Making Carers Count Event

The Venue

The address for the event is Conference Aston - Conference Centre & Hotel, Aston Street, Aston University Campus, Birmingham B4 7ET.

The Aston University Campus in Birmingham City Centre is a 10 minute walk, or 5 minute taxi ride from New Street, Snow Hill and Moor Street train stations. Taxi Ranks are available outside each train station. Full details about the conference venue can be found here, with travel and venue directions here.

If you are walking to the venue from a station here is a link to the venue on google maps and here is a photo of the building entrance which might be useful. There is also lots of signage for Conference Aston when you get closer to the venue. Please note, if you type Conference Aston directly into google maps it can take you to the venue car park, not the entrance.  

If you are staying overnight you will have access to the Woodcock Sports Centre’s gym, pool, sauna and steam rooms which is few footsteps from the venue. For further information on how to access these facilities please speak to reception.

What to do on arrival (17th May)

The registration desk will be available in reception from 10.00am- please register, collect your name badge, and help yourself to refreshments, including a selection of pastries, ready for an 11.00am start in Conference Room 1.  A secure room will be available to store any luggage and room access cards will be available at the end of the day. Dinner will be served at 7 .00pm in The Courtyard Suites – there is no specific dress code. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available to purchase at the bar.

Key contacts at the event

For any queries or to get in touch with us urgently before or during the event, please speak directly to one of the Carers Trust staff team (details of whom can be found on the attendee’s page) or call 0777 187 2774. For questions regarding the hotel accommodation, Conference Aston reception number is 0121 204 3011 (24hrs a day)

Photographs

We will be taking photos throughout the event, please let one of the events team know at registration if you do not wish to have your photograph taken. 

Illness

Although COVID restrictions are now relaxed, the health and safety of our guests and delegates at the event is especially important to us.  Please do not attend if you feel unwell and should you feel poorly during the event please speak to one of the events team who will support you

Expenses

To claim travel costs – i.e. train fares, mileage, parking (or flights for those travelling further) please either (1) complete an expense claim form which has been emailed to you and return it to grants@carers.org or (2) ask your organisation to pay for the bookings and send an invoice to grants@carers.org. All expense claims for travel should include receipts. Car mileage should include to and from postcodes and will be paid at 0.45p per mile. 

FAQs

I’m driving to the venue: is there onsite parking?

Car Parking is available on the University Campus and must be pre-booked and paid for online prior to arrival. Parking is managed by First Parking and costs £7.95 for a 24 hour period. On confirmation of your booking you will receive an email with map and access instructions.  Please be aware that Birmingham has a clean air zone. You can find out more about parking here.

When will I be able to check in to my bedroom? 

You will be able to access your room from 17:00 on Wednesday 17th. Access cards will be ready for collection at the end of the first day. 

What is included in the event?

Refreshments, meals and accommodation are included. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased at own cost from the bar in the evening.

Dietary and allergy information

The breakfast, lunch and refreshments offerings may be served in a buffet style. Due to the risks associated with a buffet service Conference Aston request that any participants with allergen/intolerance take the specially pre-packaged/pre-prepared meal. Conference Aston will prepare alternative meals made from ingredients free from the allergens notified, kitchens are used to prepare meals containing some or all of the allergens. Therefore, Conference Aston can only guarantee that your specific meal will be prepared with ingredients that are free from such allergens. If you have concerns about your meal being cooked in a kitchen unit which uses allergen based ingredients then we recommend that you do not eat food prepared by Conference Aston. Please note that Conference Aston cannot be held liable for any reaction you may have as a result of eating or coming into contact with anything that has not been marked by us as being allergen friendly.

Will I be able to purchase drinks at the bar? 

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available to purchase at the bar during and after the evening meal. 

When do I need to check out? 

Please check out of your room by 09:00 on Thursday 18th.

Will there be Wi-Fi?

Conference Aston offers free, high-speed Wi-Fi for all guests. This will be available at the venue, with connection information and the password displayed in public areas and meeting rooms.