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European conference: Seeking a Dolphinaria-free Europe
18th to 19th March 2014, Brussels, Belgium
The release of the film documentary ‘Blackfish‘, which revealed to the world the plight of captive orca, was a milestone in efforts to change public opinion away from keeping whales and dolphins in captivity and brought us a step closer to ending the captive cetacean industry. Coupled with the success of the European tour of Sam Berg, former dolphin trainer, and the huge amount of media interest it generated, there is no better time than now to review current Europe-wide actions that seek a Dolphinaria-Free Europe.
The aim of this conference is to provide a forum for all those active or interested in captive cetacean issues and who advocate against their keeping in captivity, to meet and discuss current topics and actions. With an emphasis on collaboration, the two-day event could provide an opportunity to form alliances and to develop Europe-wide campaigns and projects that consolidate resources, but direct efforts efficiently and effectively to end the captivity of cetaceans.
In order to ensure an effective use of conference time and to design an agenda that meets the needs of those participating, all delegates are invited to share information about their relevant activities and to provide an indication as to their aspirations. All delegates will have an opportunity, if they wish, to share their relevant experiences and activities by giving a five minute presentation to the plenary.
Delegates are required to register below in order to secure their place. Please be aware, places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Conference Agenda
| AM | PM | |
| Day one – 18th March 2014 | Introductions and national campaigns | Presentations |
| Evening | Conference dinner | |
| Day two – 19th March 2014 | Discussions on national- and EU-focused campaigns | Plenary and conclusions |
| Evening | Screening of Blackfish at the European Parliament |
A detailed conference agenda will be circulated to the delegates in early March 2014. The conference will be in English.
Registration
Everyone wishing to attend the conference must register by 1st March 2014. Please note that by registering earlier than 3rd February 2014, you will be entitled to cheaper, ‘early-bird’ booking rates. Please be aware, places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. Cancellation and no-show fees will apply.
Registration fees
To cover the inevitable conference costs, all delegates will be required to pay a registration fee. These will vary, dependent upon delegate type. The fee will ensure access to the conference sessions and cover the costs of lunch and all-day refreshments. Additional charges will apply for delegates wishing to attend the optional Conference dinner on 18th March and the arranged transport from the conference venue to the European Parliament for the Blackfish screening on 19th March.
Conference Registration Fees are discounted for ENDCAP members.
Delegates will be expected to pay for their own travel and accommodation. However, the conference organisers have ensured a number of rooms are available at the Best Western County House Hotel, the conference venue, at exceptionally competitive rates and are indicated below.
ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM
Conference registration fees for ‘early-bird’ bookings received on, or before, Monday 3rd February 2014
|
ENDCAP members |
Non-members |
||||
|
One day |
Full conference |
One day |
Full conference |
||
| Standard |
€ 25 |
€ 50 |
€ 56 |
€ 112 |
|
| Academics and wildlife professionals* |
€ 15 |
€ 30 |
€ 48 |
€ 96 |
|
| Low-income with no other source of funding ** |
€ 15 |
€ 25 |
€ 40 |
€ 80 |
|
* Researchers, veterinarians, biologists, etc. not affiliated to a Non-Government Organisation
** The conference organisers may request proof of status from delegates registered in these categories.
Conference registration fees for bookings received after Monday 3rd February 2014
|
ENDCAP members |
Non-members |
||||
|
One day |
Full conference |
One day |
Full conference |
||
| Standard |
€ 35 |
€ 60 |
€ 75 |
€ 150 |
|
| Academics and wildlife professionals* |
€ 20 |
€ 35 |
€ 60 |
€ 120 |
|
| Low-income with no other source of funding ** |
€ 20 |
€ 35 |
€ 50 |
€ 100 |
|
* Researchers, veterinarians, biologists, etc. not affiliated to a Non-Government Organisation
** The conference organisers may request proof of status from delegates registered in these categories.
If you are unsure which category you fit into, please contact Daniel Turner, [email protected], for advice. If you wish to know more about ENDCAP and how to become a member visit /join-endcap-form/
Cancellation will be free of charge until 12noon of Wednesday March 12th. However, after this time, individual delegates who cancel, or fail to show, will be charged for one night’s stay at the given rate.
Additional costs:
Conference reception and dinner (18th March 2014)
The conference reception and dinner on Tuesday 18th March 2014 will be an excellent opportunity to network and discuss issues outside the plenary sessions. Optional to delegates, there is a small additional charge of € 30 per person which includes a vegetarian buffet dinner and drinks. Please tick the relevant box on the registration form.
Screening of Blackfish at the European Parliament (19th March 2014)
There is an optional attendance of the screening of the film documentary “Blackfish” at the European Parliament on Wednesday 19th March at 18:30hrs. Attendance is free, but if you wish to utilise the organised transport between the Conference venue and the Parliament, an additional fee of €10 will be charged. Please tick the relevant box on the registration form.
Accommodation
Conference organisers have negotiated the following accommodation rates at the Conference venue, the Best Western County House Hotel, Square Des Heros 2-4, Brussels, 1180, BE. View Map here
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Single occupancy* |
Double or twin occupancy* |
|
| Number of nights | ||
| One night only |
€ 114 |
€ 124 |
| Two nights (17th to 19th March) |
€ 168 |
€ 188 |
| Three nights (17th to 20th March) |
€ 252 |
€ 282 |
* Rates include breakfast, free wifi Internet and all taxes.
NB. Accommodation costs can be minimised if you agree to share a room and pay half the cost indicated above. Tick the box in the registration form to indicate that you would like to share a room.
Cancellation will be free of charge until 12noon of Wednesday March 12th. However, after this time, delegates who cancel, or fail to show, will be charged for one night’s stay at the given rate.
The Best Western County House Hotel is located in Uccle, in the south of Brussels City. View Map here
Participants arriving at Brussels Intl Airport can take the train (7.80 EUR one way) to Brussels Midi Station (south station) and then take tramway nr 4 in the underground, direction ‘Stalle’ (2 EUR), alighting at ‘Helden/Héros’, in front of the hotel. Participants arriving at Brussels southern airport (Charleroi) need to take the ‘Brussels City Shuttle’ to Brussels Midi Station. This runs twice an hour, costs 14 EUR return and it takes about 1 hour. From Brussels Midi Station take tramway nr 4 in the underground, direction ‘Stalle’ (2 EUR), alighting at ‘Helden/Héros’, in front of the hotel.
If you wish to stay elsewhere in Brussels, a variety of accommodation can be found on booking.com, whilst cheaper accommodation is available at heartofbrussels.com and Floris Louise.
How to register
- Please follow the link below and complete the online registration form.
/eu-activity/dolphinaria-free-europe-conference-2014/registration-form/ - The ‘early-bird’ booking deadline will be 5.30pm (GMT) on 3rd February 2014. Registrations made after this are subject to increased fees, as shown above.
- Deadline for reservations will be 1st March 2014.
- Registered delegates will be individually contacted to confirm attendance and arrange payment. Please note: all bookings must be made through the conference organisers as opposed to the hotel directly.
- Bank transfer is the preferred form of payment, however, GBP cheques are accepted and should be made payable to “Born Free Foundation”. Should you need an invoice, please inform the conference organisers telephone +44 161 971 8874, providing your purchase order number. The Born Free Foundation will be managing the conference finances.