General information
The City
Berlin is the capital of Germany and its largest city, with more than 3,400,000 inhabitants.
On the day of German reunification, October 3, 1990 Berlin became an independent city-state like Hamburg and Bremen. Reunited Federal Germany consists of a total of 16 federal states, known as ‘Länder’.
The city has no definite centre and pockets of attractions are dotted all over. The densest array of sights lies to the east of the Brandenburg Gate, on either side of Unter den Linden.
West Berlin’s centre has less to offer. Nevertheless visitors should take a look at the broken shard of a church, the Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche, which serves as a brutal reminder of World War II. The nearby Zoo and Aquarium also provide a happy distraction.
Berlin boasts over 170 museums and galleries: on offer are unmissable artefacts such as the Pergamon’s treasures of antiquity at the Museum Island, contemporary art and modernist classics such as the Bauhaus building. Daniel Libeskind’s Jewish Museum, built after reunification, is one of the memorable highlights of the New Berlin. From Nefertiti’s bust to a speck of the Wall at Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin’s museums bring its unique character and history to life.
Congress Venue
| Rathaus Schöneberg, John-F.-Kennedy-Platz, 10820 Berlin Metro Exit: Schöneberg, Line U4 |
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Rathaus Schöneberg was the seat of the West Berlin city government during the Cold War and is probably best known as the location where John F. Kennedy made his famous ‘Ich bin ein Berliner’ speech.
At the time of its construction, between 1911 and 1914, the town of Schöneberg was not yet part of Greater Berlin. Following Schönebergs incorporation into Berlin in 1923, the Rathaus was just one of many borough town halls. Following the Second World War and the division of Berlin, it became the “provisional” seat of West Berlin’s government, a situation which continued right up until reunification in 1990. It was home to both the parliament and the Senate (mayoral cabinet).
Following reunification Berlin was once again governed from the traditional Rotes Rathaus (Red City Hall), and Rathaus Schöneberg reverted to its original function as the town hall for the Borough of Schöneberg-Tempelhof.
The clock tower houses the Freiheitsglocke (Freedom Bell or Liberty Bell), donated by the people of the United States to Berlin in 1950. It can be heard at midday every day.
The square in front of the building was named John-F.-Kennedy-Platz following the President’s assassination in 1963. On weekends it is home to a flea-market.
The John F. Kennedy Speech
John F. Kennedy made his famous ‘Ich bin ein Berliner’ speech during a visit to Berlin on June 26, 1963 (www.youtube.com).
Congress Dates
2 – 4 June 2010
Language
The official language of the Meeting is English.
Accreditation
An application for accreditation units (CME credits) has been submitted to the UEMS.
Liability
By registering for the 3rd Meeting and/or by participating in the exhibition held in conjunction with the 3rd Meeting, participants and exhibitors agree that neither the Organising Societies nor the Organising Committee & Organising Secretariat assume any liability. Participants and exhibitors are advised to organise their own health, travel and personal insurances.