A Practical Guide to the 2016 JCI European Conference
Destination:
Tampere | Finland Dear 2016 JCI European Conference Delegates, Let me congratulate you on your choice to participate in the 2016 JCI European Conference in Tampere, Finland. Based on my experiences, contacts with the Conference Organizing Committee and the work I’ve seen so far, I’m convinced you’ve made the right decision in attending this year’s conference. This is the preferred JCI Event to meet with JCI members from all over Europe. If you want to make the most out of this year’s JCI European Conference, my first recommendation is to prepare for your trip well in advance. Take a look at the Conference program, plan your training sessions, company visits and tours as soon as possible. And last but not least, make sure to get plenty of rest before the conference because one thing is for sure; you won’t have time to catch up on sleep during the event! This guide is the first step in your preparation. In this document you’ll find a variety of practical information to use while planning for your trip. The Conference Organizing Committee, JCI World Headquarters Staff and JCI Officers are all working together to make this an unforgettable conference. If we can help you in any way, please do not hesitate to ask. Thank you for your commitment to join us in Tampere, Finland. I’m looking forward to meeting you there. Sincerely,
Jef Hendrickx 2016 JCI Executive Vice President
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Accommodations Headquarters Hotel
Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Tampere Ratapihankatu 43, 33100 Tampere, Finland Tel: +358-20-1234-634 • Fax: +358-10-786-1000 Email: torni.tampere@sokoshotels.fi Website: www.sokoshotels.fi/en/tampere/solosokos-hotel-torni-tampere Senate Hotel
Original Sokos Hotel Ilves Hatanpään valtatie 1, 33100 Tampere, Finland Tel: +358-20-1234-631 • Fax: +358-3-5698-6263 Email: Ilves.tampere@sokoshotels.fi Website: www.sokoshotels.fi/en/tampere/sokoshotel-ilves In addition to the Sokos Hotels, there is a wide variety of alternative accommodation options with affordable prices. All accommodations can be viewed on the conference website at: http://ec2016.fi/accommodation/.
Venues The Headquarters Hotel will serve as the main location for the conference. The majority of daytime conference activities will be held in the Congress Centre of the hotel. Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Tampere offers an allnew hotel experience. The hotel is located in the heart of Tampere right next to the railway station. Opened in the autumn of 2014, the hotel pays homage to the Tampere’s history and its variety of famous city legends. Reaching a height of 88 meters, the modern hotel tower combined with old locomotive depots provide the best possible environment to experience Tampere, from local rock icons to sports heroes. Above: Tampere City Hall at night. Below: Aerial view of Tampere and the Näsijärvi Lake.
The hotel’s Congress Centre offers a unique setting for successful events and meetings. The hotel’s three restaurants and first-class breakfast provide delicious experiences. Located at the top of the tower on the 25th floor, Moro Sky Bar, and particularly its roof terrace, has become a popular place to look out over the city’s horizon. Destination: Tampere | Finland
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Conference Information Registration
Air Travel
Delegates are strongly encouraged to register online before
Tampere – Pirkkala Airport (TMP). Tampere – Pirkkala
arriving to Tampere. Upon arrival, registered delegates should
Airport receives direct flights from:
pick up their name badges at the Headquarters Hotel. The registration desk will be open: • Tuesday 14 June: 14:00 – 18:00 • Wednesday 15 June: 08:00 – 19:00 • Thursday 16 June: 08:00 – 18:00 Only delegates who register will be allowed to participate in conference events. Admission will be restricted to delegates wearing conference badges and holding event entry tickets, when necessary.
Conference delegates arriving to Tampere will fly into
• Helsinki, Finland
• Milan, Italy
• Stockholm, Sweden
• Bergamo, Italy
• Bremen, Germany
• Frankfurt, Germany
• London, England
• Hahn, Germany
Besides Tampere – Pirkkala Airport, the Helsinki-Vantaan Airport (HEL) in Helsinki (170 km from Tampere) has connections to several of the world’s major international airports. Conference Organizing Committee members will be available at both the Tampere – Pirkkala Airport and the
Travel Visa
Helsinki-Vantaan Airport on Wednesday 15 June and Thursday 16 June.
All participants are required to show a valid passport after passport holders, who may use an ID card valid for use as
Transportation to Your Hotel
a personal travel document. Citizens of some countries are
At the Tampere – Pirkkala Airport, there are taxi ranks in
required to obtain a travel visa from the Finnish Embassy or
front of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and a public phone
Consulate prior to traveling to Tampere.
free of cost for calling a taxi. Terminal 1 offers an Airport
arriving in Finland, with the exception of Schengen country
The most up-to-date travel visa information can be viewed on the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland’s website: http://bit.ly/1PYJias For further information, please contact the nearest Finnish Embassy or Consulate to confirm the travel visa regulations and requirements.
Transportation to Tampere Tampere constitutes the northernmost point of the triangle formed by Finland’s three major cities: Tampere, Helsinki and Turku. It is within easy reach, less than two hours by train or by car from both coastal cities and even more conveniently accessible by air, thanks to Tampere’s easily accessible flight connections both domestically and internationally.
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Taxi in case there are no taxis available. The trip to and from the city centre costs approximately 30 euros but can potentially be more expensive at night and on weekends. For the trip back to the airport, you can book an Airport Taxi by calling +358-100-4131. The taxi must be booked well in advance to take-off. Also, make sure to mention that the booking is for the Airport Taxi. The taxi collects people from the centre and has a fixed price of 19 euros per person. The Airport Taxi operates only to and from Terminal 1. There is a taxi service in the centre of Tampere that is available throughout the event. The telephone number of the taxi service is +358-100-4131.
There will also be a bus organized by the Conference Organizing Committee to both of the airports that can be reserved and paid for during registration at the
Conference Attire
Headquarters Hotel. Bus Service
National dress, dark business suits or tuxedos, cocktail or evening dresses are appropriate for:
Long-distance coaches operate from the Tampere bus
• Opening Ceremony
station, Hatanpään Valtatie 5–7. You can find updated
• JCI Awards Ceremony
information about connections, timetables, bus stops and
• Farewell Gala
tickets at: https://www.matkahuolto.fi/en/.
Business suits or national dress are appropriate for:
Tampere City Public Transport offers a great network in
• General Assemblies
Tampere and surrounding cities. More information about
• Other business sessions
tickets, timetables and routes can be found at the public transportation customer service located at Frenckellinaukio
Business casual dress is appropriate for:
2 B, next to Keskustori Central Square.
• JCI Official Courses, JCI Skills Development Courses, Forums and Workshops
By Water
• Regional Partnership Summit
Finland is accessible by ship from Sweden and Estonia. Swedish and Estonian cruises can serve as an excellent
Casual dress (unless otherwise indicated) is appropriate for:
addition to your 2016 JCI European Conference experience!
• National parties
Cruise-partner Tallink Silja offers a variety of options for
• Tourism
cruises before, during or after the conference. Please contact the Conference Organizing Committee for further details at ec2016@ec2016.fi.
About Tampere The Tampere region is one of Finland’s fastest growing centres. It consists of Tampere and the surrounding municipalities of Kangasala, Lempäälä, Nokia, Orivesi, Pirkkala, Vesilahti and Ylöjärvi. Tampere has a population of more than 220,000 while there are close to half a million people in the greater Tampere region. The population of Finland is just over five million. Sweden’s young monarch Gustavus III founded Tampere in 1779. Tampere has a monumental industrial history. The Finlayson cotton mill was the first large-scale industrial enterprise in Finland and it was in Finlayson’s factory hall where the first electric light was lit in the Nordic countries. Today, Tampere can be described as a centre of leading-edge technology, research, education, culture, sports and business. It is Finland’s third largest city as well as the largest inland city in the Nordic countries. Tampere is located on an isthmus between lakes Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi surrounded by beautiful ridge scenery. The Tammerkoski rapids are a nationally recognized landscape, and you can also enjoy the awarded lighting at Keskustori Central Square in the city centre.
Health
Telephone
There are no special requirements or recommendations for
The area code for Finland is +358. When calling abroad
vaccinations before traveling to Finland. For citizens of the
from Finland you must use the respective country code of
European Union, please note that your European Health
the country that you are calling. Rates for telephone calls,
Insurance Card entitles you to state provided medical
SMS-messages and roaming may vary depending on your
treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any
country of origin. Pre-paid telephone cards are available at
treatment provided is on equal terms as Finnish nationals.
a majority of kiosks and shops.
In terms of water, tap water is clean and drinkable in Finland. Destination: Tampere | Finland
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Internet Access
Currency In Finland, the local currency is the euro (EUR). Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport as well as at
There is a Wi-Fi connection available at every hotel. Additionally, there are plenty of hotspots around the city.
private exchange offices, which can be found throughout the city and are open from 09:00 to 18:00. In addition, traveler’s cheques and Eurocheques can be cashed at local banks, which are open between 09:00 and 17:00.
Electricity In Finland, the standard voltage is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz.
Credit cards
Plug Type C
Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are accepted in most Finnish restaurants and shops. Most credit cards can be used at Finnish ATMs that can be recognized by their name “Otto”. Plug Type F
Tipping Tipping is not part of Finnish service culture.
Attire in Tampere Car rentals
Finnish people wear quite relaxed and rather sporty
The following car rental companies have a rental service at the Tampere-Pirkkala Airport, located in Terminal 1: • Avis
• Scandia Rent
• Europcar
• Sixt
• Hertz
clothes. Common street wear is anything between business attires to jogging outfits. In summer, shorts and t-shirts are common.
Language
Your hotel can provide you with further information and
There are two official languages in Finland – Finnish and
contacts for car rentals.
Swedish. In the Tampere region the majority of people speak Finnish as their first language. Many people in
Time Zone GMT + 02:00 Hours
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Finland also speak English; therefore a tourist will manage well in Tampere using the English language. Most tourist information is available in English.
Weather June in Tampere can be anything between rain and shine. The temperature ranges between 15ºC to 25ºC. It is recommended to be prepared for all weather conditions while traveling to Finland.
Cultural Notes Finnish Values Equality and fairness are important values for Finns. In Finnish society, everyone is equal and must be treated fairly. Honesty is highly valued in Finland. It is important to always keep your promises and adhere to agreements. For Finns, dishonesty is the worst vice imaginable. Work and diligence are held in high regard.
JCI Sales
Punctuality is important in Finland. When you have a meeting, it is essential to
Don’t forget to visit the JCI Sales
arrive at the agreed time. If you have made an appointment with an official or
booth to purchase one-of-a-kind
doctor, for example, it is especially important to be there on time.
JCI merchandise! These items serve as great souvenirs or as
Meeting and Greeting
gifts for a friend who couldn’t
Handshaking is a common way of greeting in Finland. In large cities, you do not
attend. Limited Edition JCI 100th
normally greet people other than your acquaintances. Friends or relatives may
Anniversary items, including the
also greet by hugging. However, cheek kissing is not common.
JCI 100th Anniversary publication
In Finland, it is important to look those you are talking to in the eye. People who
and pins, are still available! Shop
look down or to the side may be thought of as being dishonest.
JCI Sales at the Sokos Hotel Torni.
Finns are not very quick to strike up conversations with strangers. For this
Check out the JCI store to explore
reason, Finns may initially appear quiet and cold.
the types of items you will see at
The Finnish style of speech is direct and straightforward. Finns tend to
JCI sales by visiting:
state things directly and honestly. In Finland, it is expected that people truly
jci-store.myshopify.com/.
mean what they say. People will believe what you say and expect you to act accordingly. Eating and Drinking Finns eat fairly common European food consisting mostly of meat, fish, potatoes, rice or pasta. It is common to eat two warm meals a day, lunch and dinner. In Finland, adults often drink milk with their meals. Finns drink a lot of coffee. Coffee is nearly always served at celebrations, for example. People often drink coffee at workplace meetings. Sauna The sauna is an important part of Finnish culture. The sauna is for purification and relaxation. Many Finns use the sauna every week. People bathe in the sauna with family members, friends and business partners alike. There will be plenty of possibilities to enjoy the Finnish sauna and a swim in a Finnish lake during the conference.
Destination: Tampere | Finland
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Explore Tampere Näsinneula Tower
Rupriikki Media Museum
Overseeing Lake Näsijärvi, this observation tower is the
Located in the Vapriikki Museum Centre beside the
tallest freestanding structure in Finland and the tallest
picturesque Tammerkoski rapids, the Rupriikki Media
observation tower in the Nordic countries at a hight of 168
Museum is devoted to showcasing the history of media
metres. It was built in 1970–1971 by Pekka Ilveskoski, and
and mass communication. A variety of collections feature
the design was inspired by the Space Needle in Seattle,
radios, telephones, computers, cell phones and press
USA. The elevator ride to the top takes 27 seconds where
materials through the ages. The museum also hosts a
you will find a revolving restaurant providing diners an
permanent, interactive exhibition to help tell the story of the
exceptional 360 degree view of the lake and Särkänniemi
development of mass communication through newspapers,
Amusement Park. Beacon lights at the top of the tower will
television, games and other media. Vapriikki is also home
also give you the daily weather forecast!
to the Natural History Museum of Tampere, the Doll Museum, the Finnish Hock Hall of Fame, among others.
Särkänniemi Amusement Park The 25-acre Särkänniemi Amusement Park is a multi-
Kuokkalankoski River
purpose park for people of all ages that opened in 1969.
In Lempäälä, visitors to the Kuokkalankoski River can
The park features a variety of rides, including roller coasters
enjoy a variety of water sports and relaxing water activities.
and water rides, as well as a dolphinarium, children’s zoo,
Try riverfloating, the most well-known river activity, which
planetarium, art museum, observation tower and aquarium
allows you to float for 1,4 km while staying completely dry!
that is home to more than 3000 animals representing 200
The floating sauna provides a soothing river experience
different species. Särkänniemi is the second most popular
while Waterwalkerz-ball allows you to walk or run on
amusement park in Finland attracting more than 1,100,000
the waters surface while contained in a transparent ball.
visitors per year.
Kuokkalankoski River offers visitors a unique experience and a variety of water sports for people of all ages.
Näsijärvi Lake Trail The Näsijärvi Lake Trail features a network of bicycle
Rajaportti Sauna
trails and is perfect for those who are seeking adventure.
Built in 1906 by Hermanni Lahtinen and his wife Maria,
Whether you are biking or hiking, enjoy the beautiful
Rajaportii Sauna is the oldest public, wood-burning, sauna
surrounding landscape, get a taste of local cuisine and
still in use throughout Finland. The Rajaportii Sauna is
culture, or bask in the serenity of nature on your journey.
located in the old workers’ quarters in Pispala and has
For those who would like to further explore the lake, cruise
remained almost completely unaltered since its founding.
on a steamship for a more relaxing tour of all the sights or
The only change has included the construction of a wall to
to shorten your trip!
separate the men’s and women’s facilities. Following your conference experience, enjoy this venue of relaxation and tranquility alone or with a group of friends. To enhance your visit to this historical destination, make sure to stop by the adjoining cafe and bakery to discover traditional Finnish cuisine.
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Photo below: Late 19th century Orthodox Church in Tampere, Finland built in Russian romantic style, with onion style cupolas.
Tourism Resources A variety of sight-seeing tours and programs have been created by JCI members across Finland for before, during and after the conference. Some of the programs are free of charge, while others have a fee. Learn more and register by visiting: http://ec2016.fi/programme/. Below are additional sites to discover Finland: • www.visitfinland.com • www.visittampere.fi For help with any tourism plans, please contact the Conference Organizing Committee at ec2016@ec2016.fi.
Conference Key Events Global Goals Session Thursday 16 June 16:15 – 18:15 Room: 10 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni Regional Partnership Summit Friday 17 June 10:00 – 13:00 Room: Raide 2 & 3 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni National Secretary General’s Session
Opening Ceremony At the Opening Ceremony of the 2016 JCI European Conference, National Presidents and heads of delegations will greet delegates, represent their countries and showcase their
Impact Forums and Sessions Discover how young people around Europe and JCI partners are creating a better world with their actions!
traditional costumes. Come cheer for your National Organization, enjoy
First Timers Orientation
the first day of the celebrations with
Wednesday 15 June 16:30 – 17:30 Room: 10 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni
entertainment and connect with the JCI community. Wednesday 15 June 19:00 – 20:30 Venue: Tampere Hall
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JCI Morning Show Thursday 16 June 09:00 – 10:00 Room: Raide 2 & 3 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni
Saturday 18 June 09:00 – 10:30 Room: 6 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni
National Presidents Meeting and General Assemblies See the major decisions your National Representatives will make this year to create impact across Europe! National Presidents Meeting Wednesday 15 June 09:00 – 12:30 Room: Raide 2 & 3 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni General Assembly I
Community Coalition Building Workshop: Collaborations for Peace
Thursday 16 June 14:00 – 17:00 Room: Raide 2 & 3 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni
Thursday 16 June 14:00 – 16:00 Room: 10 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni
General Assembly II Friday 17 June 14:00 – 17:00 Room: Raide 2 & 3 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni
Session Spotlight
JCI Programs JCI members are challenged to show their impact at the international level. Don’t miss the most exciting competitions and seize the opportunity to share the best practices in the conference! JCI World Public Speaking Championship Thursday 16 June 16:00 – 18:00 Room: 7 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni
Do not miss out on attending the Community Coalition Building Workshop: Collaborations for Peace! The workshop will provide participants with an understanding of what coalition building is, how the JCI Active Citizen Framework can be used to unite stakeholders from all sectors of society toward sustainable impact, and the skills
JCI World Debating Championship
needed to build a community
Friday 17 June French: 14:00 – 16:00 English: 16:15 – 19:00 Room: 8 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni
coalition committed to creating
JCI Twinning Ceremony Saturday 18 June 10:00 – 11:00 Room: 7 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni
an everlasting world peace. Thursday 16 June 14:00 – 16:00 Room: 10 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni
JCI Awards Ceremony and Farewell Gala Saturday 18 June 18:00 – 00:00 Room: A-hall Venue: Tampere Exhibition and Sports Centre
Destination: Tampere | Finland
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National Nights and Parties
Trade Show
JCI members work hard all day to improve themselves and the world around
Make sure to discover the 2016 JCI
them, but there’s no reason we can’t party too. Bring your name badge to get
European Conference Trade Show!
inside, where you’ll find friends from all over Europe enjoying the native food and
If you’re an active consumer, you
drink of the host JCI National Organization. Check your schedule for times and
will enjoy exploring the Trade
venues, or just wait until nightfall and follow the crowds.
Shows wide variety of European products and services.
Welcome Party
Swiss Night
Wednesday 15 June 20:30 – 00:30 Room: Sorsapuistosali Venue: Tampere Hall
Friday 17 June 20:00 – 01:30 Room: Pakkahuone Hall Venue: Pakkahuone
After Party I
After Party II
Wednesday 15 June 23:30 – 03:30 Venue: Nightclub Ilona
Friday 17 June 01:30 – 03:30 Venue: Nightclub Ilves
Latvia – Canada Night
Farewell Gala After Party
Thursday 16 June 20:00 – 03:30 Venues: Jackie Brown, Hullu Poro & Sami Hintsasen Viihteellä Restaurant and Karaoke Koskikeskus
Saturday 18 June 00:00 – 03:30 Venue: Nightclub Union
Conference Organizing Committee For any questions regarding the 2016 JCI European Conference, contact: ec2016@ec2016.fi.
Trade Show Hours Thursday 16 June: 10:00–18:00 Friday 17 June: 10:00–18:00 Venue Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Conference Center
Emergency Contact In the case of an emergency, please dial 112, for fire, rescue, ambulance and police services in Tampere. More information on use of these emergency services can be found by visiting: http://bit.ly/1MkJsOW.