa, even though the airline may have checked that luggage through to your final destination.
For example, passengers arriving at OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg must collect their luggage at the international arrivals hall and proceed through customs before making their way to the domestic departures area .You must then re-check the luggage to Cape Town.

LUGGAGE ON DEPARTURE
There will be no luggage holding facility at the Century City Conference Centre. We suggest that you make arrangements with your hotel to hold your luggage until you are ready to depart for the airport.

SOCIAL EVENTS
If you would like to book a ticket for the Young Professionals Evening or Gala Banquet please contact us urgently, very few tickets are still available.

Welcome Reception - SOLD OUT
Date:	Sunday, 3 September 2017
Venue:	The Square Café, Century City Hotel
Time:	18:30
Dress:	Smart Casual
Young Professionals Evening (For under 35's only)
Date:	Monday, 4 September 2017
Venue:	Cape Town Fish Market, Canal Walk Shopping Centre
Time:	20:00
Dress:	Casual
Gala Banquet
Date:	Tuesday, 5 September 2017
Venue:	Smugglers, Ratanga Junction, Century Boulevard. Century City, Cape Town
Time:	19:00 - 22:00
Dress:	Smart / Formal

Shuttle transport is available from Century City Conference Centre Main Entrance to Smugglers @ Ratanga Junction, for those without cars. The shuttle will operate every 10 minutes from 18:50 - 19:20, and again on the return from 22:00 - 22:30.

TWITTER / INSTAGRAM / EXHIBITOR COMPETITIONS
When registering, check your delegate bag for information about our fun Instagram / Twitter competitions! Follow us on:
Twitter @SAAFoSTofficial and @foodscieditor
Facebook SAAFoST
Instagram saafost_congress17
LinkedIn: SAAFoST

WEATHER
The weather is unreliable in Cape Town. As it is winter, you may need rainwear.

TRANSPORT
There will be no scheduled transport offered between appointed hotels and the Conference Centre for the duration of the event. Please visit the registration desk at the CCCC for any transport related queries.

SAFETY AND SECURITY
Cape Town has been the host to numerous international and national events, and our beautiful city is well prepared for your arrival. Like any large city however, we advise that you exercise good judgment when traveling alone or after dark.
Ask your hotel concierge or the information desk at the Congress venue for advice on how to get around and where to go.
Ostentatious displays of wealth in public places are not encouraged and valuables such as wallets, laptop computers and cameras etc. should be kept in a secure place such as your hotel safety deposit facility.
There is no reason not to visit the many wonderful attractions, historical and cultural sites, restaurants and shops that make Cape Town one of the world's most popular cities to visit.

LANGUAGE
The official language of the Congress is English.
English-speaking visitors will have no problems travelling throughout South Africa and all signs are in English.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
Cape Town and South Africa have a number of excellent medical facilities, able to meet any medical emergency. As with any travel, you are advised to take out travel insurance to cover the cost of private hospital treatment.
If you have a medical emergency during the congress please make contact with the staff at the registration desk.

CURRENCY AND MONEY CHANGING
1 Euro = ZAR15.49
1 British Pound = ZAR17.04
1 US Dollar = ZAR13.25
You may change your money at the airport on arrival or at any of the many banks in the city during banking hours. Hotels will also assist but the exchange rates may be less favorable. Automatic Teller Machines (ATM's) are available throughout the city for easy access to funds. Please do not hand your ATM card to anyone and be cautious of people offering assistance.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY
South Africa's electricity supply runs at 220/230V, 50Hz AC. Sockets take round-pinned plugs. Most hotel rooms have sockets that will take 110V electric shavers, but for other appliances visitors might need adaptors.

IMMUNISATIONS
Vaccinations: Yellow fever certificates are required if your journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.

Malaria: Cape Town is not considered to be a malaria designated area. You are advised however to take the necessary precautions if you are traveling to malaria designated areas located mainly in the northern areas of South Africa and you should consult your general practitioner for advice in this regard.

DISCLAIMER
The information and content provided in this newsletter is intended purely as a guideline and service for participants and visitors to the South African Renal Congress 2016. The information may change at any time and without notice. The event and organizers accept no responsibility or liability whatsoever related to this publication.

WELCOME! SAAFoST Congress 2017 wishes you a safe and comfortable journey and looks forward to welcoming you to Cape Town and South Africa.

Visit http://www.saafost2017.org.za/ for more information about the 2017 congress.