Eight years of waiting and anticipation: the hard work is almost done.  The machine that is the Local Organising Committee – a younger and more energetic team you cannot find – is now fine-tuning the operations to welcome more than 2000 delegates to the International Geographical Congress at the University of Cologne.  With just a few days to go before registration opens, it is time for the test-runs and checks – all so that your arrival and Congress experience will be as fulfilling as possible.  We wish you well in your own final preparations and look forward to seeing you soon.  Travel safely!