Language
The official language of the Symposium is English.
Delegates
ISME Symposia are open to everyone with an interest in Microbial Ecology. The symposia usually attract 1500-2500 delegates, representing over 50 countries.
Registration
All participants must submit a completed registration form (online), which will be open from December 2023 onwards.
Lunch
ISME does not include lunches with its registration fee. More information on possible lunch locations will be made available shortly.
Climate
In August, it is winter in Cape Town. The average temperature in August is 13 degrees Celsius with an average rainfall of 70 mm.
Clothing
Clothing is informal for all occasions.
Time Zone
Cape Town is on South Africa Standard Time (SAST), which is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2). All times displayed in the program will be in the local time.
ISME App
There will be an ISME19 app available for download in iTunes and in Google Play. This app is part of the ISME society app. It will be launched in July 2024. The ISME society app is already available for download.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is free of charge for all participants in the convention center.
Safety
Cape Town is a very nice place, with beautiful scenery and friendly people, but please look after your safety. The tourist areas such as the V&A Waterfront, and the area around the convention center are relatively safe, but staying vigilant is never a bad idea. Please do not go out at night on your own, and, even with friends, avoid walking back to your hotel at night (take a taxi or Uber).
Taxis are quite affordable, and easier than public transport. When renting a car, take note that you should not drive through certain areas (even though navigation might tell you to).
Don't allow strangers to assist you at ATMs, and keep your valuable documents in a safe place at all times.
Cape Town Tourism also has some tips on their website, which we recommend you view before going to Cape Town.
Visa
Please check if you are required to obtain a visa to enter South Africa.
Airport
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is a 20 min ride to the hotels around the conference center. We advise to use a taxi or shuttle service. Hostesses from the city are present upon arrival and can guide you to them. You can also fly to Johannesburg or Pretoria and take an inland flight to Cape Town. You will be able to arrange transfers from the airport to the city shortly via our local partner, Turners Conferences.
Hotels
The HQ hotel for ISME19 is the Westin hotel just across the street from the convention center. But there many other great options! For your convenience we have partnered up with a local company that provides accommodation bookings. The booking tool is now available.
More Symposium Information
To learn more about our symposium, please find more detailed information in the ISME18 report.