March 7, 2008
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Dear Conference Participant,

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Some information regarding Deep Surveys of the Radio Universe with SKA Pathfinders to be held in Perth, Australia 31 March to 4 April. A more detailed handout will be distributed later.

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<b>Registration deadline</b>
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The registration deadline is TODAY March 7 if any of your colleagues still wish to attend. See http://ska2008.ivec.org/register.php

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<b>Preliminary Program</b>
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This is attached to this email and also available at the conference website at http://ska2008.ivec.org/program.php where an updated version, excising any unregistered participants, will be available next week. The program will begin at 9:15am on March 31 and will finish by 5pm on April 4.

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<b>Talks and Posters</b>
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Allocated time for speakers includes question+changeover time. Invited speakers generally have 25+5 mins; contributed speakers 15+5 min. A0 size posters can be accommodated - the available space will be 1.5m wide by 1.8 m tall. Posters will not be available for viewing on Wed 2 April. Posters can be set up from 8:00am on Monday 31 March.

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<b>Travel and Accommodation</b>
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Please ensure your travel and accommodation is booked. Note that all travellers to Australia must have a valid visa. Although we will not be organizing any special transportation from the airport, we will be sending extra information regarding transport and contact details within the next couple of weeks. Otherwise see http://ska2008.ivec.org/travel.php

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<b>Welcome Reception</b>
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Owing to the distance from many hotels to the University, the LOC will hold the welcome reception after the first day of the conference programme, on Monday night 31 March. There are no formal arrangements for the Sunday night March 30, but the LOC will suggest venues where people might meet up. 

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<b>Registration Desk</b>
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The first opportunity to collect your conference bag and badge will be on Monday morning 8:00am to 2:00pm at the registration desk at the conference venue. 
 
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<b>Conference Venue</b>
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The conference will be held at the University Club at the University of Western Australia at Hackett Drive Entrance #1, off Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009. The venue is about 6 km from Perth city centre. There will be buses from designated meeting points in the CBD to the conference venue and vice versa. Bus departure schedule will be advised. Otherwise public transport or cabs are convenient. Maps available at the conference web site http://ska2008.ivec.org/travel.php. Car parking at the University Club is also available.

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<b>Internet Access</b>
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There will be wireless access at the University Club conference venue and in the nearby Astronomy and Astrophysics wing (level 5) of the Physics building, but only during office hours. Due to the University IT policy, the current wireless configuration requires a PPTP VPN client. However, the LOC is expecting to implement a more appropriate solution next week. Details will be in your conference bags. A few wired internet ports connected to the faster iVEC network will be available at Physics level 5.

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<b>Social Program</b>
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<ul>
<li> Monday Mar 31 (17:00-19:00): Welcome Reception (University Club).
<li> Tuesday Apr 1 (18:00-19:00): Public Lecture - Professor Shri Kulkarni (Caltech) in the Octagon Theatre, UWA 'An Explosion of Cosmic Explosions'
<li> Wednesday Apr 2 (19:15 for 19:30, ends 22:30): Conference Dinner (Matilda Bay Restaurant). The LOC apologizes that the dinner venue has reached its maximum of 140. Later registrations have not included conference dinner (and have received a corresponding discount) with attendance being waitlisted on request. Entry is therefore by ticket which you will receive at the registration desk.
<li>  Thursday Apr 3 (17:00-19:00): Sundowner (University Club).
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<b>Disabilities</b>
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Please contact the LOC at iasuwa@admin.uwa.edu.au to discuss special needs.

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<b>Related Meetings</b>
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There is much SKA-related activity in week following the Pathfinder meeting. For links to more information, see http://ska2008.ivec.org/related_meetings.php

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Look forward to seeing you in Perth.
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Best Regards<br>
Lister Staveley-Smith<br>
On behalf of the LOC and SOC<br>