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20th symposium of the Nematological Society of Southern Africa - First announcement


The Nematological Society of Southern Africa (NSSA) will be presenting its 20th symposium at the Spier Estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Registration will commence Sunday evening (15 May 2011) with conference closure scheduled for 18 May 2011.

The venue for the conference is the attractive Spier Estate, situated in the Cape Winelands, about 10 km from the town of Stellenbosch and 40 km from Cape Town. The region is situated in the famous Cape Floristic Region, with many opportunities for nature-based tourism. Within walking distance of the Conference Venue, is the Spier Hotel, built in 2000, is a place in which to relax and unwind. The 155-bedroom hotel is built on the banks of the Eerste River and has panoramic views of the Helderberg Mountains and vineyards. The Spier Hotel provides four star comforts in a charming village-style setting with comfortable, spacious bedrooms grouped around six private courtyards and individual pools. Spier puts its focus on sustainability and wherever possible locally made and environmentally friendly products are used. Spier also offers stimulating experiences, from exploring the collection of contemporary South African and African art to discovering the art in Spier’s wines. Guests can wander around the extensive grounds, landscaped with indigenous plants, or ramble along the river banks, watching the bird life or simply enjoy the peace. Guests at Spier have a number of leisure options to choose from. Nowhere else in the Cape would you have access, within easy walking distance, to a Wine Centre, a seasonal open-air theatre, swimming pools, a spa, children’s activities, craft exhibitions, wildlife encounters, horse riding and a nearby a golf course – and yet still be in the heart of the Winelands. The extensive range of services include 24 hour Internet access, Travel and tour desk, 24 hour room service, foreign exchange, laundry & dry cleaning, safes & golf carts to transport you to your room.

 

 

 

Registration

Presentations

Accomodation

Important dates

Contact details

 

SYMPOSIUM OBJECTIVES
The symposium will be focusing on the science of Nematology, including review lectures, latest research and the impact of nematodes on agriculture. The interaction between the science of Nematology and related commercial activities will also be addressed. Networking opportunities within and between the scientific and business communities will be plentiful.

SYMPOSIUM FORMAT
The congress will include paper and poster sessions. Workshops and discussion groups on new or interesting topics can be organized. Each day will start with a plenary lecture by a recognized authority. Strong international involvement is being planned.

REGISTRATION COSTS

 
Early
Standard
Late
Full registration
R2500
R3000
R3850
Students
R750
R1000
R1250
Single day
R750
R750
R750

The registration fee includes the following:
• 24-month membership to the NSSA (R1000)
• Full conference package of mid-morning tea, mid-afternoon tea and lunch
• Congress material
• Welcome function and symposium dinner
• Gala dinner

Early registration will be from 10 May 2010 to 12 September 2010. Standard registration opens 13 August 2010 and extends to 18 February 2011. Late registration applies from 19 February 2011 onward. You can download the registration form here.

PRESENTATIONS
Participants planning to present an oral or poster on any aspect of the science of Nematology are encouraged to submit their tentative title(s) from 17 May 2010 using our on-line submission form. Authors who would prefer or are ready to submit their abstract(s) at this stage, are welcome to do so.

ACCOMMODATION
We have negotiated a very favourable Symposium accommodation rate for delegates preferring to stay at Spier Hotel. Spier has moved over to an electronic booking system and delegates would need to book their accommodation on their website (www.spier.co.za). Once your booking is confirmed they will forward you a special booking code which delegates need to enter on the website in order to qualify for the above discounted rates.
Delegates have until 1 February 2011 to make their reservations after which time the rooms on the block booking will be released to the general public. Reservations received after this date or after the group block has been filled, will be acceptable on a room available basis only. Accommodation includes open buffet breakfast.

Stellenbosch also offers a wide range of alternative accommodation and a few links to useful websites are provided below. As Stellenbosch does not have scheduled public transport, delegates staying in town would require own transport. We will however arrange morning pick-ups and evening drops from 1 pick-up point in Stellenbosch. In the event of an evening function, we will only provide the drop-off after the function. Service will start from Sunday afternoon for registration through to Wednesday. Delegates wishing to make use of this service should note that we recommend you to book at the guesthouses listed below, as they are conveniently close to the pick-up point. For delegates preferring guesthouse accommodation, our pick-up point will be on the corner of Plein & Neethling Street. Please book at the following guesthouses:
Bonne Esperance 15 rooms (www.bonneesperance.com)
Caledon Villa, 15 rooms (www.caledonvilla.co.za)
Roosenwijn, 10 rooms (www.stellenguest.co.za)
Fynbos Villa 14 rooms (www.fynbosguesthouse.co.za)
Life & Leisure self-catering units & studios are great value (www.lifeandleisure.co.za)

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IMPORTANT DATES
Early registration ends 12 September 2010
Standard registration ends 18 February 2011
Abstract submission closing date 18 February 2011

CONTACT DETAILS
20th NSSA, PO BOX 5600, Helderberg, 7135, South Africa
Retha Venter, Tel + 27 21 8554472, Fax +27 21 8552722
E-mail: reventer@netactive.co.za

 

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6 May, 2010