Rotary 2016 Convention Highlights Mobile App Transportation Safety Resources
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This webinar provided information for attendees of the 2016 Rotary International Convention in Goyang, South Korea. It covered convention highlights like general sessions, breakout sessions, and the House of Friendship. Presenters provided details on the mobile app, transportation options, registration, safety tips, and cultural information for visiting Korea. Resources for planning attendance at the convention were also shared.
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Rotary 2016 Convention Highlights Mobile App Transportation Safety Resources
- 1. 2016 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION Are you ready for your Rotary convention experience?
- 2. Welcome to the webinar Michelle Latham Global Events Manager Learning and Development
- 3. You will learn: • Convention highlights • Cultural tips • Mobile app how-to • Transportation and safety • Resources
- 4. Benefits of the webinar
- 5. How to participate in the webinar Open or close your control panel. During the presentation you may ask a question or give an answer to a question by raising your hand. If you can’t hear the audio, select a different speaker option on your computer. Use the question pod to type in your name and location.
- 6. REMINDER: All attendees will receive a link to the slides and a recording of today’s session via email within 48 hours.
- 7. Meet our panelist Hyun-Jung Lee Regional Communication Specialist Global Communications
- 9. Goyang
- 10. Greater Seoul
- 11. Weather in Korea
- 12. Korean Alphabet • Vowels: ㅏ ㅑ ㅓ ㅕ ㅗ ㅛ ㅜ ㅠ ㅡ ㅣ • Consonants: ㄱ ㄴ ㄷ ㄹ ㅁ ㅂ ㅅ ㅇ ㅈ ㅊ ㅋ ㅌ ㅍ ㅎ 1. Consonant ㄱ (g) 2. Vowel ㅏ(ah) 3. Consonant ㄴ (n) ㄱㅏ ㄴg + ah + n = gahn
- 13. • Hello – Ahn nyung hah se yo. • Thank you – Gam sa ham ni da. • How Much? – Uhl ma e yo? • Keep the change – Jahn don pi ryo up suh yo. Korean Primer
- 14. Meet our panelist Shannon M. Watson Director Meetings and Events
- 17. General Session Speakers Sarah Parcak Gary Knell Willie John McBride
- 18. Flag Ceremony
- 19. More than 100 Breakout Sessions
- 20. Meet our panelist Norah Webster Global Events Learning Specialist, Learning and Development
- 22. • Public Speaking Skills • Innovation • Cross-Cultural Communication Rotary Business School
- 23. The Culture Zone
- 25. Meet our panelist Panelist: Jim Logistics Manager Matthew Flemming Meetings Specialist Meetings and Events
- 26. KINTEX – The Convention Venue
- 31. Meet our panelist Norah Webster Global Events Learning Specialist, Learning and Development
- 32. Rotary Events Mobile App
- 33. How to download the mobile app https://crowd.cc/s/cV1a Or search for “Rotary Events”
- 36. Build your schedule and take notes
- 39. Interactive maps
- 41. Activity Feed
- 42. CLICK photo game • Choose a challenge • Submit a photo • See your opponents on the leaderboard
- 44. Meet our panelist Kara Ottum Transportation Supervisor Meetings and Events
- 48. Taxis and airport transportation
- 50. Meet our panelist Janice Janssen Registration Supervisor Meetings and Events
- 51. Arriving at the Convention
- 52. Convention Registration • Convention badge • Official convention event tickets
- 53. Host Organization Committee (HOC)
- 56. Rotary Staff
- 57. Meet our panelist Shannon M. Watson Director Meetings & Events
- 58. Visas
- 59. Banking and ATMs 1000 KRW = .87 USD Check exchange rates at XE.com
- 60. Phones
- 61. Dress Code
- 62. Safety
- 63. Safety
- 64. • Health and safety tips available –RIconvention.org –www.travel.state.gov Safety
- 65. Questions?
- 66. Resources • Program & App Questions: ConventionBreakouts@rotary.org • Registration & Logistics questions: ri.registration@rotary.org • Visit Korea website: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/ • Web: http://www.riconvention.org • Host Events: http://www.riconvention2016.org/ • App: https://crowd.cc/s/cV1a • Social media hashtag: #Rotary16
Editor's Notes
- [Show this slide before the webinar begins as people are arriving.]
- MODERATOR My name is Michelle Latham from the Learning & Development area at Rotary International, and I will be moderating today’s session. For the next 75 minutes we will discuss everything you need to make the most of your trip to the 2016 Rotary International Convention in Korea.
- <MODERATOR During today’s webinar, you will learn: The Convention program highlights Cultural tips How to use the mobile app Transportation and safety basics and Where to find other resources to enhance your convention experience.
- <MODERATOR> We’ll give you an early look at the convention program detail and help you understand how the mobile app will help you plan and network. By the time we’re finished you’ll be well on your way to setting some personal goals to help you make the most of your Rotary convention. So stay tuned for the next 75 minutes for this important information.
- MODERATOR How can you participate in the webinar today? You each have your own control panel on the right side of your screen that looks similar to the one here. Use the orange arrow to open or close your control panel. In order to maintain the highest sound quality possible, all but our panelists and myself will be muted during the webinar. We encourage you to submit questions or comments to our panelists and other Rotary staff by using the question box on your attendee control panel (on the right side of your screen). You can also use the question box if you’re having technical difficulties. Simply describe the problems you are having in the question box in your control panel, and a Rotary staff member will assist you right away. Now, let’s take a moment to practice using the question box. Please type your name, what city/country you’re in today, and one thing you’re hoping to learn, see, or do at convention. ****** Comment on answers coming into the question box
- MODERATOR As a reminder, all attendees will receive a link to the slides and a recording of today’s session via email within 48 hours.
- <MODERATOR> Many of you may be “first-timers,” but let’s take a quick poll and check: How many Rotary International Conventions have you attended? Click the appropriate answer on your screen now. None. This will be my first 1 2 to 5 More than 5 Ok, if we take a look at our results, it looks like [comment on answers as seen on the screen]
- MODERATOR Now, I’d like to introduce Hyun-Jung Lee. Hyun-Jung works on Rotary’s Global Communications team as a Regional Communication Specialist.
- <HJ> Thank you, Michelle. Welcome, everyone. It is a pleasure to speak to you today about Korea. Korea is located on the northeastern tip of the Asian Continent, with China and Russia to the north, and Japan to the southeast. It’s growing rapidly as an economic, technological, and cultural hub for the world, as well as the Asia Pacific. Korea occupies a peninsula—which means it’s surrounded on three sides by the sea. Seoul, the capital of Korea, is close to the western coastline, famed for the beauty and richness of its mudflats. While most of you will stay in Seoul, the convention itself takes place in Goyang, a suburb northwest of Seoul.
- <HJ> Goyang is home to more than 1 million people as well as several universities, sports teams, shopping centers, and cultural attractions. At the heart of Goyang is the Ilsan Lake Park. It’s one of the largest man-made parks in Asia and features the largest artificial lake on the continent. Surrounding the lake are miles of bicycle and walking paths, a musical fountain, and countless wildflowers and trees. It’s the perfect place to get away and relax during your busy Convention-attending schedule. Right across from the park is the popular Lafesta, Korea’s largest open-street shopping mall, where you can enjoy a wide variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- <HJ> While you’re in Korea for the Convention, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Seoul and its surrounding areas! The capital of Korea since the late 1300s, Seoul proudly preserves its cultural and historical heritage while maintaining its place on the cutting edge of technology. Visit Gyeongbok Palace, which was the seat of the Joseon Dynasty and the centerpiece of the old downtown area. Then stroll cross Gwanghwamun Square, a wide walkway stretching south from the palace’s front gate, to take in the cityscape. The square features a ground fountain and the statues of two of the most famous figures from Korean history. Take any street branching off from this central area to find numerous museums, galleries, theaters, and other attractions, including the Tongin Traditional Market, the Insa-dong arts and crafts shopping area, and the Bukchon traditional village.
- <HJ> During late May and early June, the temperature around Seoul and Goyang is in the 70s and 80s for highs, and the 50s and 60s for lows. There usually isn’t much rain during this time, but night and day temperatures can vary quite a bit, so it’s a good idea to pack a light jacket along with short-sleeves and light long-sleeves.
- <HJ> One of the statues featured in Gwanghwamun Square is that of King Sejong the Great, who created the Korean alphabet. The Korean alphabet, known as Hangeul, consists of 10 vowels and 14 consonants. Each syllable is constructed by combining the consonants and vowels, much like the English alphabet. But there’s a crucial difference: instead of stretching along a single line, the letters in each syllable come together to form one “character” or unit. Let’s see this in action. [Click] The very first consonant, which looks like an upside-down L, is a hard “g” sound. [Click] The first vowel is the “ah” sound. [Click] The second consonant is the “n” sound. [Click x 4] So put them together, and you get the syllable “gan.” But as you can see, the letters come together in a roughly rectangular formation.
- <HJ> Learn all 24 sounds of the Korean alphabet, and you can read anything written in Korean. Of course, knowing what it means is another story. So here are some handy phrases you can memorize for your visit: “Hello” is ahn-nyung-hah-se-yo. For “Thank you”, you’d say gam-sa-ham-ni-da. To ask for the price of an item, say, uhl-mah-e-yo? If you’re up to the challenge, here’s a slightly more difficult one: “Keep the change.” It’s jahn-don-pi-ryo-up-suh-yo. This one’s especially useful when you’re getting off a taxi. Don’t worry if your pronunciation isn’t perfect. Koreans will be happy that you are making an effort to learn their language.
- <MODERATOR> Thank you Hyun-jung for that introduction to Korea. There is a lot more to learn, though. Let’s take a quick quiz to test your knowledge of our host country. When dining out in Korea, how much should you tip? A) 10% B) 20% C) 2,000 Won (about US $2) D) None of the above <Comment on answers> The correct answer is D. None of the above. While it’s common to round up and have the driver keep the change while paying for a taxi, tipping is not customary or expected in Korea.
- MODERATOR I’ll introduce our next panelist. Shannon Watson, the Director of Meetings and Events is the convention project manager. She works closely with Rotary’s President, Convention Committee, and Host Organization Committee to make each annual convention a success. Welcome Shannon.
- <Shannon> Thanks Michelle, Each Rotary convention is comprised of a few basic features: The official convention program of general sessions and breakout sessions Events planned by Rotarians in the host area and Exhibits highlighting club and district projects from around the world. We’ve got all that and more in store for you next month.
- <Shannon> General sessions are open to all convention registrants and feature inspirational remarks from Rotary leaders and guest speakers. All English speakers will be assigned to the first seating of the opening general session on Sunday.
- <Shannon> Some of our guests this year include: <Click> 2016 TED Prize Winner and National Geographic Fellow Sarah Parcak. <pronounced PAR-KACK> <Click> President and CEO of the National Geographic Society, Gary Knell <Click> and Rugby legend Willie John McBride. You’ll also enjoy world-class entertainment from Korea and around the globe.
- <Shannon> And you won’t want to miss the flag ceremony. You may have heard about this from others in your club who’ve attended a convention. This tradition is often one of the most impactful parts of the opening plenary session.
- <MODERATOR> Thank you, Shannon! We’ll be hearing a little more from Shannon later in the program. The general sessions are one of the convention highlights, but did you know there are also more than 100 breakout sessions to choose from? Some of you may have already looked at the preliminary schedule online and started to think about what sessions you might want to attend. Let’s take a poll.
- <Moderator> The breakout sessions program features the following five themes. Which theme are you most excited to explore? Strengthening Membership Developing Leaders Promoting Rotary Service and Projects or Partnering for Success <comment on answers>
- MODERATOR Well, whatever your interest, you’re sure to find something appealing on the program next month, and our next panelist is here to tell you more about it. Norah Webster, Learning Specialist from Rotary’s Global Events team, works with volunteers to build valuable content for convention breakout sessions. Norah?
- <NORAH> Thanks Michelle. As Michelle mentioned earlier, the convention features more than 100 breakout sessions. From small group discussions and panels of subject matter experts, to motivational talks and conversations with global business leaders, the program is designed to provide many different ways to learn. Your program book will contain detailed descriptions of each session and an “at a glance.” schedule, organized by day and time, that will help highlight the broad themes each session will discuss. With only three days, and so many possibilities, you might wonder how to choose the sessions you want to attend. Consider coordinating with a friend: Split up, attend different sessions and then swap notes about what you learned. Pick a few topics of personal interest as well as one or two that that could benefit your club.
- <NORAH> New this year is a special series called Rotary Business School. During three unique sessions, an international group of leaders will explore will explore some of the most popular business topics of Public Speaking Skills, Innovation and Cross-Cultural Communication. In the innovation session, Nathaniel Calhoun from Singularity University’s Global Impact faculty, will talk about how he applies technology to solve problems in low income countries and challenging environments. He founded CODE Innovation in 2007 to help organizations like UNICEF use web and mobile technologies more effectively in their education programming. Need some tips to get ready for your next business trip to another country or a Vocational Training team trip? A professional trainer from Berlitz will lead a crash-course in international business communication.
- <NORAH> Make sure you take time to check out The Culture Zone! Located on the 3rd Floor in Kintex 2, the culture zone is an experiment in fun, and a great place to meet up with other first-time convention goers. Visit the multiple stations and try your hand at a new game or craft. Make new friends through activities that don’t require a common language. Do you have a favorite game you’d like to share? Bring it along and try your hand at teaching it to others in the culture zone. Read more about the breakouts, the culture zone, and start planning your schedule in the Rotary Events App.
- <NORAH> Most breakout sessions are in English, but due to our location in Korea, the 2016 program features expended offerings in Korean and Japanese. Remember to double-check the language of the sessions you want to attend. If English speakers need to purchase interpretation receivers for a session, this will ne noted in the mobile app’s sessions description. Remember that seating for all breakouts is on a first come first-served basis, so your first-choice topic may be full when you arrive. Have a second choice in mind. Resources from most sessions will be available to download via the convention mobile app, so you’ll have access to information about sessions you missed. If you haven’t download the mobile app yet, stay tuned, that’s coming up a little later in our program today.
- <MODERATOR> Thank you, Norah. Now let’s hear from our next panelist, who is going to give us a closer look at the convention venue and the House of Friendship. Matthew Flemming is a Meetings Specialist for Exhibits and Shipping at Rotary International. Welcome Matt!
- <MATT> Wow it is hard to believe we are just four weeks away from the convention! I’m going to give you an overview of the convention venue so you know where to find the people, places and programs that will make your convention experience complete. All official convention events will take place at KINTEX. KINTEX 1 will hold Registration (Hall 5) and General sessions (Halls 2-4). Breakout Sessions, Convention Luncheons, and the House of Friendship are held in KINTEX 2 and Unofficial affiliated events and Global Networking group meetings can be found throughout both venues. Free Wifi is available throughout both KINTEX 1 and 2. As you’ll see on the map, the convention venue is very large, but moving walkways, escalators, and clear directional signage will make it easy to navigate.
- <MATT> The House of Friendship is the heart of the convention, where convention attendees come together to learn about project opportunities, sample local food, make new friends and do a little shopping. The House of Friendship is located in Halls 7 & 8 in KINTEX 2 and will offer an exciting variety of exhibits, activities, food options, and live entertainment. This will definitely be the place to explore and hang out between sessions. It will feature more than 450 exhibits from Rotarians, Korean Vendors and more. The House of Friendship is also your place to learn about exciting new ventures, share success stories, and meet potential partners with club and district projects.
- <MATT> Meet people with shared interests by visiting our Fellowships and Rotarian Action Groups. Wherever your personal, professional or Rotary service interests lie, there is a good chance you will find a fellowship or action group that is perfect for you.
- <MATT> But wait there’s more! The House of Friendship also features: the Rotary Marketplace where you can add to your collection of Rotary-themed products, and The Host Organizing Committee has arranged a wide variety of vendors offering beautiful and distinct local products. Vendors will accept Korean Won so make sure to exchange money before you leave or stop by the currency exchange in Registration & the House of Friendship. Be sure to check the program book or the handy mobile app for the complete list of vendors and entertainment! You will want to make time each day to stop by the House of Friendship. Just outside the House of Friendship in the 2nd floor Lobby of Hall 7 is the home to the Voting Credentials booth. If you are a club delegate or proxy, you must present your credential certificate here to be validated and to receive your voting card and delegate button. All voting delegates are asked to attend the election of officers during the Business Session on Tuesday, 31 May from 15:30-16:15. And across the lobby from that you’ll be able to grab your ribbons and stickers to adorn your badge.
- <MATT> And finally, Make sure you visit the Rotary Resource Center to catch up on all that is new at Rotary! There you can learn about the kick off of The Rotary Foundation’s Centennial Year and purchase the TRF Centennial Book. Stop by the Learning Lab for a quick demo on a variety of topics. Rotary Staff will be on hand to help you no matter what your question.
- <MODERATOR> Thank you, Matt. Now let’s go back to Norah to learn how the Rotary Events app will enhance your convention experience. Norah?
- <NORAH> Thanks Michelle. So - We just launched our mobile app last week and will begin promoting it to all registrants soon. I’m curious to see how many people are already using it. Let’s take a quick poll.
- <Norah> Have you downloaded the mobile app yet? A)Yes B) No <comment on answer.>
- <NORAH> To download the app to your mobile device, just search for Rotary Events in your Apple or Android app store. Or, visit https://crowd.cc/s/cV1a <PROMPT WHOEVER IS ANSWERING QUESTIONS TO TYPE THIS IN THE CHAT PANE> The app will give you access to the most up-to-date program information and allow you to plan your schedule, download resources, rate sessions and connect with friends. The app is available in English and Korean. Let’s take a short tour.
- <NORAH> Once you’ve downloaded the app, you do not need to be connected to the internet to use most of the features. Some of the interactive features like social media and rating sessions will require connectivity though. Free WiFi will be available throughout KINTEX, and your hotel may also offer this service. WiFi connections aren’t always reliable though, so be sure to download the app before you leave home and give it a try. If you don’t know where to start, let me suggest the search function. Type in a keyword, and you’ll see every session or exhibitor listing featuring that word. If you’re looking for a project partner in Nepal, for example, this might help you make some valuable connections in Korea.
- <NORAH> First, create your profile. You can choose to display your email address and other contact info, or keep it private. The attendees icon will let you see the other attendees using the app, and connect with them via instant messaging.
- <NORAH> Read session descriptions and build your own personal schedule. You can set reminders, and make notes about sessions, speakers or exhibitors you want to connect with.
- <NORAH> For each session you attend, you can rate the content and provide valuable feedback to presenters and organizers by answering a few brief questions.
- <NORAH> Each session listing includes links to resources and details about speakers. Tapping on a speaker’s name will let you read more about them.
- <NORAH> I think you’ll really love the interactive maps feature. Tapping on the map pin icon for a session, event, or exhibit booth will open a corresponding map, and help you find your way.
- <NORAH> Connect your account to social media. Share thoughts and photos from the sessions you attend on twitter with the hashtag #Rotary16
- <NORAH> Check out what everyone else is doing in the activity feed.
- <NORAH> The CLICK interactive photo game will have you on the hunt for that perfect pic. Snap photos, and complete challenges to earn badges like Convention Champion or Tasty Treats.
- <NORAH> The featured Challenge is Where’s Arch? Find and photograph five replicas of Arch C. Klumph, father of The Rotary Foundation, throughout KINTEX for your chance to win a copy of The Rotary Foundation book Doing Good in the World and other Centennial prizes. When you’ve earned the Where’s Arch? Badge, stop by The Rotary Foundation Centennial booth in the House of Friendship to submit your name for a chance to win, and to learn more about Arch C. Klumph. Let’s see how much you already know about him. Who can answer this trivia question?
- <Norah> In which US state was 1916-17 Rotary President Arch C. Klumph born? Ohio Illinois Pennsylvania Georgia Florida <comment on answers> The answer is C. Although he made Cleveland, Ohio his home for many years, Arch Klumph was born in a small town near Lake Erie in northwestern Pennsylvania.
- <MODERATOR> Thanks Norah, for showing us all the fun information and activities in the Rotary Events app. Our next panelist will provide you with an advance look at the basic things you need to know about convention transportation. Kara Ottum is the Transportation Supervisor for Rotary International Meetings and Events. Welcome, Kara.
- <KARA> Rotary will provide shuttle bus transportation between our room-block hotels and KINTEX from Saturday, 28 May through Wednesday, 1 June. Outbound transportation to Kintex runs from 08:00 -15:30, and returns to the hotels from 10:00 to 19:00. The RI shuttle buses will arrive and depart near KINTEX 1. The Korean and Japanese buses will use the parking lot near KINTEX 2. Return transportation to room block hotels will also be provided following the Major Donor Reception and Arch Klumph Society Banquet.
- <KARA> Accessible transportation is provided to delegates staying in the official room block and who have indicated need of this service in their reservation. An email will be sent to these individuals prior to the convention with more information. For additional information, please stop by the transportation information booth in Hall 5 at KINTEX 1 or the transportation information booth located on the second level of KINTEX 2 where special arrangements will can be made based on availability.
- On Saturday, 28 May, Rotary will provide shuttle bus transportation from KINTEX to the HOC Welcome Festival at Jamsil Arena from 17:30-18:30. At the conclusion of the event, all hotels in the official room block will have service provided. For those staying outside of the room block, we recommend taking taxis to your hotel.
- <KARA> Taxis are available at all hotels and airports. Be sure to have your destination written down as the drivers often only speak Korean. Taxis accept cash and credit cards. Rotary will not provide transportation from the airport to hotels. Most of you will arrive at Incheon airport. Details and fare information for train, bus, and taxi options can be found on the Visit Korea website. We’ll share that link at the end of the webinar today.
- <KARA> Greater Seoul, along with all of Korea, features an extensive public transportation network. Operation Hours for Buses and the Subway are between 06:00 – 23:00 ** depending on line number. Subway in Korea is the most favored form of public transportation. Each subway station has a name, number, and a color representing the subway line. Subway tickets can be purchased at a ticket vending machine. These machines give four (4) language options: Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese. **KINTEX (RI Convention) is located nearby Daehwa Station (Line 3/Orange)**
- <MODERATOR> Thanks Kara. Now you know how to get to the convention venue, and our next panelist will review some practical information and resources that will help you once you’ve arrived at the convention. Please welcome Rotary’s registration supervisor, Janice Janssen.
- <SLIDE – MAP OF REG AREA> <JANICE> Thank you Michelle. Let’s talk about your initial arrival at the convention. Registration opens on Thursday 26 May at 15:00. If arriving to the venue on Sunday before the opening ceremony, give yourself enough time to pick up your materials or come early and pick them up the day before! Also, make sure you are registered! Registering online in advance of the convention is the key to quickly picking up your badge and materials at KINTEX. When you arrive at the venue, be sure to have your registration number and a photo ID and go to the pre-paid badge pickup area at Hall 5 in KINTEX 1.
- <JANICE> At this first stop, you’ll check in and receive your name badge. Your badge contains a chip, that will be encoded with the Rotary-ticketed events that you are signed up for. If you would like to register for additional events, proceed to a New & Unpaid Registration counter to add luncheons or preconvention events. Payment can be made by credit card or by cash in US dollars or Korean Won. After you receive your badge, proceed to one of the Program book/Transportation guide booths to collect your convention materials. In the registration hall, you can also find the booth for Housing and Transportation Assistance, and Simultaneous Interpretation radio sales.
- <JANICE> After you have picked up your registration materials, visit the Host Organization Committee (or HOC) area. If you have any questions about Host-ticketed events or tours, find your answers here.
- <Janice> After you have finished at registration you will have two more of the essential resources for the convention: your Program book and transportation guide and venue map, in addition to the mobile app. Keep all three resources handy while you’re at the convention, and you’ll have all the information you need at your fingertips.
- <JANICE> In addition, you have some valuable resources all around you: The Sergeants-at-Arms are your team of seasoned convention experts! These Rotarian volunteers can be identified by their bright yellow vests. They can provide basic directions, general information and help find lost items. Sergeants can be found throughout the official convention venues.
- <JANICE> Complementing the Sergeants at Arms are Rotary Staff. Several professionals from Rotary Headquarters and our international offices will be at the convention to help. They can be easily identified by their blue or gray “Rotary Staff” shirts or jackets and a staff badge. Ask any Rotary staff member for help, or visit the Convention Office in KINTEX 1 Room 213. I know I speak for all my colleagues when I say we’re really looking forward to this convention.
- MODERATOR Next we’ll come back to Shannon Watson again to share some information will share some tips to help you stay comfortable, safe and healthy during the convention.
- <Shannon> Thank you Michelle. Korean visa requirements vary by country of citizenship. To see if you need a visa, visit RIConvention.org for details. Requirements vary from country to country. U.S. and Australian citizens don’t need visas, but people from most countries in Africa and South Asia will.
- <Shannon> Korea’s currency is the Won. It’s easy to manage, with four coins and four bills in common circulation. ATMS are plentiful, including at KINTEX. Hotels, taxis, and many restaurants and stores will accept credit cards, while some small businesses may only take Won. When you’re shopping at independent shops and stalls, you can often get a better price if you pay in cash. Some even charge a small processing fee for credit card payments. So consider changing some money into Won before leaving home. For your convenience, there will also be a currency exchange at KINTEX.
- <Shannon> Before leaving home, check with your mobile provider to see if your phone will work in Korea and to determine if you want to activate an international voice or data plan during your trip.
- <Shannon> As you’re packing your bags, you might wonder what to wear at the convention. The dress code is business casual for the convention. Bring a good pair of walking shoes and a light jacket or sweater. Temperatures can vary in different parts of a convention center, and you want to be comfortable. Evening events may be more formal, so check your invitations to dinners, receptions and other events to see if you’re expected to dress up.
- <Shannon> Korea welcomes visitors from all around the world. But even the most experienced traveler knows that, regardless of location, tourists should exercise caution. Remove your convention badge when you leave Kintex. Stay alert, and show strong, confident body language. Avoid traveling alone, don’t carry large amounts of cash, and keep you valuable belongings in a safe place.
- <Shannon> We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance to cover emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation, and repatriation costs in case of injury or illness while you are away from your home country. Unless your health care provider confirms that you are covered while you attend the convention, it is reasonable to assume that you are not protected if you have a medical emergency.
- <Shannon> Detailed health and safety tips can be found at riconvention.org. We also recommend visiting your home country’s foreign ministry website, which lists its latest travel warnings and alerts (U.S. citizens, visit www.travel.state.gov)
- <MODERATOR> Thank you, Janice. And thanks again to all of our speakers today for sharing all of this information with us. Now we are opening the floor to all of you to ask questions. Please type your question into the Question Pane and we will direct them to the panelists for response. We’ll do our best to answer all questions, but if you still have questions after the webinar, you can send them to us via email.
- <MODERATOR> While we’re answering your questions, you can also check out the resource slide on your screen for helpful email addresses, websites and a reminder about downloading the convention app.