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FAQ | World News Media Congress
World News Media Congress
When will the event be?
12 – 14 June 2016
Where will the event take place?
Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
What is the name and address of the venue?
Convention Center de Indias
Getsemaní, Calle 24 #8A-344
Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
Who will be attending?
More than 1,000 top news media executives from more than 90 countries.
Do you have a list of attendees from WNC15?
Yes, please find the list here.
When are you going to publish a list of the registered delegates for WNC16?
We will publish a list of our registered delegates in end April 2016. Please contact Christin Herger (christin.herger@wan-ifra.org), if you want to become a sponsor and would like to have a look at the list earlier.
What languages will be spoken at the Congress?
The working language of the Congress is English, with simultaneous translation provided in Spanish for most of the programme. Other languages might be added.
How much does it cost and do you offer early bird prices?
We do offer varied early bird prices. Make sure to register early and take advantage of these great discounts. Please find the exact pricing here.
How do I register?
You can either register online (HERE) or by e-mail to Ilona Gümperlein (ilona.guemperlein@wan-ifra.org). For group pricing and group reservations, please contact Christin Herger (christin.herger@wan-ifra.org).
Can I register on-site?
Certainly! However, we strongly recommend you to register as soon as possible to take advantage of our early bird prices.
Will I receive a confirmation letter once I have finished registering?
Yes. A detailed confirmation letter and receipt will be sent to you by e-mail as soon as registration is completed and we have received your payment.
How do I pay?
Pay online per credit card. It is the fastest and most convenient payment method (no additional charge). We accept payment via bank transfer in some cases on request.
How do I cancel my registration and get my money back?
All cancellations, substitutions, and requests for refunds must be done in writing and e-mailed to ilona.guemperlein@wan-ifra.org.
Read our conditions for cancellation:
http://www.wan-ifra.org/general-terms-and-conditions-for-wan-ifra-events
How do I get a Visa invitation letter?
Please write an e-mail to Ilona Gümperlein (ilona.guemperlein@wan-ifra.org). She will let you know what additional Visa information is required for sending you the letter.
Please note that visa invitation letters will not be sent until registration and payment are complete.
How can I register as Press for the World News Media Congress?
Press registrants need to be accredited by WAN-IFRA and cannot register online. To get accreditation, please contact Larry Kilman (larry.kilman@wan-ifr.org).
Where do I pick up my badge when I arrive?
Badges can be picked up at the registration desk at the Convention de Indias in Cartagena.
The registration desk opens on Sunday, 12 June 2016, 9:30 a.m.
When should I arrive for the Congress?
Our Congress Opening and the Golden Pen of Freedom Ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, 12 June 2016. There are also some pre-Congress events taking place on Sunday morning including workshops. We therefore recommend delegates to arrive in Cartagena on Saturday, 11 June 2016.
To adapt to the possible climate and time change arrival on Friday, 10 June 2016 might be a good idea. This will give you the chance to enjoy the atmosphere of a UNESCO World Heritage City on the weekend before the Congress starts.
Are there going to be social events / networking and if so, when?
Yes, please join our Welcome Reception on Sunday, 12 June 2016, right after the Congress Opening. Cartagena de Indias is known for its vibrant Carribean culture, that's why we are hosting a Gala Dinner at the Castillo de San Felipe on Monday, 13 June 2016 (tbc.).
When will the programme be online and where can I find it?
We will publish the first basic information on our website under “Programme” by end of October 2015. More information will be added over the time.
How can I become a speaker?
There are two ways to become a speaker at the Congress.
- You can register online under: http://www.wan-ifra.org/articles/2014/02/28/become-a-speaker
The advantage is that our programme manager worldwide will be able to view your application. - You also can send an e-mail with your topics and area of knowledge to the Programme Directors directly.
Congress and WAF: Valerie Arnould, Business Editor & Digital Media Events valerie.arnould@wan-ifra.org
WEF: Cherilyn Ireton, Executive Director World Editors Forum cherilyn.ireton@wan-ifra.org
I am a speaker. Do I have to register for the Congress?
No, the Congress team will take care of your registration. Please bring your business card and pick up your badge at our registration desk.
I am interested in becoming an exhibitor/sponsor. What do I need to do?
If you are looking to partner with us as a sponsor or become an exhibitor all the information you need can be found here.
Do you have hotel recommendations for Cartagena/near the venue?
Yes. More information and a link to our exclusive booking platform can be found here.
What will the weather be like?
Sunny with 28-35° C (humid).
Make sure to bring a cardigan / jacket for air-conditioned rooms.
Which airport is the closest?
Rafael Núñez International Airport (IATA: CTG, ICAO: SKCG) is an airport located in the city of Cartagena, Colombia. It is the largest airport in the country's northern Caribbean region in terms of passenger movement.
There are direct flights to Cartagena de Indias from Bogota, Miami, Washington DC, Atlanta, Toronto, Sao Paulo, Quito and Panama City.
Do I need vaccination before my trip?
The only required vaccination is for yellow fever and tetanus if you are planning on visiting areas in the jungle or national parks. These must be applied at least 15 days before travelling to Colombia. If you are travelling to urban areas you don't require any vaccines at all.
Which countries' citizens do NOT need a Visa to enter Colombia?
The Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Colombia as a tourist for up 90 days:
Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bhutan, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Granada, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Marshall Ialands, Korea, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saint Lucia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, UAE, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Visas can be easily extended for 90 days for by paying around US$50.
Which countries' citizens need a Visa to enter Colombia?
Citizens of the following countries need a visa to enter Colombia:
Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, India, Kenya, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lesotho, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Morocco, Mauritania, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Oman, Qatar, Central African Republic, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Swaziland, Thailand, Tanzania, Tajikistan, East Timor, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu , Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Consular Offices of the Republic of Colombia do not require any authorization to grant a visa.
Is it safe to go to Colombia?
Tens of thousands of U.S. citizens safely visit Colombia each year for tourism, business, university studies, and volunteer work. Security in Colombia has improved significantly in recent years, including in tourist and business travel destinations such as Bogota, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Medellin, and Cali.
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/colombia-travel-warning.html
According to the latest reports prepared by organisations and institutions such as The Colombian National Police, BBC News, the National Security System of Mexico and IMD Competitiveness Yearbook, Colombia has improved significantly in terms of safety, national security, and the peace process. This continued growth has led to a strengthening of the national economy, which in turn contributes to global economic growth. Similarly, recent macroeconomic stability and strong economic performance the country suggest that, in the long-term, Colombia will have experienced the fastest and soundest economic growth in the region (The Economist, 2014). Key data show that security in Colombia surpasses that of many countries in the region. We invite you to read the latest reports on national and global security on sites like: http://www.imd.org/wcc/wcy-world-competitiveness-yearbook, or www.mindefensa.gov.co.
