The 6th National Meteorological Congress will be organized by the Federal Service of Russia for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (Roshydromet) in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, on 14 -16 October 2009 and will be accompanied by METEO EXPO 2009 - exhibition of hydrometeorological instruments, equipment, and services.

METEO EXPO exhibition has been taking place in Russia since 1997 and is one of the leading international exhibitions dedicated to hydrometeorology and environmental monitoring.

The organizers welcome manufacturers and suppliers of instruments, systems and equipment for meteorology, hydrology, environmental monitoring and associated products and services to take part in METEO EXPO 2009.

Over the last 10 years, 5 Meteo Expo international hydrometeorological exhibitions were held in St. Petersburg and Moscow by Roshydromet and IMD Corporation Exhibition Company – in 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008 including Meteo Expo 2005, which was held in conjunction with WMO Commission on Basic Systems 13th Session and CBS Technical Conference on Public Weather Services in St. Petersburg.

In 2008, WMO, Roshydromet and IMD Corporation organized international METEOREX exhibition and WMO TECO Conference, which took place in St. Petersburg, Russia on 27-29 November 2008.

ATTENDEES

National Meteorological Congresses have been taking place in Russia since 1900. The 6th National Meteorological Congress, which will be held for the first time since 1971, will bring together professionals in the field of meteorology from all regions of Russia and CIS countries, alongside with the consumers of hydrometeorological information in all branches of economy. It is destined to become the largest ever meteorological event in Russia’s modern history. The Congress is the main one in the series of events dedicated to celebrating 175th Anniversary of the Russian Hydrometeorological Service.

The Congress, alongside with METEO EXPO 2009 Exhibition will become a meeting place of the decision-makers in the field of meteorology and related areas, and of the consumers of hydrometeorological/environmental monitoring information. Russian and CIS hydrometeorological organizations will introduce their services to the enterprises of all sectors of the economy and the government.

METEO EXPO 2009 will be attended by representatives of all weather-dependent sectors of economy and related governmental agencies: transportation, industry, agriculture, energy, construction, forestry, ecology, natural resources, emergency services, military and law enforcement, municipalities, public health, tourism, and etc.

Taking part in METEO EXPO 2009 is a truly unique chance to present products and services at the same time and place to:

• Russian and CIS hydrometeorological establishments;
• Consumers of hydro-meteorological/environmental monitoring information from Russia and CIS countries;
• Representatives of global meteorological community who will be honoured guests of the Russian National Meteorological Congress

TECHNICAL MODERNIZATION OF ROSHYDROMET

The issues of the on-going modernization of Roshydromet is the important part in the National Meteorological Congress agenda.

In recent years, financing of Roshydromet has increased dramatically. Funds from various sources are being invested in the new equipment and technologies.

One of the most important modernization projects now underway is the special program, known as National Hydrometeorological Modernization Project, co-sponsored by International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Government of Russian Federation. The Project should improve the capacity to provide weather forecasts and the quality of hydrometeorological services in Russia, including:

• More accurate weather forecasts with greater lead time resulting in reduced damage to property and loss of life due to extreme weather events;
• Improved transmission of data within Russia and beyond;
• Increased accessibility of hydrometeorological data.

Project Objectives:

1. Modernization of computing, archiving and telecommunication facilities;
2. Upgrading of the observation networks;
3. Institutional strengthening, improvements in the dissemination of information and emergency preparedness.

• Modernization of the World Meteorological Center (WMC) in Moscow and data storage and archiving facilities in Obninsk;
• Restructuring of Regional Meteorological Centers (RMCs) in Novosibirsk and Khabarovsk and modernization of Main Geophysical Observatory (GGO) in St. Petersburg;
• Modernization of the communications and data transmission system.

• Surface observation network;
• Aerological (Upper-air) network;
• Meteorological radars and lightning detection;
• Regional hydrometeorological centers;
• Hydrological network.

• Strengthening of institutional structure;
• Client service system;
• Emergency preparedness and response.

Various other federal and regional modernization programs are now underway in Russia. High demand on hydrometeorological information make Russia one of the most important markets for hydrometeorological equipment worldwide.

VENUE

National Meteorological Congress and METEO EXPO 2009 Exhibition will take place at “Moscow Gates” Congress Center & Hotel.

“Moscow Gates” Congress Center & Hotel is the new congress facility and 4 star hotel in St. Petersburg. It is conveniently located on one of the city’s main streets – Moskovsky Prospect, half way between the airport and the city historic centre. The hotel provides discounted accommodation for the delegates of National Meteorological Congress and participants and guests of the METEO EXPO 2009 exhibition

It is important to note, that the Congress and the Exhibition will take place in the same congress facility, which is interconnected with the hotel.

THE CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG

St. Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, which will make your stay here an unforgettable experience. St. Petersburg is magnificent at any time of the year and it is exceptionally beautiful in October, when all the trees change colours.

St. Petersburg sites and places of interest.

Pictures of St. Petersburg most famous sites

Panoramic view of some of St. Petersburg’s sites

St. Petersburg official, cultural and tourist information.