FAQ on ICOM Rio 2013

• When and where will the General Conference Rio 2013 be held?

The General Conference will be held from 10 to 17 August, 2013 in Barra da Tijuca (hotel booking here), a district in the south-west of Rio de Janeiro. A young and dynamic neighbourhood, Barra da Tijuca is home to the newly-inaugurated Cidade das Artes, designed by French architect Christian de Portzamparc, where most of the General Conference sessions will be held. Off-site sessions will be held in museums in or around Rio, mostly on the day before the Excursion Day (Thursday 15 August).
Cultural and tourist tours will take place before and after the official programme of the Conference, which will let you take full advantage of your stay in Brazil.

• What is the registration fee and what does it include?

The registration fee depends on your ICOM affiliation, your country of origin, the period of registration and the length of your participation. It includes access to conference sessions and to the Museum Trade Fair, as well as the ticketed events with supplements.

* Rates vary depending on the category of your country (check the membership grid on the website of ICOM)
Check the conference website for details on registration rates and register online: https://www.icomrio2013.org.br/en/registration

• Can I attend the conference if I am not an ICOM member?

The General Conference is open for the first time in its history to non-members of ICOM. You will have the same access to conference sessions, except some administrative ones reserved to ICOM members, by paying a little more. Day passes also exist for your first-time participation.
If you qualify for ICOM membership, it is time that you join the community of 30,000 museums and museum professionals and enjoy all the benefits of ICOM membership throughout the year.
If you come with a conference delegate as a personal guest or spouse and are interested in cultural and tourist activities, you can register as an accompanying person.

• Can I attend part of the conference?

Yes. There are day passes which give you access to the conference events on 12, 13 or 14 August.
More details on the conference website.

• Is there a pass for visiting only the Museum Trade Fair?

No. Conference registration includes access to the Museum Trade Fair; the day passes also grant you access to the Fair on the selected day(s).

• How can I book a hotel?

We have provided a list of hotels in the vicinity of the General Conference venue and in the city centre. You will be able to book your accommodation on the ICOM General Conference website after registration. Rooms are released continuously; you will be put on the waiting list and notified of new availabilities.
Transport between the designated hotels and the main conference venue is included in your conference registration.

• What are the programme and the fees for accompanying persons?

Registration fees for accompanying persons are EUR 125 (approximate value) and each delegate is allowed to be accompanied by only one person. Accompanying persons have almost the same access as participants of other categories, with a tailored tourist and cultural programme.
The accompanying person of a ‘Day Pass’ holder will have access to activities open to his/her category only on chosen day(s).
More details on the conference website.

• Will there be any city tours organised during the General Conference?

Yes. 16 August is the traditional Excursion Day in the programme of the General Conference with dozens of itineraries of visits in Rio and its surroundings. A tourist programme is also proposed to accompanying persons during the conference. Pre- and post-conference tours will lead participants even further, outside of Rio, to explore the multiple facets of the region and the country.
More details on the conference website.

• What are the languages used during the conference?

The three official languages of ICOM are English, French and Spanish. Speakers at the conference will also use Portuguese. Simultaneous translation in the four languages will be provided at plenary sessions and some of the sessions of the International Committees’ meetings. Sometimes, simultaneous translation will also be provided in English and Portuguese to facilitate the participation of Brazilian delegates.

• Do I need a visa to get in Brazil?

Generally, Brazil applies the principle of reciprocity in terms of granting a visa: citizens of countries which ask Brazilian citizens to get a visa have to obtain themselves a visa to get in Brazil.
Check if you need a visa before booking your travel. Brazilian authorities do not deliver visas when you are entering the country and the processing time for visa application varies from country to country.
Find your nearest embassy or consulate to inquire about procedure on http://www.portalconsular.mre.gov.br/

• Where can I find more information about Rio and Brazil?

You can find some general information on Rio on the General Conference website.
Articles published in ICOM News may also give you a foretaste of the city: http://icom.museum/media/icom-news-magazine  

• Is Rio safe for foreigners?

Like in any other part of the world, you are not advised to exhibit your valuable belongings in a non-discrete way. Foreigners may be more vulnerable and tend to be easy targets for pickpockets; that is why you have to be careful and not leave your personal belongings out of sight. It is also wise to avoid the beach late in the evening.

• What should I do in case of accident or trouble?

Obtain in advance the contact number of your country’s embassy in Rio.
Emergency numbers in Brazil:
Fire Department 193
Civil Defence 199
Civil Police 197
Military Police 190
Emergency Unit 192

• Who is my main contact during the General Conference?

There is an information counter within the conference venue. The ICOM Secretariat’s and the Brazilian Organising Committee’s offices may also welcome you in case of need. Their exact locations will be indicated in the Conference programme and on the conference venue.