2013 Vertex Standard APME Partner Conference 8 to 10 April 2013 Evolve to Better Last year, at the first Vertex Standard Partner Conference, we witnessed some amazing alliances and collaborations, received encouraging feedback and experienced wonderful cultural insights. The 2013 Vertex Standard APME Partner Conference will be held in Chengdu, China, and in the hopes of replicating the success of 2012, you can, once again, look forward to an occasion of shared knowledge and expertise, as well as new breakthroughs and ventures. In line with the new year, we will also be unveiling a new theme: Evolve to Better. The theme introduces Vertex Standard’s new vision where “good enough is no longer good enough”. It’s simple; we want to be better. The new vison also includes some key factors that will draw attention to Vertex Standard’s strive towards precision engineering and the delivery of great value, all without compromising product quality. In short, the big reveal at the conference is going to be explosive! On top of it all, there will also be time to celebrate the successes and achievements of our partners. Definitely, the most exciting segment is the coming-together of the Vertex Standard partner community which seamlessly facilitates business partnerships and rapport. It’s going to be one exciting ride and if you’re not a part of it yet, we are inviting you to join us in our quest to “Evolve to Better”. ITINERARY Day 1 8 April 2013 (Mon) Whole day – Meet and greet (+ arrival transfer) at Chengdu Shuangliu Airport for Partner’s staggered arrivals. Time at leisure. 6:30pm - Welcome Cocktail / Dinner (Dress : Business Casual) Overnight at Shangri-la Hotel, Chengdu Day 2 9 April 2013 (Tue) 8:00am – 8:55am - Breakfast 9:00am - 6:00pm - Conference Session (Dress : Business casual - T-shirt provided) 7:00pm - Depart for Appreciation Dinner (Dress : Business Casual) 10:30pm - Overnight at Shangri-la Hotel, Chengdu Day 3 10 April 2013 (Wed) 7:00am – 7:50am - Breakfast 08:00am - Check out and depart hotel for Panda Base visit - Time at leisure and lunch on personal account until departure transfer to airport For those departing later in the afternoon, please be at hotel lobby 3hrs before your scheduled flight departure. 12:00pm - Official check out time. You may leave your luggage at Concierge until your scheduled departure to airport. - Home Sweet Home - details to be advised later DESTINATION INFORMATION About Chengdu Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, benefits greatly from the region’s famed abundance. The fertile Chengdu Plain, on which Chengdu is located, is also known as the "Country of Heaven" (天府之国, Tiānfǔzhiguó), a phrase also often translated as "The Land of Abundance" Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province. Being the natural habitat of cute giant pandas, it is located in the west of Sichuan Basin and in the center of Chengdu Plain. It covers a total area of 12.3 thousand square kilometres (4,749 square miles) with a population of over 11 million. Chengdu is one of the most important economic, transportation, and communication centers in Western China. According to the 2007 Public Appraisal for Best Chinese Cities for Investment, Chengdu was chosen as one of the top ten cities to invest in out of a total of 280 urban centers in China. In 2006, it was named China's 4th-most livable city by China Daily. Benefiting from Dujiangyan Irrigation Project which was constructed in 256 B.C., Sichuan Province is literally a place richly endowed with natural resources. Chengdu, as the capital, is extremely productive. The Min and Tuo Rivers, two branches of the Yangtze River, connected to forty other rivers, supply an irrigation area of more than 700 square kilometres (270.27 square miles) with 150-180 million kilowatts of water. Consisting of abundant mineral resources, the land is extremely fertile. The history of the city can be traced back 2,400 when the first emperor built his capital here and named the city. Through thousands of years its original name has been kept and its position as the capital and as the significant center of politics, commerce and military of the Sichuan area (once called Shu) has remained unchanged. Since the Han (206B.C.-220) and Tang (618-907) Dynasties when its handicraft industry flourished, the place has been famous for its brocades and embroideries. Shu embroideries still enjoy a high reputation for their bright colors and delicate designs, ranking among the four main embroideries in China. The city was also the place where the bronze culture, an indispensable part of ancient Chinese culture, originated; the place where the Southern Silk Road started; and the place where the earliest paper currency, Jiaozi (not the dumpling!), was first printed. It is listed among the first 24 state-approved historical and cultural cities and owns 23 state and provincial cultural relic units. The food here is some of the best anywhere in the world and although most people will say Sichuan is known for spice, the truth is that flavor is at the heart of Sichuan cuisine. General Information China Visa - http://www.visaforchina.com.sg/ Visa is required for all visitors to China unless they belong to the following category: According to bilateral agreements, citizens of some countries holding appropriate passports may enter China without a visa provided that their stay in China shall not exceed 30 days from the date of entry into China. While in China, they should apply to the department concerned for the extension of the duration of stay in advance if they want to stay longer. To view the List of Agreements on Mutual Visa Exemption Between the P.R. China and Foreign Countries, please copy and paste the link to download the pdf: http://cs.mfa.gov.cn/zlfg/bgzl/lhqz/P020120207334923525217.pdf Citizens of Singapore, Brunei and Japan holding ordinary passports may enter China without a visa through ports of entry open to foreigners provided their visit is for tourism, family, business or transit, and their stay does not exceed 15 days. However the following visitors from these 3 countries must apply for a visa in advance if: They are holders of ordinary passports, are in China for tourism, family or business but intend to stay in China for more than 15 days; They are holders of ordinary passports, and are in China for study, employment, permanent residence or purpose of news reporting. They are holders of diplomatic and service passports. In accordance with "the Law of the People's Republic of China on Entry and Exit of Aliens" and other relevant regulations, the aliens who apply for the Chinese visa shall fulfill the following procedures and provide the pertinent documents. Basic Requirements One completed application Visa Form. One recently taken 2 inch half-length, bareheaded, full-faced photo. A valid passport (usually minimum 6 months from date of departure from home country) with enough blank pages. Visas are classified into: diplomatic visa, courteous visa, service visa and general visa according to the status and types of passports held by aliens coming to China. General visas are divided into these sub-categories: F, L, Z, X, C, J-1, J-2, G, and D. Please indicate Tourism Visa (L) for your application. L visa (Tourism Visa): issued to those who enter China for touring, family visiting or other personal affairs (multiple-entry is not granted for this type of visa); For more information on visa, visit: http://www.visaforchina.in/visaen/visaView.html?method=index Climate Chengdu has four distinct seasons. Its monsoon-influenced subtropical climate blesses the region with abundant rainfall while relieving it from sweltering summers and freezing winters. Rainfall is common year round, but heaviest in July and August. As the city with the lowest number of sunshine hours, Spring (March-April) in Chengdu tends to be sunnier and warmer compared to Autumn (October-November). Average Temperature Chart (C): Note: Extreme temperatures have ranged between -5.9 deg C to 40 deg C. Time Zone GMT +8 hours Singapore and Chengdu share the same time zone. Currency and Methods of Payment China's currency is the renminbi (RMB), also known as the “yuan”. Ten “jiao” or “mao” make up one yuan; ten “fen” make up one “jiao”. As of 13 January 2013, the yuan is worth about US $0.16. The Bank of China has exchange desks for foreign currencies and travelers checks with convenient hours at all hotels, airports, Friendship Stores, and other shopping areas. Visa, Master Card, American Express, Diner's Club, Federal Card, Million Card, and JCB credit cards are accepted at most hotels and state-run shops in major cities. In smaller establishments including restaurants and hotels, be prepared to pay in cash (yuan). Denomination The largest denomination of the renminbi is the 100 yuan note. The smallest is the 1 fen coin or note. RMB is issued both in notes and coins. - The paper denominations include100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 yuan; 5, 2 and 1 jiao; and 5, 2 and 1 fen. - The denominations of coins are 1 yuan; 5, 2 and 1 jiao; and 5,2 and 1 fen. Language Mandarin is commonly used in modern China. The majority of the 55 other ethnic groups have their own languages. Chengdu has its own dialect. Tipping Tipping is not part of the culture in China but appreciated where the service charge is not included in the bill. Clothing A sturdy, comfortable pair of walking shoes is a must. A light jacket or sweater is advisable in case of temperature dips. While generally informal during the day, please refer to itinerary and follow the recommendations indicated with an asterisk *. Water Visitors are recommended to drink bottled water, available in your room. Electricity China uses 220 volts throughout although most four and five-star hotels are wired with 110-volt outlets as well, usually in the bathroom (please check with hotel). Sockets take in three-pin “Type I” plugs (Australia/New Zealand), or two-pin plugs (Europe). Most of the sockets in Shangri-la Hotel are multi-plug adapted that is, accepts plugs of various types. If in doubt seek assistance from hotel front desk. Your Hotel ( link http://www.shangri-la.com/chengdu/shangrila ) Shangri-la Hotel Chengdu Address: 9号 Binjiang East Rd, Jinjiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China Phone:+86 28 8888 9999 Situated in the city centre of Chengdu, Shangri-la Hotel, Chengdu boasts spectacular views of the Jinjiang River, overlooking the beautiful Hejiang Pavilion with garden landscape. The hotel is only 5min drive from Chunxi Road pedestrian precinct and 25mins from Shuangliu International Airport making it an ideal location for our conference. Check-in / Check-out Check-in: 2pm Check-out: 12noon Deluxe City view Rooms offer spacious comfort with contemporary décor and views of the elegant city centre of Chengdu. Features Deluxe Cityview Rooms offers city views of Chengdu. Spacious bathroom with a rainforest showerhead An indulgent bed with duvet Each room offers 42 sqm / 452 sqf of luxury. Salutation : Mr/Mrs/Ms/Dr Surname / Family Name : Given / First name : Full name as appears on passport : Preferred name on nametag (if different from full name) : Job Title : Company name : Company mailing address (optional): Country : Postal code : Email address: Contact telephone : Mobile Office Passport # : Passport expiry date : Nationality : Date of birth : Room preference : Smoking Non Smoking Dietary preference : T-shirt Size – chest size (measured from underarm to underarm) in inches : Flight details : ARRIVAL INTO CHENGDU DEPARTURE FROM CHENGDU Do you require Arrival transfer / pick up at the airport? Yes / No Do you require Departure transfer to airport? Yes / No Please specify any special information / requirements : ___________________________________________________________________________________ General conditions: Unless otherwise advised, your accommodation will be booked for check-in on 8 April 2013 (official check-in time is 2pm) and check-out on 10 April 2013 (official check-out time is 12pm). Any extensions or deviations will be at your own expense and arrangements. Please ensure your flight is booked to arrive into Chengdu on 8 April and to reach hotel by 5:30pm (allow approximately an hour for different traffic conditions while 30min is usually sufficient during off peak hours). Airport arrival and departure transfers will be provided only for these two core dates unless you have specified not required. Vertex Standard will cover costs for accommodation (single room), meals and activities as indicated on the agenda. Return air-tickets and personal incidentals such as visa fees, travel insurance, laundry, phone calls, room service, mini-bar, meals other than indicated etc will be at your own expense. Please contact your In-Country Marketing Manager for any clarification required. The trip is exclusive and not transferable to any other persons within the same company unless otherwise approved by Vertex Standard. Successful submission of this registration does not mean an approved registration. Bringing along un-invited co-travellers will not be allowed. Registration/s must be made by Thursday 28 February 2013. Late registration/s will not be accepted. Contact Us Should you require any clarification or further assistance, please email to admin@mice-at-work.com. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec High 9 11 16 22 26 28 30 30 25 21 16 11 Low 3 6 8 13 17 21 22 22 19 15 10 5 No pork No Seafood None No beef Vegetarian Size Chest in inches / cm 2XS 34” / 86.36 XS 36” / 91.44 S 38” / 96.52 M 40” / 101.6 L 42” / 106.68 XL 44” / 111.76 2XL 46” / 116.84 3XL 48” / 121.92 Flight No City Pair Departure Date/Time Departure Date/Time Arrival Time/Date Arrival Time/Date MI 936 SINGAPORE - CHENGDU 08APR 1245 1720 08APR Flight No City Pair Departure Date/Time Departure Date/Time Arrival Time/Date Arrival Time/Date MI 935 CHENGDU - SINGAPORE 10APR 1810 2315 10APR