Trust Finance and Ops Exhibitor FAQs

Please find answers to frequently asked questions below for our Trust Finance and Operations Conference, which will be on Tuesday 6 February 2024 at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham. 

What is the format for the conference and what opportunities are there for exhibitors to interact with conference delegates?

Exhibitors will have the opportunity to network with delegates during the arrival and registration time from 08:30 until the conference starts at 09:30. Then during coffee breaks and lunch breaks throughout the day. We have made this an exclusive opportunity to exhibit as one of 24 exhibition stands to over 250 delegates to ensure that exhibitors have ample time to meet and speak with delegates.

Venue and accommodation options

The venue for the conference is The Eastside Rooms, 2 Woodcock Street, Birmingham, B7 4BL, telephone: 0121 820 6060.

The venue is easily accessible by rail. Birmingham Moor Street is the closest station around a 12-minute walk; Birmingham New Street is a roughly 20-minute walk.

If you are travelling by car, please be aware that the venue sits within the Birmingham clean air zone. Find out more.

The conference is a one-day event and does not include overnight accommodation. For delegates who wish to travel the night before, preferential rates at nearby hotels can be booked through our event partner Reservation Highway.

What will be provided?

We endeavour to offer a rich and varied exhibition and will locate exhibitors accordingly on a first come first served basis. CST withholds the right to move stands as necessary. An exhibitor floor plan will be shared with you via email in advance of the conference. A 3x2 metre space is offered with a trestle table and two chairs and a tablecloth. There will be access to a power socket and complimentary WiFi. Please bring along your own PAT tested extension leads of varying lengths.

Due to limitations with seating in the main conference hall, keynote sessions will also be streamed into the exhibition hall via a large screen. We would be grateful if exhibitors could remain in this area for the conference keynotes so that seating can be reserved for delegates.

Refreshments and lunch will be provided, with lunch being served to exhibitors 30 minutes prior to delegates. Please make us aware of any allergies or dietary requirements on the delegate registration form which will be sent to you via email. Refreshment and lunch breaks will take place in the exhibition hall.

What if I have additional AV needs?

We would advise you to make your own arrangements with an AV provider however please be aware that you will only have a 3x2 metre space.

When can exhibitors set up and take down stands?

Exhibitors can set up the evening prior on 5 February from 15:00-21:00, or from 07:00 on the morning of the conference. Setup needs to be completed by 08:30 on 6 February when registration opens.

Exhibitors will be able to take down their stands from 14:40 on 6 February. All rubbish and disused items are to be removed by exhibitors. 

Can I post materials directly to The Eastside Rooms in advance?

Materials can be posted to arrive two days in advance of the conference. Venue personnel will sign for and accept deliveries on an exhibitor’s behalf providing items are clearly labelled. Please use the delivery label provided by CST Professional Development. Exhibitors are responsible for the delivery, off-loading and transportation of goods from the loading bay to the exhibition stand.

Collection of goods must take place no later than one day after the event. These are to be clearly labelled with the destination and the courier who is collecting them. Please use the delivery label provided by CST Professional Development.

The Eastside Rooms and CST cannot accept responsibility for items that remain uncollected. Any items that remain uncollected after seven days will be disposed of by the venue.

Is there a dedicated delivery area and unloading bay?

You can bring small items through the front entrance of The Eastside Rooms. There is limited pay and display parking available on the roads around the front of the venue. The venue will allow for 2-3 vehicles at any one time to pull onto the pavement in front of the entrance to drop off materials for a maximum of 10 minutes. We would advise that one person stays with the vehicle whilst one person unloads.

For larger items, the loading bay is accessible from the rear of the venue, with a loading lift that is located beside the Affinity Suite. The address for the service road is 30 Jennens Road, Birmingham, B7 4EH. Please call the venue in advance on 0121 820 6060 if you need to use the loading bay.

Where is the nearest car parking facility?

The nearest long stay car park is The Millenium Point NCP Car Park, Howe Street, B4 7AP, which is located across the street and costs £7.30 for 12 hours. 24-hour parking is also available, however, there is no entry or exit between midnight and 6am. Please be aware that the car park is situated within the Birmingham clean air zone. Find out more.

How many delegates are expected to attend?

The conference will be attended by 250-300 delegates from CST's Professional Community, representing executive and decision-making roles within a range of multi academy school trusts across the UK.

Pre-awareness marketing – what opportunities are there to speak to delegates pre-event about our services?

As an exhibitor you will get pre and post event branding, as well as designed assets for you to share on social media, and brand representation on public event marketing and resources. You will also have a section on the CST website for your company including a 100-word bio.

What marketing can be done at the event to promote our services?

The conference Chairperson will announce your presence. At the event you are entitled to a 3x2 metre stand and are welcome to bring along monitors/plasma screens to enhance your space should you wish to, through your own AV contacts. We would encourage you to engage with delegates both at your stand and at refreshment stations.

Will a delegate list or delegate email addresses be shared?

We will not be able to share full delegate lists or email addresses due to GDPR but will be able to share delegate demographics prior to the conference, and insights and consented feedback gathered in our post-conference survey.