Destination: Basel, Switzerland A Practical Guide to the 2017 JCI European Conference
Caption about this photo: Europan lingues es membres del sam familie. Lor separat existentie es un myth. Por scientie, usica, sport etc, litot Europa usa li sam vocabular. Dlingues differe solmen in li grammatica, commun vocabules
Dear 2017 JCI European Conference Delegates, Congratulations on choosing to participate in the 2017 JCI European Conference in Basel, Switzerland! I am confident you will find this event as a worthwhile investment in your self-development and journey through JCI. This year’s conference is all about crossing borders; you will find the conference program offers several company visits and excursions not only in Switzerland but also in France and Germany. The program also includes several high-profile keynote speakers, skills development sessions and forums all focused around making your conference experience unforgettable. I strongly recommend that you pre-register for all events you wish to attend, and get ready to meet, share and experience this European Conference with not only JCI members from Europe, but with members from around the world. This guide is the first step toward planning your upcoming travels; you will find a variety of practical information to use while preparing for your trip. Furthermore, the Conference Organizing Committee, JCI World Headquarters Staff and JCI Officers are all working together to make this a memorable conference. If we can help you in any way, please do not hesitate to ask. Thank you for your commitment to join us! I’m looking forward to meeting you in Basel, Switzerland. Sincerely,
Jonathan Borg 2017 JCI Executive Vice President
Accommodations Headquarters Hotel
Swissôtel Le Plaza Basel Messeplatz 25, 4005 Basel, Switzerland Tel: +41-61-555-3333 • Fax: +41-61-555-3970 Email: basel@swissotel.com Website: www.swissotel.com/basel
Senate Hotel
Hyperion Hotel Basel Messeplatz 12, 4058 Basel, Switzerland Tel: +41-61-560-4000 • Fax: +41-61-560-5555 Email: hyperion.basel@h-hotels.com Website: www.h-hotels.com/en/hyperion/hotels/hyperion-hotel-basel In addition to the Headquarters and Senate Hotels, there is a wide variety of alternative accommodation options available with affordable pricing. All accommodations can be viewed on the conference website: www.ec2017basel.com/accommodation/ To receive the 2017 JCI European Conference discount, please book through the conference website: www.ec2017basel.com.
Registration Delegates are strongly encouraged to register online before arriving to Basel. Upon arrival, registered delegates should pick up their name badges at the Headquarters Hotel. The registration desk will be open:
• Wednesday 24 May: 08:00 – 18:00
• Thursday 25 May: 08:00 – 18:00
• Friday 26 May: 08:00 – 18:00
• Saturday 27 May: 08:00 – 15:00
Only delegates who register will be allowed to participate in conference events. Admission will be restricted to delegates wearing conference badges and holding entry tickets, when necessary.
Destination: Basel, Switzerland 5
Conference Information Venues
Remember, the conference theme is “Crossing Borders,” so
Congress Center Basel (CCB)
sure to consider the regulations for France and Germany in
The majority of conference activities will be held in the
your travels as well.
Congress Center Basel.
to be able to participate in all aspects of the program, make
The Conference Organizing Committee can assist delegates
The Congress Center Basel offers an ideal downtown
in obtaining visas. For further information, visit the
location, situated directly adjacent to the Basel Exhibition
conference website:
Centre. Travel times are short, with the historic old town,
www.ec2017basel.com/basel-switzerland/visa/
shopping areas and museums and parks comfortably Center Basel and its facilities are located alongside the
Transportation to Basel
Headquarters and Senate Hotel and the Event Hall, where
Situated in the heart of Europe, Basel sits right in the tri-border
the Awards Ceremony and Farewell Gala dinner will take
region where Switzerland, Germany and France meet. Thanks
place.
to its manageable size and the excellent public transport
reachable on foot or by public transport. The Congress
Learn more about the Congress Center Basel: www.congress.ch/en-US.aspx
Markthalle The Welcome Party will take place at the Markthalle, located near the Basel SBB railway station. Discover Swiss gastronomy as you explore the historic dome structure of the Markthalle, which offers a unique atmosphere and makes every occasion an unforgettable experience. Learn more about the Markthalle: www.altemarkthalle.ch
network, it is quick and easy to get to and around Basel.
Arrive by Air The Swiss-French bi-national airport EuroAirport BaselMulhouse-Freiburg is situated northwest of Basel about five km from the Basel city center. It is located in France, on the administrative territory of the commune of Saint-Louis near the Swiss and German borders. The airport serves as a base for easyJet Switzerland and Belair, which operates on behalf of Air Berlin, and mainly features flights to European metropolitan and leisure destinations. From the airport there are regular bus connections to Basel
Passports and Travel Visas
SBB station, which can be easily reached from the city
Every traveler must have a valid passport or valid identity
are also available which takes around 20 minutes to reach
card (depending on nationality). Travel visas are required for
the city center.
center. Transfers by the airport shuttle bus (bus line no. 50)
a continuous stay of more than three months. If your stay is shorter than three months, you only need to bring your valid
Learn more about the EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg:
passport with you.
www.euroairport.com
For information on visas, please contact the Swiss
Delegates may also arrive to Zürich Airport, also known
Consulate General located nearest you or check the official
as Kloten Airport, which serves as the largest international
website to see whether you require a visa for entry into
airport of Switzerland and the principal hub of Swiss
the country. The most up-to-date visa information can
International Air Lines. It is approximately 1 hour and 15
be viewed on the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
minutes away from Basel by train.
website: www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/entry-switzerlandresidence/visa-requirements-application-form.html
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Learn more about Zürich Airport: www.zurich-airport.com
Arrive by Train
As a hotel guest in the City on the Rhine—a city that is
Basel serves as an important interchange and transport hub
situated on the Rhine River—you may also benefit from the
which offers three mainline train stations including the Swiss Railway Station (SBB), the French Railway Station (SNCF) and Basel Badischer Bahnhof, operated by German Railway (DB)—all are located in close proximity to the heart of the city. All stations in Basel offer trains from Switzerland and
Basel Mobility Ticket, which allows free use of public transport in the city of Basel and its surroundings (zone 10, 11, 13 and 15, including EuroAirport) during your entire stay (maximum 30 days). If you stay overnight in the canton Baselland, you can also benefit from such this ticket, but it only applies to the
abroad several times a day.
regional public transport network.
A special pricing from Deutsche Bahn (DB) (ticket for €99.00)
All registered hotels are obliged to charge the guest’s tax and
is available and can be found on the conference website:
distribute the Mobility Ticket. With Air B&B’s this is not always
www.ec2017basel.com/basel-switzerland/getting-there/
strictly enforced.
Arrive by Car
More information on Mobility Tickets can be found here:
Situated between the north-south and east-west European motorway systems, Basel can easily be reached by car. Furthermore, many hotels have parking facilities available for use. Basel offers more than 4000 parking spaces in their car parks. Please be aware that a toll sticker is required in order to use the Swiss motorway network and can be found at customs offices, post offices, petrol stations, garages, road traffic offices and from Basel Tourism venues. For information regarding parking, visit the conference website: www.ec2017basel.com/basel-switzerland/gettingthere/parking-for-your-car/
www.awa.bs.ch/en/economic-development/tourismpromotion/mobility-ticket-and-city-tax.html
Taxis in Basel Taxi ranks are scattered throughout the city center and there are a number of taxi companies to choose from. Taxis from the city center cost approximately CHF 15.00 to CFH 40.00 (around €14–€38) depending on where you are traveling.
Conference Attire National dress, dark business suits or tuxedos, cocktail or evening dresses are appropriate for:
Transportation to Your Hotel Public Transport in Basel The city of Basel has an excellent public transport network that is well known for its promptness, timeliness and modern vehicles. Basel’s tramway network offers 13 lines and due to its long-standing history is considered part of Basel’s heritage as well as one of the symbols of the city. The green trams operate mostly in the city while the yellow trams run from the suburbs to the south of Basel, both of these have become an inseparable part of the cityscape. Together with the bus network, these forms of transport
• Opening Ceremony • Gala Basel Night (Includes Farewell Apéritif and JCI Awards Ceremony) Business suits or national dress are appropriate for: • Conference Assemblies • Other business sessions Business casual dress is appropriate for: • JCI Official Courses and seminars • JCI European Economics Experts Forum Casual dress (unless otherwise indicated) is appropriate for:
ensure that the city’s residents and visitors can move quickly
• National parties
and comfortably around the city as well as across borders into
• Tourism
the neighboring countries of France and Germany.
Destination: Basel, Switzerland 7
About Basel With its central location, sustainable practices, first-class transport connections and infrastructure, Basel will astonish you. All of this, combined with its wide range of leisure activities, attracts hundreds of thousands of guests every year. The numerous and spectacular buildings located in Basel are witness to over 2000 years of Basel’s great history. In 30 B.C., the city’s strategically favorable position led the Romans to station its military forces on the hill now occupied by the cathedral. One key event in the development of the city was the founding of the University of Basel in 1460, which is a veritable center of humanism and book printing. Today, nearly 40 museums are located in Basel making it the city with the highest concentration of museums in the country. Internationally known museums, such as the Basel Art Museum, Museum Tinguely, the Fondation Beyeler and the Museum of Cultures, attract many visitors, as do the city’s variety of galleries and theatres. Among other things, Basel is home to a symphony orchestra and chamber orchestra as well as a musical theatre that features international productions. In addition, classical and contemporary productions are shown on the stages of the Basel Theatre and the Playhouse.
Health There are no special requirements or recommendations for receiving vaccinations before traveling to Switzerland unless the traveler has been to an infected area with a contagious disease in the 14 days prior to arriving to Switzerland. The medical care standard in Switzerland is generally very high, with embassies, consulates and hotels usually recommending local doctors or hospitals if any medical issues arise. In terms of water, the water in Switzerland is clean and drinkable. Swiss tap water demonstrates a more balanced ecology as opposed to water purchased in bottles.
Telephone The country code for Switzerland is +41. When calling abroad from Switzerland, you must use the respective code of the country that you are calling. The country code is then followed by the area code. As a rule, all hotels add a surcharge for phone calls. With a Swiss phone card—also known as the Taxcard©—you can make cashless domestic and international calls from public phones in Switzerland. The Taxcard© can be purchased from Swisscom Shops, post offices, kiosks and petrol stations for CHF 5, CHF 10 and CHF 20 (around €5–19).
Time Zone From the end of March to the end of October, Central European Summer Time (CEST) applies UCT+2.
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Etiquette in Switzerland The Swiss The Swiss value cleanliness, honesty, hard work and material possessions. They are very proud of their environment and have a long-standing tradition of freedom. They value sobriety, thrift, tolerance, punctuality and a sense of responsibility. They are very proud of their neutrality and promotion of worldwide peace. The Swiss have a deep-rooted respect for saving and the material wealth it brings. Corporate Culture The Swiss take punctuality for business and social meetings very seriously and expect that you will do likewise. Call with an explanation if you will be delayed. Helpful Hints • Be punctual • Show great respect for elderly • Don’t litter • Don’t chew gum or clean your nails in public • Refrain from putting your hands in your pockets while talking with people • Never put your feet on a desk, chair or table
Destination: Basel, Switzerland 9
Currency
many high altitude cities, dressing in layers is one of the
Please note that Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF).
traveling to Switzerland.
While Switzerland is not part of the European Union and thus is not obliged to convert to the Euro, many prices are
most important things to keep in mind when packing and
typically listed in Euros so that visitors may compare prices.
Internet Access
Merchants may accept Euros but are not obliged to do so.
Looking to avoid expensive roaming and Wi-Fi costs while in
Please note that change given back to the client will most
Basel? Here are some tips on how to enjoy low-cost internet
likely be in Swiss Francs. Currency can be exchanged at the
in Switzerland if you have a device that is WLAN-enabled or
airport, Swiss banks, main railway stations and major hotels.
has a network connection.
Swiss banks offer the best exchange rates for traveler’s checks and cash for foreign currencies. Official exchange offices and hotels may charge a service fee.
Credit Cards Major credit cards such as American Express, MasterCard
Basel Guest Wi-Fi Basel offers guests who stay overnight the option of using the internet free of charge through the city’s personal Wi-Fi network. The “Guest WiFi Basel” is available at various locations close to major tourism sites throughout the city.
and Visa are the most commonly used credit cards in
Information about accessing this free Wi-Fi network is
Switzerland.
provided at booked accommodations.
Many banks in Switzerland have equipped their ATMs with the Cirrus or Maestro system. Many other Swiss banks offer ATM machines for cash advances with your credit card. It
Free Wi-Fi Many hotels, restaurants and companies offer free internet
is recommended to have a small amount of cash on hand
access. Furthermore, the airports in Zürich and Geneva offer
upon arrival in Switzerland for immediate expenses (e.g
internet for one hour free of charge.
taxies, city transportation).
Public Wireless LAN
Tipping/Gratuity
Public Wireless LAN enables you to use the internet with
Tipping in Switzerland has its own rules. Tips are included in
hotspots throughout Switzerland. It is charged on an hourly,
the price. In daily life, Swiss people mostly round up to the nearest franc or round figure if someone has provided good service.
Car Rentals The most common car rental companies have rental
your computer, mobile phone or tablet at more than 1700 daily or monthly basis.
Mobile Hotspots Mobile hotspots can be purchased or rented together with a prepaid SIM card, which permit unlimited mobile browsing on up to five devices.
services available at the EuroAirport and Zürich Airport. In addition, your hotel can provide you with further
Travelers Wi-Fi
information and contacts for car rental services.
With a Travelers Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot, tourists can enjoy
Switzerland has very good and reliable public transportation.
unlimited 4G LTE data access throughout Switzerland and
Therefore, the Conference Organizing Committee
share their portable Wi-Fi with up to 10 devices. The
recommends using public transportation while traveling in
pocketsize Wi-Fi device can be delivered to the hotel of your
Basel, as well as Switzerland.
choice or picked up at the Zürich Airport. Prices start from CHF 6.00 (around €6) a day.
Attire in Basel
For more information on travelers Wi-Fi visit:
In general, people in Switzerland dress casual during leisure
www.travelerswifi.com
time. Since Switzerland is home to the Alps and contains
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Electricity
Cultural Notes
The voltage in Switzerland, as in most of Europe, is 230V/50
Swissness
Hz. Switzerland uses type C (2-pin) and type J (3-pin) plugs. (Type C 2-pin plugs also fit into J sockets.) Most power sockets are designed for type J three pin round plugs. The standard continental type plug with two round pins, applied for many electrical travel products, may be used without problem. Adapters are available in most hotels.
The different language communities have different traditions, foods and customs. The Swiss themselves are often puzzled about what they have in common with each other apart from their passport. The Swiss say they are held together by the desire to stay united through their general attitude, which is summed up in their motto, “Unity, but not uniformity.”
Prices and Quality of Life Although living in a Swiss city is fairly expensive, the
Plug Type C
quality of life is also correspondingly high. In 2006, Zürich and Geneva held the first two spots in an international comparison of 350 cities by Mercer Consulting. The study considered 39 different criteria including political, economic
Plug Type J
and social life as well as a range of public services related to
Most Common in Switzerland
ecology, personal security, health, education and transport.
Food and Drink For more information on electricity visit:
If variety is the spice of life, Swiss food truly presents a
www.iec.ch/worldplugs/list_bylocation.htm
flavorful platter since regional cuisine is wide and varied. Masterful local chefs create new ways to present traditional
Language
treats and often gain international praise for their edible
Switzerland has four unevenly distributed languages and
eating out in Switzerland, there is a match for every taste
a wealth of dialects; these include German, French, Italian
and budget.
and Rhaeto-Rumantsch. Basel is located in the German speaking part of Switzerland. Many people in Switzerland do speak English, so a tourist will manage well using the English language. Most tourist information is available in English.
Weather Basel is in northern Switzerland, in the Rhine Valley, where it intersects with France and Germany. Although the climate is temperate due to its valley position, Basel is known as the warmest spot in Switzerland north of the alps. Rainfall peaks in the summer along with the temperatures. The average temperature during the day in May is between 20° and 24°
artwork based on simple country fare. You can’t go wrong
Meal Times Lunch is usually served between 12:00 and 14:00 and even a little earlier at some restaurants. Dinner is usually served from 18:00 to 21:30. Many restaurants and pubs, especially in the cities, also offer continuous hot dishes from 11:00 to 22:00.
Smoking Policy It is prohibited to smoke in restaurants, public buildings and offices. Smoking is also prohibited on public transport. Smoking is permitted in separate smoking rooms, outdoors and in private homes.
Celsius.
Destination: Basel, Switzerland 11
Tourism Resources With a wide range of activities and tours, there is something special for everyone in Basel. To decide how to schedule your perfect post-conference plans, visit the following sites for more information: www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/basel.html www.basel.com/en
Explore Basel, Switzerland Basel Minster
Rheinfahre
Basel Minster—an Episcopal church that also acts
Drift across the Rhine River and back with Rheinfahre
as a venue for special musical events—rises above
where passengers gather onto a ferry that traverses
the waters of the Rhine River in Basel. Visitors meet
the strong currents of the Rhine to give one of the
there each year for choral, orchestral and various other
most scenic and memorable views of Basel. Although
performances when the congregations of the Gellert
only slightly longer than five minutes, this affordable
and St. James Churches are not gathering for service.
ride undeniably paints a romantic picture of a historic
Open to the public, guests can explore the building
city that is unmatched among the dense streets of
and take in the vibrant stained glass as well as the
other European cities.
romantic and gothic structures that date back to it’s original and ongoing construction between 1019 and 1500.
The Marktplatz
The Botanical Gardens Take a stroll through the Botanical Gardens at the University of Basel and enjoy its quaint atmosphere among natural habitats consisting of world-renowned
Functioning as the heart of the local artisan and
cacti, giant water lilies and orchid collections. Its
cuisine sectors in Basel, the Marktplatz was originally
status as the oldest botanical garden in a German-
constructed throughout the 16th and 17th centuries.
speaking region and moreover one of the oldest in
Walking through the square will reveal a bustling
the world makes visits to the gardens even more
marketplace and Gothic buildings such as the Basel
exceptional. The gardens comprise four greenhouses
Rathaus—a scarlet colored building that acts as town
and one outdoor location that can be explored with the
hall. For lovers of cheese fondue, medieval character
help of multilingual tour guides.
and open public spaces, the Marktplatz is exactly the place to affordably indulge in authentic Swiss culture and cuisine.
Kunstmuseum Basel
The Fondation Beyeler To mark its twentieth anniversary, the Fondation Beyeler is presenting one of the most important and best-loved artists: Claude Monet. The exhibition will
Known for the largest public collection of art in
be a celebration of light and color, illustrating the
Switzerland, the Kunstmuseum Basel is listed among
artistic development of the great French painter from
the nation’s heritage sites of national significance. A
Impressionism to his famous late work. It will feature
large variety of art movements, from impressionism
his Mediterranean landscapes, Atlantic coastal scenes,
to surrealism, are displayed here, with famed names
different stretches of the Seine, meadows with wild
like Picasso, van Gogh, and Monet drawing art lovers
flowers, haystacks, water lilies, cathedrals, and bridges
from both around Europe and the world. A 10,000
shrouded in fog. The exhibition will bring together
square meter addition was added to the building in
sixty-two masterpieces from private collections and
2016, fostering the movement and expansion of the
renowned museums.
museums modern art collection. Visit the conference app to explore special entrance pricing for participating tourism attractions.
Destination: Basel, Switzerland 13
Conference Key Events Opening Ceremony At the Opening Ceremony of the 2017 JCI European Conference, National Presidents and heads of delegations will greet delegates, represent their countries and showcase their traditional costumes. Come cheer for your National
JCI Morning Show Thursday 25 May 09:00 – 10:00 Room: Singapore (Floor 2) Venue: Congress Center Basel
Organization, enjoy the first day of the celebrations with
JCI Strategic Planning Forum
entertainment and connect with the JCI community.
Thursday 25 May
Wednesday 24 May 18:30 – 20:00 Room: San Francisco (Floor 3) Venue: Congress Center Basel
Sustainability as a Business Opportunity
14:00 – 17:00 Room: Samarkand (Floor 3) Venue: Congress Center Basel Local Officers Workshop Saturday 27 May 10:00 – 11:30 Room: Guangzhou (Floor 2) Venue: Congress Center Basel
Part of the JCI European Economics Experts Forum
this panel discussion, hear from experts across different
National Presidents Meeting and General Assemblies
sectors of society about the importance of environmental
See the major decisions your national representatives will
sustainability and social responsibility. Along with other young
make this year to create impact across Europe!
The challenges facing the world today are too great for any one organization or sector to solve alone. During
active citizens, explore the opportunities of how preserving the environment and making socially responsible decisions
National Presidents Meeting
positively impacts both a business’ bottom line and the world.
Wednesday 24 May
Friday 26 May 08:00 – 10:00 Room: Singapore (Floor 2)
09:00 – 12:30 Room: Osaka and Samarkand (Floor 3) Venue: Congress Center Basel
Venue: Congress Center Basel
Conference Assembly I
*The JCI European Economics Experts Forum takes place
Thursday 25 May
from 08:00 – 18:00.
14:00 – 17:00 Room: Montreal (Floor 2)
Impact Forums and Sessions Discover how young people around Europe and JCI partners are building a better future with their actions! First Timers Orientation Wednesday 24 May 16:30 – 17:30 Room: Shanghai 1–3 (Ground Floor) Venue: Congress Center Basel
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Venue: Congress Center Basel Conference Assembly II (Featuring the JCI Public Speaking Championship Final) Friday 26 May 14:00 – 17:00 Room: Montreal (Floor 2) Venue: Congress Center Basel
1000 Chances to Make Peace Possible JCI Programs JCI members are challenged to show their impact at the international level. Don’t miss the most exciting competitions and seize the opportunity to share the best practices in the Conference! JCI Public Speaking Championship Thursday 25 May 14:00 – 17:00 Room: Osaka (Floor 3) Venue: Congress Center Basel
JCI Local Organizations run amazing projects and programs that create positive change. But what if they could have even greater impact? Using the JCI Active Citizen Framework, participants will explore one of JCI Europe’s most successful impact projects, 1000 Chances, to understand how we can improve
JCI Debating Championship
our most notable projects to be
English
more impactful and address the
Friday 26 May
most pressing challenges facing
12:00 – 19:00 Room: Dehli (Ground Floor) Venue: Congress Center Basel French Friday 26 May 14:00 – 19:00 Room: Boston 3 (Ground Floor) Venue: Congress Center Basel
Europe like refugee and immigrant integration! During the workshop, participants will engage in interactive activities, group discussion and brainstorming to understand how together we can create greater impact across Europe!
German Friday 26 May
Friday 26 May
12:00 – 19:00
09:00 – 11:00
Room: Osaka and Samarkand (Floor 3)
Room: Osaka and Samarkand (Floor 3)
Venue: Congress Center Basel
Venue: Congress Center Basel
JCI Twinning Ceremony Friday 26 May 10:00 – 12:00 Room: Delhi (Ground Floor) Venue: Congress Center Basel JCI Awards Ceremony (Included in Gala Basel Night) Saturday 27 May 18:30 – 23:00 Room: Event Hall Venue: Fair Basel
Destination: Basel, Switzerland 15
National Nights and Parties JCI members work hard all day to improve themselves and the world around them, but there’s no reason we can’t party too. Bring your name badge to get inside, where you’ll find friends from all over Europe enjoying the native food and drink of the host JCI National Organization. Check your schedule for times and venues, or just wait until nightfall and follow the crowds. Welcome-Opening Party
National Night
“Swiss Village & Friends”
Friday 26 May
Wednesday 24 May
20:00 – 23:00
20:30 – 23:00
Venue: TBD
Venue: Markthalle
Gala Basel Night (Includes Farewell
National Night
Apéritif and JCI Awards Ceremony)
Tri-national Party by JCI Germany,
Saturday 27 May
JCI Beligum and JCI France
18:30 – 23:00
Thursday 25 May
Room: Event Hall
20:00 – 23:00
Venue: Fair Basel
Venue: Altes Kraftwerk
Conference Organizing Committee For any questions regarding the 2017 JCI European Conference, visit www.ec2017basel.com or contact info@ec2017basel.com.
Emergency Contact In the case of an emergency please dial: General emergency calls: 112 Fire service: 118 Police: 117 Ambulance: 144
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