Practical information

Contact e-mail: mw-link2019 (at) helsinki.fi

Posters and talk instructions:

Maximum poster dimensions are 115 X 95 cm (portrait orientation).

Talks are 15 minutes + 5 minutes question/transition time.

To enable rapid transitions between talks, we request that speakers store their talks on USB sticks or e-mail them to mw-link2019@helsinki.fi so that they can be uploaded to the central PC. The main presentation computer runs a Windows operating system. We undertsand that some speakers may use Mac or Linux operating systems. In these cases, one's own laptop may be used at one's own risk. (A Mac adaptor is available.) Speakers will have the opportunity to test their presentations ~15 minutes before the first session each day, during coffee breaks, or just before the afternoon sessions (last ~15 minutes of lunch). In all cases, we strongly advise having a back-up of the presentation saved as a .pdf.

Accommodation:

Note: Before you book, please make sure that you have completed registration. The conference is limited to 100 participants.

Book accommodation early! We recommend booking at least two months in advance. June is a popular time in Helsinki! If you are having difficulties, please contact the LOC and we will do our best to help you find reasonable accommodation.

A limited number of rooms will be available at Töölö Towers.To get the very low conference rate, you must contact the organizers (mw-link2019 (at) helsinki.fi) and we will assist you. Conference rates for a single room are 420 euro/week and a one bedroom flat (2 person) for 644 euro/week for the exact dates ranging from 2-9 June. There are 25 single rooms and 10 one bedroom flats available, enough for a total of 45 participants. To receive these rates, the rooms must be booked for the full week. The booking company has informed us that if you arrive late or check out early, you will be charged the much higher nightly rates. These nightly rates for the single rooms are 110 euro/night for Sunday-Thursday, and 79 euro/night on Friday and Saturday. The nightly rates for the 1-bedroom flat with two occupants is 150 euro/night Sunday-Thursday and 105 euro/night on Friday and Saturday.

If requesting a booking for a one bedroom flat, please specify the name of the other conference attendee with whom you will be sharing. If you would like to share a room, but do not have someone to share with, please contact the organizers via e-mail to be matched with another attendee. As a bonus, Töölö Towers has sauna and free breakfast.

If you book early, there are several budget-friendly (70-120 euro/night) hotels and hostels in the area that are within easy reach via walking or the extensive public transport network. The easiest way to find these, along with their up-to-date rates is to do a quick google map search of the area and then check their websites or general hotel booking websites. The more affordable options are also generally a few kilometers away from the city center. There are also affordable many Airbnb options near the city center. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the organizers via e-mail. Keep in mind that this will be the high-season in Helsinki and many hotels in the city center are between 200-400 euro/night. Book early!

Public transport:

Helsinki has a comprehensive public transport network, including bus, train, metro, and boat. One can usually find a stop every 300 meters or less. To plan your journey, more information can be found on the HSL website.

It is highly recommended that you either download the HSL app or purchase a public transport card for the duration of your stay. The cards are 5 euro (non-refundable) and can be purchased at the train station and any "R-kioski". The app is free. Rates and fares can be found here. The daily/weekly tickets also include transport to some of the nearby islands. Note: If you only include the innermost zones (recommended unless you intend to leave the city every day), the airport is not included.

Helsinki City bicycles are also an option during this time of year. Information can be found here.

To and from the airport:

The easiest option is by train. The I and P trains go between the airport and Helsinki Central Station every 5-10 minutes during normal hours, and continue less frequently throughout the night. The fare is ~5 euro each way and can be purchased at either station. The train station at the airport is very easy to find and there are only two platforms, both leading to Helsinki Central Station, which is the last stop. The journey takes 30-40 minutes and is quite scenic!

The Finnair bus is another option for approximately the same cost.

Additional useful tips:

Most people in Helsinki speak fluent English in addition to Finnish and often Swedish.

Most payments in Finland are completed via credit card. Cash is usually an option, but not always.

The conference does not provide insurance. Please consider purchasing your own travel insurance or make sure that your insurance provides coverage while you are in Finland.

If you need a travel visa for Finland, please contact the LOC to receive an invitation letter as soon as possible.