The event is aimed at all those from local and central government, private and the community and voluntary sectors with an interest in the provision of adult and children services, health, education and adult social care.
Visit our programme page.
All booking information can be found on the booking page of this website. Click ‘Booking’ in the main navigation.
Delegates must book their own accommodation, it has proven more cost efficient for delegates to book directly rather than via a booking agent. Please visit the accommodation page on this website for information on local hotels.
The conference is taking place at Manchester Central.
Transport (including air, rail and trams) and other travel information can be found here
On receipt of an online booking, delegates will receive an automated email response confirming the booking. Further conference correspondence and updates will be sent, by email, periodically to the delegate and the booking contact.
Registration desks are situated in the Manchester Central Exchange Foyer entrance on first floor, accessible by escalator or lift. Everyone must register here on their first day where they will receive their name badge, lanyard and supporting conference information. Security personnel will be onsite on the ground floor before the registration area and throughout the venue. There will bag searches completed by security as delegates enter the venue.
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. Replacement badges will be available from the registration desks. Please note that proof of identity will be requested before replacement badges are issued.
There is an NCP (National Car Park) directly below Manchester Central that is open 24 hours a day all year round. The car park includes 15 disabled parking bays and there is direct access to Manchester Central by lift, stairs and escalators.
If using a satellite navigation system – please follow the postcode M2 3GX or what3words location: ///chin.begins.zoom
Manchester Central is designed for maximum accessibility at all events. Entrances are fully accessible, and the foyer entrance is sensor activated. Bag search and the Cloakroom are on the ground floor with access via escalators or lift to the Registration area. The exhibition hall and main auditorium as fully accessible and any Workshop rooms on the 2nd floor can be accessed via stairs or lifts.
Signage uses pictorial symbols and there are contrasting graphics on the wall-to-floor glazing. Assistance dogs are welcomed and the venue has Induction Loop facilities in Exchange Auditorium and Central and Charter Foyers. Please email organisers in advance if you require a Hearing Loop or other facilities.
Manchester Central is committed to continually improving accessibility for the venue and always welcome feedback from visitors. The venue insure that staff have disability awareness training; accessible toilet facilities; highlighted nosing and additional handrails; and Deaf Alerter – a radio-based fire alarm.
Refreshments and lunches will take place within the exhibition area in Exchange Hall. There is a refreshment stand for those with dietary requirements where venue staff have been trained in allergens and have allergy listings. If you have an allergy or food requirement, please let organisers know in advance to ensure the venue are aware. Vegetarian meals are available at all service points.
A staffed cloakroom and luggage store is located in Manchester Central’s Exchange Foyer entrance for delegates’ use throughout the conference.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the conference venue.