|
|
|
|
 |
Welcome to AtlantaThink spirit! In 1864 Atlanta was burned to the ground, but that did not stop the community from coming together and rebuilding this Southern city with metropolitan flare. Atlanta is known for its adventurous spirit and is therefore rightfully nicknamed the city too busy to hate. Do not let the Southern location fool you. Atlanta is not just neighborhoods of white-picked fenced houses and thick Southern accents, but instead a lively metropolitan city with strong economic vitality. Atlanta is one of the best cities in the world to do business, with companies like Coca Cola, Delta Air Lines, Holiday Day, and many other high-profile businesses hand-picking Atlanta as their hub for international business. Atlanta continues to prove its ability to accomplish great tasks as the host of the Centennial Olympic Games in 1996, as well as the host of the Super Bowl in 2000, to name a few. There is no limit to the energy, culture, entertainment, and vibrancy Atlanta has to offer, so get ready to have some as you explore Atlanta, Georgia! Table of Contents
RegistrationThe ICIP 2006 registration desk is located on the Convention Level in the Marquis Registration area, next to the Marquis Ballroom.
Important Notice - This year, ICIP participants will get a jacket instead of a bag. So, we encourage you to bring your own bag if you need one. ExhibitsICIP 2006 welcomes the following exhibitors and invites everyone to visit their booths.
Speaker Ready RoomThere will be a Speaker Ready Room in the Quebec room on the convention level. All oral and poster presenters are welcome to make use of the Speaker Ready Room facilities. The room will be available from Monday, October 9 through Wednesday, October 11 from 08:00 until 17:20. If you need assistance of any kind, please inform the registration desk. Internet Café and Wireless InternetICIP 2006 is offering a free Internet Café for attendees to use during the conference. The café will be available in the International C room from Monday, October 9 through Wednesday, October 11 from 08:00 until 17:00. Free wireless Internet access will be available in the ICIP conference areas from Monday, October 9 through Wednesday, October 11. Social EventsCocktail ReceptionSunday, October 8, 2006, 18:00 - 21:00 Georgia Aquarium EventTuesday, October 10, 2006, 18:00 - 22:00 Upon arrival, attendees will be able to tour the world’s largest aquarium before entering the Ocean’s Ballroom at 19:00. Catering will be provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering and lively entertainment from a professional local band will surely make this an event to remember. Buses will be available to take attendees back to the Atlanta Marriott Marquis at 22:00. MathWorks Reception and SeminarMonday, October 9, 2006, 17:30 - 19:30 Speaker biography: Steve Eddins is a consulting development manager of the image and geospatial groupat The MathWorks, Inc. He led the development of several versions of the company’s Image Processing Toolbox. Prior to joining The MathWorks in 1993, Dr. Eddins was on the faculty of the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Eddins coauthored the book Digital Image Processing Using MATLAB. He holds a B.E.E. (1986) and a Ph.D. (1990), both in electrical engineering, from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is a member of the IEEE. MapsClick the image to view a high-quality PDF version of the map.
Climate in AtlantaAtlanta has a somewhat temperate climate throughout the year, with four distinct seasons and relatively short summers and winters. The average daytime temperature of Atlanta in October is about 63F with approximately 2.4 inches of rain. Click here to check current weather conditions. Entry RequirementsIf you need a VISA, you will need to apply as quickly as possible! Visa applications are taking longer to receive and individuals are subject to a much higher degree of scrutiny. Applications may take time and are subject to delays. Please apply as early as possible. Each Visa Waiver Program traveler must present a machine-readable passport at the U.S. port of entry to enter into the United States with a Visa. Visa applications and further information can be obtained on line at www.travel.state.gov. The US-VISIT program requiring foreigners to be fingerprinted and photographed before entering the United States is being expanded to include millions of travelers from 27 countries who had been allowed to travel within the US without visas for up to 90 days. To-date, the 27 countries are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Most Canadian citizens and many citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries can come to the U.S. without a visa. If you need assistance or need an invitation letter with conference and paper information, please contact info@icip2006.org.
Customs InformationFor further assistance regarding customs information refer to www.customs.ustreas.gov or call +1 (202) 927-1770. Atlanta International AirportHartsfield Atlanta International Airport - This airport is the world's busiest passenger airport, comparable in size to a small city and only ten miles south of the downtown area. The Hartsfield Airport has six concourses and a $24 million atrium with shops, restaurants, and other services. Concourse E and the Atrium operate currency exchange areas with fees that run $4-$5, or 1 percent of the foreign exchange. For further information concerning the travel to and from the Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport call +1 (800) 897-1910 or visit http://www.atlanta-airport.com. CurrencyThe U.S. monetary system includes denominations of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills. There are also six denominations of coins 1¢ (1 cent or a penny), 5¢ (a nickel), 10¢ (a dime), 25¢ (a quarter), and 50¢. There are also $1 coins. Currency exchange bureaus can be found in many banks, especially in the downtown area. It is best to consult any hotel concierge for the nearest supplier. It is also wise to check for currency exchange services through American Express or +1 (800) 525-7623. Additionally the Thomas Cook Currency Services also has several locations inside the Hartsfield Airport. Additional information can be found at www.us.thomascook.com or by calling +1 (800) 287-7362. Traveler's checks are widely accepted and used as well as credit cards and ATMs. The most used credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, and Carte Blanche. Some Atlanta venders may accept international cards like enRoute, Eurocard, and JCB. ATMs are plentiful in Atlanta as well. TaxationThe United States has no value-added tax or other indirect tax at the national level. Sales tax in Atlanta is 7% on meals, most goods, clothing, and services. Hotel tax is 14%, sales and room taxes combined. Car rentals at the airport are assessed 20% in taxes, but rentals in the metro area incur only the local sales tax. Getting AroundPublic Transportation: MARTA, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority is Atlanta's mass transit system. MARTA operates over 248 electric rail cars traveling through 38 stations and about 702 buses. On an average weekday about 550,000 passengers are said to board the transit system. A single fare costs $1.75, including two free transfers. There is also a MARTA TransCard that can be purchased for a week or a month for flat fees. The weekly card is $13 and the monthly card is $52.50. There are also a variety of token packs that can be purchased. Schedule and route information is provided by calling +1 (404) 848-4711 or by visiting www.itsmarta.com. Cobb Community Transit, CCT in northwest Cobb County runs its own bus system around Cobb and Atlanta. Local fares run about $1.25 and express fares are $3 one-way or $4 round-trip. For more information call +1 (770) 427-4444. By Car: Atlanta has three interstate highways and a constant flow of traffic on all major roads and highways. Take caution while traveling in the Atlanta area. The Hartsfield Airport offers a variety of rental car services. The following are numbers for airport offices that might be helpful:
By Taxi: Taxis are plentiful at the Atlanta airport. From the airport to the downtown business and convention district, the fare is $25 for one passenger, $13 each for two passengers, or $10 each for three or more passengers. For information on the taxi system in Atlanta call +1 (404) 658-7600. The following is a list of some cab companies in the area:
By Limousines or Hired Cars: Limousine services and other hired car services are also available from the Hartsfield Airport. Rates vary depending on the destination, company, and number of passengers. Typically, sedans to the downtown area cost between $50-$75 and limousines cost about $65-$100. Atlanta Limousine +1 (770) 432-LIMO and Carey Limousine +1 (404) 223-2000 are two reputable car companies. It is helpful to know that most of these services do accept major credit cards. By Train: Amtrak provides transportation services to and from Atlanta and surrounding cities, such as New York and New Orleans. For more information call +1 (404) 881-3060. Similarly, Greyhound Bus Lines operate 90 buses a day that travel outside of Atlanta. For details concerning Greyhound options call +1 (404) 584-1731 or +1 (800) 231-2222 for more information. Getting from the Airport to the Atlanta Marriott MarquisThere are several options available for getting from the airport to the conference hotel.
Atlanta Maps
Dining in AtlantaDowntown Atlanta offers a rich set of dining options. Please visit Atlanta Citysearch for a detailed list of restaurants with the location and price information. You can also read customer reviewers and decide accordingly. A detailed search engine is also available. Atlanta NeighborhoodsDowntown - This is Atlanta's thriving business center and skyscraper area. Downtown is home to several large hotels, restaurants, a variety of stores, and nightclubs. The Georgia Dome, CNN Center, Centennial Olympic Park, and the Georgia State University or only a few of the many attractions that excite the area. Sweet Auburn - Sweet Auburn also known as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic District is a predominately black neighborhood just below the central downtown area. This area was designated a park in 1980 in honor of King. At one point, Sweet Auburn was the home of many affluent black professionals, and has recently been revitalized making it one of the major sightseeing areas in Atlanta. Midtown - This is generally the area north of the downtown area. It houses Piedmont Park, the city's major recreational area, as well as, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Symphony Orchestra, and major office complexes, including AT&T, IBM, and Bank of America. Buckhead - This is one of the most affluent areas in all of America. This area is lined with residential neighborhoods, mansions, high-class boutiques, and high-rise office buildings. The major sightseeing attraction is the Atlanta History Center. Virginia-Highland - This is the district lined with ethnic restaurants, cafes, bookstores, art galleries, and antique shops. The shops are numbered and sell just about anything one desires. Visitors can also view streets lined with trees and restored cottages. Little Five Points - This area is definitely more attractive for the younger crowd -- funky and fun. There are several fascinating architectural Victorian homes to see as well as the Jimmy Carter Library and Presidential Center. West End & Cascade Road - This area is booming with wealthy African-American singles and families. Beautiful Victorian homes can be seen in this area. Decatur - A unique area that hosts a variety of annual events, including concerts and festivals. Decatur is also the home of Dekalb Farmers Market, a spectacular international food market. This area is rich in diversity and entertainment. Places to ExploreAPEX (African-American Panoramic Experience) - This museum spotlights a variety of African-American achievements in all arenas. It is currently in a small facility next to the Library on African-American Culture, but is expected to expand. Artifacts of the slave era and more are on display. Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. +1 (404) 521-2739 Georgia Aquarium - The Georgia Aquarium is a new aquarium constructed in Atlanta, Georgia, which is being billed as the "world's largest aquarium," featuring over 100,000 animals representing 500 species from around the globe in tanks holding approximately 8 million US gallons of water. Admission is $22.75 for adults, $19.50 for seniors, and $17 for children. +1 (404) 581-4000 Atlanta Botanical Garden - Located just a few miles from downtown this museum features acres of gardens and beautiful plants and flowers. This facility features the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory that houses a plethora of endangered and valuable plants. There is lots to see at the Atlanta Botanical Garden and admission is only $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $5 for children. +1 (404) 876-5859 Atlanta History Center - Learn about the history of Atlanta, from the Native Americans to the Civil War. The Atlanta History Center will answer all your questions and share with visitors the value, significance, traditions, and cultures that have made Atlanta what it is today. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $7 for children. +1 (404) 814-4000 Centennial Olympic Park - Although the fatal bombing during the Olympic Games lingers in the minds of many visitor's as they venture through the park grounds, tourists are still drawn to the beautiful open area, victims' memorial, Fountain of Rings, and other cafes and shopping spots within the park. CNN Center - Enjoy a day in the life of a renowned news empire with a tour of Ted Turner's CNN Center. Spend some time touring the studios, browsing the Atlanta-themed shops, or walking across the street to the Centennial Park, Georgia Dome, or World Congress Center. Tours sell-out quickly so purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $5 for children. Call +1 (404) 827-2300 for advance purchase. Fox Theatre - This theatre was originally built to be the headquarters for the Yaarab Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. However, financial difficulties forced partnership with William Fox, and the Temple instead became a grand movie theater and retail space. Through many monetary ups and downs, closings and re-openings, today the theatre is a famous venue for concerts and Broadway shows. The 140-foot-wide stage is still one of the largest ever built and the entire theatre is ornate and striking to any visitor. +1 (404) 881-2100 Georgia's Stone Mountain Park - Just outside of metropolitan Atlanta is this stunning gray granite carved monument to the Confederacy. The sculpture illustrates Confederate leaders Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson galloping on horseback throughout eternity. This distinct landmark attracts thousands of visitors and is said to be one of the top ten most visited attractions in the United States. Stone Mountain itself rises 1,683 feet above sea level and covers over 583 acres. Visitors can take a Skylift to the top with a stunning view of Atlanta and the Appalachian Mountains. If you get the opportunity to see the Lasershow Spectacular it is also an amazing show. Ticket prices vary depending on the attractions selected. For more information call +1 (800) 317-2006. Margaret Mitchell House and Museum - Margaret Mitchell is the famous novelist and author of the world-renowned book Gone With The Wind. This restored house and now museum was once the home of Mitchell and her husband during which time the epic novel Gone With The Wind was written. The museum and house tells the story of the famous author and also contains memorabilia from the movie. Admission is around $10 for adults and discounted for seniors, students, and children. +1 (404) 249-7015 The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site - This national site includes the King Center and the birth home of Martin Luther King Jr. The site also houses exhibits about King and conducts guided tours. Tickets are required and can be obtained at the National Park Service office for free. Call +1 (404) 331-6922 for ticket information. +1 (404) 331-5190 SciTrek - This is Atlanta's premier science and technology museum. The museum is interactive and entertaining for people of all ages. The museum features many interesting permanent and traveling exhibits, as well as a special play area kids. Tickets are $9.50 for adults, $7.50 for children, and $6 for seniors and students. +1 (404) 522-5500 World of Coca Cola Atlanta - This Coca Cola museum reveals the history of the world's favorite soft drink, complete with a collection of memorabilia, interactive stations, and replicas of old-fashioned soda fountains. Be ready to taste samples of a variety of international sodas distributed by Coca Cola and purchase Coca Cola merchandise at the souvenir shop. About one million visitors frequent the museum yearly. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $3 for children. +1 (404) 676-5151 Zoo Atlanta - The Atlanta Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in operation in the United States and ranked among the top great zoos in the nation. This zoo is home to over 250 species of animals, including rhinos, tigers, gorillas and pandas. Admission is $16.50 for adults, $12.50 for seniors, and $11.50 for children. Be sure and pick up a copy of the animal feeding times so that you can plan your day accordingly. +1 (404) 624-5600 Organized Tours and Other EventsAtlanta Preservation Center - This organization offers several one to two hour guided walking tours throughout Atlanta. The cost of each tour is about $10 for adults and discounts are available for students, seniors, and children. Tours of the Fox Theatre, Historic Downtown, Sweet Auburn/MLK Jr. District, Inman Park, Ansley Park, and others are available daily. Visit www.preserveatlanta.com or call +1 (404) 688-3350 for tour information. Tour of Southern Ghosts - Held at Stone Mountain Park from mid-October, monsters and ghosts take over the Stone Mountain mansion as storytellers and tour guides horrify the crowds. For more information on this event and others throughout the year visit www.stonemountainpark.com or call +1 (770) 498-5633. Puppetry Arts Festival - The Center for Puppetry Arts holds an international festival featuring remarkable puppet artists from across the globe. Workshops for children and strolling performers are all part of the fun. For more information about this event call +1 (404) 873-3391 for details. TippingTipping is generally not included in service charges in the United States unless there is a large party. The general rule is to tip 15% to 20% of the entire bill for most service staff. Porters and doormen should get about $1 to $2 a bag and maids should receive about $2 per person per day ($3 in luxury hotels). Tip the valet-parking attendant $1 every time you get your car. Helpful Phone NumbersAtlanta Conventions & Visitors Bureau: +1 (404) 521-6600 Medical Care:
24-Hour Pharmacies:
Emergencies (Police, fire, and ambulance): 911 Transit Information MARTA: +1 (404) 848-4711 Atlanta on the Web |
||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
Last Updated: Thursday, September 22, 2011 12:39:11 PM |
