Useful information

Here you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the national children and adult services annual conference and exhibition. Please read through this document thoroughly as it will cover any queries you may have.

Please check the National Children and Adult Services conference website for speaker and programme updates; policy and fringe meetings descriptions; exhibitor and sponsor information; plus venue information. There have been a number of changes to the conference programme – please check the information to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

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Getting there

Detailed directions and maps on how to get to ICC London ExCeL

To help reduce the carbon footprint of this conference the LG Group encourages delegates to utilise the rail and bus services to ICC London ExCeL.

Visitors should be aware that only DLR trains in the direction of Beckton serve ExCeL London – do not use DLR services in the direction of Woolwich Arsenal from Canning Town.

Visitors for ICC London ExCeL are advised to alight at Prince Regent.

Accommodation

This is a reminder that accommodation must be booked separately and does not form part of the delegate fee. Please direct any questions regarding your accommodation direct with the hotel or your accommodation provider. Please ensure that you have made the appropriate payment arrangements with the hotel or your accommodation provider.

Breakout sessions

There is no ticketing for any policy, 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 ICC London ExCeL.

Car parking

When driving to ExCeL London follow signs for Royal Docks, City Airport and ExCeL. There is easy access from the M25, M11, A406 and A13. For Sat Nav purposes, we recommend using postcode – E16 1DR.

It is recommended that delegates for ICC London ExCeL park in the East Car Park – access to the venue via Level 0. This is a Pay and Display car park and prices start at £5.00 up to 2 hours to a maximum £20.00 for up to 24 hours.

Cloakroom & luggage store

A staffed cloakroom is located in the main registration foyer (Level 0) for delegates use throughout the conference. Storage for luggage will also be available.

Conference catering

Refreshments, lunches and drinks reception will take place within the exhibition area, unless otherwise specified.

NB: this year we will not be running an evening social event on Thursday evening, however, there will be two all delegate drinks reception taking place on Wednesday and Thursday evenings – all delegates are invited to come along.

Conference and exhibitor registration and information

The registration desks will be situated in the registration foyer (Level 0) of the ICC London ExCeL. All registration for the conference will take place in this area for delegates, exhibitors, press and speakers.

Everyone must register here on their first day, even if you already have your badge.

Conference office and information

The conference office and information point is located in the registration foyer and will be open at the same times as the registration desks.

Messages for delegates can be emailed to events@local.gov.uk or for urgent messages, please call 07780 614174. Messages will then be available for delegates to collect from the registration area.

Conference registration procedure

Delegates will receive a record of attendance slip with their badge in the post. Please complete this form prior to conference and hand it to a member of staff on the registration desk upon your arrival at the event.

Please allow sufficient time to register.

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.

Delegate badge and security sponsored by Capita Consulting

The LG Group 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 for scanning when requested and upon entry into breakout sessions.

For security reasons it is essential that all delegates wear their badges throughout the conference. 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.

Delegate questionnaire

The LG Group 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.

Exhibition

There will be over 80 exhibitors at this years conference and we encourage delegates to visit them during the refreshment and lunch breaks throughout the conference.

First aid and evacuation

There are dedicated first aid staff available at the conference venue – please speak with a member of staff should you require medical assistance.

Please consult your delegate handbook for evacuation procedure.

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 London ExCeL has visible recycling bins for paper and plastic throughout the venue
- where possible the ICC London ExCeL caterers source their ingredients from local producers.

Your assistance in helping to reduce the amount of waste is appreciated.

Key timings for the conference

NCASC/Guardian Jobs and Peridot Partners

Charity Pub Quiz at the NCASC – The Fox @ ExCeL London, Thursday 20 October 2011 6.30pm onwards. Tickets for the Quiz can be purchased for £15 per person for more information is available here.

Delegate communications centre Sponsored by My Care My Home

There is free wifi access in the ICC London ExCeL foyer areas and dedicated internet enabled PCs in place at the delegate communucations centre situated at the back of the exhibition hall. Coffee and pasties will be available throughout the event.

Drink receptions

- Wednesday 19 October – 17.45pm Civic Reception hosted by London Borough of Newham
- Thursday 20 October – 17.30pm Drinks Reception hosted by Trimega Laboratories

Special requirements

Dietary
Please remember to advise the LGA of any special dietary requirements by 3 October, if you haven’t already done so, including whether you require a vegetarian meal. In order to obtain your pre-ordered special diet, please identify yourself to catering staff at the designated catering points in the exhibition. Vegetarian diets are available at any service point.

Mobility
If you are a wheelchair user, or have mobility difficulties, and you have not notified us of this on your delegate booking form, please contact the Events team at the LGA who will ensure that the appropriate arrangements are made, or liaise with a member of staff on arrival at the conference.

Disabled access at ExCel

As notified in delegate confirmations, the LGA needs at least six weeks notice for some of these 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 already indicated. We will, however, endeavour to meet your requirements where possible.