With the support of MSD, the ERS is offering delegates anelectronic copy of the Abstract Book on CD-ROM, which they can collect free of charge from the MSD Exhibition stand in exchange for a voucher in their Congress bag. The CD-ROMs will be distributed on a "first come, first served" basis. They will also be sent to European Respiratory Journal subscribers after the Congress.

The Abstract Print Zone gives delegates free access to PCs in designated areas. Here, delegates can select and print abstracts in exactly the same format as the official Abstract Book on CD-ROM. Each PC will be equipped with its own printer with staff on hand to assist. Abstracts can be easily accessed through advanced search tools with three search options:

• by day and session
• by Scientific Assembly or Group
• by topic
  

All abstracts will be available for download and/or printing from 10 September 2010.

More at www.ersnet.org

Please do not take registered accompanying persons to scientific sessions. They are, however, welcome to relax in the various rest areas or visit the exhibition.

Please do not take children to scientific sessions. Children aged under 16 years must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times. Children are not allowed in the exhibition. Contact your hotel for a list of babysitters.

A cloakroom service for clothing and reasonably sized items is available during the opening hours of the Congress.

Dress is informal throughout the Congress. The ERS reserves the right to refuse access when deemed necessary for the comfort and safety of all delegates.

All authors of an accepted abstract will be encouraged to create an electronic version of their work before the Congress in addition to their assigned type of presentation(e.g. Thematic Poster or Oral Presentation). Workstations will be available in the E-communication area throughout the duration of the Congress. Delegates, authors and chairs will be able to communicate and post comments on the data presented via a chat forum during and after the Congress.

For the first time Congress delegates will have free onsite WiFi access thanks to ERS Connect, a new service from the ERS. WiFi cards are included in the Congress bag and will also be available at the Nycomed stand in the exhibition hall. ERS Connect areas in Congress Halls 2 and 3 come equipped with work stations complete with internet drops and power points. Delegates without laptops or internet-enabled phones can also access the web via internet pods at the same locations.

The ERS accepts no liability for injuries and/or losses of whatever nature incurred by participants and/or accompanying persons, or for loss or damage to their luggage and/or personal belongings. Please check the validity of your own insurance.

The official language of the Congress is English. Spanish simultaneous translation will be provided for specific sessions. More information and indications will be available in the online programme and Final Programme.

No official lunches will be provided. Lunch facilities include the restaurants Nuclo, Rias de Galicias, Mediterranean and La Oca as well as the Alternativa Buffet. Refreshments and snacks are served in various locations.

An electronic message centre is available in the E-Communication Area.

Smoking is forbidden throughout Barcelona Fira Congress Centre and Exhibition Hall. ERS requests delegates and exhibitors not to smoke in any area within 100 meters of the main entrances and exits.

If you require special arrangements to participate fully in the Congress, please contact:
FIRA BARCELONA

Spanish VAT may be refunded to enterprises and companies located outside Spain.

Delegates' badges will have a special barcode similar to an electronic business card enabling visitors to leave their contact details for exhibitors quickly and easily.