Research in Optical Sciences
19–21 March 2012, Laser Optics Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Housing and Travel
Welcome to Berlin!
Experience much more than just the Congress!
The Research in Optics Congress is collocated with Laser Optics Berlin. Berlin is the largest city in Germany and is rich in history and culture while displaying a modern edge. It is home to many festivals and has a diverse array of museums, architecture, and attractions such as the Berlin Wall museums and memorials.
Explore the Visit Berlin tourist portal for visitor information on Berlin.
Special Eurorail fares and contact information for Visit Berlin representatives are offered on the Laser Optics Berlin website as well.
Travel
Weather
Berlin has a temperate climate. On average, the warmest month of the year is July, and the coolest month is January. Spring and autumn months are generally chilly to mild.
March Weather in Berlin
Average High Temperature: 8°C (46°F)
Average Low Temperature: 0°C (32°F)
Average Rainfall: 36 mm (1.42 inches)
Current weather predictions
Electricity:
Standard European 230 V / 50 Hz voltage electricity is used in hotels. If travelling from countries outside Europe, you will most likely need a voltage converter.
Currency:
The local currency is the Euro. Credit cards are accepted in some places, though many Germans prefer to conduct transactions in cash; VISA and MASTERCARD or EUROCARD are the most popular credit cards. It is a good idea to have cash on you as some shops do not accept credit cards. Traveler's checks are also available. For the latest currency exchange click here.
Letters of Invitation
The visa application process to enter Germany can take several months. You will need to apply for your visa as early as possible. Invitation letters take management 7-10 days to process. One factor contributing to the increase in the processing time is a personal interview which is now required for most applicants as a standard part of the visa processing. Once it is known that a visa is necessary for travel the individual needs to contact the embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment for screening.
Individuals requiring letters of invitation to obtain travel visas may submit their request by one of the following methods:
- Apply Online
- Fax: +1 202.416.6100
All those requesting letters of invitation should provide the following information:
(When requesting letters for more than one individual, please include all the following information for each person.)
- First name
- Family name (as in passport)
- Job title
- Date of birth
- Your complete mailing address
- Your phone and fax numbers
- Passport number
- Date of passport issue
- Date of passport expiration
- If you are presenting a paper, include the title and the session in which that paper will be presented
- If you are exhibiting, please indicate that in your request
- Individuals from China should include the gender of each person requesting an invitation letter
- Indicate which meeting you will be attending
All letters of invitation will be sent by airmail or by fax unless a Federal Express account number or credit card number with expiration date is provided on the original request. Please allow ample time for processing requests. Requests can take up to 7 days to process. OSA is not able to contact Embassies in support of an individual attempting to gain entry into the host country to attend an OSA meeting.
Hotel Reservations
Located at Kufürstendamm 101 in Berlin, the Lifestyle-Hotel Ku"Damm 101 is the recommended partner hotel of Laser Optics Berlin collocated with the Research in Optics Congress.
It is the exciting hotel address for business travelers with technological demands and short-break guests with a sense for active aesthetics and lifestyle with 170 rooms in pure design. Experience high-speed Internet access with Wireless/LAN network, breakfast above the roofs of Berlin, lounge bar, conference rooms, conference suits, well-being, garden, 94 garage parking spaces, and all the advantages for shoppers of having the Ku'Damm on the doorstep.
Single Room for € 83,00 incl. breakfast
Double Room for € 108,00 incl. breakfast
Visit Laser Optics Berlin's website to book your hotel room.
Conference Location
The Research in Optical Sciences Congress will be held at the Laser Optics Berlin trade show at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds, located at Messe Berlin GmbH, Messedamm 22, 14055 Berlin.
Transportation
Travelers may reach Berlin through a variety of ways. Two airports are available; Tegal International Airport is the main airport for international flights, and Schönefeld for some airlines within Europe and charter flights from Eastern Europe. The exhibition grounds are a short bus or taxi ride away. Access is also available via train or automobile.
Visit the Laser Optics Berlin website for more travel information. Special Eurorail fares are available on Laser Optics Berlin's website.
