The Fourth Yearly Meeting
of the Centres of Excellence

SCOPE

This is the 4th Yearly Meeting of the Coordinators of the Centres of Excellence. 34 Centres of Excellence were established in the pre-accession countries in the context of the Centres of Excellence scheme supported under the programme "Confirming the International Role of Community Research" (INCO) of the Fifth Framework Programme of the European Community.

VENUE

Andel´s Hotel Prague
Stroupežnického 21, 150 00 Prague 5
Telephone: +420 296 889 688
Telefax: +420 296 889 999
e-mail: info@andelshotel.com

See the location on the map

The Andel´s Hotel Prague is located close to the Golden City centre; the ultimate four star deluxe design hotel has opened its doors in June 2002. The interior of the hotel is designed by the famous British architects and designers Jestico + Whiles. They are known for their practical, innovative and contemporary solutions and have won different national and international architectural awards, e. g. the FX International Hotel Designers of the Year Award for the One Aldwych Hotel in London.

The 4th Yearly Meeting of the Centres of Excellence will take place in the conference rooms of the Andel's Hotel.

AGENDA

Detailed agenda (pdf)

REGISTRATION

Those wishing to participate in The 4th Yearly Meeting of the Centres of Excellence are kindly asked to fill in the Reply Form (available in MS Word and Acrobat Reader formats) and to pay the registration fee. To assist us planning the Meeting, please return the Reply Form by fax or e-mail to Action M Agency at your earliest convenience.

The deadline for early registration is April 24, 2004.

Reply Form: doc, pdf 

Registration Fees

The regular fee includes attendance at the meetings, refreshments, an invitation to an Awarding Ceremony of Mr Phillipe Busquin in the Bethlehem Chapel, an invitation to the meeting in the Carolinum and a concert. The Early Registration fee is 200 EUR (before April 24, 2004). The Late Registration fee is 220 EUR (after April 24, 2004).

The Accompanying person (e.g. husband, spouse, any private person not related to the CoE project) fee includes an invitation to the Awarding Ceremony of Mr Phillipe Busquin in the Bethlehem Chapel, an invitation to the meeting in the Carolinum, a concert and assistance with individual requests.

To give you a better idea about the prices in other currencies please have a look at the exchange rates of the Czech National Bank. This informative link should be used only in case of payment by CREDIT CARD to provide you the informative amount in your currency.

Payments

All payments can be made

• By credit card in CZK (VISA, Eurocard/MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club)

• By bank transfer in EUR (Czech Republic, KOMERCNI BANKA Praha 10, SWIFT: KOMB CZ PP, account No. 7473400217/0100, Milena Zeithamlova, Action M Agency). Please make sure that the bank transfer is made net of all bank charges and commissions and include proof of your payment with the Reply form.

Confirmation of your payment will be e-mailed to you and the original will be given to you upon your arrival at the registration desk. If you have any difficulties with payment please do not hesitate and contact us: 

Milena Zeithamlova, Action M Agency
phone: +420 267312333-4
fax: +420 267310503
Email: actionm@action-m.com

Cancellation policy

Full refund of the registration fees and accommodation payments will be granted for all written cancellations sent to Action M Agency no later than April 24, 2004. After that date no refund of registration fee will be provided. Any accommodation cancellation after that date will result in one-night charge.

ACCOMMODATION

We are pleased to offer you accommodation during The 4^th Yearly Meeting of the Centres of Excellence at special prices at the meeting venue.
A block reservation of rooms is reserved and guaranteed only from Sunday May 23 till Wednesday May 26 (that means 3 nights).

Andel´s Hotel Prague
Stroupežnického 21, 150 00 Prague 5
Telephone: +420 296 889 688
Telefax: +420 296 889 999
e-mail: info@andelshotel.com

The near underground station "Andel" ensures a quick connection to the city center with its famous sights, like the "Wenceslas Square". Distance to the city centre: 15 minutes.

See the location on the map

The 231 rooms and 8 suites on five floors are flooded by light from floor to high ceiling windows. You will find simple and discrete furniture, which combine highest comfort with up-to-date functionality. Each room is equipped with DVD player, Sat-TV, individually adjustable air-conditioning, minibar, safe box with notebook plug, trouser press, ISDN/LAN connections for internet access, and two telephone lines. 

Other available facilities and amenities

• 18-hour room service and Concierge
• Underground car park
• Fitness and Health Centre with sauna, solarium, steam bath and massage
• Turn-Down Service
• Souvenir Shop
• DVD Library
• Minibar
• Laundry service
• Business service

All prices above are per night in Czech Crowns (CZK) or in EUR and include breakfast and VAT. (For prices in other currencies check the exchange rates of the Czech National Bank)

For your accommodation reservation please send the completed Reply Form to Action M Agency. After receiving your Reply Form the agency will send you an electronic (e-mail) hotel voucher for your accommodation.

Accommodation Payment

In case of payment by credit card the accommodation payment is comprised of the accommodation deposit, payable together with the registration fee, and the accommodation balance, the difference between your paid deposit and the rest of the costs of your stay, payable before your arrival. The accommodation balance depends on the number of nights of your stay and the paid accommodation deposit. The accommodation balance will be charged after April 24, 2004 unless you have cancelled the hotel reservation due after that date.

In case of payment by bank transfer the accommodation payment covers the accommodation total, e.g. number of nights you stay multiple by the price of single/double room rate.

Example: 2 nights single room (138 EUR per night) is 2 x 138 = 276 EUR

Accommodation deposit = 138 EUR

Accommodation balance = 138 EUR

Total accommodation payment = 276 EUR

Any changes in hotel booking (after the payment of the accommodation balance) will be solved individually.

TRAVELLING INFORMATION
How to reach the CoE Meeting Site

From the airport Praha Ruzyne

Airport CoE meeting desk will be open on Sunday May 23, 2004 at 14.00 until 19.00. The Airport CoE meeting desk will be located in the Arrival Hall - Ruzyne. After leaving the customs area - GATE 1, 2, 3 you will see the Taxi stand and the AMCE Airport CoE meeting desk. In case of emergency do not hesitate and call us - Airport CoE meeting Desk number is +420 602 762 267.

Microbus CEDAZ:
To reach the CoE meeting site (Andel´s Hotel) directly from the airport we recommend to take door-to-door service for 1-4 persons for a fixed price of 360 CZK for one way. The CEDAZ stand is located in front of the Airport arrival exit (outside) to the right of the taxi stand.

By public transportation:
Take bus No 100, and get off at its last stop (metro ZLICIN). Then change to underground line B, get off at stop Andel, exit Andel City. The CoE meeting Site is in walking distance, maximum 5 minutes.

By taxi:
A taxi from the airport to the Dejvicka underground station costs about CZK 500. Regular price in Prague is CZK 25 per kilometre plus CZK 25 starting rate (excluding hotel taxis).

From the railway station Praha-Hlavni nadrazi

The transfer from the railway station Praha-Hlavni-nadrazi is more convenient and is provided by public transport. You can use the underground to the metro station Florenc (Line C) where it is necessary to change to the line B - direction metro station Zlicin, get of at stop Andel, and exit Andel City. The CoE meeting site is in walking distance, maximum 5 minutes. Tickets available at yellow vending machines - you need transfer ticket for 12 CZK.

For more detailed information look at: www.mapy.atlas.cz or www.prague.cz.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Prague

The 4^th Yearly Meeting of the Centres of Excellence will take place in Prague - the capital of the Czech Republic. Prague: "the most beautiful city in the center of Europe", "the capital of medieval Europe", "the Mother of Cities", "the city of culture": these are just a few of the epithets given to Prague- the remarkable city in the heart of Europe. Prague boasts the distinction of being a privileged place, ranking amongst the most important and interesting European cities.

Hundreds of years of history attack your senses as you walk through its lanes, trying to capture its essence. One is fascinated by its mixture of architectural styles: the austere Romanesque, the mystic Gothic, the ornate Baroque and the decorative forms of Art Nouveau which seem to be literally floating in the air. Cultural life too has never passed Prague by; numerous famous personalities have visited or lived in Prague, and they adored this place for the world of thought and for the inspirations that the city instilled in  them.

Prague is an unbelievably free and comfortable city. It is not as big as most European metropolises and thus the main tourist attractions are within an easy reach. Their diversity is extensive and the entrance prices remain low. Places generally holding the greatest tourist interest are found along the "Royal Route" which runs from the Powder Tower up Celetna Street to the Old Town Square, then across Charles Bridge, through the Lesser Town and up to the Hradcany Castle. One should also not miss the Jewish Town, and the National Gallery with its fine collection of Czech Gothic, old European and beautiful French art. Tourists are always welcome here. They can enjoy the ambience of small coffee shops and restaurants, and they can feel at home in its cosy hotels and small pensions.

Magical atmosphere of Prague has been shaped over ten centuries!

Currency

The domestic currency is the Czech Crown (CZK). Regularly check official exchange rates as they can change daily.

Weather

There is nice weather in Prague from May through September. In May the temperature can range from 16°C to 22°C during the day, and from 8°C to 12°C during the night.

Travel documents

You need a valid passport to enter the Czech Republic, unless you are an EU citizen. Citizens of all EU countries, U.S.A., Israel, Japan, and some other countries do not need visas for short-term visits. Since regulations can change, we suggest checking on the website of the Czech the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or with the Czech Embassy or Consulate in your country about regulations for your nationality. Some changes made in visa policy recently are that citizens of some countries (e.g., Canada, Australia) need a visa now.

If you need an invitation letter, please send an e-mail to Action M Agency (actionm@action-m.com).

For obtaining Invitation Form confirmed by Czech Police the following details are needed:

Last name, First name

Date of birth

Home address – street, town, country

Nationality, Passport No

CONTACT

Local Organiser (Registration, Accommodation)

Action M Agency
Milena Zeithamlova
Vrsovicka 68
101 00 Prague
Czech Republic
Phone: +420 267 312 333-4
Fax: +420 267 310 503
Email: actionm@action-m.com

General Contact Address (Program)