Accessibility

Here are some of the things Exhibition Centre Liverpool does:

Venue access

The venue is accessible via access ramps from the city centre, car park and taxi drop-off point. All steps have designated support railings for assistance.

The conference rooms are situated on the upper level, where stewards were available to assist delegates. The conference level lighting is bright, and there are contrasting colours to assist with navigation. Both the conference level and lower levels are carpeted. In Hall 1, the main auditorium with tiered seating, there are 12 designated spaces for wheelchair users and assistants. These spaces can also be used for assistance dogs. Hall 1 is accessible on two different levels, with the lower level providing access to the main stage. The designated spaces offer clear sightlines of any performance.

Accessible toilets

Fully accessible toilets for men and women are located on every level. There is also a Changing Places toilet located in the atrium of Exhibition Centre Liverpool, with a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench and a tracking hoist system. There is adequate space in the changing area for the person who needs it and up to two carers, as well as a centrally placed toilet with room on either side.

Hearing assistance

The venue has an infrared hearing system in Hall 1 and rooms 3A, 3B, 4, 11 and 12. To make use of this system, delegates should turn their hearing aids to ‘T’. A personal neck loop can be collected from a member of ACC staff or at the Guest Relations desk. Delegates were encouraged to enquire for more details if they required this service. In the case of an emergency, trained stewards assist any delegates with a hearing impairment to evacuate the building.

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome. Delegates were asked to ensure their assistance dog was clearly identifiable when entering the building, so stewards were aware of their presence. Facilities for assistance dogs are available on request.

For full details on the venue’s accessibility, you can visit their websites:

ACC Accessibility: https://www.accliverpool.com/accessibility/

ECL Accessibility: https://www.exhibitioncentreliverpool.com/accessibility/

Some of the things Diabetes UK provided:

Multi-faith prayer room

We are committed to creating a space that respects and honours the diverse needs of our attendees. A multi-faith prayer room was available onsite for anyone who required a quiet, private space for prayer or reflection. The room was designed to accommodate individuals from all faiths and belief systems, offering a peaceful environment for meditation, worship or quiet contemplation during the conference.

Dedicated parent room

We are committed to supporting parents so they can learn, develop and connect across the three days. We hosted a dedicated parent room, suitable for children up to 18 months old.

Members and non-members were also able to bring a companion to support their little one while they attended sessions. The room included:

Soft play equipment
Baby changing facilities
Small fridge
Kettle
Microwave
Nappy bin

Quiet room

A calm, device-free space was available just away from the event, designed to reduce sensory overload and support wellbeing. Delegates could take a short break to reset, relax or meditate before rejoining the event.

Taking a 10-minute brain break has been shown to support mental wellbeing and improve concentration, productivity and participation. The Quiet Room was a device-free zone and provided a space for event-goers to meditate and relax.

Easily identifiable event staff

For attendees needing assistance or guidance, our event staff wore blue t-shirts so they could be easily recognised. These team members were approachable and available to help with queries, directions or support throughout the event.

Accessibility requests on registration forms

In our ongoing efforts to support the diverse needs of our attendees, we included accessibility requests in our registration forms. This allowed us to proactively address specific requirements, such as mobility assistance, dietary restrictions, assistive listening devices or other accommodations, ensuring that all participants had a comfortable and engaging experience.

Clear and accessible signage

To assist all attendees, we used clear, large and high-contrast signage throughout the venue. This signage was designed to make navigation easier, ensuring that important areas such as session rooms, registration and the exhibition area were well marked and easily visible.

Why attend?

accessibility