- Delegate information
- Organising a fringe session
- Exhibition and sponsors
- Access for people with disabilities
- Location
- Accommodation
- Conference facilities
- Security
- Greening conferences
- Media centre
- Social programme planning
- Smoking policy
- Special requirements
- Staff at conference
- Transport and travel
- Next year’s conference
Please print a copy of this useful conference information in advance of attendance
Delegate information
Registration opening times
The registration desks will be situated at the top of the escalators in the mall. Everyone must register here on their first day.
Tuesday 26 June – 9.00 am to 6.00 pm
Wednesday 27 June – 8.30 am to 6.00 pm
Thursday 28 June – 8.30 am to 3.30 pm
Conference office and information
The conference office is located in the registration area and will be open at the same times as the registration desks. The office will be open to take messages for delegates – telephone details will be available nearer the time. Messages will then be available for delegates to collect from the registration area. Email messages can be sent to events@local.gov.uk and they will be made available on the delegate message board.
Breakout sessions
There is no ticketing for any workshop, fringe or early bird sessions and admission will be on a first come, first served basis. Please ensure that you are wearing your delegate badge to gain entry. All breakout sessions are being held in the ICC or within close proximity of the ICC.
Car parking
The most convenient car park for the ICC is located at a sister venue, The National Indoor Arena (NIA).
For sat nav users, the address is:
Street: King Edward’s Road,
Postcode: B1 2AA
Conference filming
On the days of the conference, you will be able to view webcasts, conferenceTV, and archived webcasts. Delegates will be able to access these by entering a voucher code, which will be made available closer to the event.
Please be aware that this conference will be recorded and the content will be made available on www.lgintel.org.
If you do not wish to be filmed, your voice recorded or your photograph taken please email Policy Review TV giving your name and the full title of the conference.
Contact:
sean.fleetwood@policyreview.tv
Catering
Refreshments, lunches and drinks receptions will take place within the exhibition area in the main exhibition halls, unless otherwise specified. If you have pre-ordered a special diet, please identify yourself to catering staff in the exhibition hall. Vegetarian diets are available at any service point.
Conference documentation
On receipt of booking, delegates will receive an automated email response confirming receipt. Confirmation of booking will be sent to the delegate and to the booking contact as soon as is practicable once it has been identified that there are places available. Further conference correspondence and updates will be sent by email periodically with conference information, again to the delegate and the booking contact.
The conference badge and record of attendance slip will be sent individually to all delegates approximately two weeks before the conference. Please complete this form prior to the conference and hand it to a member of staff on the registration desk upon your arrival at the event.
On arrival at the conference, delegates will receive a conference bag containing:
- the conference agenda (which includes all detail regarding the conference programme, speakers, workshop and fringe sessions)
- the conference directory (which includes exhibition and sponsorship information, the guide to conference and other relevant articles)
- the attendee list and other useful conference information.
Delegate questionnaire
The LGA will be undertaking a web-based conference evaluation and intend to email each delegate a link to the online form. There will be instructions on how to complete it, and it should arrive in the days following the conference.
If you wish to receive a paper copy of the questionnaire please see a member of staff at the conference office or badging desk and they will ensure a copy is mailed to you after the conference.
Organising a fringe session
If you are wishing to hold a fringe event at this year’s annual conference, you will find all the information you need in the guidance below.
Wifi
Wifi is available free of charge in the foyer and registration areas of the ICC and details of access requirements will be available closer to the event.
Exhibition and sponsors
During your busy conference schedule, please take time to visit our exhibition where you will receive a very warm welcome.
We value the support of each and every organisation that takes part in the exhibition and/or provides sponsorship support for this event and appreciate the huge amount of time, cost and effort involved. The exhibition is a huge hub of information with something for everyone.
Access for people with disabilities
The ICC are committed to ensuring that visitors are able to get around the venue easily. If you have any queries or need assistance during your visit, please contact any member of staff who will be happy to help.
More details on access are available on the website below
Disabled access at ICC
For vehicles displaying blue badges, parking is free of charge at or near the main entrance. Spaces need to be booked in advance so please
telephone the ICC on +44 (0) 121 200 2000.
Hearing impairment
There will be amplification and or induction loop systems for delegates with a hearing impairment in all conference and breakout rooms.
Please collect your amplification lanyard from the conference office. You will be asked to sign for this on collection and liable for charges if it is not returned.
Please note that the LGA needs at least six weeks’ notice for some special services as they are provided through external suppliers. Due to the pressures on them we are unable to guarantee your requirements will be met if not indicated by 15 May 2012. We will, however, endeavour to meet your requirements where possible.
Location
The ICC
Broad Street
Birmingham B1 2EA
Telephone: 0121 200 2000
www.theicc.co.uk
For details on the ICC Birmingham and surrounding areas please see the links below:
How to get to the ICC Birmingham
Birmingham tourist information
The ICC Birmingham is one of the UK’s premier purpose-built convention centres with a large amount of halls; it is also an open access building and can seem complex.
You might find it helpful to view a copy of the internal plan on the ICC website prior to arrival at conference.
| North side | South side |
| Registration foyer | Hall 5 – Workshops |
| Hall 1 – main plenary sessions, LGA Conservative group meetings | Hall 6 – Media centre and press office |
| Hall 3 – exhibition and catering | Hall 7A and 7B – LGA Independent group meetings (7A), workshops, fringes |
| Hall 4 – LGA Labour group meetings, LGA Conservative Group dinner, workshops | Hall 8A and 8B – LGA Lib Dem group meetings (8B), workshops, fringes |
| Ground floor and lower ground | |
| Hall 9 – LGA Liberal Democrat group dinner | Executive meeting rooms – workshops and fringes (Room 1 and 2), political group offices (Rooms 3-6) |
| Hall 10 – LGA Independent group dinner | |
| Hall 11 – LGA Labour group dinner |
Mobility
If you are a wheelchair user, or have mobility difficulties, the ICC website provides full information about disabled access.
Access for people with disabilities
Accommodation
The Birmingham Convention Bureau (BCB) is holding rooms with a number of top hotels offering negotiated rates for attendees of this event.
With thousands of hotel beds in and around Birmingham, it’s good to know there’s help at hand when you need it. Counting on the support of the team at the BCB makes finding the right room simple and costs you nothing.
The BCB has more than 25 years’ experience and holds large allocations of bedrooms at many major hotels in Birmingham and the region.
For group enquiries or longer stays, please contact BCB on:
Telephone: +44 (0) 844 888 3052
Fax: +44 (0) 121 202 5123
Email: bcb.accommodation@marketingbirmingham.com
Conference facilities
Cloakroom and luggage store
A staffed cloakroom is located in the main entrance foyer of the ICC. Storage for luggage will also be available.
Childcare
The conference and exhibition are working environments and it is not appropriate for babies and children to be brought into any of these areas. For this reason, if delegates do bring children on site, the LGA cannot accept responsibility for their safety.
First aid
Please see a member of conference staff if you require medical assistance.
Security
There will be security personnel onsite in the registration area and throughout the venue. There will be random bag searches during the registration period – delegates will be expected to offer their bag for checking if requested.
Delegate badge and security (sponsored by CCLA)
The LGA will be posting delegate badges to all registered delegates two weeks prior to the conference. Please note that you must show your badge to gain entry into the conference and exhibition and present them when requested and upon entry into breakout sessions.
For security reasons it is essential that all delegates wear their badges throughout the conference, including the social events. Failure to do so may result in non-entry. Replacement badges will be available from the registration desks. Please note that proof of identity will be requested before replacement badges are issued.
Evacuation of the ICC
If it becomes necessary to evacuate the building, the following message will be broadcast:
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please. We must ask you to leave the building by the nearest exit as quickly as possible. Do not use the lifts and do not stop to collect personal belongings.”
In the event of an evacuation, please leave by the nearest fire exit and make your way to the assembly point located in Centenary Square.
Placards
The display of placards is not accepted within the ICC halls and will be removed by ICC security.
Greening conferences
In an effort to reduce the environmental impacts of this conference the LGA is adhering to best practice in many ways, some of which include:
- printing flyers and conference related documents on recycled paper
- using email for correspondence with delegates including confirmation and joining instructions enabling delegates to only print what they need
- providing delegates with reusable, biodegradable conference bags and lanyards
- speaker presentations will be made available online post-event rather than printing copies
- the ICC has visible recycling bins for paper and plastic throughout the venue
- where possible the ICC’s caterers source their ingredients from local producers for use in all meals.
Your assistance in helping to reduce the amount of waste is appreciated.
Media centre
The media centre and press office is located in Hall 6 of the ICC.
Social media
Before, during and after the conference you will be able to:
- read blogs from key speakers
- join the conversation on twitter@LGAcomms
- find out more and get started on Knowledge Hub – our new online platform for building professional networks in the local government sector.
Social programme planning
‘Meet Birmingham’ have arranged discount vouchers at a number restaurants, bars, attractions and retailers.
With such a wealth of world-class places to stay, dine and experience, Birmingham truly has something for all visitors. On the ‘Meet Birmingham’ website you’ll find links to all the key information and directions you need to make your stay as rewarding as possible, plus some handy little tips too.
For a full directory list on what to do including eating out, attractions, shopping, nightlife, arts and culture, sports and much more go to the dedicated website.
Smoking policy
All areas of the ICC are non-smoking. A designated smoking area is available at the Brindley Place exit of the ICC.
Special requirements
Dietary – in order to obtain your pre-ordered special diet, please identify yourself to catering staff in either exhibition hall. Vegetarian diets are available at any service point.
Staff at conference
A number of staff will be on duty and are easily identifiable by their highlighted staff badges. If you need assistance please ask a staff member.
Transport and travel
Go to the ICC website for more detailed instructions to get to the ICC.
How to get to the ICC Birmingham
Some other useful contacts:
- Direct.gov.uk – transport direct – an excellent route planning website for all modes of transport.
- CrossCountry trains – Telephone: 0844 811 0125
- London Midland – Telephone: 0800 092 4260
- Virgin Trains – Telephone: 08457 443366
- TOA taxis – Telephone: 0121 427 8888
Due to road restrictions, the tact pick-up and drop-off point for the ICC will be on the corner of Broad Street and Gas Street. A phone at the ICC’s main entrance (Centenary Square) dials directly through to TOA taxis. All cars are wheelchair-accessible Hackney Cabs.
Session venues and transport
All sessions are being held in the ICC or within close proximity of the ICC, so no transport will be provided during the conference.
Next year’s conference
2-4 July 2013, Manchester Central
