It is with great pleasure that we extend to our colleagues from all over the world a warm invitation to attend the 27th Congress of the Société Internationale d’Urologie (SIU) in Honolulu, Hawaii, on October 3-7, 2004., where we expect to bring together some 5,000 urologists from over 100 countries. We are indeed very fortunate to have the magnificent setting of the Hawaiian Islands, and in particular the city of Honolulu, as our hosts for this twenty-seventh edition of the Congress. Not only is the landscape breathtaking and the weather simply perfect, the famous “Aloha Spirit” pervades everywhere from the moment you arrive: welcoming smiles, fragrant leis, and genuine hospitality. The Hawaii Convention Center, just steps away from legendary Waikiki Beach, offers a state-of-the art venue for our group. Why not join us for the Congress and stay on a few days to enjoy the myriad facets of this island paradise? As we build upon the successes of the 2002 Stockholm Congress, we are committed to organizing a global forum that promotes collegiality and networking through exchange of information, resources, technology and ideas within our international community of urologists. Our Scientific Committee, under the leadership of Dr. Hugh Whitfield, has already begun laying the foundations for a strong program predicated on three major tenets: excellence, innovation and inclusiveness, with topics and speakers at the forefront of urological practice. Attendance We expect the Congress to bring together some 5,000 urologists from over 100 countries. The most recent Congress held in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2002 attracted close to 4,000 participants from 107 countries, 17 sponsors and 51 exhibiting companies. Prior to Stockholm, the Congress was held in Singapore in 2000 (attended by 3,800 participants) and in Montreal, Canada, in 1997 (attended by a record 5,800 participants). Bus Shuttle Service Shuttle busing for registered delegates and their accompanying persons will be provided to and from Congress hotels and the Hawaii Convention Center from Sunday, October 3 through Thursday, October 7. Shuttle transportation to the Hawaii Convention Center is included in the SIU hotel rates. Discounted Air Travel Save substantial travel dollars on Aloha, Continental, American, Delta, Northwest and United Airlines when making reservations to Honolulu and the Neighbor Islands. Our Local Arrangements Organizers, Travel Planners Inc., will provide the best schedules, fares and booking policies for your approval prior to ticketing. A $40 per person service fee will apply to all confirmed reservations. Travel Planners Inc. can be reached by telephone (toll free) at 800-531-7201 (ask for the SIU representative); Email at housing.tours.travel@siu2004.com Discounted Rental Cars Special discounted rates through Enterprise Rent A Car have been arranged for SIU congress attendees. You may book reservations directly by calling 1-800-736-8222 or on line at www.enterprise.com. Provide reference code 36A6011 to identify yourself as an SIU participant. Entry Requirements to the United States Requirements for entry into the State of Hawaii from foreign destinations vary according to country. Check with the nearest United States embassy or consulate for passport and visa information. Participants requiring a letter of invitation to attend the 27th Congress of the SIU in Hawaii can request this document either by using the convenient feature on this Website, or by contacting the Congress Office. Language While Hawaii is an exotic destination, it is still the 50th State in the United States and English is the official language. But the rich, multi-ethnic heritage means you’ll hear echoes of Asia, Europe and South America in the vibrant local “pidgin.” Here are some examples: Aloha (ah-low-hah) – hello, goodbye, love Hula (hoo-lah) – the native dance Lei (lay) – necklace of flowers Luau (loo-ow) – feast Mahalo (mah-hah-low) – thank you Exhibitor Service Manual is now available to download Be sure to join our mailing list for future news and announcements.