IFOTES CONGRESS 2023

The congress venue: Bella Italia & Efa Village

The congress will be held at Bella Italia and Efa Village, a large structure that hosts sporting events and conferences, surrounded by 60 hectares of verdant pine forest facing the sea: link.

The venue

The congress area

Bella Italia Village is made of various structures including the Palazzetto arena (Sports Hall).

The congress area includes the Palazzetto (L) and other buildings on the right of the map: Alle Vele (1), Ancora (4) and Erica (6), all reachable in a few minutes' walk.

Program information

Congress sessions


Plenary Sessions 
Plenary Sessions are scheduled on October 19, 20, 21, 22 mornings.
Plenary sessions are open to all registered participants, no reservations are required. 

Parallel Lectures and Workshops
Parallel lectures and workshops are scheduled on October 19, 20, 21 mornings, 19 and 21 afternoons. 
Registered participants must book their preferred activity for each session on their registration form.

In the morning parallel lectures and workshops last 90 minutes.
In the afternoon the parallel lectures are scheduled in two sessions of 60 minutes each, while the workshops last 120 minutes, except for a couple of workshops which last 60 minutes. 
Details for each activity are specified in the presentation in the program section.

All lectures will be audio-video recorded. 

Please remember to switch off or silence your mobile phone during all sessions! 

Congress badge
Each registered participant will receive a name badge at the registrations desk. Please remember to always wear your badge in a visible way. Wearing the badge is required to access all congress halls.  

Program information

Congress languages

Congress languages are English, Italian, German and French.

Simultaneous translation from and to all languages will be provided during the Plenary Sessions.
Parallel lectures will be held in one or two languages with translation to one or two languages, except for some sessions which will only be in German. 
Workshops will be held in one language. Some workshops do not require knowledge of a particular language and are open to everybody.
In some workshops the trainers are able to speak more than one language and will facilitate participation for those who are not fluent in the main language of the workshop.
All these specifications are indicated in the program, in the presentation of each workshop.

Participants will always find an option available in the aforementioned languages for each congress session.
Please refer to the Program for information on languages and translations available.

Programme information

Congress halls

Congress sessions will be held from Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 October:

  • Plenary sessions in Palazzetto
  • Parallel sessions in Palazzetto
  • Workshops in Palazzetto, Alle Vele, Ancora, Sole-Mare, Oasi Verde, Swimming-pool, School P. Savorgnan di Brazzà.
Travel information

How to reach Lignano Sabbiadoro


Lignano is located on the coast of Friuli Venezia Giulia in north-eastern Italy. It can be reached by car, by train or by plane.

ARRIVAL BY CAR
Take the A4 Venezia – Trieste motorway or the A23 Tarvisio - Venezia and exit at the Latisana tollbooth. Continue along the SS 354 road towards Lignano for about 18 km. The A4 and A23 motorways are linked to the main Italian and European motorway intersections.

ARRIVAL BY TRAIN + BUS
the closest railway station to Lignano is Latisana. Latisana is connected by train to Venice and Trieste (train timetable). There is a regular daily bus service from Latisana train station to Lignano Sabbiadoro (TPL FVG buses - line 455). The train ticket is valid also for the bus. The closest bus stop to Bella Italia Village: viale Centrale 29 (colonie). 

ARRIVAL BY PLANE
There are three main airports in the area: Trieste, Venice, Treviso.

Trieste airport
The closest airport is Trieste Airport. It has direct connections to destinations in Italy, UK, Germany and Spain. From Trieste airport it is possible to reach Latisana by train. The railway station is directly connected to the airport. The trains - direction Venice - run every day almost every hour (timetable). The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. From Latisana to Lignano see info above in "arrival by train".  

Venice airport
Venice "Marco Polo" airport is served by all major airlines. From the Venice airport it is possible to reach Lignano by 

  • bus to Latisana (direct ATVO connection bus number 8). From Latisana TPL FVG buses (line 455)

  • train: first go by bus to MESTRE railway station (ATVO bus, at variable intervals every 20-50 minutes. Journey approx. 20 minutes).  From Mestre railway station, trains leave almost every hour for Latisana - direction Trieste (timetable). The journey takes approximately 60 minutes.  From Latisana to Lignano see info above in "arrival by train".

Treviso airport
Treviso airport is served by low-cost airlines, with both domestic and international flights to various European countries. It is connected by bus to Mestre (ATVO). From Mestre train station follow the directions given above.


SHUTTLE SERVICES FOR CONGRESS PARTICIPANTS

SCHEDULED TRANSFER (reservations through the registration form)

FROM LATISANA TRAIN STATION – WEDNESDAY 18 OCTOBER
In addition to public transport, to reach Lignano from the Latisana train station on Wednesday 18 October shuttle busses are available at h. 14:00 – 15:00 – 16:00 – 17:00 – 18:00.
The bus will make several stops in Lignano, to allow participants to easily reach their hotels.

TO LATISANA TRAIN STATION – SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER
Shuttle busses are available for the return to the Latisana train station on Sunday 22 October, at h. 13:00 – 13:20 – 14:20 – 15:20, leaving from Bella Italia Village (a left luggage facility will be available at BIV).

Cost for each ride from and to Latisana train station: 15 Euros.
The reservation can be made through your registration form.

FROM/TO THE AIRPORT OF TRIESTE – WED 18 and SUN 22 OCTOBER
We suggest to take the train to Latisana directly from the airport and then book the shuttle bus from Latisana train station (and vice-versa on the way back).

TO THE AIRPORT OF VENICE – SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER
A shuttle bus is available from Lignano – Bella Italia village to the airport of Venice on Sunday 22 October at 13:00 (a left luggage facility will be available at BIV).

Cost for the ride to Venice Marco Polo airport: 32 Euros.
The reservation can be made through your registration form.

SHUTTLE SERVICES FOR CONGRESS PARTICIPANTS

TRANSFER ON REQUEST 

FROM/TO THE AIRPORT OF VENICE – WED 18 and SUN 22 OCTOBER
FROM/TO THE AIRPORT OF TREVISO – WED 18 and SUN 22 OCTOBER
For groups of minimum 8 people, we can arrange a transfer upon request for the same cost of 32 Eur ride/person.
Contact secretariat@ifotes.org that will confirm the availability and indicate how to book.

ANY OTHER TRANSFER – CONGRESS DAYS
For transfers on days and times not previously indicated, you can contact secretariat@ifotes.org that will check and inform you under which conditions it is possible to organize your transfer.

Additional services

Lunch breaks

The free time of the lunch break from 12.30 to 14.30 allows participants to have lunch and carry out various sports and recreational activities in Bella Italia village or on the beach.

Several bars and restaurants in the area will be available to congress participants.

To facilitate the lunch break, Bella Italia Village offers the possibility of having a complete meal at its self-service or a take-away lunch (each meal 12 Eur).

A lunch package for the three days 19, 20 and 21 October can be booked through your registration form.

Socio-cultural program

Guided Tours

Three guided tours are available on Friday 20 October afternoon:

  • Aquileia
  • Marano Lagoon
  • Cordovado and Sesto al Reghena

The tours must be booked before your arrival, through your online registration form.
Detailed information is in the program page

Socio-cultural program

Supplementary cultural offer

During the congress days, the city of Lignano will host exhibitions, concerts, films and book presentations open to the congress participants and the citizens.

No reservation is required.

The detailed program will be available in the congress booklet.

Exhibition

The Human Touch - Perspectives on social wellbeing

Exhibition with paintings, photos, drawings, short movies, artistic installations

The artworks and artistic performances in this exhibition propose the themes of dialogue and a healthy approach to relationships, in a social perspective characterized by attention, respect, kindness and the recognition of each person in their uniqueness and value as a human being.
The virtual catalogue of the exhibition will be soon available. 

From 7 to 28 October 2023, from Monday to Friday 9.00-18.30, Saturday 9.00-17.00 - Istituto Tecnico Economico Turistico “P. Savorgnan di Brazzà” Via Mezzasacca, 1 - Lignano Sabbiadoro

Stay in Lignano Sabbiadoro

Hotels and accommodation facilities

Special offers have been created for accommodation in Lignano for participants in the IFOTES congress, with a minimum stay of 4 nights, from 18 to 22 October 2023. 
They are offered by Bella Italia Village and by the hotels belonging to Assohotel and the Lignano Holiday Consortium. You will find all the information below.

Reservations 
Bookings will be processed on a "first come-first served basis" and confirmed upon payment.  Payment details are specified below each offer. 

Cancellation policy

  • Full refund for cancellations notified up to 30 days before the check-in date. 

  • 50% penalty for cancellations notified up to 15 days before the check-in date.
  • 100% penalty for cancellations notified in the last two weeks or in case of no-show (for double/triple rooms: penalties apply in case of total cancellation of the room reservation and in case of reduction in the number of guests per room). 

Requests for cancellation must be sent by email to the booked hotel and are validated by a confirmation response.

Other booking opportunities
Participants are free to make their own searches for room booking opportunities in Lignano through channels other than those negotiated with the IFOTES 2023 Congress Organisation.   

Accommodation - Booking

Individual booking and Group booking 

For each hotel proposal you will find a link for individual bookings and one for group bookings.
A group booking corresponds to more than one room booked and paid by a single person acting as the group's contact person (for example, a TES director who books and pays for a group of participants from her/his listening center). 
The reservation channel reserved to groups is to ensure adequate assistance to those who book and pay for many people together. 
Please make sure you refer to the appropriate reference when booking.

Accommodation - Congress venue

Bella Italia Village

At Bella Italia Village double and multiple rooms are available. 
There is a very limited number of single rooms, only for individual registration, with a supplement of 20,00 Eur per night.

B&B - Bed and Breakfast:  standard double room 84,00 Eur/day; triple room 115,50 Eur/day
HB - Half Board (self-service lunches on 19-20-21-22 Oct. included): standard double room 94,00 Eur/day; triple room 129,50 Eur/day
FB - Full Board (self-service lunches on 19-20-21-22 and dinners on 18-19-20-21 Oct. included): standard double room 104,00 Eur/day; triple room 143,00 Eur/day

Check-in from 4 p.m.; check-out before 10 a.m.

INDIVIDUAL booking:  link to Bella Italia web-page for IFOTES congress and fill in the booking form. In the coupon field enter the code IFOTES2023.  By completing the procedure, you will also be asked if you want to book full board or half board.
Payment: the reservation can be completed by credit card or by paying at least 30% deposit via bank transfer. 

GROUP booking: email to registration@ifotes.org with your booking request, specifying your name, country and city of origin, number of participants, type of rooms requested and dates of stay.
Payment: 20% deposit via bank transfer to confirm reservation; 80% balance by 18 September 2023. 

Congress village

Bella Italia Village***

The Bella Italia & Efa Village tourist sports village in Lignano allows its guests to alternate a peaceful beach holiday with an active and sporting holiday, with lots of opportunities for recreation and relaxation, in complete safety.
Guests will be able to enjoy the peaceful private beach, where you can still see the singular dunes that once characterized the seaside resort, and meditate in the silence of the pine forest, cradled by the lapping of the waves and the song of the cicadas.

Viale Centrale, 29- Lignano Sabbiadoro (UD)
Email: info@bellaitaliavillage.com 

Individual Booking 
Group Booking: registration@ifotes.org

Accommodation - Hotels in Lignano Pineta

Partner hotels of Assohotel

Assohotel offers 6 ***hotels, 2 ****hotels and 1 **hotel, with the availability of double use for single (DUS) and double rooms. 

INDIVIDUAL booking: contact the chosen hotel directly by writing an email to the published address, indicating IFOTES2023 in the subject of the email.
Payment: guarantee at the time of booking by credit card and payment upon arrival directly at the hotel, or by paying at least 30% of the deposit by bank transfer and paying directly upon arrival at the hotel.

GROUP booking: contact the chosen hotel directly by writing an email to the published address, indicating IFOTES2023 in the subject of the email.
Payment: 20% deposit by bank transfer to confirm the booking; balance 80% by 18 September 2023.

Assohotel

Hotel Daniele**** 

Hotel Daniele is a boutique hotel located in front of the Hemingway Park, a few steps from the city center and the Bella Italia Village. It offers a quiet atmosphere, comfortable and refined rooms, and a first-class breakfast buffet. The hotel has private parking and a free bicycle rental service. 

Corso degli Alisei, 28/30 - Lignano Sabbiadoro (UD)
Walking distance from BIV: 15 min. By car: 3 min. 

Cost: DUS 108 Eur - Double 125 Eur
Booking: info@hoteldaniele.com - Tel +39 0431 427166

Assohotel

Hotel New York*** 


Hotel New York is ideally located for discovering many of the fantastic attractions of Lignano Pineta, such as Parco Hemingway and Parco del Mare. All the completely renovated rooms include a balcony, air conditioning, independent heating, satellite TV, minibar and safe. It also offers a relaxing lounge space and free parking.


Via dei Pini, 10 - Lignano Sabbiadoro (UD)
Walking distance from BIV: 20 min. By car: 8 min. 

Cost: DUS 80 Eur - Double 110 Eur
Booking info@hotel-newyork.it - Tel +39 0431 428509

Assohotel

Hotel Alex***


Hotel Alex, open all year round, has a central and quiet location, a short distance from Bella Italia Village, and offers newly renovated modern rooms. The Hotel is a welcoming and relaxing building, ideal for a comfortable stay.


Via Tarvisio, 82 - Lignano Sabbiadoro (UD)
Walking distance from BIV: 25 min. By car: 8 min. 

Cost: DUS 70 Eur - Double 90 Eur
Booking info@hotelalex.it - Tel +39 0431 428509

Assohotel

Hotel Fra i Pini***


Hotel Fra i Pini is an extraordinary place to spend a relaxing holiday. It has rooms equipped with all comforts and a rich breakfast buffet. Parking is available to customers. 


Corso degli Alisei, 28/30 - Lignano Sabbiadoro (UD)
Walking distance from BIV: 5 min. By car: 1 min. 

Cost: DUS 120 Eur - Double 130 Eur
Booking info@fraipini.it - Tel +39 0431 423015

Assohotel

Hotel Nuova Flavia***


Hotel Nuova Flavia is located in the center of Lignano Sabbiadoro, a few steps away from the pedestrian street. It has comfortable rooms, free WI-FI, safe and heating. You will find a rich buffet with homemade cakes and numerous savoury snacks. The hotel offers private parking and bicycle service on request. 

Via Marina, 6 - Lignano Sabbiadoro (UD)
Walking distance from BIV: 30 min. By car: 15 min. 

Cost: DUS 59 Eur - Double 94 Eur
Booking nuovaflavia@lignano.it - Tel +39 0431 71207 

Assohotel

Hotel Zenith***

Immersed in the greenery of the pine forest, just 100 meters from the centre, the hotel has been completely renovated and equipped with all comforts. Hotel Zenith has 27 rooms with modern furnishings. In the morning, a rich breakfast buffet will be the good awakening of your days. Private parking available. 

Arco del Libeccio, 32 - Lignano Sabbiadoro (UD)
Walking distance from BIV: 30 min. By car: 15 min. 

Cost: DUS 80 Eur - Double 100 Eur
Booking info@meublezenith.it - Tel +39 0431 422343

Assohotel

Hotel Rossini Resort****S  

In the heart of Lignano Sabbiadoro, a few meters from the beautiful beach, the Resort was designed to offer you an oasis of relaxation, made up of exclusive spaces and quality services, to make your stay a unique experience. The rich and healthy breakfast buffet is one of the flagships of the Rossini Resort. 

Via Adriatica, 32 33054 Lignano Sabbiadoro (UD)
Walking distance from BIV: 20 min. By car: 8 min. 

Cost: DUS from 80 to 130 Eur - Double from 120 to 195 Eur
Bookings info@rossiniresort.it - Tel +39 0431 71530 

Assohotel

Hotel Paris**


Hotel Paris is located in a quiet area, immersed in the greenery of Lignano Pineta, a short walk from the centre The hotel, managed directly and lovingly by the Filippi family, has been completely renovated and equipped with the most modern comforts. Buffet breakfast service in a pleasant and functional room with air conditioning or on the panoramic terrace. The Paris Hotel has a bar and breakfast terrace, private parking, a lift and a garden. 


Via dei Pini, 22 - Lignano Sabbiadoro (UD)
Walking distance from BIV: 25 min. By car: 8 min. 

Cost: DUS 80 Eur - Double 100 Eur
Bookings hotelparis@lignano.it - Tel. +39 0431 422584

Accommodation - Hotels in Lignano Sabbiadoro

Partner hotels of the Lignano Holiday Consortium

The Lignano Holiday consortium offers 4 ***hotels and 4 ****hotels, with the availability of single, double and triple rooms. The special offers below are intended for a minimum stay of 4 nights, from 18 to 22 October 2023. For a different length of stay please contact info@lignanoholiday.com, with IFOTES2023 in the email subject . 

***HOTELS (Adria, Cristallo, Trieste: fully booked + Art Hotel Principe)
B&B - Bed and Breakfast: single room 45,00 Eur/day; double room 80,00 Eur/day; triple room 105,00 Eur/day
HB - Half Board (dinners on 18-19-20-21 Oct. included): single room 63,00 Eur/day; double room 116,00 Eur/day; triple room 159,00 Eur/day
FB - Full Board upon request.

****HOTELS (American, Atlantic: fully booked + Columbus)
B&B - Bed and Breakfast: single room 65,00 Eur/day; double room 100,00 Eur/day; triple room 135,00 Eur/day
HB - Half Board (dinners on 18-19-20-21 Oct. included): single room 85,00 Eur/day; double room 140,00 Eur/day; triple room 195,00 Eur/day
FB - Full Board upon request.

Please check for each hotel the standard times for check-in, check-out, breakfast and dinner. Request for changes should be submitted well in advance.

INDIVIDUAL booking: link to the Lignano Holiday web-page for the IFOTES congress and fill in the booking form. For some of the hotels you will find the option for half board booking.
Payment: guarantee upon booking by credit card. Extras to be paid directly to the hotel.

GROUP booking: email to info@lignanoholiday.com, indicating IFOTES2023 in the email subject.  Specify your name, country and city of origin, number of participants, hotel and type of room requested, dates of stay.
Payment: Each hotel has its own payment conditions that will be communicated via email.

Lignano Holiday Consortium

Art Hotel Principe***

Art Hotel Principe is a brand-new structure with wide and modern rooms. 
It is located in the core of the center of Lignano Sabbiadoro and is intended specifically for a dynamic holiday, even brief and with full freedom and flexibility regarding guests' shedule. 
The hotel is turned into a small lab of new ideas in order to make the stay of the guests even more pleasant and emotional.

Via Adriatica, 27 - Lignano Sabbiadoro (UD)
Walking distance from BIV: 20 min.

Individual Booking 
Group Booking: info@lignanoholiday.com

Lignano Holiday Consortium

Hotel Columbus****

Hotel Columbus enjoys a splendid location beside the beach of Lignano Sabbiadoro. Its central yet quiet position is only a few steps from the Terrazza a Mare, symbol of the splendid seaside resort on the Northern Adriatic coast.
The Hotel is an elegant modern building equipped with all modern comforts and offers its guests a tranquil, refined and welcoming environment.

Lungomare Trieste, 2 - Lignano Sabbiadoro (UD)
Walking distance from BIV: 35 min.   By bus: 15 min.

Individual Booking 
Group Booking: info@lignanoholiday.com

Lignano Holiday Consortium

Hotel American****

The 4-star-hotel American is located in an excellent position, facing the sea and just a few minutes from the downtown.
It has a private parking, a large garden with swimming pool and a play area dedicated to the children. 

Via Lungomare Trieste, 152 - Lignano Sabbiadoro (UD)
Walking distance from BIV: 15 min.

Individual Booking 
Group Booking: info@lignanoholiday.com

Congress offers - Campsite

Camping Sabbiadoro

The Sabbiadoro campsite is located a few minutes' walk from Bella Italia Village. During the days of the congress, it will be open with the availability of pitches and mobile homes.

Camping Sabbiadoro, via Sabbiadoro, 8 - info@campingsabbiadoro.it - Tel. +39 0431 71710 

Booking and cancellation policy 
Congress participants can book at info@campingsabbiadoro.it, indicating the code IFOTES2023.
Deposit required: € 15 pitch / € 30 mobile home
Free cancellation up to 14 days before arrival 

Camping Sabbiadoro

Pitches

The services included in the stay on the pitch are: electricity, water loading/unloading, use of shared toilets/showers, wi-fi. 

Price per pitch per night for 2 people E. 26.00
addition of adult (from 13 years) E. 8.00
addition of a child (3-12 years) € 4 

Camping Sabbiadoro

Homes

Large living area with air conditioning, kitchenette, table, chairs, fridge with freezer, sink, crockery and cookware; double bedroom; bathroom equipped with shower, toilet and sink. The outdoor furniture includes an open wooden terrace, an umbrella, a table with chairs and deck chairs.

The services included with the accommodation are: electricity/gas consumption, parking space, wi-fi, supply of sheets.

Two sizes:
Hplus (18 m2) for 2 people. Price per night: € 72
L – 4 (23 m2) for 4 people. Price per night: € 94 

Stay in Italy

General information

INSURANCE and LIABILITY
Participants are advised to arrange health and accident insurance before travelling to the Congress. The Congress Organisers and the Congress Secretariat shall be exempted from all liability in respect of any loss, damage, injury, accident, delay or inconvenience to any person, his/her luggage or any other property for any reason whatsoever.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS
Italy is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. Visitors from EU countries can enter Italy with a valid national ID card. Visitors from other countries must have a valid passport. For some countries a visa is required. For more information please contact the nearest Italian Embassy, Consulate or Travel agent in advance. Information about visas are available on the website www.esteri.it/en/

OFFICIAL INVITATIONS
Official invitation letters may be issued to help overcome administrative requirements of some Countries and will be sent upon request. Please note that such letters do not represent a commitment on the part of IFOTES or the Congress Organisers or the Congress Secretariat to provide financial assistance.

CURRENCY BANKS EXCHANGE
Italy’s national monetary unit is the Euro (€). Currency exchange is provided by banks and exchange agencies. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 8 / 8.30 to 13 / 13.30. They are also open in the afternoon, usually from 14.30 / 15 to 16 / 16.30.

ATM (Automatic Teller Machine)
ATMs are located all around the city. They can also be used for cash advances on major credit cards such as MasterCard or VISA.

CREDIT CARDS
Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, stores and restaurants.

ELECTRIC POWER
The electrical current in Italy is 220 volts 50 Hz.

CLIMATE
In October, the average temperature on the north-eastern coast of Italy ranges between 13 - 18º C. 

SMOKING POLICY
Smoking is not allowed in any indoor public or open to the public venue.

EMERGENCY NUMBER
For any emergency, dial 112