accessibility

The Diabetes UK Professional Conference is an inclusive event. We are committed to making sure every delegate can attend and participate fully. 

Here are some of the things Exhibition Centre Liverpool do:

Venue access

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

The conference rooms are situated on the upper level where stewards are 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 (main auditorium tiered seating) there are 12 designated spaces for wheelchair users and assistants. These spaces can be used for assistance dogs. Hall 1 is also accessible on two different levels with the lower of the two levels providing access to the main stage. The designated spaces offer clear sight lines 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 the 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, a centrally placed toilet with room either side.

Hearing assistance

The venue has an infrared hearing system and this is in Hall 1 and rooms 3A, 3B, 4, 11 and 12. In order 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. Please enquire for more details if you require this service. In the case of an emergency, trained stewards will assist any delegates with a hearing impediment to evacuate the building.

Assistance dogs 

Assistance dogs are welcome. Please ensure that your assistance dog is clearly identifiable when entering the building to ensure that our Stewards are aware of their presence. Facilities for assistance dogs are available on request.

For full details on the venues' 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 do:

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 will be available onsite for anyone who requires a quiet, private space for prayer or reflection. The room is 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 recognise that attending a conference can be a challenge for parents or guardians of young children, so we've created a dedicated Parent Room for their convenience. This space includes:

• Soft play areas and sensory toys to keep children entertained.
• Baby care amenities such as a changing mat, a small fridge and a bottle warmer.
• A quiet, comfortable area for parents who may need a moment of rest or privacy.

This room is available throughout the conference to make the experience more comfortable for parents and their children. Please note that carers or childcare services are not provided.

Easily identifiable event staff

For attendees needing assistance or guidance, our event staff will be wearing blue t-shirts to be easily recognised. These team members are approachable and available to help with any queries, directions, or support you may need throughout the event.

Accessibility requests on registration forms

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

Clear and accessible signage

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