Data Leaders Conference exhibitor FAQs

Please find answers to frequently asked questions below for our Data Leaders Conference which will be on Thursday 20 June 2024 at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre.

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, and then during coffee and lunch breaks throughout the day. We have made this an exclusive opportunity to exhibit as one of a limited number of exhibition stands to approximately 150 delegates in order to ensure that exhibitors have ample time to meet and speak with delegates. 

Venue and accommodation options

The venue for the conference is the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre (BCEC), Hill Street, Birmingham, B5 4EW (located near New Street Station). We have negotiated a preferential flexible bed and breakfast rate for the night prior to the conference, at the Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre which is adjacent to the BCEC. A booking link will be sent to you when you confirm your stand.

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. An exhibitor floor plan will be shared with you. A 3x2 metre space is offered with a trestle table and two chairs. There will be access to a power socket and complimentary WiFi. Please bring along your own PAT-tested extension leads of varying lengths. Refreshments and lunch will be provided, with lunch being served 30 minutes prior to delegates being served.

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 2x3 metre space.

When can exhibitors set up and break down stands? 

Exhibitors will have access to set up from 07:00 on the morning of the conference. Set up needs to be completed by 08:30 when registration opens. Exhibitors can begin to break down stands from 15:00 onwards.

Can I post materials directly to the BCEC in advance? 

Materials can be posted to arrive one day in advance of the event as storage is limited. Items must be clearly labelled with the name of the event, the date of the event and the meeting room. Please use the delivery label provided by CST Professional Development. Collection of goods must take place no later than one day after the event. BCEC and CST cannot accept responsibility for items that remain uncollected.  

Is there a dedicated delivery area and unloading bay? 

Regrettably there is no dedicated parking for deliveries. For large deliveries we recommend that you park on the double yellow lines outside the loading bay (to the rear of the BCEC/Holiday Inn hotel) and leave a colleague in your vehicle.

You will need to report to the Holiday Inn reception or the BCEC reception to gain entry to the loading bay and lift. For smaller items, you can bring these through the front entrance of the BCEC or the Holiday Inn and use the internal lifts. Please note, BCEC is within the Birmingham clean air zone which may impact your or your courier’s journeys. Find out more.

Where is the nearest car parking facility? 

The nearest long stay car park is located behind the BCEC/Holiday Inn hotel, along St. Jude’s Passage Birmingham New Street, St Judes Passage, Birmingham, B5 4AN. what3words location: ///bucks.stars.slides

Other long stay parks within five to ten minutes’ walk of the BCEC are:

Town Hall multi-storey, Brunel Street / Navigation Street, B1 1TA

China Town multi-storey, Wrottesley Street, Birmingham, B5 4RT

How many delegates are expected to attend?

The conference will be attended by approximately 150 delegates from CST's Professional Community, representing executive and decision-making roles within a range of multi-academy 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 asset packs 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. 

The conference Chairperson will announce your presence. At the event you are entitled to a 2x3 metre stand, two conference places 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 throughout, both at your stand and at refreshment stations, through creative interaction such as a prize draw or similar engagement techniques.

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.