Preparing to attend

  • This year our conference is based at The Eastside Rooms, Birmingham. Plan your journey here.

    Please note: The Women’s Engineering Society have no affiliation with any of the Transport or Accomodation options listed above, and attendees book/park at their own risk. 

  • Tickets are not being sent in advance. Upon arrival at the venue please make your way to the registration desk and a name badge will be available.

    If you booked tickets for more than one person, or someone other than yourself and you have not yet confirmed their names, please contact comms@wes.org.uk with the name(s), email addresses and dietary requirements of the people who are attending.

    • We welcome assistance dogs (please pre-inform the venue if an assistance dog will be attending or email comms@wes.org.uk and we will notify them for you)

    • Induction loop facilities are available at all reception desks, the main Affinity Suite and selected meeting rooms

    • There are accessible toilets on every floor of the building We are the only venue in Birmingham to host a full changing places facility

    • All staff have undertaken full disability awareness training

    • The hotel next door, Aloft Birmingham Eastside, has 10 accessible bedrooms, with one having a full hoist from bed to bathroom

    For a comprehensive access guide visit their website.

  • Food and refreshments are included as part of your ticket.

    Free Tea, Coffee and Water are available throughout the event and a buffet will be provided at midday on both days. We have arranged with the venue for the buffet to have vegetarian and vegan options on both days, but we cannot guarantee the availability of suitable options for people with allergies and intolerances if arrangements are not made in advance.

    You must notify us in advance of any allergies or dietary requirements as a priority! Please Contact comms@wes.org.uk as soon after your booking as possible so that appropriate arrangements can be made with the venue.

  • At our conferences, most people like to dress in ‘smart casual’ clothes. But don’t worry too much! We really just want you to feel comfortable and have a good time. So, wear whatever makes you happy – we’re just thrilled you’re coming!

  • Aloft Birmingham Eastside is the hotel next door. Boasting 195 plush bedrooms, atmospheric cocktail lounge, complete with a pink pool table and vibrant 120-seater Tempo!

During the conference

  • We want you to get the most out of every session! Each speaker or exhibitor will let you know the best time to ask questions. Usually, we’ll have a short Q&A time at the end where you can ask away!

    Since we have lots to cover, sometimes speakers might not have time for every question. But don’t worry! You can chat with them during our networking sessions and breaks. They’re all really nice and excited to share their knowledge with you.

    If you’re a little shy about going up to them (which is totally okay!), just find a WES staff member. We’d love to introduce you and help you start a conversation!

  • We have designed our 2 day conference programme with networking in mind. We have left plenty of intervals between sessions to give you chance to connect with other attendees and our exhibitors. Please view our programme to see what we have in store.

  • We are dedicated to ensuring that everyone feels comfortable at this year’s annual conference. To accommodate this, we have arranged for a Multi-faith Room and a separate Quiet Room at the venue. Both rooms will be located on the 1st floor, easily accessible via wheelchair-friendly lifts, and clearly signposted for your convenience.

    These rooms will be available throughout the conference for anyone with religious observances or those seeking a tranquil space.

    Should you require assistance locating these rooms, please do not hesitate to approach a WES staff member or a venue staff member, who will be more than happy to guide you.

    We hope these facilities will enhance your conference experience.

  • All restrooms will be clearly signposted throughout the venue on every floor, including accessible restrooms. If you need help locating a restroom and can’t see the venue signage, please ask a WES member of staff or an Eastside Rooms Member of staff and we are happy to direct you.

After the conference

  • A link to our feedback form will be provided via email after the event. You can also fill out the survey by scanning the QR code on the back of the conference flyers given out on the day.