FAQ
Please find below the answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the LGA Group annual conference and exhibition. Please read through this page thoroughly as it should cover any query you may have. If anything is not covered please email lgagroupevents@lga.gov.uk
I have made a booking, when can I expect to receive confirmation and joining instructions?
Conference bookings will be confirmed via email within two weeks of receipt of booking. Each delegate will receive their own confirmation unless they are to be advised, in which case the booking contact will receive this. If you make a booking online you should receive an automated response to let you know it’s been submitted ok.
Further conference updates will be emailed to all delegates as and when required in the lead up to the conference.
Will I receive anything in the post?
Yes. The LGA will be posting delegate badges along with a registration slip a few weeks prior to the conference. All other conference information will be emailed.
Do I need to provide a purchase order at the time of booking?
Bookings will NOT be accepted without a valid purchase order number. If this is not available bookings must be made with payment (cheque or confirmed BACS remittance). Terms of payment are within 30 days of the date of invoice.
When will I be invoiced?
Invoices will be raised in April 2010 or on receipt of booking.
Can I change the name of a delegate?
Yes. Name changes are welcome but need to be received in writing. The quickest and easiest way to get these changes to us is via email - lgagroupevents@lga.gov.uk
Can I cancel a delegate place?
Yes. Delegate places can be cancelled, however if cancellation is received after 8 June 2010 it will not be possible to return fees and organisations will be invoiced and required to pay the full fee. Again, the best way to cancel a place is via email – lgagroupevents@lga.gov.uk
I am the booking contact; will I also receive a copy of the delegate correspondence?
The LGA will endeavour to copy the booking contact into any emails sent to delegates.
I need to book accommodation; will the LGA do this for me?
No. Accommodation is not included in the conference fee and must be booked separately. This can be done through the Bournemouth Accommodation Service. There is a downloadable booking form on this website under conference info or you can contact them direct at:
BICB Accommodation Service, Bournemouth Tourism, Visitor Information Bureau, Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2BU
Telephone: +44 (0) 1202 451722
Fax: +44 (0) 1202 451743
E-Mail: deleres@ bournemouth.gov.uk
I wish to attend the general assembly, where do I get information on this?
Conference delegates who will be attending the General Assembly on behalf of their authority will be sent their papers during June 2010. In the meantime if you have any queries regarding the General Assembly, please contact LGconnect on 020 7664 3131.
How to I get a ticket or table for the council worker of the year awards on the Thursday night?
This year there are 6 categories and the winners will be announced at the awards ceremony taking place on Thursday 8 July at the Bournemouth International Centre. Tickets will be on sale via this website.
How do I get to the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC)?
The venue address is: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth BH2 5BH. To help reduce the carbon footprint of this conference the LGA encourages delegates to utilise the rail and bus services to Bournemouth and the BIC.
Please view the venue details section located within conference info on this website for more detailed instructions on how to get there.
Can I park my car at the BIC?
Yes. A public multi-storey car park is located adjacent to the BIC with 646 car spaces, including 17 spaces for disabled drivers on Level 1. Operates a 24 hour pay and display system, payment can be at the machines or by mobile phone calling 01202 232000 (calls to be made from the car park once vehicle is parked). Security is primarily the responsibility of BIC Security Officers with assistance from Council Parking Enforcement Officers. The car park is monitored using CCTV cameras and security patrols and has held the Park Safe Award for the last four years.
Current Car Park Rates
Both the BIC and Pavilion Car Parks are operated on a 7 days a week, Pay and Display basis. Download the leaflet ‘parking in Bournemouth’ at website www.bic.co.uk
I have a special requirement, how do I let the LGA know?
Please advise the LGA of any special dietary, mobility, hearing, sight or other requirements by 7 May 2010, if you haven’t already done so.
- 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.
- Mobility - If you are a wheelchair user, or have mobility difficulties, the BIC has, on their website, full information for disabled access. A link to this is located in the venue details within the conference info section on this website.
- Hearing impairment – the BIC has induction loop available in all conference and breakout rooms.
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 7 May 2010. We will, however, endeavour to meet your requirements where possible.
When will registration be open for the conference?
Tuesday 6 July – 9.00am – 6.00pm
Wednesday 7 July – 8.30am – 6.00pm
Thursday 8 July – 8.30am – 3.30pm
Where do I register for the conference upon arrival and pick up my delegate pack?
The registration desks will be situated in the main entrance foyer of the BIC. Please have your completed record of attendance form ready to hand to a member of staff. All registration for the conference will take place in this area for delegates, exhibitors, press and speakers.
I already have my badge, do I need to register?
Yes. Everyone must register on their first day, even if you already have your badge. Please have your completed record of attendance form ready to hand to a member of staff.
Do I have to wear my badge for all sessions?
Yes. You must show your badge to gain entry into the conference and exhibition and present it for scanning if requested for entry to 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.
What do I do if I misplace my badge?
Replacement badges will be available from the badging desk situated with the registration desks in the main entrance of the BIC. Please note that proof of identity will be requested before a replacement badge is issued.
Is there a conference office or information point?
Yes. The conference office is located in the registration area in the main entrance foyer and will be open at the same times as the registration desks. The office will be open to take messages for delegates – telephone details to be confirmed. Messages will then be available for delegates to collect from the registration area.
How do I identify conference staff?
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.
Is there a conference questionnaire?
Yes. The LGA will be undertaking a web based conference evaluation and intend to email each delegate a link to the online form and instructions on how to complete it, 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 registration and they will ensure a copy is mailed to you after the conference.
Is there a cloakroom and luggage storage at the BIC?
Yes. A staffed cloakroom is located in the main entrance foyer of the BIC – for delegates use throughout the conference. Storage for luggage will also be available here.
Is there a first aid room at the BIC?
Yes. There is a dedicated first aid room to the left of the main entrance foyer of the BIC – which will be staffed by trained personnel throughout the conference. Please visit the first aid room or see a member of conference staff if you require medical assistance.
Please consult your delegate handbook for the evacuation procedure.
What catering is provided during the conference and where will it be?
Refreshments, lunches and drinks receptions will take place within the exhibition area in the main exhibition halls, unless otherwise specified.
Is there a delegate communications centre?
There is wifi access throughout the BIC (this is a paid for service) and dedicated PCs in place on the stage in the Tregonwell Hall. In addition you can make use of the fax machine and photocopier at the information desk in the main entrance foyer of the BIC.
Are there crèche facilities at the BIC?
No. Bournemouth Children’s Information Service holds a vast amount of information on all aspects of childcare. For information telephone: 01202 456100.
Bournemouth Local Authority Social Services Department provide a current list of registered Child Minders in the Bournemouth Area. To receive further information Tel: 01202 512092 and ask for the “Under 8’s Duty Officer”.
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.
Where can I find the media/press centre?
The media centre and press office is located on the Tregonwell balcony in the BIC.
Do I need to register for workshop and other breakout sessions?
No. 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 ensure entry. All breakout sessions are being held in the BIC or within close proximity of the BIC.
I want to arrange a fringe session?
The LGA group annual conference and exhibition is the key event in the local government calendar and we are happy to involve member organisations and external organisations in the conference programme throughout the week. If you wish to organise a fringe session please download the form and supplementary information from the conference information section of this website.
Is any transport provided between sessions?
No. All sessions are being held in the BIC or within close proximity of the BIC, so no transport will be provided during the conference.
What is the LGA doing to ensure this is a “green” conference?
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 BIC has visible recycling bins for paper and plastic throughout the venue
- where possible the BIC’s caterers source their ingredients from local producers for use in all meals
I have more questions, how do I contact the LGA?
phone: 020 7664 3131
Fax: 020 7863 9158
Email: events@lga.gov.uk
