Accompanying Persons' Program

Whilst no specific program will be organized for accompanying persons, the DoubleTree Hotel Concièrge or the local tourist office offer a very wide range of tours, visits, excursions and activities. Accompanying Persons are therefore encouraged to make use of these facilities, and to plan their own schedule.

Accompanying persons are welcome to attend the Receptions on the Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, and are also welcome to participate in the visit to the Kennedy Space Center.

There is an official visit on Thursday 23 September to the Kennedy Space Center - tickets issued for this visit are valid until Friday 24 September inclusive.

Arrival in Orlando

Orlando International Airport offers direct flights to many countries worldwide. There are also excellent domestic flight connections to all major US airports. The DoubleTree Hotel is about 19 km from the Airport and Mears Transportation (Tel. +1 407 839-1570), is the designated ground carrier located on Level 1. Round trip shuttle transportation to the DoubleTree Hotel costs $26.00 for adults and $17.00 for children. Details on Mears web site.

Alternatively, a taxi costs approximately, $45 each way.

Climate

Orlando Weather is tropical, with high humidity, and high heat prevalent through most of the year. The rainy season ends at the end of September and the weather becomes more pleasant. The normal high temperature for Orlando during September is 33 °C and the normal low temperature is 23 °C.

Currency, Banking, Credit cards

The currency is, of course, the US Dollar (USD). Visitors can change foreign currency at banks, bureaux de change or at most hotels. The easiest currencies to exchange are Pounds Sterling and Euros.

Travellers Cheques are widely accepted, and many hotels, travel agencies, and restaurants accept credit cards. Most banks are equipped to advance cash on credit cards.

There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into the USA.

Electricity

The electricity supply in the USA is 120 V AC, 60 Hz. If you travel to the USA with a device that does not accept 120 Volts at 60 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter. Outlets are 2 pin rectangular:

Internet access

There will be free wifi access in the DoubleTree Hotel lobby, in the meeting room, and in an internet café located in the hotel. The daily charge for wifi in all guest rooms is $12.95.

Languages

The CIML Meeting will be conducted in English with simultaneous interpretation into French and vice-versa.

Lunches and refreshment breaks

Lunch will be served Tuesday through Friday (a lunchbox will be provided on the Thursday due to the Kennedy Space Center visit schedule). Morning refreshments will be served Tuesday through Friday, and afternoon refreshments will be served Tuesday through Thursday.

Meeting documents

Delegates should please note that no paper documents will be available for the CIML Meeting; all the CIML Meeting documents will be made available for download via the CIML Meeting Agenda page.

Time zone

Orlando standard time is UTC - 5 hours (Daylight saving time: +1 hour). Local time, and various other information concerning Orlando (and indeed all other cities in the world) can be found at the World Time and Date web site.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory in the USA, although guides, drivers, waiters and hotel staff can be tipped at your discretion if you feel the level of service provided warrants a tip. Generally 15-20 % is the amount given as a tip for example to taxi drivers and waiters/waitresses.