Attendee Conference Information 2023
Thank you for booking to attend the Albinism Family Conference in November. This page should give you all the final details you need to know in order to attend. If after reading you have any questions, please do let me know, by emailing Karina@albinism.org.uk
Conference Theme
The theme this year is Thriving. Throughout the conference we are focused on embracing Albinism, whether you are a person with Albinism or support someone with the condition. We are standing up and showing others are how we are thriving and helping others to thrive.
Conference details
Venue: The Hayes Conference Centre, Hayes Lane, Swanwick, Alfreton DE55 1AU
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Date: Friday 17th November to Sunday 18th November 2023. Starts Friday from 5pm and finishes after lunch on Sunday.
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Contact before / during the conference: Karina Lang, 07979 212090
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Adults with Albinism Pre-Conference - Thursday 16th to Friday 17th November
For those who have booked for the Adults with Albinism Pre-Conference, the programme is now available to view online. Please ensure that you bring sufficient out door clothes / waterproofs, as both the Blind Driving Experience and Archery are outside. We will also be walking to the pub for the cheese and wine tasting workshop.
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Check in for rooms is from 5pm, but you are welcome to wait in the reception / bar areas as we are aware many of you will be using public transport and arriving for exactly 5 may be hard.
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Getting there
To find the best way for you to get to the Hayes Conference centre, please take a look the Hayes Conference website found at: https://www.cct.org.uk/the-hayes-guests/how-to-find-us. Car parking is available on site, should you need it. There is free parking available on-site, including accessible parking near the front doors
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For a taxi from the Alfreton Train Station, please phone 01773 83610. The price should be between £6 - £8. (Please note: we are not affiliated, but they have been used in the past.)
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Wi-fi
To access our Wi-Fi please select CCTWIFI. There is no password required, simply type in your e-mail address and agree to the Terms and Conditions to be connected.
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Accommodation and check-in
On arrival you will be allocated your room. Should you have any worries or concerns regarding this, please visit our reception desk or find a trustee wearing a multi-coloured flowery necklace.
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If on your booking form, you have indicated you have a child under the age of 2, we have allocated you a room with a cot. If you plan on brining your own cot, or do not need a cot please do let us know, by emailing Karina@albinism.org,uk
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Check-in is from 5pm. Check-out is by 9.30am. There will be a non-secure luggage store available, should you require it.
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Bar
There is a bar available on site. This will be open 6:00pm to 11:00pm. This venue is cashless.
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Refreshment
There are refreshments available throughout the day. The hot drinks machines use boiling water and for health and safety reasons, should not be used by anyone under the age of 16. While these are a facility we would encourage you to use, please ensure that cups are returned and tidied away afterwards.
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In an effort to be more green, we would also like to encourage you to bring refillable water bottles.
Other groups
While the Albinism Fellowship will be the largest group using the Conference Centre, other groups will also be using these facilities, so please be respectful of this.
Donations Station
For this year, we will be having a “swap station”. Bring along any old hats, clothes, toys, magnifiers, large print books, specialist visually impaired equipment, that are in good condition and still fit for use, but are no longer used by you or your family. These will be available for others to take away in exchange for a small donation to the Albinism Fellowship. On the Saturday night, we will be hosting Albihas Talent
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Saturday night Entertainment
On the Saturday night, we will be hosting Albinism has Talent, this is an opportunity for anyone attending the Conference to get up and stage and perform. They will be a prize. Along side this, we will also be running the recycling fashion show. Each family / team will have time to design and make a stunning outfit using just newspaper and black bin bag (and tape). If you have old newspapers please bring them with you. Again there will be a prize!
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Exhibition
On the Saturday there will be a selection of Exhibitor presenting relevant information / goods / services. We encourage you to take advantage of this on the breaks on the Saturday.
Hazards on site
There are 2 lakes onsite at the Hayes Conference Centre. Whilst these add to the beauty of the venue, please be aware that they are very deep and not suitable for swimming.
The venue does have a number of fully glass doors and while we will be making these more obvious with hazard tape, we would encourage everyone to spend some time upon arrival familiarizing yourselves with the venue.
Conference staff and help
Anyone with a multi-coloured flowery neckless around their neck is an Albinism Fellowship Trustee, while anyone with a blue flowery neckless is an experienced Albinism Fellowship Member and would be happy to chat and be approached at any time.
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Programme
In an effort to eco-friendly we encourage as many people as possible to use the programme on the website. There will be a limited number of printed programmes for those who have requested it.
Child care
We are once again working with Nipperabout to provide childcare. Any attendee under the age of 16 has been allocated a place on the Nipperabout care. You will have received email with all the related paperwork. If you have not, please email Karina@albinism.org.uk
Teens programme
We have worked with Nipperabout to provide a dedicated "hangout space" with activities that are suitable and engaging for our older groups. You will have received a separate email with the form details. lease do let us know if you have not received this.
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Social media
During the conference, we will be using social media. Please use the #AlbinismFellowship if you would like to be involved on social media.
Auction and Raffle
Throughout the conference, there will be a raffle and auction for you to participate in. The raffle draw and auctions will both take place on Saturday night. We are still looking for auction and raffle prizes, so if you have any items you / your company are able to donate, please email Jo@albinism.org.uk. Donation made through the conference go to supporting the Albinism Fellowship, including the conference.
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Hayes regulations to be aware of:
- No pets, other than service animals are allowed on site
- No external food or drinks should be brough and consumed on-site
- The entire venue is cashless
- Those under the age of 16 should be accompanied at all times
Thank you for taking the time to read this long email. Hopefully, it answers all your questions, but should you have any further questions, please do get in touch.