Conference Venue
IEEE International Conference on Communications
Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre,
Glasgow G3 8YW
Scotland, UK.
Contact:
Tel: +44 141 275 6211.
Fax: +44 141 226 3423.
Web: www.secc.co.uk
Getting to Glasgow (Travel Information)
Getting to Glasgow and the SECC
Glasgow is an extremely well connected city with excellent transport links to/from and within the city. It is served by its own international airport a short distance away and further links are provided by airports at Prestwick (30 miles or 48 km) and Edinburgh (40 miles or 64 km). There are two main-line train stations serving the UK and Scotland while a combination of Low Level and Subway services provide transport witin the city and its environs. A comprehensive bus network exists within the city.
By Air
Glasgow International Airport
Glasgow International Airport, is located just eight miles (13 kilometres) west of Glasgow City Centre and combined with Edinburgh airport (less than one hour away) services direct flights from many European and international cities www.baa.com/main/airports/glasgow/
Travellers arriving at Glasgow International Airport can take either a taxi or airport bus to the City centre. The taxi rank is located at the front of the airport terminal and Taxi fares from Glasgow International Airport to the city centre are usually around £20. The airport bus leaves at 15 minute intervals from the front of the terminal building to go direct to Glasgow city centre. The journey takes around 15 minutes (longer at peak times) and costs around £3.50 single or £5.50 return. The bus stops at various points in the city centre and the service terminates at Buchanan St. Bus Station. An alternative route is to take a bus or taxi to Paisley Station (5 minutes away) and take the train to Glasgow Central Station. There is no direct public transport link between the airport and the SECC, delegates are advised to take the train, bus to Central station (see below) and then take a taxi or train to the conference venue or hotel.
Glasgow Prestwick International Airport
Glasgow Prestwick International Airport is located thirty miles (48 kilometres) south of Glasgow. A railway station is adjacent to the Airport with regular direct trains to the city centre. These trains are at 30 minute intervals and the journey time is 45 minutes, arriving at Glasgow Central Station in the heart of the city. Approximate cost of journey is around £3.00 ($5 or 4 Euros) and tickets are purchased on the train.
Edinburgh International Airport
Located on the outskirts of Edinburgh, this airport supports a range of national and international flights. Although only 40 miles from Glasgow, there is no direct train/bus link between Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow city centre; the quickest way to reach Glasgow from Edinburgh Airport is to travel into Edinburgh city centre by bus or taxi and then take a bus or train to Glasgow city centre.
Bus, train and taxi drivers only accept fares in £s although some taxis accept credit cards
By Rail
Rail Information at www.firstgroup.com/scotrail/index.php
Glasgow Central Station
The main station within the city. This station serves trains to and from the south as well as the local trains. Located in the heart of the city, it is a short walk from the Radisson Hotel and Queen St station. The conference venue, the SECC, can be reached using the low level services that depart from this station. The SECC's own railway station is called Exhibition Centre Station. There are four trains an hour from Central Station (Platform 15) that will bring you to the SECC doors in less than 10 minutes.
Glasgow Queen Street Station
The second main line station situated in the city centre. There is a bus service which operates to Glasgow Central Station. As well as providing links to areas in and around Greater Glasgow its Express service to Edinburgh takes under 50 minutes and runs every 15 mins.
By Bus
Buchanan Bus Station
Located in the north of the city centre, the bus station services long distance and short distance bus journey. Bus from Edinburgh, Glasgow Airport and Prestwick arrive and depart from this station. Visit the website.
By Car
Approaching from the south follow the M74 motorway past Hadrian’s Wall on to Glasgow city centre via the M73 and M8. The Clyde Valley Tourist Route (via the A73, A72 and A702) offers motorists an alternative through the South Lanarkshire countryside. Approaching from the north the M80 motorway takes you through North Lanarkshire to Glasgow while, from the east, the M8 from Edinburgh travels through Glasgow city centre. For additional information about driving in the UK including maps, route planners, and travel insurance visit www.multimap.com.
The SECC is east from Junction 19 of the M8 motorway. Simply follow the SECC signs. On-site parking will be arranged.
Transport during the Conference
Transport from Glasgow City Centre to the SECC by Taxi
There are taxi ranks throughout the city. Main pick-up points include Buchanan Bus Station, Queen Street and Central Stations and most large hotels. Taxis can also be hailed in the street; any cab indicating that it is “For Hire” by a bright yellow light on the top of the taxi roof should stop if signalled to do so. The average journey from the city centre will cost around £3.50.
Train Travel from Glasgow City Centre to the SECC
The SECC and most of the hotels can be reached by train from the Low Level Service at Central Station. The SECC's own railway station is called Exhibition Centre Station. There are four trains an hour from Central Station (Platform 15) that will bring you to the SECC doors in less than 10 minutes. Alternative stations to catch the SECC train include Argyle Street and Anderson Stations.
Bus Travel from Glasgow City Centre to the SECC
Travel between the city centre and the close to the conference venue by bus is also possible; the journey would involve a short walk from the bus stop to the SECC walk way and cost around £1.15. Buses in Glasgow require the exact fare and NO change is given.
It is also possible to walk to the SECC from the City Centre following the riverside walkway; the journey should take around 20-30 minutes. The SECC is a highly visible landmark and the walkway is well used by walkers, cyclists and is clearly marked.
Registration
On arrival at the SECC please make your way to the Registration Desks which are situated in Hall 1 where you will be given your conference badge (which you should wear at all times) and tickets for the evening social events. You should bring your tickets with you to each event in order to gain entry. You will also receive a conference bag, which will contain the Final Programme and other promotional items. Registration opening times are as follows:
Sunday 24 June: 08.00hrs – 14.00hrs (Crowne Plaza Hotel)
Sunday 24 June: 14.00hrs – 19.00hrs
Monday 25 June: 07.30hrs – 18.00hrs
Tuesday 26 June: 07.30hrs – 18.00hrs
Wednesday 27 June: 07.30hrs – 18.00hrs
Thursday 28 June: 07.30hrs – 12.00hrs (Crowne Plaza Hotel)
MESSAGES
A message board will be located beside the Registration Desks during the conference and you are encouraged to check it regularly.
Delegate Information
Presenter Information
Full details of information for presenters is given at www.ieee-icc.org/authors.html. Presenters must check-in their presentations either on a memory stick or CD to the speaker check-in room at least 4 hours before their presentation.
Speaker Preview Room
The Speaker Preview Room will be located in the Katrine Room which is on the second floor of the main SECC building. This will be clearly signposted. A technician will be on hand to assist. Opening times are as follows:
Monday 25th June: 08.00hrs – 18.00hrs
Tuesday 26th June: 08.00hrs – 18.00hrs
Wednesday 27th June: 08.00hrs – 16.30hrs
All presentations must be loaded onto the laptop at the speaker preview room at least four hours prior to the relevant session.
Poster Displays
In formation about poster displays is found here www.ieee-icc.org/authors.html.
Meals
Please note lunch is not included in the conference registration fee but there will be various cash catering outlets available in the SECC and hotels in the surrounding area.
Internet Café/Wireless Access
The internet café will be located in the exhibition area and will be available from 14.00hrs – 19.00hrs on Sunday 24th June, 09.00hrs to 18.00hrs on Monday 25th June and Tuesday 26th June and 09.00hrs to 16.00hrs on Wednesday 27th June. Wireless access will also be provided for ICC 2007 delegates within the SECC for the duration of the conference. Significant effort has been taken to ensure that wireless provision is sufficient to meet the needs of ICC 2007 delegates. However, given the number of conference attendees, it is not possible to make absolute guarantees with regards to wireless access and connectivity quality may vary during the course of the conference.
Conference Events
WELCOME RECEPTION
Date: Sunday 24 June
Time: 18.30 – 21.00hrs
Place: Glasgow Science Centre
A welcome reception and buffet will be held in the Glasgow Science Centre. The Glasgow Science Centre is one of Scotland's must-see visitor attractions - presenting concepts of science and technology in unique and inspiring ways. The event is open to all delegates and is included in the registration fee. The Local Organising Committee and IEEE/ComSoc thank Glasgow City Council for their support and patronage in setting up the Reception.
The Glasgow Science Centre is located directly across the river from the Conference Venue and the Crown Plaza Hotel. Two walkway bridges provide the means to access the Science Centre from the Conference Centre.; a short 2 minute walk.
OPENING CEREMONY, CEO FORUM AND COMSOC AWARDS CEREMONY
Date: Monday 25 June
Time: 09.30 – 12.30hrs
Place: Clyde Auditorium, SECC
Opening Ceremony
The Conference will be opened by a Welcome Address to be given by the First Minister of the Scottish Parliament, followed by an Opening Presentation by Arun Sarin, CEO of the Vodafone Group, who is the General Chair for ICC 2007.
CEO Forum
Chaired by Arun Sarin (CEO of Vodafone), the ICC2007 CEO Forum brings together under one roof, a panel of senior and respected executives from all parts of the Telecommunications and Networks domain to share their wisdom and experience, and their visions of the future with presentations and discussions addressing the key topic: ‘The future of Convergence in the Communications Industry’. Those Participating in the ICC2007 CEO Forum are:
Arun Sarin - CEO, Vodafone Group PLC
Pat Russo - CEO, Alcatel Lucent
Ben Verwaayen - Chief Executive, BT
Nikesh Arora - President EMEA, Goggle
Sir David Brown
- Chairman, Motorola
Mr Steve Ballmer - CEO, Microsoft (video presentation)
The ICC2007 CEO Forum represents an exciting and unique opportunity to hear the views of and interact with the key players who both individually and on behalf of their organizations shape and drive forward our industry.
IEEE/ComSoc Awards Ceremony
At ICC each year, the IEEE Communications Society conducts an award ceremony to honour the recipients of IEEE ComSoc Paper Awards. ICC2007 has the pleasure and the privilege of holding the IEEE/ComSoc Awards Ceremony as part of the plenary programme in Clyde Auditorium. Before an audience of peers and invited guests, the achievements of the individual recipients who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of communications systems and technologies, and who have contributed significantly to the growth and success of their subjects will be acknowledged.
CONFERENCE BANQUET
Date: Tuesday 26 June
Time: 19.30 – 23.00hrs
Cost: fully booked
The highlight of the conference, the Conference Banquet will take place in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Kelvingrove first opened its doors to the public on 2 May 1901 and is world renowned for the quality of its international art collection which includes Impressionists and Italian and Dutch Renaissance paintings. Without question the Art Gallery houses one of Scotland's finest civic Art collections. The ever changing contemporary exhibitions compete for your attention with the dinosaurs, suits of armour, frightening weaponry and treasures from throughout the world.
Coaches will depart from the SECC at 18.45hrs and return back to the SECC at around 22.30hrs. For delegates not staying at the Conference hotels, access to Kelvingrove is possible via numerous bus services stopping outside the venue, the city’s circular underground/subway service (cost £1.00) alighting at Kelvin Hall and a 2 minute walk.
Tours
ICC2007 also has an associated programme of optional tours booked in adavance or at the Registration desk. Full details are available on the ICC2007 website. Some details are given below.
All coaches will depart from and return to the SECC
GLASGOW CITY TOUR
Date: Sunday 24 June
Time: 15.00 – 18.30hrs
Cost: £27.00 per person
This short introduction to Glasgow will cover a panoramic tour of the City Centre, including the River Clyde, the historic Cathedral and Merchant City, the Georgian grandeur of Blythswood Square, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the University Campus. You will be taken through the Clyde Tunnel to visit the Burrell Art Collection in Pollock Country Park with the change to see the largest herd of Highland Cattle in Britain.
LOCH NESS AND THE HIGHLANDS
Date: Monday 25 June
Time: 08.00 – 20.00hrs
Cost: £60.00 per person
This tour will take you along the banks of Loch Lomond and over bleak and desolate Rannoch Moor. The tour will continue to Fort William, in the Shadow of Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in the UK), then through the Great Glen to Fort Augustus at the southern tip of Loch Ness. You will then head along the shores of Loch Ness (keeping a watchful eye out for the Loch Ness Monster) until we reach Urquhart Castle. It is from this ancient ruin that the majority of the sightings of Nessie have been made. After time to explore the castle the tour will retrace the route back, enjoying some more of Scotland’s spectacular scenery.
NEW LANARK & ROSSLYN CHAPEL
Date: Tuesday 26 June
Time: 09.30 – 17.30hrs
Cost: £54.00 per person
From Glasgow you will travel through the Clyde Valley to the ancient market town of Lanark dating from the 10th Century. You'll make a visit to New Lanark, founded in 1784 as an industrial village, but more famous for the social experiments conducted by the mill manager Robert Owen. The tour will continue through the rolling hills to Penicuik and to Rosslyn Glen to visit Rosslyn Chapel, a 15th century Medieval chapel, but made more famous in recent years by Dan Brown's novel the Da Vinci Code. The chapel was founded in 1446 and has over the years been associated with the Masons and Knights Templar and the legends of the Holy Grail.
AYR & BURNS COUNTRY
Date: Wedneday 27 June
Time: 09.30 – 13.30hrs
Cost: £33.00 per person
This journey takes you through the golfing town of Troon, where you will see the Championship links course. At the small village of Alloway you will visit Robert Burns cottage, where the famous poet was born in 1759. There is also the opportunity to visit the Land O'Burns Centre which explains the life and times of Burns before returning to Glasgow.
EDINBURGH CITY TOUR
Date: Wednesday 27 June
Time: 09.30 – 17.30hrs
Cost: £45.00 per person
You will travel to Edinburgh past historic Linlithgow, where you can see over to Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. On the outskirts of Edinburgh you will enjoy morning coffee & shortbread in the shadow of the magnificent Forth Bridges before a panoramic look at the sweeping Georgian terraces and crescents of the New Town, followed by an interior visit to Edinburgh Castle. After lunch the remainder of the afternoon is free for shopping and/or sightseeing.
Loch Lomond & Glengoyne Distillery
Date: Thursday 28 June
Time: 09.30 – 13.30hrs
Cost: £33.00 per person
Travelling from Glasgow we drive to the foot of the Campsie Fells and visit Glengoyne Distillery, where we will see how Scotland's national drink is produced. For those who wish there is even a taste of the end product! At Balloch we'll make a stop to enjoy the panoramic views from Loch Lomond Shores in the Loch Lomond National Park before returning to Glasgow. Price includes: Guided tour of Glengoyne Malt Whisky Distillery with tasting Travel by luxury touring coach Services of Blue Badge Scottish Tourist Guide.
A number of tour companies are available should you wish to arrange your own tours:
www.scottishtours.co.uk
www.scotguide.com
www.timberbush-tours.co.uk
Furthermore, please call at the Visit Scotland booth (number 16) in the Exhibition Hall for information about Scotland, and to find out about the wide variety of tours on offer.
Additional Information
Currency and Credit Cards
The currency in the United Kingdom is GBP Sterling. Cash may be exchanged in banks and exchange offices during office hours. The official exchange rate is listed daily at the banks and exchange offices. All major credit card are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and stores.
Banking Hours
The banking hours in Glasgow are generally 09.00hrs – 18.00hrs Monday to Friday.
Climate
The climate in June in Glasgow is usually quite mild, the temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).
Electricity
The electric current in the UK is 240V.
First Aid
Please contact the Reception Staff at the SECC.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
