Social Program

Any updates, further information or changes relating to the social program will be placed on this webpage.

OPENING CEREMONY AND WELCOME FUNCTION

Sunday, August 17, 2008, 16:00 – 20:00
Dress: Casual
Tickets: Included in registration fee
Venue: Cairns Convention Centre
Join us for the opening ceremony in the Plenary Hall of the Cairns Convention Centre. The program will feature Emeritus Professor Kevin Marshall, who pioneered the microbial ecology of biofilms and our first plenary oral presenter of the symposium, Professor Bo Barker Jørgensen. Following the opening program, the Cairns local indigenous people will formally welcome ISME registrants to this land by way of a traditional ceremony. Subsequently, as the sun sets on this tropical location, you are invited to join all symposium registrants for a night of Tropical Treats that will excite your taste buds! This is a perfect way to catch up with colleagues and a chance to meet new ones.

EVENING LECTURE

Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 18:00 – 20:30
Dress: Casual
Tickets: Included in registration fee
Venue: Cairns Convention Centre

This evening of stunning microbial ecology will stimulate your mind. The plenary lecture will be delivered by Professor Roberto Kolter, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Harvard Medical School, USA, followed by the prestigious “Jim Tiedje Award” lecture, presented by Professor Norman Pace, Dept. of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado-Boulder, USA.
This evening, comprising remarkable microbial ecological discussions, will be preceded by a short reception with iconic Australian beverages and scrumptious global cheeses (…all in all - a truly microbiological feast!).

THE ISME PARTY

Thursday, August 21, 2008, 19:00 - Late
Dress: Casual
Tickets: AUD$ 100
Venue: Rainforestation Nature Park

The infamous, enchanted Rainforestation Nature Park of tropical Kuranda in the hinterlands of Cairns is the destination for the 2008 “ISME Party”. Your ticket will include transport to and from venue, full access to the Rainforestation park and all attractions, food, drinks and great music.

Accurately renovated, World War II land and aquatic automobiles known as “Army Ducks” will be used for thrilling, spot-lit tours of the tropical rainforest and river environs throughout the evening. The Army Duck driver will be your expert guide for surrounding biota including flora and fauna.

Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance Show. Guests will be escorted to the rainforest amphitheatre where the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers will deliver a confronting, impressive and exciting performance of traditional dance, accompanied by native musical instruments including “didgeridoo” and “clapstick”. The amphitheatre has walls of rainforest and a protective canopy.

The Wildlife Park will be accessible all night. This is a fascinating area in which you are free to mingle along the pathways that meander throughout the wildlife park. Animal handlers are positioned throughout to give guests an “up-close” and personal experience with some of the local furry, scaly, venomuous, toothy friends.

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