Access and Inclusion

As conference time approaches, we would like to say a warm welcome to everyone who is planning to come.  We hope you will find the programme inspiring and thought-provoking!  We have planned a wide range of extra-curricular activities, and we hope that everyone will find something of interest!  And, of course, there is space for networking, meeting old and making new friends!

We want everyone to feel as comfortable as possible during the conference.  If you need to move around or stretch during sessions, there will be space for this in the session rooms.  If you have any sensory items – loops, sunglasses, fans, fidgets, etc. – please don’t forget to bring them.  We will have a quiet room and spaces for those times when we feel the need for a little more space and nature walks when we feel like being outside.

Here are some top tips, if you are new to participating in conferences.

• Go through the programme carefully in advance, see what excites and intrigues, and look at the abstracts for these sessions.
• Think about an ‘elevator pitch’ for your own research – it can be surprisingly hard to say something cogent and concise spontaneously in a meal queue or the like!
• Plan who you want to network with, and also look out for informal opportunities – a fish and chip supper on the beach could lead to a new collaboration!
• Don’t miss the poster sessions.
• Be kind to yourself and give yourself a little mental time out every now and again.

And whether you have been to many conferences or this is your first, the Access and Inclusion Committee members are here to help you – whether you have a question in advance of the conference or feel puzzled or concerned during the conference.  It could be that you have an access support request, want someone to attend a social event with, anything that is on your mind.  We will do the best we can to help.

We are:

We will welcome suggestions and ideas on access and inclusion for future conferences, and so please put these in your feedback form or come and talk to us.

We are very much looking forward to meeting and having time with you all!