Your Conference Questions Answered
Our dedicated team are here to answer any questions you may have – however big or small.
To help you get started, we’ve put together some of the most common questions asked. If there’s anything else you would still like to know, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
The Event
Who can attend the VODG Annual Conference?
As an exclusive benefit of VODG membership, member CEOs receive one* free place at the conference. Member organisations are warmly invited to purchase additional places for the conference, aimed at senior directors and trustees. Additional organisational tickets start from just £499.
Location and Travelling to the Venue
The Venue
Address: Eastside Rooms, Woodcock St, Birmingham B7 4BL
The Eastside Rooms conference centre is Birmingham’s newest venue, combining innovation with Birmingham’s industrial heritage. The venue offers the perfect space to network, browse the exhibition area and attend an exciting line-up of talks and workshops.
Located in the heart of Birmingham’s east side with a major national motorway network on its doorstep, the venue is well connected to the rest of the UK.
Traveling by Rail
The venue is easily accessible by rail. Birmingham Moor Street station is the closest station around a 12 minute walk. This is on the Chiltern Main Line which services London Marylebone. Upon leaving Moor Street station, turn right and follow the road along Moor Street Queensway. At the crossroads, continue straight on Jennens Road and the venue is located on Woodcock Street, which is left off Jenners Road.
Birmingham New Street is around 15 minute walk to the venue and has extensive rail links throughout the UK. From New Street Station, follow the exit signs for Moor Street Station (approximately a five-minute walk) then follow the above directions.
Traveling by Car
For those delegates who wish to drive the venue is easily accessible off the A38 which links the Midlands motorway network, with the M6, M42 and M5 all in close proximity. Sat Nav postcode is B7 4BL.
Car Parking
The nearest car park to the venue is Millennium Point Multi Storey, located off Howe Street, B4 7AP. The car park is open seven days a week from 6am to midnight, with the option to leave cars overnight. See car park website for up-to-date charges.
Alternatively, parking can also be found at Aston University. The car park is located off Holt Street, B74BH, and is open seven days a week from 6am to 10pm with gates locked overnight. See car park website for up-to-date charges.
Facilities
Is there free WiFi?
Yes, unlimited, high-speed wifi access is available throughout the Eastside Rooms, free of charge.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible and do you have accessible toilets?
The venue is fully accessible, with a state of the art Changing Places toilet on the ground floor that includes an adult changing bench and hoist system, as well as disabled toilets on the 1st and 2nd floors.
Are dogs allowed in the venue?
Assistance dogs only are allowed in the venue.
Are prayer rooms available?
Yes, a prayer room is available on site.
Is there a drop off / pick up point for taxis?
Yes, there is a drop off point outside the venue.
The Event
What are the opening hours of the conference?
The conference officially opens at 08.30 and finishes at 18.30. You can view the event programme via the main conference page.
Our event takes place on the first floor of the venue – please follow signs to the “Ashstead Suite’. When you arrive, please visit the VODG registration/help desk, where you can register your attendance, pick up your delegate badge and your conference brochure.
Depending on what time you arrive prior to the opening welcome, which takes place at 10.00, you’ll have the opportunity to partake in refreshments, browse the exhibitor stalls and network with other delegates.
Do I need to pay for meals, drinks and accommodation?
Your conference ticket includes refreshments, lunch and the drinks reception (if applicable to your booking). Any accommodation or evening meals will need to be booked directly with the venue.
Booking Accommodation
The Aloft Hotel is located next door to the venue. Check in is available from 3.00pm; for those delegates arriving before this time we have luggage storage facilities in both the hotel and venue. Check out is at 12.00pm.
Breakfast is served in Tempo! Restaurant from 6.30am – 10.30am during theweek and 7.00am – 11.00am on the weekends and bank holidays.
Parking is not available at the hotel and we advise all delegates to use the same car parks as listed above.
What should I do if my organisation can no longer attend?
As per our terms and conditions, if you’ve booked your ticket but you/your additional ticket holder can no longer attend the conference, you must give written notice to [email protected] that you are no longer able to attend
If you fail to cancel your ticket, a cancellation charge shall be charged to you to cover costs which VODG will have incurred in respect of the booking.
If I’ve booked but can’t attend, can I send a substitute in my place?
We ask that you send the name and job title of the new attendee as soon as possible. We also need to know if they have any dietary and/or access requirements. Delays may result in issues with registration on the day of the event.
I have additional requirements… who do I notify?
If these were not noted upon registration, please email [email protected]. We ask that you notify us at least twenty days in advance of the event to ensure we can accommodate you as required.
I don’t drink alcohol, are there alternatives offered?
If you have booked to attend the drinks reception, please note that this will include a mixture of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Are slides available after the conference?
Unless the speaker has asked us not to share the slides, you’ll be able to access all presentations following the end of the conference.