The easiest way to reach Taormina is to fly into Catania International Airport (Italy's third-largest airport by domestic air travel volume), and then take a 90-minute bus to Taormina.  On weekdays, buses run in the daytime (6:45am to 7:45pm) every other hour; weekend schedules skip mid day trips. (Click here for a bus schedule search form, in Italian.)  Tickets cost around EUR 7 (one way), and can be bought directly on the bus.  Once in Taormina, the bus stops 400 mt (1/4 mi) away from the city center (Porta Messina). If you are staying at the conference venue, have a look at this map for walking directions (10–15 mins).

You might also reach Taormina from the airport by car in an hour or so. Renting a car, however, is discouraged, as Taormina has severe traffic limitations—only residents are allowed to drive cars in the city center, and parking is limited. Some hotels in Taormina provide (for a fee) a shuttle service from and to the airport to their guests.
The cost of a taxi ride varies, with EUR 90 being a rough estimate. Cheaper transportation might be possible by sharing car service. The SAT Finy group arranges transfer service between Catania Airport and Taormina.  To make a reservation, fill out this form and send it to the fax number indicated therein.

Visa Information

You need a valid passport to enter Italy.  It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination.  A visa is not required for citizens of the EU, the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and several other nationalities: you may check visa requirements for your nationality here.  Visitors who need a visa should request a standard Schengen visa: for more information, see here and here.