After careful consideration, we have decided to cancel the OCLC Library Futures Conference (EMEARC 2020), which was scheduled to take place on 2-5 March in Vienna, Austria. Our primary goal is to help ensure the safety and health of conference participants and staff.
The escalation of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Asia and Europe has resulted in a situation that is changing rapidly and difficult to predict from day to day. Several speakers and attendees have advised us this week that they have been forced to cancel their plans to attend or are restricted from traveling. After careful analysis of the news, updates, and data provided by agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO), we have decided that the best course of action is to cancel the event.
We take our duty of care to members, speakers, and staff very seriously. With participants scheduled from 27 countries, we believe the decision to cancel is advisable and prudent. We also know that libraries and librarians are essential to preparedness as governments, universities, schools, and communities grapple with this serious health threat. We will be assessing library roles in the coming days and will share pertinent information accordingly.
OCLC will proactively reimburse conference registration fees for registered participants.
We sincerely hope to see you at an OCLC event soon and wish you all safety and health.
Join us in historic Vienna!
The OCLC EMEA Regional Council Conference 2020 is being held in Vienna, Austria from 3 to 4 March 2020. Vienna has a rich heritage with a mixture of historic and modern landmarks, from concert halls and museums to stunning parks and gardens. Considered a city of knowledge, Vienna is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site with more famous composers having lived in there than any other city.
The event will take place at the Intercontinental Hotel. The address is Johannesgasse 28, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
Lodging
The event is being held at the Intercontinental Hotel, which is in the first or “old town” district of the city. Hotels in Vienna can be found here.
Transportation
Airport: The City Airport Train (CAT) connects the airport with the transport hub at Wien Mitte in only 16 minutes. From Wien Mitte, you can take the metro to Station Stadtpark.
- From Vienna Airport to the City Air Terminal (Wien Mitte): Daily from 6:09am to 11:39pm, every 30 minutes.
- From the City Air Terminal (Wien Mitte) to Vienna Airport: Daily from 5:37am to 11:07pm, every 30 minutes.
- Tickets: Single: €12; Return: €21
Train: The main train station in Vienna is Wien Hauptbahnhof.
Visas
If you require an invitation letter for a visa, please inform us on your registration form or contact us directly at communications-emea@oclc.org.
Conference reception
OCLC will host the conference reception at the Kursalon Wien, in the Strauss Hall. The Kursalon Wien is located across the street from the Intercontinental Hotel.
Photos and videos
Photographers and videographers will be present at the event. Please note that images may be taken and used for the OCLC website, social media, and other non-commercial publicity purposes. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let us know.