2009 Imagine Cup Worldwide Finals FAQ
QUESTIONS:
What are the dates of the event?
The Worldwide Finals will take place July 3-8, 2009. Departures will be on July 8.
How can I prepare for the Worldwide Finals prior to travelling to Cairo? When will I compete and what will be the format?
Be prepared to attend briefings on July 3. You will begin the competition on Saturday, July 4. Please check your Finals only page by competition on the website for specifics about the format and judging criteria for your competition. (When you log in, click the message in the Entry panel on your Competition portal.) You can also post your questions in your competition's forum.
What is the event schedule at the Worldwide Finals?
Agenda:
| Friday, July 3 |
Arrivals/ Competitor Briefing / Opening Ceremony |
| Saturday, July 4 |
Competitions |
| Sunday, July 5 |
SD, ED & GD Finalist Presentations |
| Monday, July 6 |
UP Awards & H.E. Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak Award / Cultural Day |
| Tuesday, July 7 |
World Festival (Awards Ceremony) / Farewell Party |
| Wednesday, July 8 |
Departures |
The Worldwide Finals Competition
Who will be judging my competition? How are the judges selected?
We will be posting a list of the Worldwide Finals judges on the Imagine Cup website by June 1, 2009. Judges at the Imagine Cup Worldwide Finals are carefully selected from a pool of industry experts and academics. The judges are representative of a wide group of geographical areas, professional experience, and gender.
I am an Award Finalist. Will I have to compete or present in front of judges?
Depends. The following Award competitions will have presentations at the Worldwide Finals: Unlimited Potential’s Design For Development, Tablet Accessibility, Interoperability & H.E. Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak Special Award.
How can I check out who my competitors will be and learn more about their projects?
Yes! Visit the Leaderboards after June 1, 2009 on the Imagine Cup website for a detailed list of competitors. By June 15, 2009 you will be able to click the team's name to view each team's Finalist Questionnaire on their team page.
My team has special needs for presenting our project. What technology infrastructure will be available at the Worldwide Finals?
You will receive guidelines from your competition Captain. Software Design competitors should immediately notify their local Microsoft representative and the Software Design Captains of any special needs.
Software Design Special Requirements:
In order to guard the fairness and integrity of the Software Design competition at the Worldwide Finals in Cairo, Microsoft will offer the same set of benefits, services, and rules for each team. More specifically:
- One physical work station will be provided for each team to set up their equipment. (dimensions are approximately 150x50cm)
- Each SD team will be responsible for providing its own computer(s) for the competition, but one back-up desktop machine can be provided if the team can prove that their own machine has failed and they need a temporary replacement
- Power adaptor will be provided based on previous request
- Audio, Video and Network configuration services/staff will be available to help each team configure their presentation equipment
- Each team will need to be mindful of the physical dimensions of the presentation space in the judging room which is one (1) 183 X 70cm table.
Can the computers be customized to my native language? The default language will be English, although language packs will be available if a team needs to customize. We ask that competitors bring custom keyboards if they prefer a different layout or language.
Will my family and friends be able to check out the worldwide finals online and get updates on how I'm doing?
Yes! The Imagine Cup Worldwide Finals will be covered online by the Imagine Cup blog editors and Channel 8.
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Travel to Cairo, Egypt
Do I need a visa to travel to Egypt?
It depends on your country of origin. Please consult with your local Microsoft representative regarding the visa process, if applicable.
Who will arrange my travel to Cairo?
- Roundtrip flights from your city of origin to Cairo will be arranged by your local Microsoft representative.
- You should plan to arrive in Cairo on Friday, July 3, 2009 prior to 1pm.
- Recommended flight departure date/time: Wednesday, July 8. Hotel checkout time is noon.
- Please allow a minimum of 60 minutes travel time between the airport and hotel as traffic in Cairo can be heavy and unpredictable.
What airport do we arrive at and depart from?
Complimentary shuttle transportation will be provided for all attendees from/to the Cairo International Airport on July 2 and July 3 and again on July 8 for departures.
What should I look for when I arrive in Cairo?
Complimentary shuttle transportation will be provided from the Cairo International Airport to the event hotels on July 2nd and July 3rd. An Imagine Cup travel desk will be located before the Quarantine and Immigration area. Please look for people holding Imagine Cup signs. They will escort you through immigration, luggage claim and direct you to the buses to the hotels. Please note that Egypt requires some countries to require a visa in advance (check if this applies to you). If you are travelling from a country where you do not require a visa in advance of starting your journey, our travel team will help you get a visa onsite when you arrive at the Cairo Airport.
- You may have to wait 30 minutes to catch an Imagine Cup shuttle. Shuttles will be provided from the event hotels to the Cairo Airport for departures on July 8th.
- If you will be arriving on any day other than July 2nd and July 3rd, we won’t have a travel desk at the airport. However, we can help you with ground transportation. Make sure that you input your travel information 14 days before arriving in Cairo in the transportation details when you register and look for staff holding an Imagine Cup sign at the airport.
You will be asked to provide your transportation details during the registration process. This is a very important step. We need to receive these details in advance to facilitate your smooth arrival at the airport and your check in at the hotel.
Is there a dress code for the 2009 Imagine Cup Worldwide Finals?
There is no specific dress code. We recommend you pack clothing appropriate for HOT summer weather in Cairo. Imagine Cup 2009 competitors will receive one T-shirt, which you may be asked to wear during the event.
- Based on your accomplishment of making it to the Imagine Cup Worldwide Finals, the media may be very interested in writing stories about your team. You may find yourself being filmed and/or interviewed. Please plan to dress appropriately.
- Note: Women who plan to visit a mosque will want to bring a head scarf to cover their hair and neck.
- Please also note that we will have outdoor activities in the evening and that you may need a sweater for this.
- Do not forget your sunglasses, a sun hat and your sunscreen. The hotel has a pool accessible to all Imagine Cup attendees.
Do I need insurance?
It is your responsibility to obtain Medical Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance for Imagine Cup 2009. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Also, each attendee will be solely responsible for his or her belongings. Imagine Cup 2009 is not providing insurance coverage for any personal belongings brought to the event. Please be aware of the location and security of your personal property at all times during Imagine Cup 2009.
Do I need to carry anything specific in my hand baggage?
Please carry ALL your important papers such as your passport and identification documents in your hand baggage. Computers and other devices for the competition should always be kept by the person carrying it. You should also bring your projects along with any equipment you might need to compete (for example, Photography finalists should bring their cameras and Software Design teams should carry their laptops.) See your Finalist page for specifics.
I am flying. Is there anything that I cannot carry in my hand baggage?
Due to security regulations, airlines have placed restrictions on the carrying of liquids, aerosols and gels. To review detailed information, visit your departure airport's website.
Are there restrictions on items that I can carry into Cairo, Egypt?
Customs control at Cairo Airport is located immediately before you leave the airport, after you have collected your luggage. Customs are extremely interested in items entering Egypt that either have high value or that are unusual and thus potentially of high value. If you are in any doubt and to avoid lengthy delays and paperwork you are advised to check with your local Microsoft representative or contact the Imagine Cup team to ensure there are no problems when you first arrive.
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Hotel and Lodging
Where will we be staying and how can my family reach me?
This hotel is located in the CITYSTARS complex. For accommodations, we are using three hotels in the CITYSTARS complex: Intercontinental, Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites.
What does room and board include? What is not included in room and board?
The Imagine Cup will pay for your room and board expenses. This includes twin shared rooms and all meals during the event period. All competitors will be paired with a roommate for the duration of the event.
The following expenses are not included. You will be charged for these items:
- Mini bar items: NOTE: Soft drinks, bottled water, and other beverages and snacks will be available in the Imagine Cup lounges at the venue. Mini bar items are expensive. Do not remove items from the mini bar as they are on automatic sensors that will charge the room for the item, even if you do not use it.
- Room service orders
- Phone calls: NOTE: if you would like to place a local or international phone call, please visit the Imagine Cup information desk at the venue.
- Laundry/Valet
- Internet service in the sleeping rooms is not covered. NOTE: You will be able to access the internet in the Imagine Cup Refresh Zone and in the competition halls.
Will I have a roommate?
Yes. You will be assigned a roommate who is a member of your team. If necessary you may be assigned to room with another competitor, but we will make sure that you do not have a roommate from a competing team.
What if I want to remain in Cairo after the event?
The Imagine Cup team is not responsible for organizing, booking or paying for travel after the event. You are responsible for any expenses after lunch at the venue on Wednesday, July 9.
How much money should I bring?
In principle, you should not need any money during the event. There will, however, be opportunities to purchase souvenirs, sightsee/travel in and around Cairo. It is always a good idea to bring some extra cash for these activities. You can exchange currency at the Cairo Airport, and there is also a convenient ATM in the hotel lobby which will issue Egyptian pounds.
How can we make international calls?
We recommend that you purchase a prepaid international phone card for your use during the event or bring your mobile phone. We do NOT recommend that you use the phone in your room as it can be very expensive. If you are bringing a mobile phone, we recommend you apply for roaming or rental service in your country before your departure to Egypt. Contact your mobile service provided for specific requirements.
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Free Time
How much time will I have to myself during the Worldwide Finals in Cairo?
After you complete your final competition, you will have the rest of the day free. The Imagine Cup team has planned an exciting cultural tour to introduce you to Egypt on Monday, July 6.
Where can I find information on activities in Cairo and at the hotel(s)?
Primary Competition Venue is the Intercontinental City Stars Hotel, Cairo, Egypt. This hotel is located in the
CITYSTARS complex.
Can I go out and explore Cairo on my own?
Yes you may go out and visit the city, but you must get permission from your local Microsoft representative. We will have a travel desk at the hotel that can provide you with advice on where to go and where not to go. Please always consult with them before leaving the hotel.
Miscellaneous
Will we have Internet connectivity?
You will be able to access the Internet in the Imagine Cup lounges and competition halls. There is also internet connectivity in the guest rooms but network availability cannot be guaranteed there.
Whom should I contact if I have questions?
- General questions: Please contact your local Microsoft representative with general questions and they will forward it to the appropriate parties.
- Competition-specific questions: Please post any competition-specific questions in your competition forum on the Imagine Cup website.
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