FAQs
Topics
- What’s the new venue?
- How do I get there?
- Passports & Visas
- Customs
- Departure Tax
- Claiming Back Tax
- Electrical Appliances
- Time
- How do I get around the Gold Coast?
- What sort of activities can I book while I am at the Conference?
- What sights are worth checking out while I am staying on the Gold Coast?
- If I drive myself to the venue, is there parking available?
- Can I share a room?
- Is the conference venue accessible?
- If I need a Carer/Attendant while at the conference, will you be able to provide this service?
- What clothes do I need to pack?
- How close is it to Shopping, other places to eat or the Beach?
- What if I want to keep up my fitness routine during the conference?
- If I have to cancel for any reason, can I substitute someone else to attend in my place?
- Delegates with Special Needs
- Changes/Amendments
- Disclaimer
- Liability Waiver
- No Smoking Policy
- Personal Insurance
- Payment
- Refund Policy
- Confirmation
- Communication
What’s the new venue?
The Pavilion Convention Centre
Jupiters Gold Coast Hotel
Broadbeach Island
Gold Coast
Queensland
Australia 4218
How do I get there?
If arriving by air, you will either land at Brisbane Airport (Domestic or International) or Gold Coast Airport at Coolangatta. Average travel times from the Airports are:-
The hotel is a 30 minute drive from the Gold Coast Airport and a one hour drive from Brisbane Airports.
Local coach services operate from the Brisbane and Gold Coast Airports to the hotel. Or for private transfers to and from the Hotel, you might like to use the following link http://www.mygoldcoastlimo.com/airport-transfers.html .
For further airport transfer options – http://www.goldcoasteguide.com/gettinghere.php .
Nerang railway station is 9 kilometers from the Hotel with an Airtrain Connect service (www.airtrain.com.au) for transfers directly to the Hotel and Brisbane Airports.
International Visitors to the Gold Coast
Passports & Visas
Travellers to Australia need a valid passport.
Visas are required by all visitors travelling to Australia, except for New Zealand passport holders.
If you are planning a holiday or a short business trip to Australia, you will need to apply for either a visa or an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). An ETA will let you spend up to three months in Australia.
For More Information
Contact the Australian Embassy in your country or visit:
Website: Electronic Travel Authority
Customs
As an island of immense ecological diversity, Australia employs strict customs regulations to preserve its unique habitat, and to protect all who live and travel here.
Organic items such as plants, food, furs, timber, and anything contaminated with dirt or sand will be carefully scrutinised and restricted or possibly prohibited.
Limitations also apply to other items brought into the country, such as tobacco products, alcohol and other personal possessions.
For More Information
| Phone: | +61 (0)2 6275 6666 |
| National: | 1300 363 263 |
| Website: | Australian Customs Service |
| Email: | information@customs.gov.au |
Departure Tax
A passenger movement charge of departure tax is included in the price of airline tickets.
The charge is $38 per person.
Exemptions apply to children under 12 years, 24-hour transit passengers, or transit passengers who stay longer than a day if their departure is delayed by circumstances beyond their control.
Claiming Back Tax
The Federal Government of Australia has implemented a Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). The TRS enables you to claim a refund, subject to certain conditions, of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia.
To claim a refund you must:
- Spend $300 (GST inclusive) or more in the one store and get a single tax invoice
- Buy goods no more than 30 days before departure
- Wear or carry the goods on board the aircraft and present them – along with your original tax invoice, passport and international boarding pass – to a Customs Officer at a TRS facility
Please note:
- Claims at airports are only available up to 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your flight.
- The refund only applies to goods you take with you as hand luggage or wear onto the aircraft when you leave Australia. It does not apply to services or goods consumed or partly consumed in Australia, such as wine, chocolate or perfume. However, unlike other tourist shopping schemes, most of the goods, such as clothing and cameras, can be used in Australia before departure.
- The TRS is open to all overseas visitors and Australian residents, except operating air and sea crew.
For More Information
Website: TRS – Australian Customs
Electrical Appliances
Australia operates with a triple pronged 240/250 volts AC 50HZ system. Universal outlets for 110 volts (shavers only) are standard in hotels, apartments and motels.
Time
The Gold Coast operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST). Daylight saving is not observed in Queensland.
UTC/GMT + 10 hours.
How do I get around the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast has an extensive public transport network serviced by Surfside Buslines and Queensland Rail. Visit www.translink.com.au or www.qr.com.au for information on routes and timetables. The Gold Coast is also serviced by Regent Taxis – Phone 131008 or visit www.regenttaxis.com.au for further information.
What sort of activities can I book while I am at the Conference?
Tour desk located at Concierge on the Ground floor level providing reservation services for sightseeing, leisure activities and transportation information. You can browse the wide range of tours and attractions right here online, and start planning you pre/post conference adventures right now.
What sights are worth checking out while I am staying on the Gold Coast?
- Dreamworld and WhiteWater World
- Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre
- Sea World
- McPherson Ranges – National Parks
- Warner Bros. Movie World
- Carrara Sports Complex
- Wet’n‘Wild Water World
- Mariners Cove
- Le Mans Kart Racing
- The Natural Arch
- Hinze Dam
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Robina Shopping Centre
- Mt Tamborine Wineries
- Oasis Shopping Centre
- Waterway & Stradbroke Island Cruises (connected by monorail)
- Tall Ships Cruises
- Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
- Holden Driver Performance Racing
- Australian Outback Spectacular
If I drive myself to the venue, is there parking available?
Complimentary undercover parking facilities capable of accommodating over 2,000 cars.
You are more than welcome to share a room. Spectronics, unfortunately, cannot assist with this arrangement due to privacy and security issues. So it’s best to organise this with other delegates who you know are attending.
Is the conference venue accessible?
Yes, the conference venue is fully accessible. All areas within the Jupiters Convention Centre are accessible, with designated wheelchair toilets. There is a ramp connecting the Jupiters Convention Centre (main conference area where all sessions are to be held) to the Pavilion Marquee, where all meals are to be served (and where you’ll have access to all exhibitors).
Accessible accommodation rooms are also available at Jupiters Gold Coast Hotel – there are only four accessible rooms available. Please call Reservations on 1800 074 344 to check availability and to make a booking.
If I need a Carer/Attendant while at the conference, will you be able to provide this service?
Unfortunately no, however we do have a special Carer’s rate to make it easier financially for your Carer to attend the conference with you, contact us via conference@spectronicsinoz.com for more details.
If for any reason your usual Carer is not able to attend the conference with you, Spectronics is unfortunately not in the position to provide one. Casual Care can be arranged through agency@fsg.org.au. They require as much notice as possible to be given for any Carer requirements.
What clothes do I need to pack?
Whatever you are happy wearing, we are happy to accept. Comfy and casual is best. The temperature range during your stay on the Gold Coast should be a pleasant 16-25 degrees C or for our Overseas visitors 61-77 degrees F. The end of May is just before our Queensland winter so the nights may be a little chilly.
The smart, casual look is acceptable for all events on the program. “Dress to Dance” is the recommended dress standard at the Conference Dinner.
How close is it to Shopping, other places to eat or the Beach?
A monorail connection from the hotel will take you straight to the Oasis Shopping Centre ($2 per person, kids under 7 years are free) and also provides easy access to the beach. The shopping centre also has numerous specialty shops and loads of beautiful restaurants. Or alternatively the huge Pacific Fair shopping centre is approximately 300 metres to the south of the hotel.
What if I want to keep up my fitness routine during the conference?
There is a temperature controlled pool and spa which is open from 6am to 9pm daily for all hotel guests. There is also a fitness centre with state-of-the-art equipment, massage services, sauna and aerobics. Plus there is also an outdoor track which is set into seven acres of landscaped gardens surrounding the hotel.
Conference Registration Booking Conditions
If I have to cancel for any reason, can I substitute someone else to attend in my place?
Yes! Please make sure we have this information as soon as possible so the new person can be included in the updates of information sent out on a regular basis during the lead up to the Conference. Unfortunately for either the “3 Full Days” or “I Want Everything” packages – only one delegate is permitted to use either of these packages as it is a reduced package price. So if you are substituting it must be for the entire package.
Delegates with Special Needs
We endeavor to ensure delegates with special needs are catered for. Should you require particular assistance, please make a note of your requirements on your registration form, or contact the Conference Convenor by email on conference@spectronicsinoz.com or phone (07) 3808 6833. Reduced registration fees are available for any carers attending specifically to assist a delegate with a disability.
Changes/Amendments
Alterations to, or cancellations of your conference booking must be advised to the Conference Convenor via email at conference@spectronicsinoz.com or fax to (07) 3808 6108. Due to administrative requirements, changes and/or alterations advised verbally cannot be accepted.
Disclaimer
The conference registration and program information is correct at the time of printing. However, the organisers reserve the right to change the information where necessary without notice.
Liability Waiver
In the event of industrial disruptions, the Conference Committee, Spectronics and Jupiters Hotel accept no responsibility.
No Smoking Policy
All of the function rooms and most of the accommodation at Jupiters are non-smoking.
Personal Insurance
Delegates shall be regarded in every aspect as carrying their own risk for loss or injury to person or property, including baggage during the conference. We strongly recommend that at the time of booking your travel and tours you take out a travel insurance policy of your choice. The policy taken should include the loss of deposit through cancellation, medical insurance, loss or damage to personal property, financial loss incurred through disruptions to accommodation or travel arrangements due to strikes or other industrial action. The organisers are in no way responsible for any claims concerning insurance.
Payment
An official Tax Invoice/Receipt will be issued when payment is received. Payment must be received before you can attend the conference. Registration forms must be accompanied by full payment in order to be processed and for registration to be confirmed. Until payment is received your spot will be reserved but not confirmed. Incorrect credit card numbers and declined credit are considered non-payments and registration will not take place. No registrations will be accepted by phone.
Refund Policy
Please notify us in writing of any cancellations. Cancellations received before 5th April 2012 will be refunded 90% of the amount paid. Cancellations received before 27th April 2012 will be refunded 50%. After 27th April 2012 there will be no refunds made. Please note that refunds will only be made after the conference. ‘No shows’ are non-refundable and are liable for the full registration fee. If you cannot attend, you may send a substitute person. The original registrant must submit a written authorisation for such a change.
Confirmation
You will receive confirmation of your registration immediately by email. You will also receive a Tax Invoice and receipt for your payment by post within ten days of payment clearance. Registrations close on Friday 18th May 2012.
Communication
If you have any problems or questions… please contact the Conference Convenor (Eliza Bale) at conference@spectronicsinoz.com or phone (07) 3808 6833 or fax (07) 3808 6108. Eliza or other members of the enthusiastic Conference Committee will be very happy to assist with all queries!