INSTITUTO DE ASTROFISICA DE CANARIAS

Girona Conference

Blazars, Black Holes and Jets

9-12^th September 1996

Girona, Spain

Philosophy, Organisation and Hotel Accomodation

The meeting title is "Blazars, Black Holes and Jets", which is deliberately designed to allow as much leeway as possible to interested participants. We do not wish them to be restricted just to the fanatical blazar observers, but rather to include people in related topics concerning BL Lac objects and quasars in general. The conference will cover a wide range of topics related to the observation of blazars and quasars. We plan to limit attendance to ~130 people and will encourage everyone to give an oral presentation, or to present a poster. Our conference centre and hotel accomodation are large enough to allow us to accept a rather larger number of delegates, if the demand requires.

The town of Girona is a beautiful historical centre, close to the border with France and about a one hour drive both from the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean coast (the Costa Brava). The city dates back to Roman times and is set in a hilly region which forms part of the foothills of the Pyrenees. Large sections of the medieval walls surrounding the city have been opened up to the public as walkways allowing a remarkable view of Girona and its surroundings (the Province of Girona) from high above the streets. There are also many historic buildings, including the cathedral. Weather during September is generally excellent, although without the very high temperatures that make July and August so uncomfortable away from the coast. A programme of out of conference events are planned which will go beyond just the normal conference dinner and allow people time to socialise and enjoy themselves. We will also arrange facilities for people accompanying conference delegates if there is sufficient demand (trips to the coast, sight-seeing, etc.). Hopefully people attending the conference will be able to take advantage of opportunities to tour the town and province and to enjoy some relaxed socialising in the special events and free time.

The conference centre will be the Casa de la Cultura (Cultural Centre) in the centre of the town, very close to two of our recommended hotels. Most sessions will be held in the main lecture theatre, whilst the workshop sessions will be held in smaller rooms upstairs. There is a patio where coffee will be served, with cakes and biscuits accompanying coffee in the morning and savouries in the afternoon. A large hall is available for poster displays.

The conference week includes the "Day of Catalonia", one of the most important holidays of the year in this autonomous region. The day is celebrated with a wide range of cultural activities and popular festivities. We plan to take advantage of this to arrange a special concert for conference delegates (hopefully at no extra charge). Other out-of-conference activities will include a welcome cocktail, a short talk on the town and province of Girona (we hope this will give people ideas for their own sightseeing) and an evening tour of the historic part of the city. We also plan a day excursion by coach either the day before, or day after the conference.

We have been negotiating with the Conference Bureau of the Girona Chamber of Commerce about meeting organisation and support and they have offered a very attractive package of economical hotel accomodation, meeting facilities and administrative support. Typical prices for accomodation range from approximately $50 per per person per night (at current exchange rates) for a double room in an extremely good four star hotel very close to the conference site, down to $25 per person per night for a comfortable (although less luxurious hotel) also very close by. An alternative four star hotel somewhat further from the conference centre offers a room rate around $38. There is a single supplement ranging from 10-30% according to the hotel which is chosen. Hotel rates include breakfast and we expect to offer a buffet lunch in one of the hotels which we hope will also be included in the price of registration.

Girona has its own airport, close to the city, with flights from Madrid and London. It is linked by rail and motorway with Barcelona and its major international airport. The journey by train takes approximately an hour from the centre of Barcelona to Girona, whilst Barcelona airport is about 20 minutes from the city centre by road or rail. We will provide flight information at a later date.

We hope this gives you the information that you want. Please feel free to circulate this if you wish. We hope to see you in Girona next year.