World Endometriosis Society e-journal

You want to come to Melbourne, Australia for the World Congress on Endometriosis in 2008. Here are ten tips for easing the pain of paying the fare:

1. Piggy bank
Put your coins in a piggy bank. There are 100 weeks until WCE 2008. Your loose change will be about $10/€10/£7 a week. This provides you with $1000/€1000/£700 towards the fare!

2. Abstract
Do the research and prepare to submit your abstract for early 2007. The abstract gives you currency to approach your department, faculty, university and/or society for funding sources to top up your piggy bank contribution! (Stay tuned to the WES newsletter, and we will give you plenty of warning with registration and program announcements!)

3. Bilateral government cooperative funds
Most governments have these. Give them a call and explore what your government can do for you! Especially after the wonderful news from the European Commission and the Austrian Health Ministry on endometriosis recognition. Your country will have some sort of cooperative to encourage links with Australia, and they will probably have travel support – especially if you can meet them half way (see 1 and 2 above).

4. Pharmaceutical and surgical instrument companies
Meeting our traditional partners half way will always be appreciated (again: see 1 and 2 above).

5. Nett air fares
Take a few moments to compare airfares by e-ticket and in $AUS. It may be cheaper to buy a ticket from Australia rather than from your own country.

6. Round the world fare
May be cheaper than you think…

7. Two for one fares
Combine your participation in the World Congress with a (probably) much needed break with your favorite traveling companion.

8. Stops enroute
These may lower the air fare and provide an opportunity to see new parts of the world.

9. Group travel
Get your colleagues together, and make this the endometriosis team event of the year!

10. Cake stalls, sausage sizzlers, and the odd marathon
If all else fails, get cooking or get running…!