Time to Register!

Time is passing quickly and we have been putting together all the details to bring an impressive program of the latest in bamboo innovation and potentials for the upcoming 9th World Bamboo Congress. This is a 5-day event, filled with science and technology, art and culture, design and architecture... something for everyone, but especially for those in need of networking with experienced bamboo professionals from all over the globe. Johan Gielis and his IKEBANA team have organized a very full program of over 50 oral presentations and posters, covering a diversity of subjects, and ending on a rural farmland to set the stage for exhibits and constructions.

Everyone is welcome!

Special highlights include:

• The Bamboo Pioneers Award ceremony going to renowned experts who have dedicated their life work to bamboo: Jules Janssen (the Netherlands), Oscar Hidalgo-Lopez (Colombia), Masatoshi Watanabe (Japan), Hsiung Wenyu (China), and Shuen Chao Wu (Taiwan), and a special session entitled "Bamboo, A 50-year Perspective".
• Keynote Speakers include Dr. Lynn G. Clark, Walter Liese, Gunther Pauli, David Sands, Pablo Van der Lugt, Evelin Rottke, Carolina Salazar Campo, and more.
• Bamboo constructions and art installations by BeBamboo (Nic Geereart and team), Cru!, Bamboost, Georges Cuvillier, Luk Vermeerbergen, Frans Demedts and Carla Feijen, as well as the display of Michel Abadie's bamboo airplane, FLYBOO.
• Ornamental Bamboo Session featuring Jos Van der Palen of Kimmei Nursery (Holland), Ned Jaquith of Bamboo Garden (USA), Ray Townsend (Kew), Helder Carvalho (Portugal), and more.
• Exhibits and vendors, book sales, plant sales and more.
• Special guest musicians include John Kaizan Neptune and his band, TAKE DAKE, from Japan!

Space is limited, so please REGISTER NOW! The deadline for registration is 15 March!

Best regards,

Susanne Lucas
Executive Director, WBO

Thank you!

Thanks to the generous sponsorship coming from the European Union, the local province of Antwerp Agency for Entrepreneurs, the Flemish European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Hermes Fund, the University of Antwerp, Oprins Plant NV, Genicap Corporation NV, De Kolonie bvba, and other supporters.

Participation to the Bamboo BioSciences, Bioengineering and Agroforesty Potentials sessions at the University of Antwerp is FREE. The subscription is only valid, however, with a copy of the hotel, flight or train reservations. For delegates living close to the conference venue that will not use any public transportation or hotel accommodation (locals), we ask for a copy of a document with the residence country indicated. Delegates will have access to all information-disseminating activities and the opening reception as the main network event.

Peripheral activities require payment of fees and requires subscription: conference dinner, field trips and optional tours fitting in the social program. Anyone wishing to come must use the Guestlist subscription form linked here, and indicate which aspects of the WBC they wish to attend.

The second segment of the 9th WBC, Bamboo Design Innovations, Architecture and Modern Technologies, is distinct and takes place at another venue. Those wishing to attend must use the Guestlist subscription form linked here, and pay in advance for those aspects they wish to attend.

Final deadline for all ticketing is
15 March 2012.

Planning these events are still underway, with new developments emerging and opportunities expanding. Check back often for updates and announcements!