DESTINATION:
Dear 2014 JCI Conference Delegates and Honored Guests,
MedellĂn | Colombia
Greetings from JCI Colombia!
A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE 2014 JCI CONFERENCE OF THE AMERICAS
During the past year, the 2014 JCI Conference Organizing Committee has been developing an exciting, enlightening and entertaining event. JCI members will be presented with unique opportunities to engage with thought leaders, receive valuable training and develop partnerships that will lead to greater collaboration for positive change. This 2014 JCI Conference of the Americas in Colombia will truly be a wonderful, unique experience. Colombia is considered a diverse country given its culture, geography and rich history making it a unique travel destination. Its diversity ensures a magical and unforgettable experience in a land of extraordinary contrasts and unlimited possibilities. Colombia has been hailed as one of the emerging countries in our world, due to the size of its economy, its population and territory, the seriousness of its institutions, its stability, strategic location and its natural wealth. Furthermore, because of its tropical, equatorial and Andean conditions, Colombia offers a wide variety of ecosystems to explore. Bring your enthusiasm, ideas and passion to each Conference event, workshop and seminar and leave with the tools, skills and new partnerships you need, to be the leaders your communities need. The Conference Organizing Committee and I are happy to help you in any way throughout the event. Do not hesitate to ask, should you have any questions. Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you this April to create impact in MedellĂn, Colombia! Best regards, Dawn Hetzel 2014 JCI Executive Vice President for the Americas
Conference Information Accommodation Venues The main venue for the Conference of the Americas is the Plaza Mayor Convention and Exhibitions Center. The Exhibition Palace and the Convention Center come together to form the Plaza Mayor. The Plaza Mayor consists of these two venues in one place and it is where Trajectory and Vanguard come together. Its strategic location allows easy access from any corner of the city. It is located an average of 50 minutes from the International Airport José María Córdova. The Plaza Mayor – Convention Center provides multiple options and versatility. • Total Area: 22.000 m2 has 21 meeting rooms. • A grand salon for 3,000 people in an auditorium (2.616 m2), which may be divided into six sections for groups as small as 200, with simultaneous translation cabins in each of the divided areas. • 9 rooms for committee meetings with capacities ranging from 20 to 300 people. • La Caja de Madera (the wooden box): This is an architectural emblem of Plaza Mayor and the city due to its conditions and the different uses that can be given to the space. It can be converted according to specific needs. • Access for control and registration: There is a press room, a VIP room, a business center, and offices for Conference organizers. • Every room has sound and lighting, and the latest audio-visual aids services with permanent technicians. • Plaza Mayor has a wide range of registered logistics and banquet suppliers. Plaza Mayor – Exhibitions Palace is by tradition, the place in Medellín where fairs and exhibitions are held. • It has an indoor exhibition area of over 12.000 m2, divided into four wide pavilions, each with independent access connected by a central hall, capable of accommodating from 3000 to 8000 visitors and 500 stands; a cultural plaza of 2.500 m2, capable of accommodating 7.000 visitors standing. • In addition, it has a VIP room, restaurants and access for control and registration. 2
Headquarters Hotel Dann Carlton Medellin Carrera 43 A, # 7-50 El Poblado Medellin – Colombia Phone: +57-4-444-5151 ext. 319 Email: ventas3@danncarlton.com Website: hotelesmedellin.danncarlton.com Senate Hotel Hotel San Fernando Plaza Carrera 42 A, # 1-15 Medellin – Colombia Phone: +0011-57-4-444-5353 Fax: +0011-57-4-326-0000 Email: info@hotelsanfernandoplaza.com Website: www.hotelsfp.com
Registration Delegates are strongly encouraged to register online before arriving in Medellín. Upon arrival, registered delegates should pick up their name badges at the Headquarters Hotel (April 23) and at the Plaza Mayor Convention Center (April 24). The registration desk will be open on April 23 and 24. Only delegates who have registered will be allowed to participate in Conference events. Admission will be restricted to delegates wearing Conference badges and holding event entry tickets, when necessary.
Connectivity Medellín has two airports that create easy accessibility all of our visitors. We have 97 international weekly frequencies with 11 cities around the world and more than 600 domestic weekly frequencies including 264 with Bogota, the capital of Colombia. The transportation and mobility around the city is easy, as there is a massive integrated transportation system; Metro, MetroCable, MetroPlus buses and taxis. Within the city, the distances are very short: between 20 and 30 minutes equidistant from and to anywhere.
Transportation José María Córdova International Airport (IATA: MDE, ICAO: SKRG) also known as Airport of Rio Negro, is the main airport serving the Colombian city of Medellín and its surrounding metropolitan area and is located in the municipality of Rio Negro.
Delegates will be greeted starting on April 22 and the times in which they arrive will be taken into account in order to take them to the city of Medellín.
Travel Visa There is no nationality restriction for entering Colombia. A visa is not required for the following countries who stay up to 90 days in Colombia for tourism purposes: Argentina, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Chile, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Spain, United States, Finland, France, Great Britain, Guatemala, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Poland, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela and foreign residents of Canada and United States. For further information please consult the following link: www.colombia.travel
Conference Event Attire National dress, dark business suits or tuxedos, cocktail or evening dresses are appropriate for: • JCI Awards Ceremony • JCI Presidential Gala Business suits or national dress are appropriate for: • General Assemblies • Other business sessions Business casual dress is appropriate for: • JCI Official Courses, seminars and workshops Casual dress (unless otherwise indicated) is appropriate for: • Opening Ceremony • National parties • Community Engagement Activity
About Medellín, Columbia Medellín, a city tucked between mountains, is home to major businesses made up mostly of the textile, apparel, telecommunications and automotive industries. It’s nicknamed “The City of Eternal Spring” for its privileged climate throughout the year. Medellín is a city of contrasts. It is a rapidly developing metropolis immersed in nature that welcomes social transformation, while safeguarding its traditions. Witnessing the sign of progress, social transformation, development and innovation, the city has established itself as a modern capital.
system, the endless leisure possibilities and thriving nightlife along with the bright smiles of the service-oriented and cheerful people, make Medellín a top destination to host the 2014 JCI Conference of the Americas.
Weather Given the latitude and altitude of the city, the result is a monsoon tropical climate. The climate is temperate and humid, with an average temperature of 23° Celsius. The nickname of the city “City of the Eternal Spring” comes from the fame of having a fairly uniform climate throughout the entire year, with few variations in the temperature between December and January and in June and July, the drier and warmer seasons of the year. However, there are many differences regarding the climate in the different neighborhoods of the city (La Candelaria, El Chagualo, San Benito, etc.) and on the north side of the bank of Río Medellin (La Toscana, Bocayá – Las Brisas, Moravia, Santa Cruz), while the coldest neighborhoods are located in the upper parts of the surrounding mountains.
Language Spanish is the official language of Colombia. In the islands of San Andres and Providencia, English is also spoken. During the sessions that involve the JCI Board of Directors, there will be simultaneous translations from Spanish to English and from English to Spanish.
Health There are not any special vaccine specifications to enter the city or the country.
Electricity In Colombia, electric sockets are 110V 60 Hz and use a flat two-pin plug, North and Central America Type A.
Medellín is the perfect place for academic, commercial, cultural and social activities, as well as for hosting events. Its competitive infrastructure and integrated transportation
2014 JCI Conference of the Americas : MEDELLÍN, COLOMBIA • APRIL 23 – APRIL 26
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Explore Medellín Colombia is an emerging destination with a large, diverse economy, successful institutions, great location and natural wealth and beauty. Due to its tropical, equatorial and Andean conditions, Colombia offers a wide variety of invigorating and refreshing ecosystems to explore and appreciate. Given the blend of cultures and the combination of Indigenous, European and African cultures, Colombia offers a great range of popular manifestations, fairs and parties, such as the Barranquilla Carnival, and the Negros y Blancos en Pasto, the Flowers fair in Medellín, the Popayán Holy Week, the Leyenda Vallenata Festival in Valledupar and many other celebrations. If you want to find a place where reality is magical, do not hesitate, the answer is Colombia.
Medellín, the Land of Flowers In addition to its touristic attractions, the city is now a business center, recognized as the national fashion capital with a great tradition in the textile and confectionery industries. Annually, international buyers and participants fly to Medellín from all around the globe to attend local events, such as ColombiaModa.
Flowers Fair Another worldly renowned event is the Flowers Fair. For ten days, Medellín is a stage for culture, joy and color and becomes the home of all tourists who visit the city. People come to live and enjoy the beautiful showcase of the Earth through the Flower Fair. Since 1957, the Fair is turning the streets of the “City of Eternal Spring” into a colorful garden.
Time Zone Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -5 hours There is no daylight savings time in 2014.
Currency The Colombian Peso is the currency used in Colombia. The frequently used banknotes are $1.000, $2.000, $5.000, $10.000, $20.000 and $50.000. The frequently used coins are $50, $100, $200 and $500, There are foreign currency exchange offices in the international airports and if needed money exchange can be done in those offices. Otherwise, the Conference Organizing Committee can help delegates find a safe place to make the currency exchange effectively. There is unlimited entry for local and foreign currency, however it must be declared upon arrival. The foreign visitors can take out currency without any restriction.
Internet Access The delegates will have Internet access at the Conventions Center and the Hotel will have computer stations with Internet access for the people who wish to use them.
Tourism Resources With a wide range of activities, entertainment, shopping and historical tours, there is something special for everyone in Medellín. To decide how to schedule your perfect post-Conference plans, visit the following site for more information: www.jciconferenciadelasamericas2014.com
Cultural Notes Medellín is known as the industry and commerce capital, national fashion capital and the place of the eternal spring. Medellín is the only city in the country that has the privilege of being surrounded by mountain ranges that remain green throughout the entire year, with a wide variety of flowers and fruit trees, birds and all kinds of animals. Museums, theatres, concert halls, galleries, a Botanical Garden, two airports, one of the main stadiums in the country, and the first Metro system in Colombia, make Medellín a great place to enjoy an incredible travel experience.
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Furthermore, Conference delegates can explore sub-regions of Antioquia, which offer a variety of cultures to meet and landscapes that are worthy of admiration.
Conference Key Events Opening Ceremony Kicking off the 2014 JCI Conference of the Americas, Chief Delegates and JCI National Presidents will come together at the Opening Ceremony to greet the delegates, represent their countries and model their traditional dress. Come cheer for your National Organization, enjoy great entertainment and connect with JCI’s vibrant community of young active citizens. Wednesday 23 April 18:00 – 19:30 Gran Salón ∙ Plaza Mayor Convention Center
Impact Forums and Sessions Discover how young people around the Americas and JCI partners are creating a better world with their actions! First Timers Session Wednesday 23 April 16:30 – 17:30 Gran Salón 1 & 2 ∙ Plaza Mayor Conventions Center JCI Morning Show Thursday 24 April 09:00 – 10:00 Gran Salón 5 & 6 ∙ Plaza Mayor Convention Center
General Assembly 1 Thursday 24 April 14:00 to 18:00 Gran Salón 5 & 6 ∙ Plaza Mayor Convention Center General Assembly 2 Friday 25 April 09:00 – 10:30 Gran Salón 5 & 6 ∙ Plaza Mayor Convention Center
JCI Programs JCI members are challenged to show their impact at the international level. Don’t miss the most exiting competitions and sharing of best practices at the Conference! JCI World Public Speaking Championship Thursday 24 April 16:00 – 18:00 Gran Salón 1 & 2 ∙ Plaza Mayor Convention Center JCI Twinning Ceremony Friday 25 April 14:00 – 15:00 Gran Salón 1 & 2 ∙ Plaza Mayor Convention Center JCI World Debating Championship Friday 25 April 14:00 – 16:00 English: Comisiones 5 ∙ Plaza Mayor Convention Center Spanish: Comisiones 6 ∙ Plaza Mayor Convention Center
JCI Active Citizen FrameWorkshop Thursday 24 April 10:30 – 12:30 Gran Salón 5 & 6 ∙ Plaza Mayor Convention Center
JCI Awards Ceremony Saturday 26 April 20:00 – 21:00 Gran Salón 5 & 6 ∙ Plaza Mayor Convention Center
JCI Partners Forum Thursday 24 April 14:00 – 15:30 Gran Salón 5 & 6 ∙ Plaza Mayor Convention Center
Community Engagement Project
MDG Project Showcase Thursday 24 April 16:30 – 18:00 Gran Salón 3 & 4 ∙ Plaza Mayor Convention Center JCI Impact Strategy Forum Friday 25 April 11:00 – 12:30 Gran Salón 3 & 4 ∙ Plaza Mayor Convention Center
National Presidents Meeting and General Assembly See the major decisions your National Representatives will make this year to create impact across the Americas!
Don’t miss an amazing opportunity to unite with the Millennium Campaign, local community partners in Medellín and other young active citizens to raise awareness about the MDGs, their approaching deadline and what comes next! Engage with local stakeholders to discover how these eight time bound development goals affect their community and what solutions they are creating to achieve sustainable impact. Take action with local partners distributing MY World surveys and sharing the voice of the Medellín community in the creation of the post 2015 global development agenda. Continue your journey of impact on the ground in Medellín and encourage other young active citizens to create a better world with you today! Saturday 26 April 09:00 – 13:00 Main Entrance ∙ Plaza Mayor Conventions Center
National Presidents Meeting Wednesday 23 April 09:00 – 12:30 Corcega 1 & 2 ∙ Dann Carlton Hotel
2014 JCI Conference of the Americas : MEDELLÍN, COLOMBIA • APRIL 23 – APRIL 26
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Contact Information Conference Organizing Committee The Conference Organizing Committee can be reached at: conferencia2014@jcimedellin.org
Emergency In case of an emergency, the general public numbers are: • General Emergencies: 123 • National Police: 112 • Firefighters: 119
2014 JCI Area Conference Director Mónica Pareja Álvarez
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 the Americas 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 Party Wednesday 23 April 20:00 – 02:00 Chablis Room ∙ Dann Carlton Hotel Global Village Thursday 24 April 21:00 - 02:00 Orquideorama ∙ Botanical Garden JCI Colombia Night Friday 25 April 21:00 – 01:00 Palmahia Disco Gala Dinner Saturday 26 April 21:30 – 02:00 Caja de Madera Plaza ∙ Mayor Convention Center
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