PROPOSAL TO HOST THE

WFNS WORLD CONGRESS OF

NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY 2017
IN CARTAGENA DE INDIAS,
COLOMBIA

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 Colombia

Welcome to Colombia, a tropical country of incredible diversity and charm.

Its diverse geography, its history and its people and culture have
fascinated the world for centuries.

Although its excellent coffee and the purity of its emeralds have made the
country famous, Colombia is also the homeland of the El Dorado legend
and the magical realism of Garcia Marquez’s Macondo.

Coming to Colombia is discovering a completely new world.

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 INDEX
SUPPORT LETTERS ................................................................................... 5
GENERAL INFORMATION OF COLOMBIA ................................................ 12
10 REASONS TO DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF HOSTING AN EVENT IN
COLOMBIA AND MILLIONS MORE FOR WANTING TO STAY ................... 13
1. STRATEGIC GEOGRAPHIC POSITION ................................................. 13
2. CONNECTIVITY ................................................................................ 13
3. THE PERFECT CLIMATE..................................................................... 14
4. MULTIDIVERSITY ............................................................................. 14
5. CULTURE AND GASTRONOMY ......................................................... 15
6. EMERGING COUNTRY ...................................................................... 16
7. THE WORLD IS STARTING TO NOTICE ............................................... 19
8. IMPORTANT LEADERS VISIT US ........................................................ 20
9. OPEN DOORS ................................................................................... 22
10. COLOMBIA, THE PERFECT EVENT DESTINATION ........................... 23
CARTAGENA DE INDIAS ......................................................................... 24
1. CONNECTIVITY ................................................................................ 25
2. EVENT INFRASTRUCTURE ................................................................ 28
3. HOTEL INFRASTRUCTURE ................................................................ 30
4. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS.......................................................... 33
5. CARTAGENA, UNIQUE VENUES ........................................................ 36
6. GROWING TOURISM DESTINATION ................................................. 38
7. CARTAGENA, EXPERIENCED MEETINGS DESTINATION ..................... 39
8. CARTAGENA IN THE WORLD ............................................................ 40
9. USEFUL WEBSITES ................................................................................. 41

COLOMBIAN ASSOCIATION OF NEUROSURGERY.................................... 42

OUR LAST EXPERIENCE: FINAL RESULT OF THE 33 LATIN AMERICAN
CONGRESS IN BOGOTA, 2008 ................................................................ 49
PRELIMINARY BUDGET FOR THE WFNS WORLD CONGRESS OF
NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY 2017 ............................................................. 51

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 SUPPORT LETTERS
The following support letters demonstrate both institutional and
academic support for the WFNS World Congress of Neurological
Surgery 2017

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GENERAL INFORMATION COLOMBIA

Republic of
Official name:
Colombia
Capital: Bogotá, D.C.
Continent: South America
Location: Northwest zone
Coordinates: 4°39’N - 74°3’W
Area 1,141,748 kms2
Land: 55.15%
Water: 44.85%
Coastlines: 2,900 km
Population 45,013,674
(2008 Census): Inhabitants
Currency: Colombian Peso
Official language: Spanish
Form of Presidential
government: Republic
President: Álvaro Uribe Vélez
Vice president: Francisco Santos Calderón
Time zone: GTM-5
Country dialing code: + 57

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 10 REASONS TO DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF
HOSTING AN EVENT IN COLOMBIA
AND MILLIONS MORE FOR WANTING TO STAY

1. STRATEGIC GEOGRAPHIC POSITION

 Located on the northwestern tip of South

America, in the middle of the American
continent.

 Its geo-strategic location facilitates the travel of

visitors coming from the two extremes of the
American continent and from Asia and Europe.

2. CONNECTIVITY
 Colombia has more than 610 direct international frequencies connecting it
with the rest of the world and more than 4880 domestic flights to different
cities within the country.

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3. THE PERFECT CLIMATE

 The country has a pleasant tropical climate

the whole year.

 Luminosity is constant throughout the

entire year.

 Equal number of daytime and nighttime

hours.

 A mega-diverse country with a multicultural

heritage.

4. MULTIDIVERSITY

 The Country is:

1° in birds, orchids, palms, emeralds,

butterflies, and frog’s species

2° in fresh water, fishes, plants and roses

and the second country in the world in
terms of Biodiversity after Brazil.

3° in coffee, reptiles and bananas

4° in coal, mammals, and ferronickel

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5. CULTURE AND GASTRONOMY
 Colombia counts with variety of activities and
cultural samples:

o International Film Festival, Cartagena de

Indias
o Barranquilla Carnival, Barranquilla
o Cali Fair, Cali
o Flower Fair, Medellín
o International Book Fair, Bogotá
o Ibero American Theater Festival, Bogotá

 Colombia is distinguished not only due to its

many cultural activities, but also it has a great
gastronomic offering, with a multitude of
restaurant options and exquisite national cuisine.
Colombia´s cuisine is the result of the process
of colonization and racial mixing in the various
regions of the country.

 Typical dishes from Colombia include the so-

called "sancocho" (soup made of fish or meats
with large pieces of plantain, potato, yucca
and other vegetables), the traditional “Ajiaco”

(Potato Soup) and the “Bandeja Paisa (typical Ajiaco Santafereño, Bogotá
dish originating in the department of
Antioquia, comprised of beans as the main
ingredient, plus white rice, pork, beef or
chicken sausage, avocado, egg and arepa)

 You can also find the “arepas” (prepared with

corn meal or cooked and ground grains of dry
corn, either savory or sweet) or the
“empanadas”.
Colombian Empanadas

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 6. EMERGING COUNTRY

 Investment: Colombia a country of opportunities

o Thanks to the strengthening of economic and social policies,

Colombia is a country with better perspectives for foreign direct
investment.
FDI, 2000 – 2010
USD Million

12.000
10.600
10.252
10.000 8.500
7.201
8.000

6.000
4.000
2.134
2.000
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010*

Variation 2008-2009: -32%

*Forecast EIU. Source: Banco de la República

o Examples of companies investing in the last two years:

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 o According to the World Bank’s “Doing Business Report, 2010"
Colombia is the first country in Latin America that best protects
investors.

o Similarly, according to the Doing Business Report 2010, Colombia is the

country with the best business climate in Latin America.

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  Tourism: Colombia is back on the world tourism map

oWhile in 2009 world tourism decreased by 4%, Colombia grew by

10.7%.
Tourism, 2000 – 2009
Thousand Visitors

Note: Includes cruiseships

Source: DAS (Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad)

Cruise Ships such as Royal Caribbean, Pullmantur Princess Cruises among others,
dock in the ports of Cartagena, Santa Marta and San Andrés.

Number of Ships Number of passengers

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 7. THE WORLD IS STARTING TO NOTICE
Le Figaro Magazine. October, 2009 “Osez sur La
Colombie”
“Beyond the clichés, Colombia is not only the country of
cartels and drug traffickers. Is certainly a country with
spectacular roots extend from the Pacific to the
Caribbean coast. From the Isthmus of Panama to the
mystical Amazon, a proud nation, Andean indigenous
ethnic, Latin and Creole fact, just waiting to be
discovered”

New York Times – 2010

Colombia gets the second place according to a
survey done by The New York Times to pick the
destinations to be visited in 2010. The charisma of Colombian people, the
progress in security and the beauty of its landscapes were highlighted.

Traveller Magazine United Kingdom, January, 2008.

“Cartagena: South America’s Colonial Gem”
Cartagena is regarded as a source of inspiration for Gabriel
García Márquez. Through tourism, it is now capturing and
inspiring the imagination of its visitors

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 Conventions and Incentives Magazine CIM, 2010.
Published an eight page special on Colombia and its
deployment as a major event destination.

Ignite Magazine Canada 2010

Highlights Colombia’s potential as a incentive
trips destination according to its multi-diversity.

The Guardian United Kingdom, June, 2008.

It talks about Colombia in terms of the rebirth of a nation,
highlighting the increase in investment and exports and the
improvement in safety perception.

8. IMPORTANT LEADERS VISIT US

BILL GATES – Governance Leaders of the Americas

Forum in Cartagena
“Everything I have seen reinforces the idea that this it is a
type of place where we can show our investments and its
results, and how these can make a great difference”

MICHAEL PORTER – Expogestión Forum in Bogotá

According to the American author, Colombia is “a rising star”

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BILL CLINTON – BID Assembly in Medellín
“Two years and 360 days I came to Colombia to participate in a conference with
businessmen. At that occasion I was given for the
very first time, this tricolor wristband which since
that day I’ve been carry every day and showed in
more than 52 nations, where I highlight the country
as an example of perseverance, work and struggle
to have a better country. I will try to be the best
tourism minister of this country.”

PROF. KLAUS SCHWAB – Founder and Executive

Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF)
“It was the right choice to come here. I think Colombia
has achieved the best ‘unknown story’. It has become a
country of promise!”

FRANCESCO FRANGIALLI – General Secretary of the World Tourism

Organization
“I have worked 18 years for the UNWTO. I have
participated in many UNWTO general assemblies and the
one held in Cartagena has been the best I have ever seen
for its perfect organization”

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 9. OPEN DOORS
Colombia does not restrict the entrance of visitors from any country in the
world; however, some countries need a visa to enter the country. Colombia has
145 consulates and embassies around the world that provide information and
advice to international participants whose nationality requires them to obtain a
visa for entering the country.
COUNTRIES NOT REQUIRING A VISA FOR COLOMBIA
Andorra Guatemala Paraguay (*)
Antigua and Baarbuda Guyana Peru (*)
Argentina Holy See Philippines
Australia Honduras Poland
Austria Hong Kong (SARG-China) Portugal
Bahamas Hungary Republic of Korea
Barbados Iceland Romania
Belgium Indonesia Russian Federation
Belize Ireland Saint Kitts and Nevis
Bhutan Israel Samoa
Bolivia Italy San Marino
Brazil Jamaica Santa Lucia
Brunei Darussalam Japan Slovakia
Canada Latvia Slovenia
Chile Liechtenstein Solomon Islands
Costa Rica Lithuania South Africa
Croatia Luxembourg Spain (*)
Cyprus Malaysia El Salvador
Czech Republic Malta Estonia
Denmark Marshall Islands Suriname
Dominica Mexico Sweden
Dominican Republic Micronesia Switzerland
Ecuador Monaco Taiwan
St. Vincent and the Netherlands Antilles: Aruba, Curacao, St. United Kingdom of Great
Grenadines Maarten, Bonaire, Saba, St. Eustatius Britain and Northern Ireland
Fiji Netherlands United Arab Emirates
Finland New Zealand Trinidad and Tobago
France Norway Turkey
Germany Palau Uruguay
Greece Panama (*) USA
Grenada Papua New Guinea Venezuela
Source: Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, April 2009

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10. COLOMBIA, THE PERFECT EVENT DESTINATION

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 CARTAGENA DE INDIAS
The hidden jewel of the Caribbean

Panoramic view of Cartagena de Indias

Cartagena de Indias, the capital of Bolívar department, is the fifth largest city in
terms of population in Colombia and the second largest urban center in the
iColombian Caribbean Region.

It is one of the most beautiful cities of the Caribbean and the ideal location for
congresses and conventions. Its pleasant equatorial climate, colonial historical
heritage, and modern features blend with a varied hotel and tourist
infrastructure to make your event an unforgettable experience.

Cartagena de Indias is an open, legendary treasure that preserves the mysteries

of past times in the Caribbean. Past experiences show that the city is a perfect
stage for a successful event due to the hospitality of its people and a flawless
organization.

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 WHAT DOES CARTAGENA
OFFER FOR A SUCCESSFUL
EVENT?
Aside from being a city with a unique historic and cultural tradition, Cartagena
offers event organizers and participants an unforgettable experience that
combines the magic of the romantic streets within the walled city and the
modern infrastructure available to support large events.

1. CONNECTIVITY

The Rafael Núñez International Airport is located within the limits of Cartagena
de Indias, just 10 minutes from the Cartagena de Indias Convention Center and
15 minutes from the hotel zone.
DIRECT INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO CARTAGENA
ORIGIN WEEKLY FLIGHTS AIRLINE
Aruba 1 Aires
Curazao 4 Avianca
Fort Lauderdale 7 Spirit Airlines
Miami 7 Avianca
Panamá 3 AeroRepública
Caracas 3 AeroRepública
Lima 2 LAN Perú

Cartagena is only 1 ½ hours away by air from Bogotá, the capital of the country.
Weekly, Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport welcomes more than 300
flights a week from the main cities in the world.

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 DIRECT INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO BOGOTA
COUNTRY OF DEPARTURES CITY WEEKLY FREQUENCIES
ORIGIN
Atlanta 6
Ft. Lauderdale 14
Houston 14
Los Angeles 4
Miami 31
United States New York 16
Newark 7
Orlando 7
Washington 5
Others 83
Panama City 45
Panama
Others 88
Caracas 28
Maracaibo 5
Venezuela
Valencia (VEN) 5
Others 13
Guayaquil 14
Ecuador Quito 28
Others 31
Peru Lima 44
Barcelona 4
Spain
Madrid 23
Mexico City 14
Mexico
Others 11
San Jose 11
Costa Rica
Others 2
Curazao 9
Netherlands Antilles
Aruba 9
Santiago 8
Chile
Others 2
France Paris 7

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 COUNTRY DEPARTURES CITY WEEKLY FREQUENCIES
Brazil Sao Paulo 6
Manaos 3
Others 4
Dominican Republic Santo Domingo 4
Others 1
Argentina Buenos Aires 7
Canada Toronto 3
Cuba Habana 2
Source: Aerocivil and Amadeus IT

Approximately 131 flights depart from Bogotá to the historic city each week.

Cartagena is connected not only to the capital of the country, but also to other
important cities in the country that welcome international flights.
DIRECT INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

ORIGIN DESTINATION WEEKLY FLIGHTS ORIGIN DESTINATION WEEKLY FLIGHTS

Miami Barranquilla 7 Guayaquil/Lima Cali 4
Panamá Barranquilla 7 Quito/ Lima Cali 3
Maracaibo Barranquilla 2 Ft. Lauderdale Medellín 7
Curazao Barranquilla 2 Miami Medellín 14
Aruba Barranquilla 2 Miami Medellín 7
Miami Cali 7 New York Medellín 7
Miami Cali 7 Panamá Medellín 14
Panamá Cali 11 Panamá Medellín 7
Panamá Cali 7 Caracas Medellín 7
Quito Cali 2 Quito/Lima Medellín 7
Madrid Cali 4 Quito/Lima Medellín 7

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 2. EVENT INFRASTRUCTURE

Julio César Turbay Ayala Convention Center

JULIO CESAR TURBAY AYALA CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTER

Cartagena has a modern and large convention center strategically located in the
Bay of Cartagena in front of the historic walled city near the tourist area of
Bocagrande, just ten minutes away from the airport. It has a total area of 30,000
m2 with 20,000 m2 of built area, which can accommodate more than 4,000
people, mainly distributed in three main areas:
 Barahona Grand Salon
 Getsemaní Auditorium
 Las Ánimas Cloister.

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Its multifunctional meeting rooms adapt for: large conference room, plenary
conferences, meetings and shows

The Convention Center counts with an excellent technological infrastructure for

the realization of events:
 Large amounts of audio-visual equipment
 Electrical capacity up to 3000 KVA
 Digital phone Ground
 Simultaneous translation equipment
 Full lighting equipment
 Closed Circuit TV
 Power plants
The main characteristics of the Convention Center are the following:
CAPACITIES
Area
Auditorium Theater Cocktail Banquet U
Barahona Grand Salon 2000 1000 3000 1200
Getsemaní Auditorium 1474 700 N/A 400 N/A
Pegasos Salon 230 115 300 180 50
Arsenal Salon 120 60 150 90 36
Commission 1 AB 100 50 120 80 36
Commission 2 AB 100 50 120 80 36
Commission 3 AB 100 50 120 80 36
Commission 4 70 40 35 20
General Secretariat 100 50 120 80 36
Las Ánimas Cloister 800 400 2000 1200 N/A
Barahona 1 250 125 320 180 52
Barahona 2 300 150 350 200 55
Barahona 3 550 260 650 350 60
Barahona 4 450 230 500 300 60

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 3. HOTEL INFRASTRUCTURE

Cartagena has hotels that range from boutique

hotels to large international and national hotel
chains. It is worth noting that many hotels are
within walking distance of each other.

Cartagena counts with a total of 5,000 rooms and 8,000 beds in total.
CARTAGENA - CORPORATE HOTELS
Category Number of rooms
Superior (5 stars) 2,189
Fisrt (4 stars) 2,031

The following is a list of several hotels in Cartagena:

STARS HOTEL NUMBER OF ROOMS
5 Charleston Santa Teresa Hotel 90
5 Sofitel - Santa Clara Hotel 110
5 Sofitel - Bóvedas de Santa Clara Hotel 18
5 Almirante Cartagena Estelar Hotel 250
5 Caribe Hotel 363
5 Hilton Hotel 341
5 Las Américas Hotel 250
5 Isla Tierra Bomba Hotel 34
Average price per night: USD $155

4 Hotel Capilla del Mar 203

4 Hotel Almirante Cartagena Estelar 250
4 Hotel Cartagena Millenium 51
4 Hotel Cartagena Plaza 310
4 Monterrey Hotel 30

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STARS HOTEL NUMBER OF ROOMS
4 Cartagena Suites 129
4 Hotel Dorado Plaza 326
4 Estelar Oceanía Hotel 46
4 Charlotte Hotel 34
4 Milenium Hotel 51
4 Hotel Royal Decameron Baru 300
Average price per night: USD $120

3 Barlovento Hotel 48
3 Bahía Hotel 65
3 Bocagrande del Mar Hotel 27
3 da Pietro Hotel 35
3 Hotel Decameron Cartagena 280
3 Isla Arena Club Hotel 55
3 Cartagena Plaza Hotel 315
3 Costa del Sol Hotel 250
3 El Dorado Hotel 321
3 Cartagena Real Hotel 70
3 Hotel San Felipe 50
3 Dann Las Velas Hotel 110
3 Sorrento Hotel 40
Average price per night: USD $60

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 There are different hotel projects from important international and national
chains that will expand the number of rooms in the city:

UPCOMING HOTELS: CARTAGENA DE INDIAS

CHAIN HOTEL OPENING DATE CATEGORY ROOMS
Hoteles Royal Hotel Casa del Mar 2010 Superior -

Hyatt Hotels & Hyatt Cartagena 2010 Superior 450-500

Resorts
GHL Hotel Cartagena Ocean 2010 Superior 280
Tower
Casa del Mar Condo Hotel Casa del Mar 2010 Superior 44
(III Etapa - 22 uni)
The Related The Related Group 2011 Superior 200
Group
Global Hotels & Torre del mar 2011 Superior 279
Resorts
Westminster Land Kalasalada de Indias 2012 Superior 36
Company
Sonesta Sonesta Seaway 935 2010 Superior 126
Collection
Hoteles Estelar Hotel Playa Manzanillo - Superior 94

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 4. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Cartagena is regarded as the “Jewel of the
Caribbean” due to its history and
infrastructure that transports visitors to
the past to experience its legends and
unique history.

Those who choose Cartagena to host their

event are not simply choosing
infrastructure, service and organization,
but they are also choosing a unique experience. Spanish-style architecture,
beautiful beaches, picturesque streets, churches, colonial homes and historical
monuments, combined with modern buildings are some of the many attractions
available in the city.

HISTORY AND CULTURE

Cartagena´s mixture of African, indigenous and Spanish
cultures are represented in the different cultural and art
forms of the city.
Numerous libraries, museums, theaters, galleries and
concert halls that surround the city are unique locations
for the performing arts, which have always been a great
part of Cartagena's cultural life.

Cartagena is the host of numerous festivals and events that promote cultural

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activity in the city:
 Hay Festival: Cartagena becomes a first class stage that brings together the
greatest exhibitors in the fields of literature, film-making, journalism,
music, and art.
 International Film Festival: The annual International Film
Festival of Cartagena is the only festival in the region that
specializes in Ibero-American movies. It has a top
international jury and exhibits the best audio-visual work
of Latin America.

Culture in Cartagena is evidenced in the streets, in the

numerous historical plazas and in the 17th and 18th century
buildings that house cultural events and promote literature
and the arts

Cartagena offers multiple bars, cafes, casinos and discotheques

around the city. When walking through the walled city you will
find salsa night clubs, lively restaurants in the different
historical plazas and bars/cafes on top of bulwarks and
fortresses.

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Walking Historical Tour: Walking through the main historical attractions within
the walled city you will find museums, plazas, theaters, cathedrals among other
historical attractions:

Rosario Islands: Embark on a boat to visit the beautiful Rosario Islands, a nearby
archipelago just 45 minutes away, great for water sports or simply to relax and
enjoy one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. While on the trip visit the
National Natural Park Rosario Coral and San Bernardo Island.

Horse drawn Carriage: Boarding a horse drawn carriage through the walled city
transports you to colonial times and gives a touch of magic to your trip.

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 5. CARTAGENA, UNIQUE VENUES

Cartagena is the perfect place to conduct social gatherings of any kind.

Cartagena’s walled city and fortifications allow for unique venues unlike any
other in the world. Each site provides a touch of elegance and romance, fit for
galas, social events and corporate meeting inaugural and closing events.

a. Aduana Plaza: It is the largest square in the city where the Customs
House was located and where all the trade was controlled. Currently, the
building adjacent to the plaza houses the District Municipality. (Seating
Capacity for the event: approx. 2000 PAX)

Event in “Plaza de la Aduana” Event in “Parque de Bolivar”

b. San Ignacio and San Francisco Bulwarks: Were built around 1630, their
mission was to discourage any attempt against the dock and to cooperate
with the defense of Bocagrande. (Seating Capacity for events: approx. 350
PAX)

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 c. San Felipe de Barajas Castle: San Felipe Castle, built between 1939 and
1957, is the largest Colonial Spanish forte in Colombia and an outstanding
example of military engineering from the Colonial Period. (Seating capacity
for events: approx. 1000 PAX)

Event in San Ignacio and San Francisco Bulwarks Event in San Felipe Castle

d. “La Proclamación” Plaza: It was given the name of Proclamation Plaza on

November 11, 1811 when the city congregated on the plaza to support the
signing of the Independence Act. (Seating Capacity: approx. 150 (300
cocktail) PAX)

Event in Proclamation Plaza

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 6. GROWING TOURISM DESTINATION

Cartagena is the second city most visited by tourists in Colombia and the first
one with the largest number of cruise ships docking, representing the 12% of the
total tourism in the country.

TRAVELER CITY
Ciudad 2008 2009* Var. % Part. % 2009
1. Bogotá D. C. 627.056 692.826 247.048 51,2%
2. Cartagena de Indias 141.367 155.264 69.036 11,5%
Source: Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad DAS

CRUISE SHIP ARRIVAL

Number of ships per year

Port 2008 2009 Jan - May 2010

CARTAGENA 137 168 116

Number of passengers per year

Puerto 2008 2009 Jan - May 2010

CARTAGENA 206.691 270.257 175.817

Source: Ministerio de Comercio Industria y Turismo

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 7. CARTAGENA, EXPERIENCED MEETINGS
DESTINATION
Cartagena has held major events:

• World Economic Forum 2010 • World Congress on Spanish

• Non Aligned Countries Language 2007
Summit 1995 - Cartagena • XVII OMT General Assembly
• Young President´s 2007
Organization YPO 2007 /2009 • BID Assembly 1982-
• MITM Fair Americas 2008 Cartagena
• XXXI Travel Mart Latin • ALTA Summit 2009
America 2007

And it will host:

• VI Americas Summit 2013

INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS AND CONVENTION ASSOCIATION (ICCA)

RANKING
Cartagena has established itself
as a major destination for
events and it occupies the 60th
position between 288 cities in
the ICCA ranking. It is ranked
higher than cities such as
Florence, San Francisco, New
Delhi and New York.

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 8. CARTAGENA IN THE WORLD

New York Times: 31 Places to Go in 2010

“Meanwhile, the picturesque coastal city of
Cartagena, a Unesco World Heritage site, which has been experiencing a tourism
surge in recent years, gets even more stylish.”

The Hungry Traveller: Snacking through Colombia,

March, 2010
“A UNESCO world heritage site celebrated for its history as a Spanish colonial
fortress, it's long been a popular vacation destination for Colombians. But with
huge safety and security improvements in the country in recent years, it looks
ready to reclaim the affections of overseas travellers too.”

Lifestyle: United States, March 1, 2009

“Get cultured in Cartagena”
Verky Arcos’s article describes Cartagena as the city where you
must be prepared to be carried away by music, colors, and lots
of sunshine.

Calgary Herald: Canada, January, 2009

On January 24, the daily newspaper published an article named “Lonely Planet’s
guide to the most wallet-friendly places”. It describes the city as a safe and
vibrant travel destination, with a highly developed infrastructure and activities
for all ages.

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“It happened in 1968. I came to make
a movie and met the biggest loves of
my life: my wife and Cartagena, my
city. I still live with both of them. It
happens to everybody, the walled city
is mysterious, magical,
phantasmagorical, full of history and
stories that are written every day.
Here, the Colombians, their courtesy,
festiveness, women … If you ask me
why I stayed… because here I live as if
I were in a movie.“

Salvo Basile-Italy

9. USEFUL WEBSITES

www.colombia.travel
www.turismocartagenadeindias.com
www.cartagenadeindias.org
www.cartagenatravel.com
www.corpocentros.com

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 COLOMBIAN ASSOCIATION OF NEUROSURGERY

WHAT IS
The Colombian Association of Neurosurgery is a non-profit entity
of scientific and union character. As a scientific organization, it
aims at studying and investigating the neurosurgical sciences in
every of its aspects. As a trade-union organization, it helps the
social conglomerate benefit of high-level specialists in each and
every branch of neurosurgical sciences, as well as defending the members’
interests. To meet these expectations, it shall stimulate the formation of suitable
specialists, spread the knowledge of neurosurgical sciences and control the
exercise of the specialty.

WHAT OUGHT TO BE:

Among its organizational jurisdiction and its strategic plan takes place the
creation of learning processes, which would ease the continued training of
neurosurgical specialists and resident doctors who thereby can find the
opportunity of updating their knowledge and strengthening their formation. For
the development of their continued education programs are used the following
strategies:

 WEBPAGE - www.acncx.org
Our page is where the events are monthly recorded, and that allows us to
maintain updated the list of members of the ACN. It also offers a link to ease
the discussion and the permanent exchange of opinions.

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  REVISTA NEUROCIENCIAS EN COLOMBIA
Our official organ published three times a year. One of its most
important functions is to ease and improve communication between
its members, at a scientific level as well as related to the professional
practice in all of its aspects.

 UPDATE IN NEUROSURGERY
In this monthly-published fascicle are dealt with themes of interest and
controversy. The content is discussed, and the readers can use the webpage to
send their opinion.

 REGIONAL COURSES AND NATIONAL CONGRESS

We wish to stimulate the regional think-tanks, that is why takes place every
three months in an intermediate city a course for generalist and specialist
doctors. This activity will end up every two years with the National Congress,
where the specialists of the country massively come to introduce their works of
research. It is the very forum for our scientific production.

 SIMPOSIUM INTERNACIONAL
It is the most important event of our association and the one
allowing our specialists in activity and in training to assist to
conferences which invited speakers are foreign professors, all
supported by the World Federation of Neurosurgery Societies.

43
 This international event is a unique opportunity for our neurosurgeons to
listen to the scientific and technological advances of world neurosurgery without
having to leave the country.

We also design theoretical-practical workshop during the congress with

themes that contribute to the integral formation of our specialists, and foment
their creativity and spirit of research.

Workshops like “Evidence based medicine”, “How to publish a medical

article” are signs of the dedication of the ACN to the elevation of its associated
members’ academicals standards, and articulate the professor – audience key
relationship.

With this event is introduced the image of Colombian medicine in the

international context of neurosciences; the historic antecedents of this
Simposium has given us the opportunity to attract major continental events to
our country.

A few recent ones: the 1995 XXIV Latin-American Congress of Neurosurgery

took place in 1994 in Cartagena, and another time in 2008 in Bogotá for the 33rd
edition. We provide a detailed analysis of this congress, qualified as the best in
the whole history of Latin-American neurosurgery.

44
 It is a pleasure to show a neurosurgical community friendly to its guests, and
attentive to innovations; questioning, with all due respect, the applicability to
our process of advances.

The Colombian Association of

Neurosurgery is a non-profit organization, and
survives thanks to the contribution of its
members.

For the National and International

congress are joining public and private
institutions, with which are shared
Picture from the Colombian Association of
Microsurgery’s Webpage professional objectives so that it may for
instance contribute to the continued education of the professional of the
country.
The regional and national congresses as well as the international events and
theoretical-practical workshops are expensive events; with great effort and
diverse sources of financing we have been able to design them in uninterrupted
form.
The sources of financing are:
1. Inscriptions
2. Commercial fair and sale of locals (3 x 2 mts) within the Simposium
3. Contribution from private entities.
4. (Airlines-Foundations)
5. Support by public institutions.

45
 As a scientific association, we are the promoters of continued education
in neurosurgery and this we can achieve only if we receive the support we need
to build learning scenarios.

WHO WE ARE
 HISTORY
The first gathering of neuroscientist doctors was called Colombian Society of
Neurosurgical Sciences, whose main promoter and founding president was Dr.
Alejandro Jiménez Arango, Secretary Dr. Andrés Roselli and Treasurer Dr.
Salomón Hakim Dow.

Our institution was created in 1962

under the name of Neurosurgical
Society of Colombia, because gathered
neurologists, neurosurgeons and
doctors specialized in domains related

Picture from the Colombian Association of to neurosciences.

Microsurgery’s Webpage

The first Board of directors was constituted by the doctors Mario Camacho
Pinto (President), José Mora Rubio (Vice-President), Antonio Becerra Lara
(Secretary), Jaime Gómez González (Treasurer) and Ignacio Vergara (Librarian).
The first congress was organized at the Hotel Tequendama in July of 1965 with
participation of the specialists in neurosciences.

Through the resolution No. 001652 of the 22nd of May 1994 of the Ministry
of Health, in the city of Bogotá, the society changed its name into Colombian

46
Association of Neurosurgery. Our association made 22 national congresses and
20 international symposiums.

The penultimate national congress (XXII) took place in the city of Cucuta
between the 23rd and 26th of November 2006. The last national congress (XXIII)
took place in Bogotá, during the 33rd Latin-American Congress of Neurosurgery,
between the 27th ant 31st of October 2008. The last International Symposium
(XXI) was organized in the city of Santa Marta from the 1st to the 4th of
December 2007.

 HUMAN RESOURCES
The Colombian association of neurosurgery is
constituted of three types of members, all
Colombian neurosurgeons who achieved the
requirements established by the Ministry of
Education and who presented a work of research
for their admission. Picture from the Colombian Association of
Microsurgery’s Webpage

Active Member: 360 Colombian neurosurgeons

Neurosurgeons in training: 58 resident doctors
Honorary members: 12 neurosurgeons over 65

Moreover, all Works are articulated by a legal advisor, a bilingual secretary and a
presidency assistant.

47
  PHYSICAL RESOURCES
We own our office at the
address Calle 98 # 22-64, with an
area of 45 meters and all facilities
for the neurosurgeons and visitors
to find a welcoming place and
appropriated ambience of work.
There take place the meetings
Picture from the Colombian Association of
of the board of directors, and are Microsurgery’s Webpage
processing the protocols of
neuroscience research.

48
OUR LAST EXPERIENCE: FINAL RESULT OF THE 33 LATIN
AMERICAN CONGRESS IN BOGOTA, 2008

Income U$ 1.021.300
Differentiates in change on U$ 13.317
favor 309.331
Inscriptions, courses(years) 698.652
and Closing Ceremony
Industry
Expenditures U$ 574.515
Venue, U$ 76.542
Food, 63.284
Equipments 32.326
Register 20.976
Tickets 76.031
Accomodation 29.061
Dinners 8.547
Closing Ceremony 55.022
Web 2.917
Gifts 11.718
Stationary 19.719
Travel expenses 7.849
VIP Dinner 15.578
Companion program 20.625
Transportation 31.185
Staff 15.870
Translation 10.900
Prizes 11.693
Taxes CCGJQ 30.090
Others 31.557
Plates and Medals 3.025

49
 Total Utility U$ 446.785
Full Bank charges U$ 19.573
Taxes, 20.616 5.424
Management Commission
Utility alter taxes and commission U$ 401.172
To distribute U$ 200.586

Financial report
Federico Gutierrez Cruz
Manager Clan 2008

Utility after taxes and commission: U$ 401.172

Distribution:
o 50 % Latin-American Federation of Neurosurgery U$ 200.586
o 50 % Colombian Association of Neurosurgery U$ 200.586

50
 PRELIMINARY BUDGET FOR THE WFNS WORLD
CONGRESS OF NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY 2017

INCOME 2017 QUANTITY UNIT VALUE TOTAL US

Trade Shows Stand (USD) 80 15.000 1.200.000
Precongress courses 500 220 110.000
Registration 2.000 1.000 2.000.000
Registration Residents 300 200 60.000
Registration spouse 200 500 100.000
Income from sponsorships VIP 4 25.000 100.000
TOTAL INCOME 3.570.000

TOTAL
UNIT TOTAL PROYECTION
QUANTITY DAYS VALUE TOTAL 2011 2017
CONCEPT
AREAS AND FOOD 1.197.409.981 598.705 520.613
Areas 1 6 11.820 147.745.544 73.873 64.237
Refreshments 12.000 851.014.336 425.507 370.006
Service A y B 10% 53.188 85.101.434 42.551 37.001
Install electrical
outlets in booth 100 7 125.584 5.318.840 2.659 2.313
Phone lines for
datafono 4 7.280.900 3.516.344 1.758 1.529
Smoking tents or rest
areas 1 4 214.231 7.280.900 3.640 3.166
Personal Protocol 50 7 369.364 63.303.363 31.652 27.523
Service guides
bilinques 10 7 29.549 25.855.470 12.928 11.242
Avantel 40 8.273.750 4.137 3.597
-

51
AUDIOVISUAL
EQUIPMENT 84.238.600 42.119 36.625
Audiovisual 60.297.912 30.149 26.216
Computer Desktop 12.410.626 6.205 5.396
Wireless
Microphones 5.767.986 2.884 2.508
Active Audience 5.762.076 2.881 2.505
-
REGISTRY 1 3.694 131.417.652 65.709 57.138
Cockade in opaline
Print 6.000 1 3.694 22.161.832 11.081 9.636
Diplomas printed 4.000 1 819.039 14.774.554 7.387 6.424
Computers and
printers register
points 80 1 4.137 65.523.140 32.762 28.488
Dialed cockades for
Cintas 7.000 28.958.127 14.479 12.590
-

SCENOGRAPHY 1 37.675.114 44.323.663 22.162 19.271

Scenography 1 1 6.648.549 37.675.114 18.838 16.380

Floral arrangements 1 6.648.549 3.324 2.891
-
TRANSLATION 82.397.690 41.199 35.825
Team-based
translation 5 5 443.237 11.080.916 5.540 4.818

Headphones 1.500 3 8.126 36.567.022 18.284 15.899

Interpretes 8 3 1.447.906 34.749.752 17.375 15.109

-
TRANSPORT 191.262.222 95.631 83.157

52
CC truck transport 1 10 1.366.646 13.666.463 6.833 5.942
Transportation to
move people VIP 5 1 1.296.319 6.481.597 3.241 2.818
Mass transportation
to social events 1 120 1.296.319 155.558.329 77.779 67.634
Transportation
courses
PRECONGRESS 2 6 1.296.319 15.555.833 7.778 6.763
| -
Gross Value 1.731.049.808 865.525 752.630
Operation 259.657.471 129.829 112.895
Subtotal 1.990.707.280 995.354 865.525
-
TIQUETS 80.000.000 40.000 34.783

ACCOMMODATION 30 5 400.000 60.000.000 30.000 26.087

Web site 1 7.387.277 7.387.277 3.694 3.212
Closing Event 738.727.722 369.364 321.186
Dinner VIP 1 147.745.544 73.873 64.237
Opening Cocktail 517.109.405 258.555 224.830
Stationery generally 220.000.000 110.000 95.652
Event Reports 100.000.000 50.000 43.478
Backpacks 6.000 25.117 150.700.455 75.350 65.522
-
Iva 16% 518.619.661 259.310 225.487
-
Total 4.530.997.345 2.265.499 1.969.999
Contingencies 906.199.469 453.100 394.000
-
GRAND TOTAL 5.437.196.814 2.718.598 2.363.999

53
Scenarios in Dollars Cost in USD Event Utility
$ 1.800 3.020.665 549.335
$ 2.000 2.718.598 851.402
$ 2.300 2.363.999 1.206.001
$ 2.500 2.174.879 1.395.121

54