Bridging Continents & Cultures

In spite of its location - a mountain in the middle of an island in the center of a river flowing out to the Atlantic Ocean (more than 1,500 kilometers away) - Montréal is one of the world's major international ports. Geographically, it has a little bit of everything, a trait that extends to cultural matters as well. Solidly rooted in North America, Montréal has retained a strong European flavour and draws its strength from that duality. As such, this reinforces the theme of the Spring '98 INFORMS conference: Bridging Continents & Cultures. Strong international participation has been encouraged for this meeting so that we can introduce and be introduced to various research perspectives and approaches in the fields of OR & MS. In fact, Montréal is the site of four universities and two world-renowned OR research centres where people from many countries bridge continents and cultures on a daily basis.

The increasingly global nature of trade and manufacturing makes it important for us to widen the scope of international understanding in our areas of research. The local committee of the Montréal '98 meeting invites you to our island to help bridge continents and cultures.

Hospitality with a definite French flavour: one of the hallmarks of Montréal. This distinctive quality has made the city one of the most popular destinations on the North American continent.

Joie de vivre expresses the unique spirit and Latin ambiance that permeate the fabric of Montréal. The conference hotels, the Queen Elizabeth and the Bonaventure Hilton Regency, are located at the heart of it all! Everything is within walking distance or a short Metro ride away. Between conference sessions, visit the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal, or one of the city's many other museums. Take in theatre, dance, opera, or the symphony at Place des Arts or at other numerous performing arts venues. Try your luck at the elegant Casino housed in Expo '67's former French Pavilion. Enjoy world-class shopping at some of the city's many fine boutiques. If you are a sports fan, check out an Expos baseball game at the Olympic Stadium or a Canadiens hockey game at the Molson Centre. Hail a horse-drawn calèche and ride along the cobblestoned streets of the historic Old Montréal district. While there, see the mighty St. Lawrence River at the Old Port and enjoy some of the many activities going on. Take a romantic stroll on Mount Royal (for which the city is named) and enjoy some of the spectacular views of the surrounding areas from the park's several lookouts.

But Montréal is best known for its restaurants and nightlife. When it comes to pure dining pleasure, it can hold its own against any European city. Sidewalk cafés, quaint bistros, chic dining rooms and restaurants offer a smorgasbord of the most tantalizing local and ethnic specialties. Bars and nightclubs around town serve up live entertainment for every taste. From comedy clubs and piano bars to rhythm and blues clubs, jazz bars, salsa and tango clubs, Montréal moves to different beats into the wee hours!

A major urban centre and one of the world's greatest cities, Montréal is the venue of choice for both pleasure and business. The Montréal INFORMS Committee welcomes you and invites you to experience our city.

Badge Holder Recycling

INFORMS will have a box in the Registration area for attendees to return their badge holders.

Child Care

Child care will be available from highly qualified, bonded, insured providers. Children from 6 weeks to 14 years may be enrolled. If you are interested in child care, contact the Rhode Island office at 800-343-0062 or 401-274-2525, ext. 202 or via e-mail at [email protected] no later than March 2; firm commitments needed by March 31.

E-Mail Centers

To stay in contact with the outside world during the meeting, e-mail terminals will be set up in Galerie 1 in the Queen Elizabeth.

Exhibits

Exhibits will be located in Galeries 2, 3, and 4 in the Queen Elizabeth. Leading software developers and publishers will showcase the latest software products, technical reference materials and specialized services. Companies interested in exhibiting may contact Tanya Skorohod at 800-343-0062 or 401-274-2525, ext. 202 or at [email protected]. Exhibit hours will be:Monday9:00am-5:00pmTuesday9:00am-5:00pmWednesday9:00am-12noon

INFORMS has retained the services of a customs broker to handle Canadian customs formalities. A Customs & Shipping Guide will be sent to those exhibiting. The broker may be contacted at: Mendelssohn-Commercial, 514-987-2700, FAX 514-849-3446. Contacts: Mike Patterson or Gary Sheepwash.

Hotel Information & Accommodations

The Queen Elizabeth Hotel and the Montréal Bonaventure Hilton will host the Spring 1998 Montréal Meeting. Technical sessions will be held at both hotels. The Bonaventure Hilton is a short walk from the Queen Elizabeth. Blocks of rooms have been reserved at both hotels for attendees; rates at the Queen Elizabeth are $134C single and $154C double, and $99US single and $209US double. Rates at the Bonaventure are $137C single and $158C double, $101US single and $116US double. Rates do not include applicable taxes. US equivalents are based on January 1998 US exchange rates. Actual hotel rate of exchange at time of stay will apply. Space is limited - make your reservations by April 1. For reservations at the Queen Elizabeth, call 514-861-3511 or fax 514-954-2256. For reservations at the Bonaventure, call 514-878-2332 or fax 514-878-3881.

INFORMS Online

The preliminary and final programs can be found on INFORMS Online at http://www.informs.org. Information will be updated periodically. Check out the latest program information and print out your own customized program.