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Welcome to AGBU FOCUS
After much anticipation, AGBU FOCUS is back and taking over the fabulous city of Madrid. Explore the cosmopolitan Spanish city while enjoying a curated 4-day experience with more than 350 AGBU Young Professionals (YPs) from across the globe. This largest gathering of YPs offers networking opportunities, engaging talks and workshops, social and cultural events and so much more.
AGBU FOCUS has converged on four different countries, in 9 cities to date. Check out some highlights that YP Madrid has in store. Email focus@agbu.org to be added to our mailing list and don’t forget to follow us on social media.
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All of our AGBU FOCUS events are currently sold out.
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Stay in Madrid
Known for its beautiful architecture and incredible views, we are excited to welcome our guests to the VP Plaza España Design located in the heart of Madrid. Our discounted room block is now sold out.
The VP Plaza España is located at Pl. de España, 5, 28008 Madrid, Spain
EmpowerHer, Empower Armenia
We are proud to dedicate our AGBU FOCUS 2023 fundraising to support the women of Armenia and Artsakh through AGBU's EmpowerHer programming.
EmpowerHer helps women from all regions of Armenia gain a leg up in their lives with professional development courses, mentorship connections and access to a growing number of like-minded women supporting women. With mindful programming through AGBU Women Entrepreneurs and AGBU Women Coders, over 400 women to date from throughout Armenia and Artsakh have completed courses, received guidance and some even received special grants to ensure success in building their business and finding jobs in the growing tech sector.
AGBU EmpowerHer combines both educational and psycho-social components that work to change perceptions and teach skills essential to gaining financial and social independence. More info >>
With over 50% of participants coming from outside of Yerevan, the women benefit from:
- Specialized University-Level Coursework
- Leadership Skill Building
- Mini-Grants Opportunities
- Business Mentorships
- English Language Coaching
- Job Interview Practice
- Post-Program Follow Up and Counseling
- Networking with Global Access to Industry Experts
Support our efforts with a direct donation to AGBU EmpowerHer or become a sponsor for our AGBU FOCUS events. (For donations outside of the US, contact giving@agbu.org).
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Helpful Tips
We are excited to host you in Madrid this summer. Please take a look through some of frequently asked questions to make sure you have all the information you need.
EVENT DETAILS
NO. All event check-ins will be done through the event app. A unique sign-up link will be shared with registrants ahead of FOCUS weekend. Guests that opt out of using the app will have to provide name and photo ID.
NO. Gala is the only event that includes organized transportation. Buses to the Gala venue will depart from our main FOCUS hotel, VP Plaza España Design, and will return guests to the same meeting point. Guests will be checked-in before boarding the bus as well as at the Gala venue. A schedule of departures will be shared with all attendees. Attendees are welcome to also take their own transportation to and from the Gala.
Most events are hosted at venues within walking distance from the main FOCUS hotel. For those staying further away or who may want to rest their feet, taxis and Ubers are readily available. Taxis are typically white with a diagonal red band on their front doors and roof signs. They can be found at taxi stands throughout Madrid, hailed by raising an arm, or called through several apps. Uber is available in Madrid and traditional cabs also are available via the Uber app.
YES. We would suggest the following:
- Perspectives: Smart/Chic Casual
- Conference: Casual
- Club: Club Chic (no athletic wear including sneakers)
- Focus on Art: Casual
- Gala: Formal
- Brunch: Casual
July and August are Madrid's hottest months so dress appropriately. Please note that afternoon and early evening average temperatures are mid-80°F+ /mid-30°C+.
Since its premiere event in 2001, FOCUS has become a highly anticipated event drawing hundreds of young professionals to each host city. The biggest capacity events during FOCUS 2023 will have over 400 attendees from around the globe.
All attendees will be sent a unique link to download an event app that will allow all guests to connect, as they wish, ahead of time, during and after the event.
Should you decide to opt-in and use our event app, it will serve as your event check-in tool by issuing a unique QR code based on the tickets you purchased. Attendees will be asked for their consent before AGBU includes their email in the event app. Your unique event check-in QR code can be read by our scanners even when you don’t have access to WIFI or data. The app will also include event details (times, locations, speaker bios) and allow guests to connect with others, participate in polling and surveys, and much more. Information on the FOCUS event app will be shared via email with all attendees.
YES. Please come by the FOCUS registration desk on Thursday, July 27 at VP Plaza Espana Design Hotel. Exact location and times will be shared with registrants by email and on the event app.
YES. Most venues will provide access to free Wifi; however, we do encourage you to check with your local provider for travel rates/plans.
ABOUT MADRID
Madrid is a city with a rich history, gorgeous architecture, world-class shopping, and a vibrant nightlife. It's a European capital filled with fine art, excellent wine and delicious tapas. Please be sure to do your own research on Madrid and surrounding areas but in the meantime, here are a few basic things to know, in preparation for your travels.
Language: Spanish (English is not that widely spoken so make an effort to learn a few key sentences. You may find even your taxi driver knows little English.)
Time Zone: Madrid is in the Central European time zone. Central European time is six hours ahead of Eastern Time, and Spain does observe Daylight Saving Time in line with most other European countries.
Free Wifi: Madrid offers free Internet access in many outdoor spaces and tourist sites and even on public transportation. Click here for a list of hotspots.
Voltage: Spain operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Currency: Euro (check the current exchange rate here).
Credit Card Use: Credit card payments are accepted almost everywhere in Madrid. Only some small grocery or corner stores may not accept credit cards.
Trusted currency exchanges: You may find currency exchanges inside the airport or inside the Renfe stations (the commuter train stations in Madrid). You may also consider purchasing Euros from your local bank before travel.
Prices and IVA/VAT: Most establishments include service charge (IVA/VAT), but in hotels and restaurants you can often find signs “IVA no incluido” or “VAT not included”. This means that 10% will be added to the price.
Tipping and Service Fees: Tipping is entirely optional. Some restaurants may add a 2E or 3E charge to the bill for bread or a small tapas, a service which they are obliged to warn you about and which you are entitled to turn down. Since it's not customary to tip, it’s up to you to whether you leave a little extra as a thank you for the service received.
Transportation: Taxis, Ubers, and Metro. Taxis are typically white with a diagonal red band on their front doors and roof signs. They can be found at taxi stands throughout Madrid, hailed by raising an arm, or called through several apps. Uber is available in Madrid and traditional cabs also are available via Uber in Madrid. For more information on how to get around Madrid, click here. You may also look into transportation apps such as FREE NOW, Cabify, or Bolt.
Arriving by Air: The main airport in Madrid, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, is approximately 25 minutes from downtown Madrid. Taxis are given preference and are lined up waiting at the gate exit while private vehicle companies such as Bolt, Cabify or Uber, don’t have a special pick-up location. All charge an airport surcharge. You may also consider using public transportation including the bus, metro (only accessible from Terminal 1) or Cercanías Renfe (only accessible from Terminal 4)
Drinking water: Madrid has one of the healthiest tap water systems in the country. It comes from the nearby Sierra Norte and it is channeled directly to the consumption points, so drink up!
Business Hours and Siesta: Businesses open around 9 am or 10am and they generally remain open until 8 pm or 10 pm. However, some businesses close at lunchtime for ‘siesta’ around 2pm and open again between 4pm and 5pm. In tourist areas, businesses are open throughout the day, 7 days a week.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
No.
Mostly no. Spain allows entry to travelers from most countries, regardless of their Covid-19 vaccination status but it is important to check that this information applies to you and to the country you are travelling from.
YES. Madrid is considered a safe destination for international travelers but as with many other major cities, pickpocketing is somewhat common in the busy city center and crowded tourist attractions. For your safety, its best to always remain alert and be aware of your surroundings.
A Global Movement
AGBU FOCUS has converged on four different countries, in 9 cities to date. Check out some highlights and get ready for what's in store.
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