Accessibility

Please let the event team know if you have any accessibility requirements for the event.

This includes, but is not limited to; hearing impairment, mobility impairment; physical, mental & dietary needs for which a reasonable adjustments can be made to enhance your comfort at the event.

Below is a list of actions the event team and venue staff can take to ensure those who have additional needs are catered for:

Location

• Venue is easily accessible by public & private transport 

Train station location - Birmingham International Station (0.6 mile - 10 minute walk)
Onsite Hotel Parking - Parking costs are chargeable to the individual

• Meeting rooms are accessible, with enough room to manoeuvre wheelchairs and mobility aids.

Stair Lifts, ramps where required 

• Access to nearby toilets and specific disabled toilets.

• Well lit spaces for those that may lip read

Catering

• Caterers can provide for all pre ordered dietary requirements. Minimum requirement of 14 days notice

• The event team will ensure there are chairs and tables available to have food and drinks

• If a self-service buffet is offered, a server can assist wheelchair users or mobility impaired individuals by bringing food directly to their table

Build/exhibition

• Lower height counters available at registration

• Clear aisleways, approx. 2m wide (no narrower than 1.5m)

• Upon request, accessible route map available for attendees including walking routes, nearby accommodation, parking information and toilets

Speaking sessions and rooms

• Step to stage were possible (ramp available on request)

• Adjustable microphone heights or alternatives such as lapel microphones 

• Upon request seating can be reserved for guests who are:

- hearing impaired to be near the interpreters, captionists, note-takers
- vision impaired
- sign interpreters
- wheelchairs and motorised scooter users
- people accompanied by guide/service dogs

• For better audio, headsets will be used in open spaces to cut out background noise – guests are able to request details of which sessions will include headsets in advance of the event.

• Event will ensure there are sufficient breaks. Minimum of 10-15 minutes break every 30-40 minutes to allow quests to use facilities or get refreshments 

Content and Sharing Information

• Provide content including an agenda with timings and speaker details in advance, ensuring this is an accessible format. 

• Slides shared (with permission) after the event 

? Support Animals

We know that animals can be a huge source of comfort and support, especially for those managing mental health conditions. While UK law only gives public access rights to officially trained assistance dogs, we want to be as inclusive and supportive as possible.

Assistance Dogs
If you're bringing a registered assistance dog (e.g. guide, hearing, or medical alert dog), that's absolutely fine — they’re very welcome! Just let us know in advance so we can make sure everything’s set up for you and your four-legged companion.

Therapy or Emotional Support Animals
If you have a therapy or emotional support animal who helps with your wellbeing but isn’t a formally trained assistance dog, the legal situation is a bit different — they don’t have automatic access rights. But we’re happy to chat and see what’s possible on a case-by-case basis.

Let’s Talk
If you’d like to bring a support animal or have questions, just drop us a line. The earlier the better — ideally at least 1 month prior to the event — so we can explore options together and make sure everyone feels supported.

Additional Items Available on Request:

(minimum 28 days prior)

Closed captioning and hearing loops

Quiet/Prayer room