invitation - association of mutual insurers and insurance ... congress2016... · ... it will only...

28
GENT 1-3/06 2016 Invitation #MutualValues: securing the future

Upload: vocong

Post on 19-Mar-2018

216 views

Category:

Documents


2 download

TRANSCRIPT

GENT 1-3/062016

Invitation

#MutualValues: securing the future

02-Amice 210x210.indd 1 4/12/15 09:41

02-Amice 210x210.indd 2 4/12/15 09:41

SummaryWELCOME

CONGRESS PROGRAMME

VISIT GHENT

HOTELS

SOCIAL PROGRAMME

GENERAL INFORMATION

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

02-Amice 210x210.indd 3 4/12/15 09:41

02-Amice 210x210.indd 4 4/12/15 09:41

Hilde VernaillenAMICE President

Dear friends,

It is with great pride and pleasure that we invite you to Belgium and the beautiful city of Ghent for the fi fth AMICE Congress!

In June 2016, Ghent will be the place to be for all European mutual and cooperative insurers: the place to gather with your peers to discuss business issues, to debate current affairs with European policymakers, to interact with experts, and also simply to enjoy the renowned Belgian hospitality during the social activities.

The 2016 Congress is being organised by the Belgian Association of Mutual and Cooperative insurers (VVOV/UAAM). Representatives of Belgian mutuals and cooperatives are working very hard to prepare the congress. However, it will only be a success if many of you join us!

How can mutual values help us secure the future for our members, clients and businesses? The answer to this question will be the red thread throughout the four congress sessions:• Mutuals protect customers by nature (not just by law): a session about EU legislation and

taking into account the mutual difference• Is the mutual business model an inspiration for others? And what can we learn from

others?• How will digitalisation affect the way mutual and cooperative insurers do business?• How can mutual/cooperative insurers ensure their economic model is sustainable by

maintaining capital?

For every session, an outside expert will set the tone, followed by case studies from the mutual and cooperative insurance sector. You will be provided with plenty of food for thought and occasions to share your views. Don’t miss the interventions from a very inspirational keynote speaker and from the European Supervisory Authority!

As President of AMICE and President of the hosting association, we are very pleased to invite our fellow mutual and cooperative insurers to Ghent. We are convinced that this Congress will be a great occasion to boost your mutual appetite and fi tness!

We hope to see many of you in Ghent in June.

Hilde Vernaillen Bernard ThiryPresident of AMICE President of VVOV/UAAM

Bernard ThiryVVOV-UAAM President(Association of Belgian Mutual and Cooperative Insurers)

02-Amice 210x210.indd 5 4/12/15 09:41

02-Amice 210x210.indd 6 4/12/15 09:41

Event outlineWednesday, 1 June 2016 Venues

13.00 - 18.00 Registration & information Het Pand

13.30 - 17.00 AMICE Board meeting Ghent Marriott Hotel

19.00 - 22.00 Welcome reception for Congress delegates and partners Ghent City Hall

Thursday, 2 June 2016

08.30 - 18.00 Registration & information Het Pand

09.00 - 10.30 AMICE General Meeting Het Pand

10.30 - 11.00 Break

11.00 - 13.00 Opening Session Het Pand

13.00 - 14.00 Lunch

14.00 - 15.30 Session I: Mutuals, protecting our customers by nature

15.30 - 16.00 Break

16.00 - 17.30 Session II: The mutual business model as inspiration for others?

20.00 - 22.30 Gala dinner for Congress delegates and partners Ghent Opera

Friday, 3 June 2016

09.30 - 11.00 Session III: Mutuals evolving in a digital world Het Pand

11.00 - 11.30 Break

11.30 - 13.00 Session IV: Securing mutual capital to finance the future

13.00 - 13.30 Closing Session

13.30 - 14.30 Lunch

02-Amice 210x210.indd 7 4/12/15 09:41

Congress programmeDay one: Thursday 2 June 2016

Opening Session

Session I: Mutuals, protecting our customers by nature

Much of the recent legislation at EU level has stemmed from a stated desire to protect the consumer: from the reporting elements of Solvency II, to the data protection regulation or the distribution directive. Mutual and cooperative insurers have a particular relationship with their member-customers which should make adapting to the new legislation easier. However, our business model is not always taken into account when legislation is drafted.

This session is the opportunity to advocate for legal recognition of the mutual and cooperative model.

Session II: The mutual business model as inspiration for others?

Mutuality has existed for hundreds of years but what does it mean today? Are its values, philosophy, and identity still valid? Can we learn from societal trends such as the collaborative economy which resemble mutuality? Has the mutual model been surpassed by these new trends or does it fi nd itself more than ever on the leading edge of modernity?

This session is the opportunity to promote the mutual model as the natural solution for business for the benefi t of European citizens.

02-Amice 210x210.indd 8 4/12/15 09:41

Day two: Friday 3 June 2016

Session III: Mutuals evolving in a digital world

How much will digitalisation affect the way mutual and cooperative insurers do business? Can we maintain our mutuality if transactions are increasingly on-line since ‘virtual’ proximity no longer has the same value? Or can the sector provide innovative services thanks to the use of technology while ensuring that members’ interests come fi rst?

This session is the opportunity to show that the mutual model has a future as well as a past.

Session IV: Securing mutual capital to fi nance the future

Mutual and cooperative insurers are proud of their model which ensures member-customers’ needs are central since the member-customers own/control the company rather than outside capital-holders. This also means however that it is more complicated for mutuals and cooperatives to gain access to capital rapidly. Moreover, recent and ongoing changes, such as Solvency II legislation or low interest rates, mean capital maintenance is even more vital for the sector. How can mutual/cooperative insurers protect their (members’) capital against outside interests? Do they need to envisage changes to the business model?

This session will assist mutual and cooperative insurers in adapting to the future.

Closing Session

02-Amice 210x210.indd 9 4/12/15 09:41

Good reasons to come to the 2016 AMICE Congress in GhentGhent is considered one of the most beautiful historical cities in Europe. The city combines an impressive past with a vivid present. You will hardly ever see such a diversity of architectural styles and treasures, most of which are protected as national heritage by UNESCO. Strolling through Ghent often coincides with an adventurous journey through history. This beautiful historical city - deservedly the most pleasant one of Flanders - has dozens of unique buildings, representing 1,000 years of history.

Did you know that...

• Ghent was awarded seventh place on the Must-See list in Lonely Planet’s “Best in Travel”.

• National Geographic Traveller Magazine ranked Ghent as the third most authentic destination in a list of 109 nominees.

• Ghent scored 64 % on the Creative City Index, which refl ects a city’s creative heartbeat. In fact the city obtained the second highest score of all the cities that had been analysed.

• The Belgian cooperative movement was founded in Ghent.

Assets and highlights

Ghent is still a well-kept secret and is defi nitely worth a visit. Visitors who are already familiar with the city have become loyal ambassadors. Ghent has so much more to offer than the Castle of the Counts and the splendid views of Graslei and Korenlei. It offers a unique combination of authenticity, creativity and natural local fl air. It was crowned UNESCO City of Music and Veggie Capital of Europe. What’s more, it’s a human-scale city in the heart of Flanders with added value thanks to its many waterways.

02-Amice 210x210.indd 10 4/12/15 09:41

What makes Ghent unique?

First of all its excellent location. And of course the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, the tryptych by the Van Eyck brothers that is displayed at St Bavo’s Cathedral. Moreover, Ghent is the only city with a lighting plan, which illuminates the streets and buildings at night, showcasing them from a different angle. Ghent is also the festival city of Flanders, boasting the largest outdoor city festival in Europe. And if you’re a fan of flowers, you’ll undoubtedly know that Ghent hosts a highly prestigious flower exhibition, the Floralies. Last but not least: which other city has a real castle in its city centre?

Why Ghent, according to others?

For a while now, Ghent has been working on earning a reputation as a culinary hotspot, as veggie capital of Europe and as host city of the Flemish Foodies and other culinary talents with a touch of rock ‘n’ roll, who feel right at home in the city. The result? Ghent is becoming the place to be for foodies, with an eye for new, no-nonsense talents!

Ghent - Medieval Manhattan

The city of Ghent combines an impressive past and a vivid present. It can be no coincidence that Ghent, capital of East Flanders, is known by different names: historic heart of Flanders, a city of all times, medieval Manhattan.

Ghent was founded in the 7th century, on the confluence of the rivers Scheldt and Lys, and called ‘Ganda’. During the Middle Ages, Ghent was a leading town.

The Castle of the Counts, the Cathedral with the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (Van Eyck), the Belfry and the Ghent Opera, are only a small selection of the numerous places of interest Ghent has to offer.

02-Amice 210x210.indd 11 4/12/15 09:41

Congress Venue Het PandThe 2016 AMICE Congress will be organised in “Het Pand”, which is located next to St. Michael’s church, in the city centre of Ghent.

You will be guests in a beautiful building that started as a hospital for the poor in the 13th century, then became a cloister for the Dominican friars, and after serving as a Peugeot garage in the sixties, is now the conference centre of the University of Ghent.

02-Amice 210x210.indd 12 4/12/15 09:41

HotelsWe have selected 4 hotels within walking distance of the Congress venue “Het Pand”.

Hotel Ghent Marriott****Korenlei 10, 9000 Ghenthttp://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/gnemc-ghent-marriott-hotel/

The Ghent Marriott is located in the historic heart of Ghent, and overlooks the Korenlei and Graslei on the banks of the river Lys. The Ghent Marriott is recognised by Tripadvisor and Marriott Europe as the best hotel of Belgium and best property in terms of guest satisfaction.

Single: 159 Euro Double: 179 Euro Including room, breakfast and VAT + City tax of 3 Euro /night/person

The Sandton Grand Hotel Reylof Ghent****Hoogstraat 36, 9000 Ghenthttp://www.sandton.eu/sandton-grand-hotel-reylof/en/

Grand Hotel Reylof is the crown jewel amongst the premier hotels in Ghent. A hotel that will surprise you with its perfect blend of authentic and original design, comfort and luxury, with an excellent restaurant to match. All at a stone’s throw from Ghent’s historic centre.

Single: 159 Euro Double: 176 Euro Including room, breakfast and VAT + City tax of 3 Euro /night/person

02-Amice 210x210.indd 13 4/12/15 09:41

Hotel NH Ghent Belfort****Hoogpoort 63, 9000 Ghenthttp://www.nh-hotels.com/hotel/nh-gent-belfort

The NH Ghent Belfort hotel puts leisure travellers right in the heart of the city. A 5-minute walk takes you to sights like the cathedral, castle and belfry, plus you’ve got all the bars and restaurants you need just outside the door. There are 174 rooms, in a choice of Standard, Superior and Executive. Some rooms are in a classic style with carpet, while others have a more contemporary look and a hardwood floor. As well as a bar and restaurant for relaxing, there’s a terrace that’s lovely to sit out at during the warmer months and a sauna in the fitness area.

Single: 139 Euro Double: 154 Euro Including room, breakfast and VAT + City tax of 3 Euro /night/person

IBIS Ghent centre Opera Hotel***Nederkouter 24 -26, 9000 Ghenthttp://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-1455-ibis-gent-centrum-opera/index.shtml

The Ibis Ghent centre Opera hotel is situated in the Ghent shopping centre, close to the opera house and a short walk from the congress venue. The heart of Ghent’s historical centre, with St. Bavo’s Cathedral and St James’ Church, is just steps away. The hotel offers 134 air-conditioned rooms, including three for guests with reduced mobility.

Single: 99 Euro Double: 116 Euro Including room, breakfast and VAT + City tax of 3 Euro /night/person

02-Amice 210x210.indd 14 4/12/15 09:41

u The Ghent Marriott Hotel

v The Sandton Grand Hotel Reylof Ghent

w The Hotel NH Ghent Belfort

x The IBIS centre Opera Hotel

a Congress Venue: Het Pand

b Ghent Opera

c City Hall Ghent

02-Amice 210x210.indd 15 4/12/15 09:41

02-Amice 210x210.indd 16 4/12/15 09:41

Welcome receptionWednesday 1 June 2016

19.00 - 22.00

Welcome reception for delegates and accompanying persons in the City Hall of Ghent

Punctuated by narrow bays, the 1618 façade of the magistrate’s chambers was infl uenced by the Gothic style. Only the capitals of the superimposed columns derive from the Italian Renaissance, inspired by those of the Roman Coliseum. Other buildings were added in the 18th century, forming an enormous quadrilateral with interior courtyards.Charles the Fifth abdicated in the Throne Room in 1555 in favour of his son Philip II. There followed a reign and a moment of history that the people of Ghent will never forget, marked by the religious intolerance of the absolute monarch. Above the throne hangs the portrait of Joseph II, the sovereign of enlightened despotism, against whom they also revolted.

The City Hall of Ghent is the centre of political power of the City. Our reception at the invitation of the Mayor will take place in the “Pacifi catie zaal”, referring to the signing of a peace treaty between Spain and the low countries in 1576.

Gala dinner Thursday 2 June 2016

20.00 - 22.30

Gala dinner at the Ghent Opera

Ghent in 1836 was in the middle of its Industrial Revolution and a number of captains of Industry decided that they needed a place to be seen and to meet their colleagues outside the context of work. The Opera building or “Franschen schouwburg”, as it was called in the city, was created by architect Roelandt. As Ghent had very good relations with Paris, everything started with artists from Paris. A romantic dream realized by the Parisian artists Philastre and Cambon ... The Opera House of Ghent became the centre of the night life of the City for the rich and famous of a very young country: Belgium, that was born in 1830.

The gala dinner will take place in the sumptuous Lully and Redoute room of the Ghent Opera.

02-Amice 210x210.indd 17 4/12/15 09:41

Delegates’ and accompanying persons’ activityFriday 3 June 2016

15.00 - 17.30

Walking tour of the City of Ghent

We will visit the historic city centre of Ghent in small groups. Why does this city have 3 names ? Gent – Gand –Ghent ..? In the Middle Ages Ghent was sometimes referred to as the Medieval Manhattan with its towers Saint Michael’s Church, Saint Nicolas’ Church, the Belfry and Saint Bavo’s Cathedral.Ghent is one of the few cities where you can fi nd a medieval castle in the centre. This medieval stronghold in the heart of the city was built by a crusader count of Flanders in the 12th century on top of an earlier fortress.From the 14th to the 18th century it was the seat of the Supreme Law Court. Now a museum, it contains a collection of medieval arms and one of torture instruments.You will admire architecture from the Middle Ages to the 21st century, lovely squares and quays, interesting sights wherever you look.The cathedral is full of works of art, including the world famous altar piece The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers.

02-Amice 210x210.indd 18 4/12/15 09:41

Excursions for accompanying personsThursday 2 June 2016 - Visit of Antwerp : Fashion & Rubens

09.00 - 17.00

This walk is a cultural exploration of Antwerp as a vibrant lifestyle city that takes you past contemporary design, architecture and history icons. During this tour you will stop at shops, buildings and other places that were instrumental in the development of Antwerp as an international trend-setting fashion centre. If Belgium equates beer and chocolate, Antwerp (in addition) stands for fashion.

FashionAntwerp is a shoppers’ paradise. The fashionwalk, combining the history of fashion with great shopping addresses, is a must for all fashionistas.In the 1980’s, six young talented fashion designers conquered the international fashion scene. The “Antwerp Six” were born: Walter Van Beirendonck, Ann Demeulemeester, Dirk Bikkembergs , Dries Van Noten , Dirk Van Saene and Marina Yee. The Antwerp Modenatie with the Fashion Academy and

the Fashion Museum MOMU is the heart of today’s fashion scene. Window shopping from classy boutiques with designer-collections to trendy shops with eye-catching silhouettes and pioneers in the “vintage”- circuit, we follow the creative and fascinating trail of Antwerp fashion.

RubensAntwerp was home to Peter Paul Rubens, Belgium’s most infl uential artist in the early 17th century. Museums and churches around the city display some of his most famous paintings such as “The Descent from the Cross” (1612). One of Antwerp’s most prized possessions is the artist’s home, which also served as a studio where Rubens taught and worked. The Rubens House is still a very fi ne evocation of 17th century reality.The artist’s home enables visitors to discover Rubens’ multifaceted talent: the painter, architect and diplomat, the collector and scientist, the husband and father.

Programme09.00 Transfer from Ghent to Antwerp.10.15 Visit of the MOMU (Fashion Museum), walk in the neighbouring streets which also

breathe fashion: The Kammenstraat, the Nationalestraat, the Schuttershofstraat13.00 Lunch in local restaurant: 3 courses & drinks included14.30 Visit of Rubens house: Step into the shoes of the leading Baroque artist of his era.

Rubens and his family lived in this palatial setting for well over 25 years and it is here that the artist created the lion’s share of his work.

16.00 Drive back from Antwerp to Ghent.17.00 Arrive in Ghent.

02-Amice 210x210.indd 19 4/12/15 09:41

Friday 3 June 2016 - Culinary Walk: a taste of Ghent...

09.00 - 12.00

We discover the culinary side of Ghent. Starting at the “Oud Vleeshuis” where we get to know some local specialities from the region of Ghent and the province of East-Flanders, we continue by having a try at making the real “Belgian Chocolate” during a workshop.

02-Amice 210x210.indd 20 4/12/15 09:41

Post-congress toursSaturday 4 June 2016 - Optional post-congress tours

The organisers propose a choice of two optional post-congress tours after the Congress. These require separate registration and payment.

Option 1Ghent: The Story of Ghent (STAM)In the morning we concentrate on the famous story of the Van Eyck painting of the Adoration of the Lamb: how the painting was made, stolen during World War II, returned and partly stolen again by a citizen of Ghent.In the afternoon we go by boat to the STAM museum to learn more about the city of Ghent. Visit of the Bijloke site – Muziekcentrum.

10.00 Meet at the Marriott hotel10.30 Visit of the Cathedral, the Vijdt-kapel and the Adoration of the Lamb (original)12.30 Lunch in a local restaurant: three courses and drinks included14.00 Visit STAM (Stadsmuseum Gent)+ the complete Bijloke- site, School of Arts, Muziekcentrum and Poortgebouw.17:00 Return to the Marriott HotelCost = 75 Euro

Option 2Ypres: The silent witness of the Great War or World War IDuring the entire war period, from 1914 up to 1918, Ypres was the scene of some of the most important battles in the first World War, later referred to as the Great War.During this walk the guide takes the group to the main WWI sites in the centre of Ypres. The moving Menin Gate, the Irish Cross and the sober Saint Georges Memorial Church are vivid witnesses of the war past in the city. Along the way, the story of the war and the reconstruction is told. This walk is an excellent introduction to the visit of the “In Flanders Fields” museum.

10:00 Departure from Ghent11:30 Arrival in Ypres and guided walk through Ypres12.30 Lunch in a local restaurant: three courses and drinks included14:00 Visit to the “In Flanders Fields” museum17:00 Return to Ghent18:00 Arrive in GhentCost = 85 Euro The tour includes coach transportation, guides full day, VAT, lunch with drinks, city map per person, entrance fees, sites that are planned during the day.

02-Amice 210x210.indd 21 4/12/15 09:41

General information

BadgeYour personal name badge is your entrance ticket to all sessions and other activities of the AMICE Congress. Please remember to wear this badge at all times during the congress and the social activities.

At the back of your badge is a number that you can call during the congress in case of emergencies.

Banks and Post OfficeMost banks open at 09.00 and close around 16.00, Monday through Friday. They are generally closed for lunch between 12.00-14.00. Post offices are generally open between 09.00-16.00. The monetary unit used in Belgium is the Euro. Most services in Belgium accept major credit cards. Credit cards can also be used for withdrawing money in banks or from cash dispensers.

Congress informationInformation on the website will be updated on a regular basis: www.amicegent2016.eu tel: +32 9 233 86 60 e-mail: [email protected]

Dress codeThe dress code will be ‘smart business attire’ throughout the congress with the exception of the Gala dinner where the dress code will be ‘cocktail attire’.

Electrical supplyElectricity is supplied at 220 volts, 50 Hz. Some hotels provide 110 volts AC sockets for electric razors only. Plugs and sockets are the same as in the Continental countries of the European Union. British, Irish and non-European participants need plug adaptors for electrical appliances.

Emergency numbersIn Belgium- to contact the police dial 112- to contact the fire brigade dial 112- to contact the ambulance service dial 112

02-Amice 210x210.indd 22 4/12/15 09:41

FeesThe delegate fee includes the congress information folders, participation in all sessions, coffee/tea and lunches on Thursday and Friday, the Welcome reception on Wednesday and the Gala dinner on Thursday, as well as the walking tour on Friday afternoon.

The accompanying person’s fee includes the Welcome reception on Wednesday, the Gala dinner and the full day tour to Antwerp on Thursday, the Friday morning activity, lunch on Friday and the walking tour on Friday afternoon.

The following fees (including 21 % VAT) are valid for all registrations:Early bird fees (before 31 March 2016)AMICE member: 850 EuroNon-member 1,300 EuroAccompanying person’s fee: 450 Euro

Late fees (after 31 March 2016)AMICE member: 950 EuroNon-member: 1,300 EuroAccompanying person’s fee: 450 Euro

Payment of the total amount, including the hotel accommodation, should be made upon registration on-line (www.amicegent2016.eu). Please note that your registration will not be confirmed until your full payment has been received.

Cancellation of congress participation:All cancellations must be made in writing to [email protected] or by fax: +32 9 233 85 97.For cancellations received by 30 March 2016, there will be reimbursement of 100% of the fees paid. For cancellations received by 30 April 2016, 50 % of the fees will be reimbursed.No reimbursements will be made for cancellations received after 30 April.Please note that there will be no refund for no-shows.

02-Amice 210x210.indd 23 4/12/15 09:41

Hotel cancellations:All cancellations must be made in writing to [email protected] or by fax: +32-9-2338597.For cancellations received by 30 April 2016, there will be reimbursement of 100% of the amount paid. No reimbursements will be made for cancellations received after 30 April 2016.Please note that there will be no refund for no-shows.

Saturday Post-congress tour cancellations:All cancellations must be made in writing to [email protected] or by fax: +32-9-2338597.For cancellations received by 30 April 2016, there will be reimbursement of 100% of the amount paid. No reimbursements will be made for cancellations received after 30 April 2016.Please note that there will be no refund for no-shows.

How to get thereGhent is centrally located in Europe, at the crossroads of highways between Amsterdam, Paris, London and the Ruhr Area. The city is easily accessible by car, by train and by air.

By carGhent is situated at the intersection of two major European highways: the E-17 connects Northern Europe with the Southern countries, and the E-40 goes from the North Sea across to Eastern Europe.

By trainGhent is easily accessible from all Belgian and European cities and only half an hour away from Brussels Midi Station. Thanks to the high speed trains, Eurostar and Thalys, Ghent is only two hours away from Paris and less than three hours from London, Amsterdam and Cologne. From the railway station in Ghent you have the choice: you can take a taxi to the city centre or go by tram.

02-Amice 210x210.indd 24 4/12/15 09:41

By airGhent is only 45 minutes away from Brussels International Airport (Zaventem) which has flights from over 70 international destinations, operated by more than 140 international and regional airline companies.

A taxi journey from Brussels International Airport (Zaventem) to the city centre of Ghent will take approximately 45 min (65 km) and cost between 134 Euro and 176 Euro. The airport has its own railway station on level -1. Direct trains to Ghent run every 30 minutes and take about an hour. Tickets can be purchased through the onsite vending machines and cost between 16 Euro (2nd class) and 21 Euro (first class).

The other Belgian airports (Ostend, Antwerp, Liège and Charleroi) serve several European destinations and have easy and direct connections to Ghent. Charleroi airport (Brussels south) is the arrival point for most of the budget airlines. From Charleroi to Ghent you can take a bus or train and the journey will take about 2 1/2 hours.

Free shuttle serviceA shuttle service will be available from Brussels International Airport and from Brussels Midi railway station to the centre of Ghent. These services will be organized depending on the scheduled arrivals of the participants.

InsuranceThe congress organisers cannot accept liability for personal injuries sustained, for loss of, or damage to, property belonging to congress participants (or their accompanying persons), either during or as a result of the congress. Please check the validity of your own travel insurance.

LanguagesAt the congress, simultaneous interpretation will be offered in English and French as well as German and/or Spanish depending on registrations.

02-Amice 210x210.indd 25 4/12/15 09:41

LiabilityThe congress organisers are solely responsible for services linked to the congress (sessions, social programme, transport for excursions). However, the organisers shall in no event be liable for acts or omissions in the case of injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity of any kind whatsoever during arrangements organized through contractors or the employees of such contractors in carrying out services. Hotel, tour and transportation services are subject to the terms and conditions under which they are offered to the public in general. The congress organisers reserve the right to make changes where deemed necessary without prior notice to the parties concerned. All disputes are subject to Belgian Law and the courts of Ghent.

Time zoneThe time in Belgium is Central European Time (CET) which is GMT plus 1 hour, plus 1 hour in summer.

Trams in GhentGhent has a dense network of tramlines available between 06:00 and 01:30 hours. The main tram line between the railway station and the city centre (Korenmarkt) runs every 5 minutes. More information on www.gent.delijn.be

WeatherYou can check the weather forecast on www.meteobelgique.be.The Belgian climate is distinctly maritime and usually mild, and the city of Ghent is no exception to this. At this time of the year, it is usually sunny with temperatures around 15-20°C. An umbrella might be useful as the weather can change rather quickly.

02-Amice 210x210.indd 26 4/12/15 09:41

02-Amice 210x210.indd 27 4/12/15 09:41

Thanks to our sponsors:Gold sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Semico nv AMICEKorte Meer 16 Rue du Trône 98 / 149000 Ghent 1050 BrusselsBelgium BelgiumTel: +32 9 233 86 60 Tel: +32 2 503 38 78Fax: +32 9 233 85 97 Fax: +32 2 503 30 55E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

The 2016 AMICE congress is hosted by the VVOV

02-Amice 210x210.indd 28 4/12/15 09:41