Accessibility
At Utility Week we are passionate about ensuring all our events are as accessible, inclusive and sustainable as possible.
Faversham House is a founding partner of the Ramp It Up! Campaign. A not-for-profit campaign encouraging venues and AV production companies to provide hand rail ramp access for free and as standard at all conferences and awards ceremonies in the UK and Ireland.
We've recognised that increasing amounts of people with limited mobility are attending our events, either with severe movement impairment or with restricted movement, due to conditions such as arthritis. It shouldn't be up to the individuals concerned to notify venues, or up to those who wish to hold events to bear (sometimes significant) additional cost for providing easy and simple access to stages but should always be provided and free of charge at all events. For more information, please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ramp-it-up-campaign/
The National Conference Centre is fully accessible, taking place primarily on the ground floor. Please see the tabs below for more specific information, if you cannot find what you are looking for or for more information, please contact mirandaevans@fav-house.com
We welcome earlier arrival at the conference, should you feel the need to familiarise yourself in the event space. Should you wish to do so, please contact: mirandaevans@fav-house.com
For questions on the day, Utility Week staff will be available at the registration desk.
Please view an interactive map of the venue here. The main entrance is fully accessible from the car park.
Access to the exhibition and refreshments: The exhibition and refreshments will be situated in the Compton Suite, on the ground floor.
Access to the conference room: The conference will be taking place in the Premier Suite, on the ground floor - accessed directly through the Compton Suite.
Access to the breakout room: One of our breakouts will take place in the Kirkmichael Suite, on floor -1. This is accessible via stairs or there is a lift available.
Access to toilets and accessible toilets: Toilets, including accessible toilets are located on floor -1. They are accessible via stairs or there is a lift next to reception.
Access to the stage: Accessible route to the stage, via ramp, is on the right hand side of the stage.
Please speak to your colleague who booked your ticket to submit any access requirements ahead of the day. Alternatively, please email mirandaevans@fav-house.com
Utility Week staff can be found on the registration desk.
If you require a service animal to attend the event with you for any reason, please contact mirandaevans@fav-house.com and we will advise you on the next steps.
If you require a prayer/multi-faith room, please contact mirandaevans@fav-house.com and we will liaise with the venue.
If you require a hearing loop, please contact mirandaevans@fav-house.com and we will liaise with the venue.
At Utility Week conferences we use live captioning of speakers throughout to improve accessibility. This will not be available as a transcript, post event.
Train
The closest train station is Birmingham International which is a 5 minute taxi journey.
*please note this is not walkable
Other train stations include
- Solihull - 10 minute drive
- Birmingham Snow Hill - 20 minute drive
- Birmingham New Street - 25 minute drive
Air
Birmingham International Airport is a 5 minute taxi journey.
*please note this is not walkable
The National Conference Centre is on J6 of the M42 - follow signs to The National Motorcycle Museum from all approach roads
- Postcode - B92 0EJ
There is over 1000 FREE parking spaces on site.
- Disable parking available
- Charge points for electric vehicles is available
Sustainability
Faversham house proudly became a Certified B Corporation, part of a global community of businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental impact.
B Corps are legally committed to bring benefit to all business stakeholders including staff, customers, communities and the environment.
For more information: https://favershamhouse.com/news/faversham-house-becomes-b-corp-certified/
Utility Week's publisher is Faversham House, a progressive, independent media company who are committed to minimising their environmental impact of business operations. For our full sustainability policy please follow the link: https://favershamhouse.com/policies/sustainability-policy/
Please click here to read the National Conference Centre's sustainability commitment
As part of our commitment to being a sustainable business we have adopted the policy to not serve red meat at our events.
There will always be a vegan and vegetarian option available and we will cater to any addition dietary requirements. If you have any specific dietary requirements, please contact mirandaevans@fav-house.com