Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about our National Conference 2025. Can't find the answer you're looking for?  

Time, place and format

When is the conference?

Our National Conference takes place from Wednesday 2 to Friday 4 July 2025.

The first day (Wednesday) starts with registration from 10:30 and lunch at noon.  The first session starts at 13:00, and the last session on Friday 4 July ends at 13:30, followed by lunch.
 
Where is the conference taking place?
The conference takes place at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
 
What is the format of the conference?
After the welcome and keynote sessions, happening in Affinity 1 (the main conference room), we’ll be running four different sessions concurrently so you can decide which session you wish to attend.  The sessions will be held in the same four rooms throughout the conference, so you’ll get to familiarise yourself with the conference venue really quickly! You can check which sessions are running, the time and location on the online conference programme.
 

You don’t have to register to join the sessions, you can decide on the day. Keep in mind that if a room is at capacity, we’ll ask you to choose another session.

Will the sessions be recorded and will I get the presentations and resources after the conference? 
We won’t be recording the sessions, but we’ll be sharing resources (presentations, handouts) from the sessions to all delegates a fortnight after the conference.

Accommodation, booking and tickets

How much does the conference cost?
We have a range of ticket options to suit you. You can choose to stay onsite at the Aloft Hotel (which is on the same site as the Eastside Rooms) with a residential ticket for the duration of the conference or you can choose a three day non-residential ticket and pick your own accommodation.  You can also select to come for single days if you prefer, but this won’t include accommodation.
 
Can I book to come for one day and one night only?
You can book to attend for one day only, but this will not include accommodation. Only our residential ticket includes accommodation, and this is for two nights and to attend all three conference days, checking in on Wednesday 2 July and checking out on Friday 4 July. If you require accommodation for one night only, you can book a day delegate ticket and then source your own accommodation for one night. There are plenty of hotels in Birmingham to choose from.
 
What does a residential place include?
Residential places are for all three days of the conference, including accommodation for two nights at the conference venue with all meals, and all evening events.  Check in is on Wednesday 2 July and check out is on Friday 4 July.
 
Will I get accommodation if I’m only attending for one or two days?
No. Day delegate places don’t include accommodation. They include lunch and refreshments on the day only.
 
I don’t want a residential ticket as I wish to book my own accommodation, but I do want to join the evening events. How can I do this?
As well as booking your day delegate tickets, you can also book tickets for the evening events.
 
I work for an AMOSSHE member organisation - can I get the member rate?
You can only get the member rate to attend the conference if you’re a named AMOSSHE member. You will need to log in to access this rate.
Other employees of an AMOSSHE member organisation (who aren’t named members) must pay the ‘member colleague’ rate. 
 
Can I split my residential or three-day ticket between different people?
No, we don’t accept changes of delegate for single days of a residential or three-day National Conference booking, as per our booking terms and conditions.
 
Can I get a refund if I need to cancel my place?
Yes, you can get a refund if you cancel your place 14 calendar days before the start of the event. See our booking terms and conditions for further information on how you should do this.
 
I can no longer attend - can someone go in my place?
If you want to change a booked delegate for someone else, please contact the National Office as soon as possible, and confirm your request by emailing [email protected]. The cost of a place at an event differs depending on whether the delegate is a named member or is associated with AMOSSHE.  We won’t charge a fee for any delegate substitutions made 14 calendar days before the start of the event and we can’t permit substitutions within 14 calendar days to the start of the event.
 
When does booking close?
Booking closes on Friday 13 June 2025.
 
How much does the conference cost?
We have a range of ticket options to suit you. You can choose to stay onsite at the Aloft Hotel (which is on the same site as the Eastside Rooms) with a residential ticket for the duration of the conference or you can choose a three day non-residential ticket and pick your own accommodation.  You can also select to come for single days if you prefer, but this won’t include accommodation.
 
Can I book to come for one day and one night only?
You can book to attend for one day only, but this will not include accommodation. Only our residential ticket includes accommodation, and this is for two nights and to attend all three conference days, checking in on Wednesday 2 July and checking out on Friday 4 July. If you require accommodation for one night only, you can book a day delegate ticket and then source your own accommodation for one night. There are plenty of hotels in Birmingham to choose from.
 
What does a residential place include?
Residential places are for all three days of the conference, including accommodation for two nights at the conference venue with all meals, and all evening events.  Check in is on Wednesday 2 July and check out is on Friday 4 July.
 
Will I get accommodation if I’m only attending for one or two days?
No. Day delegate places don’t include accommodation. They include lunch and refreshments on the day only.
 
I don’t want a residential ticket as I wish to book my own accommodation, but I do want to join the evening events. How can I do this?
As well as booking your day delegate tickets, you can also book tickets for the evening events.
 
I work for an AMOSSHE member organisation - can I get the member rate?
You can only get the member rate to attend the conference if you’re a named AMOSSHE member. You will need to log in to access this rate.
Other employees of an AMOSSHE member organisation (who aren’t named members) must pay the ‘member colleague’ rate. 
 
Can I split my residential or three-day ticket between different people?
No, we don’t accept changes of delegate for single days of a residential or three-day National Conference booking, as per our booking terms and conditions.
 
Can I get a refund if I need to cancel my place?
Yes, you can get a refund if you cancel your place 14 calendar days before the start of the event. See our booking terms and conditions for further information on how you should do this.
 
I can no longer attend - can someone go in my place?
If you want to change a booked delegate for someone else, please contact the National Office as soon as possible, and confirm your request by emailing [email protected]. The cost of a place at an event differs depending on whether the delegate is a named member or is associated with AMOSSHE.  We won’t charge a fee for any delegate substitutions made 14 calendar days before the start of the event and we can’t permit substitutions within 14 calendar days to the start of the event.
 
When does booking close?
Booking closes on Friday 13 June 2025.

Logistics

Can I get a discount to stay extra nights?
We don’t have an agreed discount with the venue for delegates wishing to stay additional nights outside of the conference, but you are welcome to contact the Aloft Hotel reservations team at +44 121 8206000, to check availability and rates.
 
Can I choose my sessions in advance?
You aren’t required to choose sessions in advance, you can decide on the day. This gives you flexibility in case you change your mind.  Do keep in mind that if a room is at capacity, we will ask you to choose another session to join.
 
What should I wear?
The conference is a relaxed event designed for people to feel comfortable and prepared to network and learn from each other. We suggest casual / smart casual for the event but there's no dress code. For the gala dinner event on Thursday evening, we encourage delegates to dress up a little more.
 
Does the venue have Wi-Fi?
Yes, you can join unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi by connecting to Eastside Rooms WiFi.  No password is necessary, and this is free of charge.
 
When can I check in and when is check out?
Check in will be from 15:00 on Wednesday 2 July. Lunch will be served from 12:00 and the conference begins at 13:00.  Bag storage will be available until check in at 15:00. There is a break from 14:55 to 15:30 so you can use this time to check in or you can wait until the first day of sessions concludes at 17:10. 
Check out will be at 12:00 on Friday 4 July and, again, bag storage will be available until the conference finishes.
 
Will there be any other activities that I can join?
Three member organisations are inviting delegates to join a tour of their campus on Wednesday 2 July, so you can see their Student Services set up and link with colleagues. 
 

Exhibitor FAQs

What do I need to provide you as a National Conference 2025 exhibitor sponsor?
Please provide us with the names of two delegates taking the residential places (included in your sponsorship package), their job title, access requirements, dietary requirements and preferred pronouns.  Please do this at your earliest convenience.  Booking closes on Friday 13 June and we won’t be able to add any delegate names after this date.
 
You may also wish to have a page on our website in connection to this event. Please provide us with the details you would like us to add including your organisation URL and contact details, introduction description of your organisation, embedded video links, links to your social media accounts.
 
What if I want to book additional conference tickets for my colleagues?
If you wish to purchase tickets for your colleagues to join the National Conference, please note the booking deadline is Friday 13 June.
You can book tickets online and may need to register to get your login details. Please ensure you select the correct ticket type.
 
 When will we receive the delegate list?
This will be sent to you one week before the event as per the sponsorship agreement.  This list will feature the names, job titles, email addresses and organisations of attendees who choose to be listed.
 
When can I select my stand location on the exhibitor floorplan?
The floorplan will be sent to all sponsors in the order that you returned the signed agreement to sponsor the National Conference.  In turn, each exhibitor can select their preferred spot within a given timeframe.  If you miss your deadline for response, we’ll send the plan to the next sponsor for them to choose. We need to do this so that we have time to get decisions from all our sponsors. We’ll begin sending this out week commencing 9 June 2025.
 
Where do I send all our conference materials to and when can I send this by?

Conference materials may be delivered a maximum of two days prior to the event so no earlier than Monday 30 June. ALL items should be clearly labelled with your organisation name and AMOSSHE National Conference 2 to 4 July 2025.  Deliveries must be made through the Eastside Rooms loading bay situated at the rear of the venue, accessible via the service road off Jennens Road. 

The address is:
2 Woodcock Street
Birmingham
B7 4BL

Please make sure this information is passed onto any courier companies or third parties that you’re working with.

When can I arrive to the venue, and will I be able to start setting up my exhibitor space?
The conference will begin on Wednesday 2 July with lunch which will be from 12:00 to 13:00.  Exhibitors can arrive to start setting up their stand in the exhibition suite (Affinity 2) from as early as 07:00 on this day. Check in won’t be until 15:00 but the venue will be able to store your bags until then. 
 
Does the venue have Wi-Fi?
Yes, you can join unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi by connecting to Eastside Rooms WiFi.  No password is necessary, and this is free of charge.
 
How big is my space in the exhibition area?
You’ll have a six-foot area in the exhibition area and we’ll provide you with a table and two chairs and power for the duration of the event.
 
What can I bring for my exhibition stand?
That’s really up to you. You can have a simple setup with some information about your company, or you can have a more elaborate setup with equipment and freebies to give away. We have had both at our conferences for many years. If you’re intending to give anything away (freebies, gifts) we suggest that these are sustainable (recyclable, compostable, made of recycled materials) where possible, as our delegates will really appreciate that. Please note that we’re not responsible for any equipment that is left in the exhibition area.
 
Can I request AV equipment for my exhibition stand?

You can liaise directly with the hotel’s AV supplier if you wish to hire any equipment for your stand. You can do this by emailing [email protected]. Please submit your requests no later than Wednesday 25 June.

Can I attend the sessions at the conference as an exhibitor?
Yes, you’ll have full access to join the sessions throughout the day. If you leave your stand unattended, we’re not responsible for any equipment that could be left and/or lost.
 
What is the checkout process?

Check out is at noon on Friday 4 July, and overnight bags can be stored until the end of the conference.

When do I need to take down my exhibitor stand?
The conference will finish after lunch at 14:30 on Friday 4 July 2025. You’ll need to start disassembling your stand at this point and prepare for items to be collected.  All items must be collected by Saturday 5 July.  Items must be clearly labelled with your organisation name, destination and the courier who’s collecting them. It’s the exhibitor's responsibility to ensure collection of any items left at the hotel. Any items left for longer than seven days will be disposed of by the venue.