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EuCARD >> News >> Newsletters >> Issue 4 >> Article 1

A word about the 1st Annual Meeting

With the 1st EuCARD annual meeting scheduled for mid-April, we spoke to Tony Wells, chairman of the local organising committee, to find out what to expect from the event.

Behind the scenes

"The meeting's Organising Committee is split between STFC and CERN," explains Tony Wells, Senior Sales Contracts Manager at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).

"Denise Small, Tricia Shand and Rob Edgecock join me at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory to provide UK-based support, while Merethe Morer-Olafsen the EuCARD project assistant, and Jean-Pierre Koutchouk the EuCARD project coordinator, provide support from Switzerland."

WHAT: 1st EuCARD Annual Meeting

WHEN: From 14-16 April 2010 (13th for internal meetings)

WHERE:  Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, STFC, Oxfordshire, UK

WHO: Project members plus externals within limits of capacity
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"Overall our biggest challenges have been to set up the logistics necessary for an international conference to run smoothly," explains Tony. "This ranges from reserving suitable accommodation to selecting local venues for the official dinner".

Tony Wells, Senior Sales Contracts Manager at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), is chairman of the local organising committee for the 1st EuCARD Annual Meeting. Tony also represents STFC on the EuCARD Governing Board. Image courtesy of STFC

"I have a mixture of anticipation and trepidation about hosting the first annual meeting of the project," reveals Tony.

"But by far I'm most looking forward to welcoming our EuCARD colleagues to Oxfordshire and giving them the chance to see our facilities here at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, as well as networking with EuCARD colleagues and listening to the presentations."

Meeting highlights

The meeting is not only a chance to review project activity and achievements. It also includes scientific presentations on key topics from within and outside the project. External guests will be showcasing work from other European projects, from STFC and from the USA.

Topics range from plasma wave acceleration and crab cavities to US/LARP and TIARA (see programme for more details). Under the auspices of ESGARD (European Steering Group on Accelerator R&D), who will meet during the event, discussions will also be held on how to improve European collaborations.

"There are also tours arranged of the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory," encourages Tony. "Visitors have the chance to see the ISIS/MICE experiment, the Central Laser Facility or the Diamond Light Source."

"Last but not least, attendees can look forward to a dinner at one of the University of Oxford’s oldest colleges, Balliol College," enthuses Tony. "There will also be a welcome cocktail in a magnificent rustic location called Lains Barn."

Last minute tips for attendees

"Certainly remember to bring a plug adapter for UK plug sockets" advises Tony. "You should also remember that we have pounds and pence here not the Euro," he continues. "Take care when driving a car or crossing the road as we drive on the left."

"We are one hour behind Europe, we do like to queue and we are very grateful that all overseas visitors always seem to speak excellent English!"

"Oh, and one last thing, maybe bring an umbrella!"

Quick guide to visiting Britain

* Do drive on the left side of the road

* Do queue

* Do remember the UK is 1-hour behind mainland Europe

* Don't forget a UK plug adapter

* Don't use Euros, in Britain the currency is pounds and pence

* Don't forget an umbrella!