Marzo 2009
Refining our skills !
As it is organized by three sister associations (AFVAC-France, SAVAB-Belgique, and LAK-Luxembourg), the FECAVA-Lille Eurocongress 2009 is quite special. Its organisational committee, which has been in place for over a year, is already working on all the fi nal details.
Lille Grand Palais, located just a stone's throw away from the city centre, is a very pleasant, well-planned spot for all kinds of meetings.
Our organisational committee wears many hats
The primary task of this year's organisational committee is to create a convivial, welcoming environment for all attendees. This excellent setting will obviously feature a top-quality scientific programme.
The committee takes care of multiple aspects of the Eurocongress (welcome/reception, the commercial exhibition, hotel accommodations, transportation, the social programme, the Congress evening, brochures, general communications), all with one “common denominator” in mind : promoting a sense of unity among European veterinarians.
A unique kind of welcome ... surprise !
The welcome/reception area is the first contact an attendee has with a congress. Unfortunately, first impressions can sometimes be a nightmare !
How many of you can recall waiting in long lines, standing right in the middle of a cold draft of air, or stuck in a confined place before checking in ?
The organisational committee and AFVAC's administrative team have thought long and hard about the reception area layout, which will be efficient and functional. The area will include several different reception counters, facilitating better traffic flow and reducing wait times...
The organisational committee has also aimed to give this “welcome spot” a relaxing and cosy atmosphere.
A Commercial Exhibition covering a single level
The setup of a commercial exhibition is anything but simple—it demands a strict professionalism, and there is no room for errors.
Lille Grand Palais lends itself well to this type of event. The Commercial Exhibition will be held on a single level of the congress centre, which provides room for 2500 m² of stand space.
The organisational committee has sought to make this spacious meeting place into an area that will undoubtedly facilitate professional exchanges and spark a certain conviviality. The exhibition hall's high ceiling will give a light and airy feeling to the stands, which will be visible from any location. A definite plus, appreciated by all !
Carefully planned, cost-efficient accommodations
In 2004, Lille was named “European Capital of Culture”. This major opportunity obliged the region to develop a more recent (and economical) array of high-quality hotel accommodations.
The great majority of hotels are located within only ten minutes (walking distance) from the Lille Grand Palais. Small apartments will also be available as a more affordable, cost-cutting alternative ... the crisis demands it !
The Eurocongress Cultural Evening
In 2004, Lille was named European Capital of Culture. Through this special evening, we hope to convey the “European spirit” to which the capital of Flanders is securely tied.
The term “gala” no longer applies; we prefer to replace it with “Congress Evening”. Exceptionally, as we wish to celebrate with all our European veterinary colleagues, this special evening will be free for all congress attendees.
The Evening will be comprised of two parts. First, the Lille National Orchestra, one of the most highly acclaimed in France, and also famous in Belgium for its high-quality repertoire, will present a (deliberately) European-themed concert at the “Nouveau Siècle”.
The second half of the evening will include a private visit to the Lille Palais des Beaux Arts, which houses a splendid collection of European paintings ... everything from the more primitive Flemish masters (i.e. Rubens...) to Vermeer, Goya, LeGreco, Courbet, and Manet. For those who have never visited this magnificent museum, it is ranked second in France for its wealth of masterpieces. And we've reserved it all for you !
Low-cost transportation !
If there's one city that can claim the status of “European crossroads”, it's definitely Lille. It boasts an exceptional network of motorways and a large number of high-speed train lines connecting to major French and/or European cities. (by TGV :1 hour from Paris, 1 hr 20 minutes from London, 30 minutes from Brussels, and 2 hrs 30 minutes from Cologne) Lille is served by Lesquin Airport, but it is also reachable via Paris-Roissy, only 50 minutes by TGV. Another option is the low-cost carrier airport Charleroi (Belgium), located one hour from Lille.
There really are no excuses for missing the Eurocongress !
In order to make this congress into THE event for European veterinarians, we need YOU!
We're counting on you !
Welcome Katie !
Left to right : Krystel, Frédéric, and Katie.
Newcomer Katie Moore, American, recently joined AFVAC's administrative team for congress preparation.
She is in charge of translating all congress-related documentation (promotional documents, speakers' and exhibitors' guides...) and facilitating contacts with foreigners.
Welcome Katie !
E. GUAGUERE
President of the FECAVA Lille Eurocongress 2009 Organisational Committee.
