Emails from Secretariat
We have been made aware that our emails to registrants in some institutions are not being received. This seems to be caused by an over-strict spam filter on some institutional email systems. If you are expecting a reply from us, please (a) check your Junk mail folder or
(b) email us again and we will reply to you in a different way (e.g. to a different email address if you have one).

If you need a formal letter of invitation from the Congress to help you obtain funding, approval to travel, or a visa, email info@ibc2011.com with your name, address, IBC registration number, and a statement of any other information that you need included in the letter. Also specify if the letter needs to be in hard-copy or whether it can be faxed or emailed as an attached pdf.

ABSTRACT ACCEPTANCE LETTER:
Can you please send me my abstract acceptance letter?
All acceptance letters have been emailed to the submitting authors. If you haven't received yours, please email info@ibc2011.com.

ACCOMMODATION:
What hotel rooms are still available?
Please see the selection of hotel rooms secured for this Congress, at negotiated rates for IBC 2011 delegates, here.

CHILDREN:
Are children allowed to come to the social functions?
Children are not permitted at social functions that serve alcohol. This includes the Welcome Reception, the Congress Gala and any other dinners and functions advertised on the website. Contact your hotel directly for information on local baby sitters if required.

CHILD CARE AND BABYSITTING:
Can you help me find a babysitter
DIAL-AN-ANGEL is Australia's largest and most reputable childcare agency in Australia. To find out more please visit the website.

EXHIBITING OPTIONS:
I would like to exhibit but have a limited budget; what options are there for my company to exhibit?
Companies with limited budgets may choose to share an exhibition booth with another business that complements their own and divide the costs. The exhibition manager can provide further information regarding a shared booth.

EXHIBITION DETAILS:
I would like information regarding set-up and dismantle times for the exhibition and costs for furniture etc.
This information will be distributed via the Exhibition Manual by email to all confirmed exhibitors three months before the Congress. Please contact Zoe Dwyer by email zoed@icmsaust.com.au for further information.

FIELD TRIPS:
I have booked to go on an IBC field trip. When will I know whether it is going ahead?
Field trip bookings will be assessed in late April. If the bookings are fewer than the stated minimum, that trip will be cancelled. If you have booked for one of the cancelled trips, you will contacted at that time to ask if you want to transfer to another trip or whether you want your booking cancelled.

FUNDING:
Am I able to receive funding and/or receive a registration fee waiver?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide funding or waive your registration fee.

The Congress is providing some travel assistance to delegates, through reduced registration rates generally for students and botanists from developing countries, and some targeted assistance for delegates (not committee members) involved in organising roles. A competitive call for delegates seeking additional support was considered, but this will not be possible with current budget constraints.

There are many local, national and international sources of funding to assist botanists, particularly students and early-career researchers, to attend big international conferences such as IBC2011. Please see the Congress website for more information.

GETTING ABOUT IN MELBOURNE
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Melbourne?
Skybus Super Shuttle is the official link between Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross station in the central business district. It will also deliver you to your hotel from the station if you ask for that service – see http://www.skybus.com.au/ for details. Skybus departs every 10-15 minutes, and a return ticket is cheaper than two individual tickets. Other private shuttle services run between the airport and hotels. Taxis will cost a bit more than the shuttles but are the quickest way to get to your hotel.

How do I get to the main IBC venue?
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is within walking distance of many hotels and apartments in the city centre and south of the River Yarra. Three tram routes pass close to the MCEC:

• Route 96 – St Kilda to East Brunswick
• Route 109 – Port Melbourne to Box Hill
• Route 112 – West Preston to St Kilda

How do I get to the Nomenclature Sessions venue?
If you are staying on the northern edge of the city centre, you could easily walk to the Copland Theatre in the University of Melbourne. Otherwise, catch tram 19 that runs between the city (Elizabeth Street) and North Coburg. It goes along Royal Parade on the western side of the university - get off at stop 12 for the Copland Theatre and the Botany Department.

INVITATION LETTER:
Can you please send me an invitation letter?
If you require an invitation letter for visa purposes, please email registration@ibc2011.com clearly stating your request for an invitation letter in order to apply for your visa. Also tell us whether you need the letter in hard-copy or whether it can be faxed or emailed as an attached pdf to you.

We recommend you commence your visa application at least 6-8 weeks from the Congress start date if you are from a non-ETA visa country.

Please refer to the Congress website page for more detailed information.

If you need a letter of invitation to get approval from your organisation or to seek funding to attend the IBC, please email registration@ibc2011.com. Clearly state what information needs to be included in the letter and whether you need the letter in hard-copy, faxed or emailed.

ORAL PRESENTATION DETAILS:
What time and day is my presentation?
The program is now available on the website. To view the details please see this webpage. This will advise the time and day each symposium will be held. You will also be sent your individual oral presentation time in April 2011.

POSTERS:
What is an ePoster?
An ePoster is an electronic poster. It is viewable on a computer screen and is commonly created as a short PowerPoint-type presentation. Delegates will view the ePosters on screens at the Congress site by searching a topic or keyword. There will also be poster sessions at lunchtime when presenters will be able to discuss their posters (electronic or hard-copy) with other delegates. More information on how to prepare an ePoster will be sent to those who have chosen to present an ePoster.

REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION:
I haven't received my registration confirmation letter.
Confirmation letters will only be sent to you after your payment has been processed. This Bank verification can take up to 5 days if you have paid by credit card. If you have not received your confirmation letter after 5 days please email registration@ibc2011.com.

REGISTRATION PAYMENT:
Can I pay with cash when I arrive at the Congress?
Yes, you can pay by cash when you arrive at the Congress. However, if you choose this method of payment, you will not be able to receive a confirmation letter or invitation letter before the Congress starts.

SPONSORING A SYMPOSIUM:
Our organisation/society wants to sponsor a general symposium. How do we do that?
You can arrange this through the organiser of the general symposium. Email info@ibc2011.com if you need contact details for that person. Please tell the Secretary-General if you are sponsoring a symposium so that we can acknowledge your contribution in the program book and on the website.

If you would like to sponsor a keynote symposium, please contact sponsorship@ibc2011.com.