Seminar Details
Confirmation of Registrations
| Contact: | Jose Nunes |
| Email: | Trade-traceability-seminar2008@mci-group.com |
| Address: | MCI Benelux S.A, Avenue de Tervueren 300, 1150 Brussels - Belgium |
| Direct Phone: | + 32.2.743.15.40 |
| Mobile phone: | + 32.485.081.024 |
| Fax: | +32.2.743.15.84 |
Conference Venue
The Seminar discussion will take place in the Borschette Center - Rue Froissart N° 36, 1040 Brussels.
A representative from MCI Brussels (the seminar logistical coordinators) will be at the hotel at 08.00 each morning, to escort you to the Borschette Centre, using public transport. Transport tickets will be distributed to participants on 17th November, Monday morning.
Alternatively, you are free to make your own way to the venue.
Accommodation
All participants and guests will be staying at The White Hotel Brussels.
Visit the hotel website to find out more: http://www.thewhitehotel.be/
MCI Brussels is responsible for the booking and payment of accommodation, with breakfast from Sunday 16 November till Saturday morning 22 November 2008 included in your booking.
If delegates and/or guest would like to extend their visit to Brussels, arriving before 16 November, and leaving after 22 November, they are responsible for the additional accommodation costs.
Hotel Contact Details
Avenue Louise, 212
1050 Brussels (map)
Telephone: +32.2.644.29.29
Fax: +32.2.644.18.78
Email: info@thewhitehotel.be
Public transportation to and from the hotel
Nearest Metro : Louise station.
Tram Stop: Baillie - served by tram numbers 81, 82, 93, 94
Map to from hotel to the venue.
Airport Transfers
MCI Brussels has organised airport transfers with the company “Direct Way” for Seminar delegates only, and for those arriving in Brussels Airport on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th November. The driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall of Brussels airport carrying a plaque written “SEMINAR ON TRACEABILITY OF MEAT”.
Transfers have also been booked for participants, leaving the White Hotel to travel to the airport on Saturday 22 November.
In case of incident, contact José Nunes on: +32.485.081.024
Visa Entry for Belgium
MCI Brussels has been sending letters of invitation to any person requesting one, to help potential delegates to secure a visa for travel to Belgium. Requests for invitation letters from the European Commission can be sent via Jose Nunes in MCI Brussels.
Countries that need to apply for visas: Azerbaijan, Byelorussia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Moldova, Philippines, Russia, Thailand, Uganda and Ukraine.
The price of visa is between 35 € and 75 €. MCI Belgium will reimburse you the visa cost upon presentation of original receipt.
Insurance
Delegates are covered by travel insurance which covers the loss of luggage, medical expenses and medical evacuation.
Social Programme
In agreement with the European Commission, dinner will be provided in The White Hotel on Sunday 16, Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 November.
On Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 November, dinner will be provided for delegates in the Restaurant “G-EA”, Place Jourdin 24-26, 1060 Brussels. The restaurant can be reached by public transport from the hotel by taking Tram 94 from Baillie Stop to Place Stephanie.
Wednesday 19 November
Delegates will depart from the hotel to Mouscron (Western Belgium) by private bus, where they will visit MIM, Vitafish. There will also be an opportunity to visit the cutting plant, DEBAENST. Lunch will be provided in the restaurant “Quatre Saisons”
Sunday 16 November
Wednesday 19 November
Thursday 20 November
Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 November
MCI Brussels will organise a dinner for the 37 participants in the Restaurant "G-EA" located in Rue Jourdan N° 24-26, 1060 Brussels .
Public transportation to and from the hotel
Tram: 94 from Bailly Stop to Place Stéphanie stop
Thursday 18 November
Participants will depart from the hotel to Anderlecht (Brussels) by private bus. A visit to the Slaughterhouse has been arranged. After having lunch in the restaurant K-nal the group will visit Viangros.
MCI Brussels will organise a private tour to the Museum BelVue, in the Royal Palace of Brussels followed by a coffee break. For more information, visit www.belvue.be
Address:
7 Place des Palais
1000 Brussel - Bruxelles
http://www.belvue.be/home.php?la=en
Friday 19 November
A farewell dinner has been organised in the restaurant Café de Vaudeville, a former theatre and then nightclub, in the Galleries de la Reine. The Vaudeville has emerged as an intimate and attractive restaurant - one of Brussels’ new hot-spots.
Prior the dinner there will be a guided tour in Brussels old town, Grand Place, conducted by a member of MCI Brussels staff. Further details will be available shortly.
Restaurant Address: Galleries de la Reine 11, 1000 Brussels (City). (map)
Telephone: +32.2.511.23.45
Electricity
The electrical current in Belgium is 220/380 voltage.
Currency (Money)
The currency in Brussels, Belgium, is the EURO (€). Euro notes are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500. Coins come in denominations of 2 & 1 Euro and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cent pieces. Note that it can be hard to change 500€ notes.
Many foreign exchange offices are open on Sundays and through the week. Banks are open Monday through Friday, 09:00-16:00 and are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Many smaller branches may close at lunchtime, between 13:00 and 14:00.
Mobile Phones
In Belgium, mobile phones use the frequency bands GSM-900 and GSM-1800. An overview of the available networks can be found at: www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/cou_be.shtml
Weather & Climate in Belgium
Belgium is subjected to a temperate climate from the coastal regions inland to about Brussels. Towards the Ardennes the climate becomes more continental, with colder winters and warm summers. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year. Snowfalls are also frequent. The average daily temperatures range between 4 -10 degrees Celsius in November.
Heavier clothing, and an umbrella, is advisable.
Shopping
Store hours are Monday - Saturday, 10:00-18:00. Stores are closed on Sundays except in Brussels at the Galleries St Hubert and gift shops near the Grand Place. Antique and flea markets are generally open on Saturdays and Sundays. Taxes are always included in the price.
Bargain hunters need look no further than the bustling street of Rue Neuve a fantastic shopping area that stretches all the way up to Rue des Fripiers. Avenue Louise is one long catwalk of famous fashion brands, including big international names as well as more affordable shops. The Antoine Dansaert area is the hub and heart of Brussels’ fashion & design world with the best concentration of avant-garde designers and fashion boutiques. Weekend antiquing is the sport of kings in Belgium whether you are in the stylish Brussels Sablon area or on Sunday morning at the flea market. Belgian souvenirs musts include: crystal, leather, art deco objects, lace and of course... chocolates!
Emergencies
If you or any other delegate is unwell, an accident occurs or any other emergency, while during the seminar please contact the MCI staff member on site.
Emergencies telephone numbers:
Accident / Aggression: 112
Ambulance & Fire: 100
Pharmacy on duty: +32-9 001 05 00
Police: 101