• Visa and Passports
• Disabled Access
• Transportation
• Social Programs
• Awards
• Excursions/Tours
• Photography
• Media
• First Aid and Security
• Currency Exchange
• Banking
• Insurance
• Communications
• Electrical Appliances
• Tipping
• Tax

General Information

Photography Policy During Scientific Sessions

Photography of scientific presentations is prohibited without advance specific consent of the presenter(s)/author(s). Session Chairs are asked to strictly enforce this policy and individuals who do not comply will be asked to leave the session. In addition, cameras and recording devices are prohibited in the Exhibit Hall.

Media Support Services

ICEM welcomes accredited representatives of media organizations. Journalist may receive complimentary credentials for all meeting sessions, as well as a complete media kit, by contacting Becca Rhame at EMS Headquarters; (703) 438-8220 or at brhame@ems-us.org.

First Aid and Security

The Hyatt Regency at Embarcadero has equipped each meeting room with a house phone for use in case of an emergency. If you need medical or security assistance, pick-up the house phone and dial 4000 for Security or 55 for any other type of emergency. You can also dial 0 and the hotel operator will connect you to the correct department.

Currency Exchanges

The American Dollar is the only acceptable form of payment in the United States. The hotel offers limited Currency Exchange. The hotel concierge recommends the Thomas Cook Foreign Exchange which is located at 75 Geary Street at Grant. This location is 4–5 blocks from the hotel.

Banking

Credit Cards & Travelers Checks

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, Discover Card and Traveler’s Checks are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops and restaurants.

ATM

There is an ATM in the hotel lobby across from the service desk and for your convenience there are also other banks and ATMs within four blocks of the hotel.

• Bank of America
  50 California Street
  San Francisco, CA 94111
  1 Market Street
  San Francisco, CA 94105
  345 Montgomery Street
  San Francisco, CA 94104
  701 Grant Avenue
  San Francisco, CA 94108
• Wells Fargo Bank
  292 Battery Street
  San Francisco, CA 94111
  1160 Grant Avenue
  San Francisco, CA 94133
  464 California Street
  San Francisco, CA 94104
  1 California Street
  San Francisco, CA 94111
• Washington Mutual
  401 California Street
  San Francisco, CA 94104
  1040 Grant Avenue
  San Francisco, CA 94133
  100 Pine Street
  San Francisco, CA 94111
  700 Market Street
  San Francisco, CA 94102

Insurance

Participants are advised to provide their own personal insurance as the 9th ICEM cannot assume responsibility on behalf of participants for personal accidents, sickness, theft, or property damage.

Stay Connected While You Travel

As technology advances and with attendees traveling from all over the world, the ICEM Organizing Committee appreciates how important it is for attendees to stay connected to daily responsibilities in their home locations while attending the meeting. The ICEM will have stations available to check your e-mail and connect to the Internet. Wireless High-Speed Internet is available in all guest rooms at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco.

Area Code/Phone Dialing In

San Francisco, California
The area code for San Francisco is 415. The 510 area code encompasses the East Bay including the communities of Oakland and Berkeley. The 650 area code covers most of the Peninsula including San Francisco International Airport. For dialing outside the 415 area code, callers must dial 1 plus the appropriate area code and seven-digit number.

Electrical Appliances

North American outlets require appliances with 110V compatibility.

Tipping

Restaurants:

Restaurant service is not usually included in restaurant checks. The average tip is 15% of the total check.

Taxis:

Average tip is 15% of the fare.

Airport and Hotel Porterage:

Tipping is expected for all baggage handling. Airport porterage is usually $1 per bag, one way.

Tax

A non-refundable 8.25% state sales tax must be paid on every item unless you have the merchant ship the product outside of California. This tax will not be refunded at the airport upon departure.