ABB’s Distribution Automation Partner Conference 2017 in Vaasa, Finland on May 31-June 2, 2017

Please note that you will need to make your own hotel reservation.

We recommend Original Sokos Hotel Royal Vaasa, where mentioning the code “BDASEMINAR17” will get you a special rate*.  Original Sokos Hotel Royal Vaasa is located only 20 meters away from the conference venue and will also serve as the common meeting point for pickups and drop-offs for the social engagements. The hotel is very conveniently situated, about 100 meters from the market square. 

It is advisable to make the bookings by April 24, 2017 to avoid disappointment.

Address:
Hovioikeudenpuistikko 18, 65100 Vaasa
Tel. +358 6 2127267
E-Mail: sales.royalvaasa@sokoshotels.fi

* Single standard room: 104 €/night
  Double standard room: 119 €/night
  Remember to mention the code “BDASEMINAR17” to get this special rate.

If you prefer another hotel, you are free to make your accommodation arrangements and arrive at the conference and social engagements on your own. 

Vaasa (Finnish: [ˈʋɑːsɑ]; Swedish: Vasa, IPA: [ˈvɑːsa]) is a city on the west coast of Finland. It received its charter in 1606, during the reign of Charles IX of Sweden and is named after the Royal House of Vasa. Today, Vaasa has a population of approximately 67,500 and is the regional capital of Ostrobothnia.

Arriving by air 

The best way to get to Vaasa is to fly into Vaasa International Airport. It can be reached either via Helsinki, Finland or Stockholm, Sweden (approximately 1 hour flying time from either). 

The airport is a short taxi ride from the center of Vaasa and the hotels. Please arrange a taxi at your own cost. Taxis are available in front of the airport building or can be pre-booked at Vaasa Taxi (tel. +358 600 300 11 (international) / 06 100 411 (local)).

The taxi station (tel. +358 600 300 11) is located in close proximity to the conference venue.

Arriving by train 

Long-distance trains are readily available from Helsinki to Vaasa (trip duration is approx. 4 hours). There are shuttle services available from the airport to the main train station in Helsinki. 

The train station in Vaasa is about a 100-meter walk from the conference venue and hotel.

Checking in 

We recommend that you check in to the hotel before 17.30 on May 31, 2017 to be able to join us for the welcome dinner.

If you would like to attend one of the three scheduled relay factory tours (12.00, 13.30 and 15.00) on May 31, 2017, or face-to-face discussions on the factory premises, it should be arranged with your ABB contact. 

Checking out 

Normal check out is at 12.00 noon. If needed, arrangements can be made at the reception to store luggage after that time. 

During the conference, we intend to take photographs that we plan to feature in event-related news stories and promotions, including posts on social media (Twitter and LinkedIn). We encourage you to join us in spreading the word about the conference by using the hashtags #ABB #DAPC2016 in your social media updates about the conference.

If you are uncomfortable about appearing in pictures taken of the audience, please contact us before May 26, 2017. 

The conference, including lunches, dinners, beverages, evening programs and transportation for the evening programs and factory tour, is offered free of charge. You are, however, requested to pay for your travel, transfer and hotel accommodation. 

Welcome Dinner from 19.00 on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 

• Business casual (a suit without a tie)

Factory visits from 12.00 to 16.30 on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 

• Smart casual (a jacket without a tie)

Conference hours from 8.00 to 17.00, May 31 - June 2, 2017 

• Business casual (a suit without a tie)

Evening program (after 17.00), May 31 - June 2, 2017

• Smart casual (a jacket without a tie - weather appropriate) 

•  A factory visit and face-to-face discussions in the factory are scheduled for Wednesday afternoon and can be arranged with your ABB contact who will guide you.
  • The scheduled times for the official factory tours are:
    • 12.00
    • 13.30
    • 15.00
      (Transport to and from the factory will be arranged.) 
• Welcome Dinner on May 31, 2017 at 19.00, at Strampen, Vaasa
• Day 1: On June 1, 2017 the conference starts at 8.00 and ends at 17.00. The evening activity includes bus from the hotel at 18.00, with return planned at 23.00. Please take the weather into account and dress warmly if needed.
• Day 2: On June 2, 2017 the conference starts at 8.00 and ends at 18.00.  

The conference will take place at Original Sokos Hotel Royal Vaasa in Vaasa, Finland and the nearby movie theater BIOREX. The venue is in downtown Vaasa (with nice shopping opportunities) and about 10-15 minutes’ walk from the sea. 

If you require support with your visa application (Schengen permits, invitation letters etc.), please send an e-mail to our admin support.  

Depending on the weather, the evening program will include some outdoor activities. You can follow the local weather forecast online.

Vaasa experiences a humid continental climate and is known to have a daily mean temperature of 12°C in May. However, please do ensure you check the forecast closer to the event, and be prepared accordingly.