Host City – Perth

Perth

APPEA was delighted to have held its 2011 Conference and Exhibition in the city of Perth, Australia. Perth is the capital of Western Australia, the business capital city at the epicentre of some of the biggest investments in the development and construction of new oil and major gas projects in the world today.

Western Australia's long list of advantages – being a city with one of the most enviable lifestyles and locations in the world – makes the choice of the City of Perth, the obvious choice to host the APPEA 2011 Conference and Exhibition.

A relaxed culture, clean air, awesome natural environment, safety and security, are all enhanced by excellent education, health, technology, infrastructure, and recreational and cultural facilities. These are just some of the city's unique virtues, benefiting clients of Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

As Australia's largest state, Western Australia is advanced and energetic. A vibrant business sector and dominant export market all help to make it the fastest growing economy in the country.

Perth is home to more than 1.3 million residents, who enjoy a high quality of life. Perth people are hospitable, friendly and warm. English is the major language spoken.

Perth enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Summers are dry and hot, although a sea breeze, known as the "Fremantle Doctor", cools the city for many months of the year. The average summer temperature is 29 degrees Celsius in the day and 17 degrees Celsius at night. In winter, days are crisp, with an average of 18 degrees Celsius, while evenings drop to nine degrees Celsius on average. Temperatures are more extreme in the north and south of Western Australia.

Dress standards are casual, reflecting the relaxed nature of Perth and its people. Certain resorts and clubs have dress standards, and these should be checked before attending the venue. Business attire usually comprises a suit and tie for men and a smart outfit for women. In summer, it is essential to wear a hat and sunscreen to protect against the strength of the sun. In winter, a jacket is advisable, particularly at night.

Generations of immigrants as well as new residents from around the world have stamped their mark on Perth, adding to its rich diversity in food, customs and religious and cultural experiences. There are facilities and events that cover most religious beliefs, and the wide range of restaurants and food available mean that tourists of all nationalities feel right at home in Perth.

For more information refer to:
http://www.experienceperth.com

Venue

The Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) is centrally located in the heart of the city. The state-of-the-art, three-level venue is Western Australia's only purpose-built convention, exhibition and meeting venue. The centre is a pivotal player in the world's conference industry. With facilities and services that are among the best in the world, the PCEC is fast becoming a sought-after venue for major events from around the globe.

Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre's 300-metre long, floor-to-ceiling glass foyer, across all three levels, features expansive pre-function and foyer areas providing city and Swan River views.

The venue's design capitalises on its unique riverside location, while providing a critical business link direct to Perth's city centre for delegates and visitors.

As well as capturing the flow of Perth's stunning Swan River, the design incorporates colours unique to Western Australia, including rich ochres of the natural environment. Internally, the impressive floor-to-ceiling glass foyer creates a seamless link between all of the venue's major rooms and facilities.

Australia

From the energetic cities and magical outback, to the relaxed coastal lifestyle and inspiring Aboriginal heritage – Australia is an amazing country.

Australia is one of the most multicultural societies in the world, where over 200 languages are spoken. There are diverse religious and cultural activities and huge variety in foods, restaurants, fashion and architecture.

Each of the capital cities is a reflection of the multi-cultural mix, ancestry, landscape and climate. The vibrant Asian and Aboriginal influences characterize tropical Darwin, and you'll see convict-built buildings in Hobart. Melbourne is home to a rich fashion, food and sports culture and Sydney is cutting edge. You'll find Brisbane is laidback, Adelaide is elegant and Perth is a scenic city where there is an abundance of water sports.

With a culture that encourages candour and fresh thinking, Australia is recognised for technological skill and ground-breaking inventions across many fields of endeavour. Yet its ambience is relaxed and the people warm and welcoming.

For more information refer to:
http://www.experienceperth.com
http://www.westernaustralia.com
http://www.australia.com

General Information

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, shops, restaurants and airlines. Commonly recognised cards include Visa, American Express, Mastercard and Diners Club. The only cards to be accepted at the Conference registration desk will be Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

Official Language

The official language of the Conference is English. No simultaneous interpretation is planned for this event.

Currency and Tipping

Australia has a decimal currency system. Notes are a high quality polymer-based synthetic and come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Coin denominations are 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent, 50 cent, as well as $1 and $2.

Prices under 5 cents are rounded up or down to the nearest 5 cent - that is, 3 and 4 cent totals are rounded up to nearest 5 cent, while 1 and 2 cent totals are rounded down to nearest 5 cent denomination.

Tipping is generally not expected within Australia, however it is acceptable to leave a small amount should you feel you have received exceptional service.

Banking Hours

Most banks are open Monday to Thursday, 9.30am to 4.00pm and Fridays til 5.00pm. There are numerous ATMs (Automated Teller Machines), throughout the Experience Perth region which accept most cards.

Passport and Visa

All visitors are required to have a valid passport and may need an entry visa (please check with your travel agent). A visa can be applied for, and issued from, the Australian Government representatives in major cities throughout the world.

Special Needs

Every effort is made to ensure people with special needs are catered for. Should you require any specific assistance, please include a notation with your registration form to enable us to make your experience at APPEA 2011 a pleasant and comfortable experience.

Smoking Policy

The Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre has a non-smoking policy throughout the entire venue.

Shopping

Shopping hours vary across the region. The City and Fremantle have seven-day shopping all year round, excluding public holidays.

Monday to Wednesday 9.00am - 5.00pm
Thursday 9.00am - 9.00pm
Friday 9.00am - 9.00pm
Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm
Sunday 12.00pm-6.00pm (City and Fremantle)

Shops in tourist areas (including CBD and Southbank) will be open on Sundays for limited trading hours

Sun Protection

Travellers should always wear a wide brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses and at least an SPF 15+ sunscreen when outdoors and drink plenty of water. It is recommended that you drink at least two litres each day.

Be sure to wear sun protective clothing, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses and seek shade to protect your skin from skin cancer and other sun damage. Take extra care when outdoors between 10.00am and 3.00pm when UV radiation is most intense.

What to Wear

Smart casual clothes are suitable for the Welcome Reception and Farewell Cocktails.

Business attire / smart casual is the standard dress during the main conference daytime period.

For the 2011 APPEA Conference Dinner the dress was black tie / lounge suit.

Organised by industry, for industry, the APPEA Conference and Exhibition has been hosted by the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) for over 50 years. APPEA member companies produce over 98 per cent of Australia’s oil and gas.