Welcome, International Attendees!

International flags

We would like to extend a warm welcome to the Applied Ergonomics Conference (AEC) 2021 attendees who are joining us from abroad! Here you can also find useful information for travel to the United States and tips to get the most out of the AEC 2021.

AEC 2021 Official Language: English

Useful information for travel to the United States

Passport: Every visitor entering the USA from abroad needs a passport. Foreign passports must be valid for at least six months longer than your intended stay in the USA unless your country of origin is exempt from that requirement.

Visa: If you require a visa to enter the United States to attend the AEC 2021, you need to apply early. For more information about visas, please click here.

Laissez Le Bons Temps Roulez

Meetings in New Orleans, like everything else in this city, stay with you long after you’ve unpacked your carry-on. More than just meetings, they can be game-changing gatherings that inspire free-flowing ideas and forge deep connections.

At every event you attend after coming here, you’ll find yourself telling the person beside you at the airport or in the buffet line, “One time, in New Orleans …” And, chances are, they’ll counter back with their own New Orleans story – a tale of collaboration, disruption and reinvention.

A timeless city with a unique way of life, New Orleans is a journey and a celebration. Steeped in European traditions and Caribbean influences, the Big Easy calls curious minds to sweet sounds and savory aromas fueled by three hundred years of history. From the moment you arrive New Orleans will beckon your ears, allure your eyes and enchant your heart. Indulge your senses and explore. We invite you to follow the scent of gumbo floating out the kitchen window, foster a path that leads to the sounds of drums and a Blues guitar, create the route that welcomes you to a historic mansion or a hidden courtyard… We believe that our lagniappe – a little something extra – will stay with you, calling you back to discover the mystery behind our magical city. New Orleans is and will always be a picturesque metropolitan, a culturally rich haven and an authentic experience.

Click here for more information.

New Orleans Weather: The average temperature in the New Orleans area in March is 73°F (14 °C), and an average low of 54°F (3 °C). 

Time zone: New Orleans lies in the Central Time Zone. Daylight Saving Time starts on March 14, 2021, and ends on Nov. 7, 2021. The time zone during this period is known as Central Daylight Time (CDT) and is 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Currency: The official currency of the United States is the US dollar. 1 dollar is divided into 100 cents. There are four coins: 1 cent (penny), 5 cents (nickel), 10 cents (dime), 25 cents (quarter). Dollar bills can be distinguished by their different values: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars.

Telephones: All US phone numbers are composed of 10 digits (three-digit area code, followed by a seven-digit local number). To call US from abroad, you need to dial the international code 00 + US country code 1 (or +1) + phone number. To call abroad from US, dial 011, followed by the country code, the city code (if applicable), and the phone number.

Electricity: Electric power is standardized in all states across the United States. It is set at 110 volts and 60 cycles. If you bring any electrical appliance to the United States, you may need an adapter to fit the electrical outlet.

Tipping: Tipping in the United States is customary. Adding 15-20% to the amount is regular practice in taxis, restaurants, and bars.

Onsite activities information

  • Check-in at the Registration Desk: Ribbons with country names will be available for international attendees during check-in. Select your country ribbon and add it to your badge. Please make sure you receive it prior to leaving the registration desk.
  • World Map: Please stop by the world map by the registration desk and place a sticker on the country you are originally from. 
  • Message Board: A message board will be posted close to the World Map. All attendees are welcomed to post messages. It is a great way to communicate with other attendees from your country.
  • First Time Attendee Orientation: If this is the first time you are attending the Applied Ergonomics Conference it is a great idea to be present during this event, scheduled from 7:15 a.m. to 7:45 a.m., Tuesday, March 22, 2021. This event assists conference attendees in navigating the conference program and activities to make the best of their time at the meeting. International Outreach Committee members will be available to assist the international attendees and answer questions they might have.

Please visit this page often for updates regarding additional on-site activities.

International Outreach Committee members

  • Marise Carroll, Co-Chair
  • Lucy Hart, Co-Chair
  • Giles Balbinotti
  • Elise Condie
  • Ines Fernandes
  • Katharine Metters
  • Isabel Nunes
  • Rodrigo Marçal Pereira
  • Paul Schwab

The main goal of the International Outreach Committee is to provide assistance and enhance the experience of the international participants. Please let us know how we can help you.

Questions? If you have any questions, please contact the Applied Ergonomics Conference Manager Bill Gibbs.