[AstroNet] Reminder: SAASTEC Conference in Sutherland - DEADLINE TODAY

[Kevin Govender]

Please note that although the closing date for submission is TODAY July 
31st, you can email Ginny Stone (squigglez at telkomsa.net) if you have a 
special request for a few days extension (within reason).
Regards
Kevin



Kevin Govender wrote:
> Hi all
> Please note that the closing date for submission of abstracts for the 
> SAASTEC (Southern African Association of Science and Technology 
> Centres) conference is 31 July 2009.
>
> The conference has been themed "Reach for the Stars" and is aimed at 
> science centres and science outreach personnel from all over the 
> world! In this International Year of Astronomy delegates have the 
> opportunity to visit Sutherland and SALT (Southern African Large 
> Telescope). It promises to be a unique experience for all, especially 
> those who have never been to Sutherland before. It will be a great way 
> to start bringing the year of astronomy to a close with science 
> education outreach people coming together for a conference (and team 
> building opportunity) of note! The phenomenal skies of Sutherland and 
> the amazing high tech facilities at the observatory will certainly 
> leave many completely blown away.
>
> I look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible to Sutherland 
> this November and we fully intend to give you a life changing 
> experience at this conference!
>
> All the information you need can be found on www.saastec.co.za but the 
> basics are below. Please spread the word!
> Regards
> Kevin
> 0824878466
>
> Basics:
>
> WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
> Professionals from science and technology centres, national research 
> facilties, innovation support centres,
> museums, planetariums, aquariums and art galleries as well as 
> researchers, educators, teachers, government
> officials, administrators and policy makers involved with the public 
> understanding of science, mathematics and
> technology (PUSET), curriculum developers and subject advisors. 
> Sponsors, industry partners, stakeholders and
> other interested members of the community are also welcome.
>
> VENUE, DATE AND REGISTRATION FEE
> Venue: The conference will be hosted by SAAO and will take place in 
> Sutherland, Northern Cape.
> Date: Monday 23 November to Friday 27 November 2009 (this includes 2 
> days travelling).
> Registration: Evening of Monday, 23 November.
> Registration Fee:
> SAASTEC MEMBERS R950
> NON-SAASTEC MEMBERS R1200
>
> TRANSPORT
> Transport will be provided from MTN Sciencentre, Canal Walk, Cape Town 
> to the conference venue in Sutherland.
> Buses will leave MTN Sciencentre at 11h00 on the 23rd November, and 
> will return to the MTN Sciencentre on
> Friday 27th November (probably only around mid afternoon – so don’t 
> make your travel arrangements too early).
> MTN Sciencentre opens at 09h00 in the morning – so make sure you come 
> early and spend a few hours exploring,
> before catching the bus to Sutherland.
> Please do note – there are various different options of travel from 
> the rest of South Africa to Sutherland (for your
> own expense if you are not going on the conference bus from CT). You 
> could go by train / plane / bus or car. For
> those who fancy a train trip (quite a bit cheaper than a flight but 
> considerably more time consuming) bookings do
> have to be made 3 months in advance.
>
> CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES
> Papers will be invited in line with the following objectives:
> • To share ideas and experiences about how science centres promote and 
> support the development of
> the pool of scientific and technological skills in Southern Africa.
> • To share experiences on the theme of the conference and catalyse 
> future exchange of knowledge
> among colleagues in the SADC countries and the world networks.
> • To focus on the impact of science and technology centres in the 
> regions they serve
> • To stimulate the development of science and technology centres and 
> to present models that could
> enhance education and change in Southern Africa
> • To interact with the relevant regional and national government 
> officials, partners from the private
> sector, academics and students from HEI’s (Higher Education 
> Institutions, e.g. universities), principals,
> teachers, interested stakeholders and members of the community.
>
> CALL FOR PAPERS, POSTER PRESENTATIONS OR EXHIBITIONS
> Delegates are invited to respond to this circular by submitting 
> proposals for oral and/or poster presentations.
> Commercial displays are also welcome. Please see the proposal forms on 
> www.saastec.co.za.
>
> *Please note that the deadline for the submission of proposals is 31st 
> July 2009.
>