Annual Conference 2026: meeting your needs

At Annual Conference 2026 we want to create an environment which is as welcoming and inclusive as possible for all of our delegates. Find out more below about what this might mean for you.

Accessibility across the venue

Level access routes and toilets are clearly signposted throughout the venue and there are dedicated spaces for wheelchair users to sit in the main auditorium. However, if you would prefer to self-transfer to an auditorium seat, please ask a member of staff who will be happy to assist. In addition to accessible toilets, there is also a Changing Places facility at ICC Belfast. Induction loops are available in all rooms should you need them.

All accessible toilets are also signposted as gender neutral and available for anyone requiring gender neutral facilities to use. This year, we will have a gender-neutral option with toilet stalls too, in addition to plenty of separate men’s and women’s facilities. We collect pronoun information during registration and all name badges either have pronouns printed on them, or a space to add them, should you wish to. Please do respect other delegates personal pronouns.

We will also have sunflower lanyards available for attendees with hidden disabilities. If you would like one of these lanyards, please ask at the registration desk at any time during the Conference. These are designed to communicate to others that the people wearing them might need extra consideration, such as offering a seat during breaktimes, so please only request one if you identify as having a hidden disability and be considerate of those wearing them.

There will be seating dotted around the venue should you need to rest, however this can be limited during busy times. If you need support finding seating, please don’t hesitate to ask a member of Society or venue staff.

Please ensure you include your accessibility requirements during registration so that we can provide you with further details if applicable.

More details regarding the venue's accessibility, including their Accessibility Statement, are available on the ICC Belfast Accessibility page. There is also an ICC Belfast Social Narrative Access Video available to watch should this be helpful for your visit.

Crèche 

We have teamed up with Nipperbout to provide a free crèche at Conference. It is available to all children of registered delegates between 0 and 12 years old. Booking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can find out more about registering on our Destination, Accommodation, Travel, Crèche & Accessibility webpage.

Please note that in accordance with ethical MedTech and healthcare industry compliance guidelines, childcare services are not included within any registration or exhibition and sponsorship packages offered to Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) or industry representatives. However, the crèche is still available to these attendees at a fee of £130 per child.

Dedicated spaces

We have dedicated areas to accommodate our delegates who may require a quiet space, prayer room or nursing room – these will be marked on the venue map and signposted at the venue but please ask us if you can’t find what you are looking for. This year, we will have men’s, women’s and gender-neutral prayer rooms available, all of which will include bathrooms for conducting ablutions if required. For nursing, we usually suggest parents use the crèche facilities, where a comfortable seat will be provided. However, you are also very welcome to use one of the quiet rooms, some of which will also have bathroom facilities if required.

Dietary requirements

We work very closely with our venue catering teams to ensure all dietary requirements can be provided for. Please ensure you include your dietary requirements during registration and please don’t hesitate to let us know, or speak to the venue catering staff, if you can’t see your requirement signposted during the event.

We recently took the decision to remove alcohol from all scientific sessions, including poster sessions, to ensure everyone can participate fully. However, a Welcome Reception will take place on the evening of Monday 13 April and alcohol will also be available at all events taking place as part of our social programme.

Networking and social opportunities

Groups of our members are organising social events for early career microbiologists, Disabled and Neurodivergent members and our LGBTQ+ community. To find out more about the social events available, visit our social programme webpage. 

We also have a member organising a Women Microbiologists Network session on the Wednesday lunchtime, which you can find details of via our online programme.

New to Conference?

If this is your first Conference and you would like to find out more about what to expect, Society staff will be giving a talk at 12:45 on Monday 13 April. The talk will last approximately 15 minutes and will provide details about the programme, venue and facilities. Details on where to find the talk will be provided via our online programme.

If you have any requirements that have not been covered above, or you need clarification on the information provided, please email us via [email protected].