Frequently asked questions

Date, venue and opening Hours

What is the date and location of the AoC Annual Conference and Exhibition 2024?

The AoC Annual Conference and Exhibition takes place Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 November 2024. The conference venue is the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham, UK. Visit the venue page for travel details.

What are the event opening hours?

The exact timings will be confirmed in September with the launch of the programme but estimated times are below. These are subject to change:

Tuesday 12 November

• Exhibition and registration open – 08:00
• Conference opens – 09:00
• Conference closes – 17:30
• Drinks reception starts - 19:00
• Awards Dinner evening starts – 19:45

Wednesday 13 November

• Exhibition and registration open – 08:00
• Conference opens – 09:00
• Conference closes – 16:15

Registration and Booking

When can I register?

Registration for the conference is open now until Friday 8 November at 11:00. After this date, anyone wishing to attend can register on-site at the ICC.

How do I register?

You need to book your place online. If you have any queries regarding registration which are not answered on this page, then please contact a member of the Events Team at annualconference@aoc.co.uk.

How much does it cost to attend?

All ticket prices can be found on the ticket information page.

What payment methods are accepted?

We accept payment by credit card or BACs transfer. Please note that BACs transfers can only be received once an invoice has been sent. Credit card payments can be made via the website at the time of booking. If you have any problems with your payment, please call our Finance Department on 020 7034 9900.

AoC is unable to invoice international delegates. All delegates coming from outside the UK will need to make payment online via credit card at the time of registering or they will not gain access to the conference. AoC will not issue visa letters unless payment has been received for the booking.

Can I amend my booking?

If you need to amend or cancel your booking once you have registered, please do so directly via the link included in your confirmation email.

Can I attend the Awards Dinner?

The Conference Dinner will take place on the evening of Tuesday 12 November. Tickets are currently only available to AoC members purchasing a 2-day ticket as we have limited capacity. Tickets may be released nearer to the conference if available. If you would like to be notified of this, please email annualconference@aoc.co.uk including the subject line Awards Dinner waiting list.

How do I find out if I am an AoC Member?

Your finance department or Principal’s office should be your first port of call. If they are unsure then please email us at annualconference@aoc.co.uk.

May I register more than one person from my organisation?

Yes, you may register as many colleagues as you wish.

May I bring a partner / spouse / guest / my family?

Anyone can attend the conference as a fee-paying delegate. AoC does not, however, provide free passes for guests.

When will I receive a confirmation of my registration?

You will receive a confirmation email within a few hours of submitting your registration. The confirmation email will be sent to the registration contact’s email address which you entered, who then needs to forward it on to additional attendees within the group booking if they require it. If you have not received confirmation after 24 hours, please email annualconference@aoc.co.uk.

Amendments to your booking

What if I need to cancel my attendance?

The online registration constitutes a legally binding agreement and so we do recommend that you only register once you are sure of your attendance. To read the full terms and conditions of booking, please click here.

If you wish to cancel your attendance at the conference, please do so directly via the link included in your confirmation email.

If you cancel your booking, AoC shall refund to you a percentage of the conference fee paid, as an administration charge, on the following basis:

(1) If the notice of cancellation is received on or before Saturday 12 October 2024, we will refund 100% of the event fee;

(2) If the notice of cancellation is received on or after Sunday 13 October 2024, no refund is available (i.e. 100% cancellation charge).

Is it possible to make a substitution?

Substitutions of delegates may be accepted, via the online registration website, before the event and provided that the proposed substitute delegate is from the same college/organisation as the original delegate.

If a delegate wishes to change their conference package on or after 13 October 2024 (e.g. from full conference package to only one day) they will be liable for the more expensive of the two.

How do I choose a table for the Awards Dinner?

Table selection will open in late September and more information will be given at that time.

Can I make a whole table booking for the Awards Dinner?

AoC does not offer whole table bookings for the Awards Dinner.

How do I make my breakout session choices?

Breakout session choices are made in the same way as the dinner table request (see above) and can be booked as part of the registration process once they have been launched, in late September.

Prior to the event

When will I receive my final information?

Final information will be sent 10 days prior to the conference. If you have not received it one week before the event, please contact us at annualconference@aoc.co.uk. AoC cannot be held responsible for non-arrival of information.

When will I receive my badge?

On arrival at the ICC, please go to the registration desk located in Hall 3 foyer where you will be able to collect your badge. You will be sent a QR code in the week prior to the conference.

When will I receive my Awards Dinner ticket?

Your awards dinner ticket will be emailed to you prior to the conference.

At the event

Is access to the internet is available at the conference?

There will be free Wi-Fi access at the ICC.

What is the dress code?

The dress code for the conference is business attire. The Awards Dinner on Tuesday 14 November will be smart attire - the dinner is not black tie but it’s a great opportunity to dress up!

What parking is available near the ICC?

Special event parking rates will be set up at a nearby car park. Please check back here in September. Where possible, we do ask that you consider travelling by public transport.

After the event

Accommodation

How do I book my hotel?

Bedrooms have been secured at a selection of hotels close to the ICC for Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 November 2024.

Further information can be found on our accommodation website.

For any questions related to accommodation, please contact Conference Care on 02476 369720 or click here to email a member of the team.

NB. Credit card details will be required at the time of booking for guarantee purposes.

Sponsorship

How do I sponsor or exhibit at the event?

For further information on sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, please visit the sponsorship page.

Any other questions

Who can I contact if I have additional questions about the conference?

If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact a member of the conference team at annualconference@aoc.co.uk or call us on 020 7034 2620.