Conference Information
The HELOA Conference is designed for the full range of HELOA members. Each workshop session has content that falls under the following categories; marketing, widening participation, student recruitment, WP and SR, postgraduate and other. In addition to developing your CPD it is also a great opportunity to network, share good practice and learn more about group level and national level initiatives the organisation runs. Members of the HELOA UKC take part in the same activities and it is a great way to learn how you can be more involved with us.
However the conference is not only for professional development but also for networking! The group meeting on Wednesday morning (from 10am) will allow you to meet other members from your area, so our biggest recommendation this year is to try and arrive early.
Some sessions in the programme are specifically designed for networking and meeting new people; both local and from further afield. We always recommend that you indicate on your booking form if it is your first HELOA Conference so that we can also do our best to ensure you feel supported whilst you are there.
We also have lots of help available at the conference. The HELOA desk will be staffed during conference hours to speak to a member of the Training Team and members of the HELOA UK committee will be wearing either their blue lanyard and/or badge during the conference so can be easily identified. Out of conference hours please visit the hotel reception who will be happy to assist you. Any problems, find us and we will be happy to support!
What does my delegate package include?
Day delegate rates include access to the sessions that day plus refreshments & lunch during the day, and access to the WiFi. Unfortunately day delegates this year are unable to book the gala dinner as an additional extra due to capacity in the room.
Full delegate rate includes the same as the day delegate rate, plus overnight accommodation.
Also included is breakfast on Thursday and Friday, access to the hotel leisure facilities, as well as dinner and evening entertainment on Wednesday and Thursday. It does not include drinks during either evening meal.
What is the dress code?
During the workshop sessions, the dress code is smart casual. The evening meal on Wednesday is more relaxed. Thursday evening is a formal dinner and a chance for us to celebrate HELOA members’ work and achievements over the last year. Our gala dinner theme for 2024 is ‘Awards Night Eleganza Extravaganza’.
I have dietary requirements, can I see the menus for the dinners beforehand?
Please find the menus for the conference below:
The Training Team works hard to ensure dietary requirements are met. Please contact training@heloa.ac.uk with any specific questions or needs.
I require accessibility support. How will the conference set-up address my needs?
The HELOA Training Team are here to support you throughout the conference and are keen that you enjoy your experience. As part of the booking process, we have included space for you to share your requirements and would appreciate you sharing this with us so that we can work with you both in the lead up to, and during the conference to ensure you can get the most out of the conference.
We have listed below some of the measures that have been put into place in advance, or can be put into place if needed, but please do contact training@heloa.ac.uk if there is anything we can do to support you.
- Room available for delegates who need space away from the conference
- Microphones in the main conference room
- Room settings and chair arrangements (to be shared with individual delegates if needed)
- Audio descriptions of room settings (to be shared with individual delegates if needed)
- Colour and text adjustments on presentations, handouts and room background lighting (to be shared with individual delegates if needed)
- BSL interpreter (upon request and with minimum 28 days’ notice)
I am interested in helping with the conference, what can I do?
The HELOA Training Team would be interested to hear from you if you would like to help.
A call for volunteers to be a reporter (take notes) during workshops is included in the booking form or please contact the Conference Managers on training@heloa.ac.uk if you would like to find out about other opportunities to support the conference.
What is the cancellation policy for delegate bookings?
Please note that once you have booked a place at the HELOA National Conference, we require a minimum of 28 days notice in order to cancel your place. Any cancellations received less than 28 days before the event will still be charged for in full. If you are no longer able to attend, you are able to send another representative from your institution to fill the place. To cancel your place or request to send a representative from your institution, please contact training@heloa.ac.uk.