GCEC 2019 FAQ

What is SSES and what do you do?
SSES is a platform for interdisciplinary education. Throughout our twenty-year history we have been elevating minds, generating ventures, forging connections and inspiring new ways of thinking. Today, we are a global network of silo-busters, system-thinkers and changemakers that work to question the taken for granted and strive towards a better future.

From the cutting-edge of higher education we provide free of charge courses, experiences and incubation for students and alumni of Stockholm’s top five universities: Karolinska Institutet (KI), the University College of Arts, Crafts and Design (Konstfack), the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE), and Stockholm University (SU).

At the nexus of action, diversity and imagination, SSES has been the role model for collaborative initiatives, within universities and across disciplines.

Do I need to purchase a membership to attend the conference?
Yes. However, GCEC annual memberships are per-university/organisation. Once your university or organisation has purchased one membership, participants can purchase tickets freely. You or another individual representing your university may purchase a membership. That person does not need to be a ticket holder. Once a membership is purchased, you will be able to select it from the drop-down menu when purchasing your ticket.

Does each person from my university / organisation need to purchase a membership to attend?
No. Memberships only need to be purchased once per university/organisation.

Am I going to have to learn Swedish if I want to enjoy Stockholm?
No. Sweden is actually ranked #1 in the English Proficiency Index (sorry, Britain). In Stockholm, English language proficiency is in the low 90th percentile. We’ve been described as being ‘the best in the world’ in English. Swedes are also humble. Those who say they don’t speak English can actually speak and understand fairly well, especially if asked to give directions to the nearest bar.

That’s fantastic, but I’m a person of culture. I should learn some Swedish. Any tips?
yes = JA (pronounced yah)
no = NEJ (pronounced nay, like what horses say)
hi/hello = HEJ (pronounced hay, like what horses eat)

What kind of credit/debit cards work in Sweden?
All VISA and Mastercard cards are accepted at all places of business. By law, places of business are required to accept plastic as payment. Some locations might not accept American Express, due to a fee levied that must be paid by the store/restaurant. Most commercial establishments will accept all major credit cards.

NOTE that Sweden is leading the world in becoming a fully cashless society. Therefore we strongly suggest you leave your cash behind and use your credit/debit card at all times. Many restaurants and commercial establishments no longer accept cash. At all.

What currency does Sweden use?
Sweden uses the Swedish krona. Pronounced [croo-nah] or [crow-nah].

Is the conference held at a hotel?
No. GCEC 2019 will be held at the Karolinska Institute's renowned Aula Medica. This aula is one of Stockholm's most beautiful and energy-efficient auditoriums, built in 2013 almost entirely from wood, glass and steel, with capacity for 1000 participants. Home to five Nobel laureates, Karolinska Institute will be our home for two full days of conference goodness.

Is there an official conference hotel?
There is no single official conference hotel, although Elite Carolina Tower is the closest to the venue, at 4 minutes by foot. Other hotels are farther from the conference venue, but closer to the dinner venues.

Will there be shuttle buses to and from official conference events, such as the listed hotels and the dinner venues?
Yes.

Where are the hotels located? What amenities do they offer? Is breakfast included? What about gym facilities?
Please visit the hotel page and click through to the individual hotels (and scroll down) to learn more about the their services and amenities. Here, you will also find the distance to the conference venue.

How do I get from the airport to the city?
You have several options:

Please see the travel page on the best options to get into the city. We recommend a taxi. If taking a taxi, please only choose one of the following taxi companies (Taxi Stockholm, Taxikurir, or Sverigetaxi). We suggest you agree a fixed-fee from Arlanda airport to the city center, which should not exceed $70 (€60).

Yes. Arlanda airport is Stockholm's main international airport. The Arlanda Express offers a 20-min. environmentally friendly way to travel to and from Arlanda airport and the city. GCEC attendees can use the code GCEC2019 online for a 15% discount on adult tickets (one way or return). Please purchase your e-ticket at least one hour prior to departure. The code is available to use immediately for journeys taken between September 20 – October 3, 2019.

An affordable option to and from the airport and the city is Flygbussarna. They have bus stops throughout the city. Please check the bus stop closest to your hotel.

How do I get around the city?
There are several options:

- Walking (highly recommended)
- SL Metro (this includes underground train, bus, and light city rail) 3-day tickets can be purchased at any metro turnstile for approx $30 or €25.
- Cycling (citybikes, via app)
- Lime, Voi, or Tier e-scooters (via app on the Apple Store and Google Play)
- Uber.com (via app; nb: Lyft and other ride services are currently not available in Stockholm)

Stockholm is a safe city, and is walkable throughout its entire center. We recommend you avoid residential neighborhoods late at night. They can be rather boring with little nightlife to offer.

Stockholm's Metro (called tunnelbana) is a quick, safe and easy way to travel. There are three metro lines (red, green, blue) taking you across the city. Compared to other cities, Stockholm’s metro system has been described as high-tech, clean, and tiny. Fun fact, Stockholm Metro system is also the world’s longest museum, featuring art installations throughout the entire train station system.

Physical SL Metro cards of various durations (24hrs, 3 days, 7 days, etc.) are available to purchase at any metro ticket station teller (or convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Pressbyrån). For GCEC 2019, we recommend a 3-day card. This card costs 320 SEK or 33 USD.

Any other ways to pay for stuff?
Venmo does not exist in Sweden although we have local equivalent called Swish. However, you will need to have a personal identification number and a local bank account in order to use it, and that’s probably not going to happen during your three day stay.

We advise using cards for payments.

Can I bring my spouse or a +1 to dinner?
We will have the possibility to accept additional guests to the GCEC dinners. Spaces for these seats will be limited, and will be first come first served. We will open these tickets two months before the conference date.

When is the deadline for award nominations?
The deadline for the award nominations is July 15th.

When is the deadline for calls for proposals?
The deadline for submissions is May 15th, 2019. Applicants will be notified by May 31st 2019. We will continue to accept late submissions after the deadline, until full program capacity is reached.

Can I exhibit at GCEC 2019?
Yes. GCEC Leadership Circle members as well as event sponsors are able to exhibit at GCEC. Please contact [email protected] for more info on sponsorship opportunities.

Are there polar bears roaming the streets?
Yes, but they keep to their lanes.

What kind of weather will we have during the conference?
In Stockholm, September is known as Schrödinger’s Sky. You never know what you’re going to get until you open your front door and step out. It could be 16C (64F) and sunny, or it could be 7C (44F) and raining. The average temperature for the conference dates will be a high of 14C in the day time (57F) and a low of 7C (42F) at night. Please check weather reports before your travel, and make you’re able to bundle up.

Why are there so many men pushing baby carriages around the city?
Sweden has some of the most generous parental leave in the world, with 480 days that can be split between both parents or guardians. Paternity leave is highly encouraged, and is a sign of a well-rounded egalitarian family with values built around persona, professional and social well-being.

Are you Switzerland?
No.

Can I drink the tap water in Sweden?
Yes. Sweden has some of the cleanest drinking water in the world. That means you can drink or refill your bottle from almost any tap you find. Yes, even bathroom taps. Quench away.

A small bottle of still or sparkling water costs €2 - €3, although purchasing bottles regularly is uncommon for most Swedes, given the abundance of readily available drinking water at all taps. Restaurants and cafes and other establishments will serve water at no cost, in addition to your order. Just ask!

How expensive is it to live in Stockholm?
Stockholm is not known for being a cheap city. An average lunch at a restaurant is between 9 USD and 15 USD.

Any tips on tipping / gratuity?
In Sweden, tipping is welcomed but not expected. If tipping we suggest 10%.

Stockholm looks like a neat place. What should I really eat, see, and do?
In Stockholm, you’ll have a great time being a tourist. Here’s what you should eat and drink, and see and do. Also, check out the city’s many free-entry museums.