St. Petersburg is Russia's second largest city, with a population of 5 million perched at the eastern tip of the Baltic Sea and the Neva River… But ask anybody in Russia what they think about St. Petersburg and you'll have the impression it's the cultural capital of the country.

For St. Petersburg citizens it is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places on the Earth. Any building in the large historic center, threaded with canals dotted with baroque bridges, can be considered an attraction — and indeed, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Most people have a very romantic image of St. Petersburg: a beautiful city of channels and impressive architecture, great historical heritage and vibrant cultural life, home for many famous artists and poets, a symbol of Russia on the Baltic sea.

This city is a really inspiring place, many great Russian writers, poets, dancers started to work here. Even nowadays people in St. Petersburg are considered to be a bit more intelligent, smart and polite.

There are some whole countries who probably can't boast as many great sights as this one city. From the priceless treasures of the world-famous Hermitage to the palaces and art of the Russian Museum there's a lot of culture to be enjoyed. Many visitors also associate the city with the October Revolution and memories of old Leningrad, and especially the terrible siege of World War II, still linger on in the city's many monuments and parks.

And the Conference participants will be able to appreciate the charm of St. Petersburg during its romantic autumn days, with its raised bridges and shining gilded spires and domes of its palaces and cathedrals.

Welcome to St.Petersburg!