education

IABC Global Communication Conference – Asia Pacific

Bringing together Eastern and Western contexts in an ever-changing business landscape

The Conference Hotel

The Global Conference will be held at the JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong.

JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong
Pacific Place
88 Queensway
Hong Kong
China
+852 2810 8366
Online reservations

Please reserve your room directly with the hotel and mention IABC to receive the discounted group rate of HKD$1,800 per room per night. This discounted rate is available for reservations made until 5 March 2010 or until rooms sell out, whichever comes first. Room rates are subject to tax and additional charges.

Any individual's room cancellation is required on or before fourteen (14) days prior to the scheduled arrival date otherwise the guest will be charged for one nights's stay on the credit card provided. Should an individual cancel his/her reservation seven (7) days or less prior to arrival or be considered a NO SHOW, they will be charged the full stay.

If original length of stay is shortened, early check out penalty will apply based on the exact number of nights booked prior to arrival and will be charged to guest's credit card, should notification be made shorter than 7 days prior to the scheduled arrival date.

Hong Kong

www.discoverhongkong.com

• Practical travel tips
• Arriving at the Hong Kong International Airport
• Getting Around Hong Kong
• Sightseeing
• Dining
• Shopping
• Attractions by District
• Dine-around Hong Kong

Practical travel tips

• Passport: Your passport must have at least 6 months validity.
• Visas: Visas are not required for Hong Kong if you have a US/EU/Australian/Canadian passport.
• Currency: Hong Kong dollars (HKD) exchange rate is fixed at 7.8 HKD = $1 USD. Visit www.xe.com for other currencies.
• Cash or credit? Most places will accept credit cards (VISA/Amex/MasterCard), but the markets, taxis and smaller shops take only cash. ATM machines are linked to international money systems.
• Tipping:
  • Restaurants: Almost all restaurants and hotels add a 10% service charge. You can give a few more dollars on top of the service charge but this is not required.
  • Taxis: Just round up to the Hong Kong dollar or give an extra dollar or two.
  • Hotel porters/bell boys - $10-$20 HKD/bag
• Mobile: To save roaming costs for international calls and to make local calls, pick up a SIM card at 7-11 stores, or at local Smartone-Vodaphone or PCCW stores for your unlocked phone.
• Power: Electricity voltage is 220 volts with a 3-pin plug. Your hotel should provide converters. You can also pick up these converters at the airport or at computer centers in your home country.
• Weather:  Weather in Hong Kong in April is mild and pleasant with occasional rain showers. Wear light layered clothing and bring a sweater or shawl for the frigid air conditioning inside some shops and restaurants.

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Arriving at the Hong Kong International Airport

The airport is located on the island of Lantau. You will need to travel into the Admiralty district of the city to reach the IABC conference held at JW Marriott on Hong Kong island. There are several ways to travel, but first you will need Hong Kong dollars. Currency exchange centres are found in the airport.

1. Airport Express: This high speed train leaves every 12 minutes and takes 24 minutes to get to Hong Kong station (the central business district of the city). Look for large “Trains to City” signs. Tickets cost $100 HK/single journey and $180 HK/round trip and can be purchased by machine or at the ticket counter on the train platform. Once you exit the train at Hong Kong Station, grab a taxi to your hotel. Or, if you don’t have much luggage and don’t mind a stroll, you can transfer trains at the Hong Kong station to MTR Island Line and exit at Admiralty. Then walk through Pacific Place shopping mall to JW Marriott hotel.
2. Taxi: Hong Kong taxis are color coded based on operating areas. You will use the red taxis to travel from the airport to Hong Kong Island. Follow the signs to the taxi loading area. It costs about $350 HK to travel to the JW Marriott Hotel. Note $5 HK surcharge per suitcase.
3. Shuttle bus: The JW Marriott provides an airport shuttle service for $150 HK. Check with the tourist information counter at the airport regarding shuttle service for other hotels.

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Getting around Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. It’s a collection of more than 260 islands plus the Kowloon Peninsula of mainland China. The main business, eating, shopping and tourist districts are located on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, which is divided by Victoria Harbor. Signage is in English and Chinese, which are both official languages.

• Hong Kong is divided into districts. The JW Marriott Hotel is located in Admiralty district.
• Many buildings are connected with pedestrian overpasses or subways (underground passageways).
• Traffic drives on the left side of the street. Generally, “look left” or “look right” signs are painted on the streets as reminders.
• The Mass Transit Rail (MTR) is the underground subway system in Hong Kong. It is safe, air conditioned, and extremely convenient. To pay, you can purchase single journey tickets at each station. If you plan to use the MTR a lot, buy an Octopus card (see below). At each MTR station, there are multiple exits. Check the large map boards inside the station illustrating buildings and landmarks to determine which exit to use.
• Ferries are used to get to the many islands, like Cheung Chau and Lamma. The ferry piers are located in Central along the harbour. Rides are inexpensive.
• The historic Star Ferry is a wonderful way to cross between Kowloon and Hong Kong island (although you can also ride the MTR).
• Taxis are readily available and inexpensive. Drivers speak some English but get the hotel staff to write your destination in Chinese.

What’s an Octopus card? These prepaid stored value cards are used for transportation (MTR, buses, minibuses, ferries, tram, and airport express train - except taxis), at many grocery, drug and convenience stores, and even in some fast food chains. The Octopus pass (for adults) costs $150 HKD (with $100 value to be used and the $50 deposit refundable upon card return). It can be purchased at the Customer Service Centres of the MTR, 7-11, or other convenience stores. Tourist Octopus cards are also available.

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Sightseeing

Victoria Peak
One of the quintessential things to do is to view Hong Kong from Victoria Peak. The most interesting way to get there is to take the Peak Tram, a funicular railway inaugurated in 1888 with a 27 degree incline, to get up the mountain in only seven minutes. Or beat the crowds: take Bus #15 or a taxi up to the Peak and ride the tram back down. 

Hong Kong Park
Interested in birds and teapots? Check out Hong Kong Park for its aviary with 150 species of birds in a tropical rainforest aviary or Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Wares for a vast collection of teapots. Free admission.

Victoria Park
Walk barefoot along the stoned massage paths or watch local Hong Kongers practice their daily Tai Chi.

Buddhist temples
There are many temples all around Hong Kong. A few worth seeing are:

• Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple – come to pray or visit fortune tellers. A small donation is expected. Follow the signs from Wong Tai Sin MTR stop, exit B2.
• The world’s tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha is perched on a lotus on Lantau Island. Take the MTR to Tung Chung Station Exit B and then ride the 25-minute Ngong Ping 350 cable car for a panorama view of Lantau Island and the South China Sea.
• The temple of the 10,000 Buddha’s is stationed in the secluded greenery of the New Territories, and it actually features nearly 12,000 Buddha statues in various poses. Take MTR/KCR to Sha Tin Station from where the temple is signposted. –Free admission, although donations always welcome

Fishing villages

• See the stilt houses of the Tai O fishing village, home of the Tanka people. MTR Tung Chung Station exit B and then bus 11 from Tung Chung town centre.
• Or take the ferry from Central Pier 9 to Lamma Island and hike the winding trail from Yung Shue Wan village to Sok Kwu Wan Village. See the floating fishing villages and dine on fresh Seafood at Rainbow Seafood Restaurant. Return to Central on the restaurant’s free boat.

Hiking and Beaches
For its size and population, Hong Kong is remarkably green. More than 70 per cent of its land mass is rural mountains, forests and outlying islands – all within easy reach of urban areas. You can enjoy a beach, hiking trail, or one of the many outlying islands and protected country parks. A few most popular beaches are Shek O, Deepwater Bay and Repulse Bay on the Southern side of   the islands. Learn more at www.discoverhongkong.com.

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Dining

Hong Kong has more than 11,000 restaurants offering almost every cuisine imaginable. There are countless large and small restaurants offering cuisines from around the world scattered everywhere and great bargains and food finds are waiting to be found.  

• Check out IABC/Hong Kong’s list of dine-around restaurants
• Bars, cafes, restaurants and market stalls are clustered in Soho around the mid-levels escalator – a long string of escalators stretching 2,598 feet.
• Nearby nightlife centre Lan Kwai Fung also boasts numerous eats from around the world.
• As a former British colony, afternoon tea abounds at many hotels. Eat cucumber sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam at The Lounge, JW Marriott Hotel.

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Shopping

Hong Kong is a tax free region. Buy from upscale malls, street markets, themed shopping streets, and traditional Chinese shops. You will find plenty of international and local brands. Bargaining is expected in the open-air markets. Know your size or measurements.

Markets - Hong Kong Island:

• Jardine’s Bazaar (Jardine’s Crescent Street by MTR Causeway exit F).
• Stanley Market in Stanley Village on the south end of the island (take Bus 6x, 6 or 260).
• Pottinger Street, Li Yuen Street East, and Li Yuen Street West, in Central (MTR Central station exit C).
• Johnson Road in Wan Chai has factory seconds or sample stores (MTR exit A3).

Markets - Kowloon

• Temple Street Night Market in Yau Ma Tei (after 8 pm – MTR Jordan Station, exit A, turn right onto Jordan Road and walk three blocks to Temple Street).
• Ladies Market in Mong Kok (Opens early, starting around noon, but most stalls will start hopping with activity after 4 pm) on Tung Choi Street (MTR Mong Kok Exit E2).
• Jade Market in Yau Ma Tei (Kansu and Battery Streets near Gascoigne Road).
• Bird market (Yuen Po Street, Prince Edward).
• Flower and Goldfish markets (Bute Street and Tun Choi Street, Mongkok) markets.
• Fa Yuen Street (MTR Prince Edward Station, exit B2) is also known as sportswear street.

Antiquing

• Hollywood Road in Central is a mecca for Chinese antique stores. Many interesting finds and bargains to be found. Haggling is acceptable.

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Attractions by district

Sheung Wan
Interested in antiques and curios? Stroll the area for ornaments, found objects, coins, Mao paraphernalia and general bric brac. (MTR Sheung Wan, exit A2). Here you will also find one of Hong Kong’s oldest temples, Man Mo Temple, named after two deities: Man, the god of literature, and Mo, the god of war. Located at 126 Hollywood Road.

Central
This is the business and financial epicenter of Asia. Many office buildings offer upscale shopping and dining. Notably: Landmark building, Pedder building, Prince’s building, and International Finance Centre (IFC) – the world’s third tallest high rise with 88 stories – has 200 high fashion boutiques, movie theatres, and rooftop restaurants with a view.

Admiralty
This business and shopping district between Central and Wan Chai is where the JW Marriott is located. Below the hotel, is one of Hong Kong’s premier shopping malls, Pacific Place. You will find multiple levels of shopping, restaurants, and cinemas.

Wan Chai
This is a busy commercial district made famous by the book and movie The World of Suzy Wong and the ‘mamma san’ bars of the 70s and 80s. Bars and nightlife are still active here and the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre is located along its waterfront. The Wan Chai wet market provides an interesting walk-through experience.

Causeway Bay
This is primarily a shopping district complete with the legendary Hong Kong crowds. The multi-tiered Japanese department store SOGO offers boutiques and a basement food hall with cheap sashimi and sushi. The Times Square Shopping Mall has 230 stores on 10 floors organized by theme – sporting goods, electronics, literature & music, etc.

South side
The south side of Hong Kong Island is almost resort-like with its sandy beaches and palm trees. Visit Stanley - a pre-colonial fishing village that resembles a British seaside town with English style pubs. You will also find the Hong Kong Maritime Museum in the Murray House. Stanley market has souvenir shops, electronics, games and clothes. The bus ride to Stanley is an experience if you sit on the upper level of the double decker bus – take buses 6, 6A, 6X or 66 or 260 from Exchange Square Bus Terminus in Central or from Pacific Place in Admiralty.

Kowloon
Kowloon is chaotic, busy and neon. It’s great for picture taking and experiencing Hong Kong.

• Walk the Golden Mile up Nathan Road with its flashing lights, crowds, vendors, and commerce.
• Stroll the waterfront promenade and check out the skyscrapers on Hong Kong Island side. Careful not to miss Jackie Chan’s handprints on the Avenue of Stars (MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit J). 
• The Hong Kong Cultural Centre is usually showcasing an interesting exhibit. Plan to see the Symphony of the Stars – a laser light show at 8 pm. 
• Harbour City is a mega mall with 700 stores over 3 kilometres long. It is located just adjacent of the Kowloon Star Ferry terminal building.
• Learn more about the city’s cultural heritage in interactive format at the Hong Kong Museum of History, 100 Chatham Road in South TST East.

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Dine-around Hong Kong

Thursday, 8 April

There are more than 11,000 restaurants in Hong Kong. Your chapter hosts are delighted to show off just a few of these eateries on 8 April. Registration will be taken during the conference. Dine-around is an optional conference activity at own expense.

1. Finds – Lan Kwai Fong
   Enjoy Scandinavian cuisine at Finds in the hip nightlife district of Lan Kwai Fong. Afterwards, keep the northern European spirit alive – don a fur coat at Russian eatery Balalaika to enter the -20 Celsius vodka room. Then join the party scene in LKF! (PS - Finds is an acronym for Finland, Iceland, Norway, Denmark and Sweden.)
2. Bistro Manchu - Soho
   Ride the world’s longest escalators into the heart of the cosmopolitan dining region known as Soho. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks at one of many wine bars. Then sit down to the northern Chinese food of Manchuria. After dinner, meet up with IABC colleagues in nearby Lan Kwai Fong for some partying or stay in Soho and enjoy one of the many laidback yet hip bars and nightlife of the area.
3. Peak Lookout – The Peak
   Take the historic tram to the top of Hong Kong for amazing views of Victoria harbour and skyline vistas. Amble along the walking trails to enjoy local flora and fauna. Then settle down into the peaceful setting of the Peak Lookout for Asian favorites and Western dishes with live band entertainment.
4. Chili Figaro - Soho
   Craving spicy food? Try the Sichuan delicacies of Chili Figaro, a small and cosy restaurant in the busy dining area of Soho. Lots of vegetarian dishes.
5. Magnolia - Sheung Wan District
   Eat authentic New Orleans style Cajun and Creole cuisine in the private dining room of Magnolia with all its southern charm and grace. Enjoy favorites like Jambalaya, Crawfish Pie and File’gumbo. While there, poke into the many antiquities shops along Hollywood Road and Upper Lascar Road, or visit one of Hong Kong’s oldest temples, Man Mo Temple.
6. The Boathouse – Stanley
   Take a walk on the southern side. Outside the hustle and bustle of the business districts, there’s another world to Hong Kong with beaches and palm trees. Cross the island via taxi or bus to Stanley to enjoy fresh seafood at The Boathouse. Before you dine, shop for souvenirs in adjacent Stanley Market. Afterwards, enjoy the waterfront promenade lined with British and American pubs.
7. Jumbo Floating Restaurant - Aberdeen
   This floating restaurant in the southern district is a landmark tourist attraction. It is ornamented in the style of an exquisite ancient Chinese imperial palace, and moored alongside multi million dollar yachts. Diners take a 2-minute ferry ride to the restaurant. Start off with fresh seafood and Cantonese cuisine. Then saunter upstairs to Top Deck for dessert and drinks where you can linger in oversized lounges and enjoy the night breeze.
8. Aqua – Kowloon
   Climb aboard the Aqua Luna Harbour Cruise for a 45-minute tour of Victoria Harbour where you can enjoy the spectacular Symphony of Lights. Dock on the Kowloon side and make your way to a cosmopolitan dinner at the ultra-stylish Aqua. Located on the 30th floor of a Kowloon skyscraper, your dining experience comes in a set of three: Aqua Roma (Italian), Aqua Tokyo (Japanese) & Aqua Spirit (bar).
9. Serenade Chinese Restaurant – Hong Kong Cultural Center, Kowloon
   Take the historic Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour, stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront and the Avenue of the Stars (careful not to miss Jackie Chan’s hand prints). Then treat yourself to delicious Cantonese food at Serenade. It offers views of Victoria Harbour in a bright and cheerful setting.
10. Kung Tak Lam - Causeway Bay
    A taste of Shanghai? Try it the organic, vegetarian way at Kung Tak Lam. With their own organic farm, the restaurant offers an extensive range of dishes. Theinterior decor isquite basic, but the food is fantastic and prices are reasonable. While there, tour the Wan Chai wet market and explore the street life of this busy Hong Kong shopping district.

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