On Wednesday 9 February, the Prime Minister announced that all domestic COVID-19 rules in England would end on Thursday 24 February.
It is, however, important to provide delegates with as much information, clarity and reassurance as possible regarding this year's conference and COVID-19.
What you need to do before attending this year's Annual Conference
- All attendees will need to be either:
- fully vaccinated or
- show a negative lateral flow or PCR test within 48 hours of attendance
- If you show any symptoms do not attend the conference and book a PCR test through the NHS.
On-site COVID 19 precautions
- Face coverings are welcomed and encouraged in corridors and busy areas
- Sanitisation stations are positioned throughout the venue
- The venue air conditioning is run on fresh air only to ensure optimum air quality in all spaces
- Socially distanced seating areas are available at the rear of all sessions
- We encourage no-contact greetings (ie no handshaking)
- ACC Liverpool is now a cashless venue with contactless payment options throughout. Only contactless payment is available in the venue - cash transactions are not possible
- Enhanced cleaning regime throughout the entire venue including the use of Byotrol Antimicrobial system which is effective against COVID-19.
- The Royal College of Podiatry, Profile Productions and the ACC Liverpool reserve the right to spot check delegates' valid vaccination status or PCR/lateral flow test results depending on what the government restrictions or legislation is in England at the time of the event.
FAQs
Will I be refunded if the Annual Conference is cancelled due to COVID-19?Yes, full refunds will be offered if this event is cancelled due to COVID-19.
How will the College and its conference organisers (Profile Productions) protect peoples' safety at the event?
The health and safety of delegates, speakers, exhibitors and staff will always be our number one priority. At time of writing, all COVID-19 restrictions in England are due to end on Thursday 24 February. Should the situation change, the College and Profile Productions will continue to work closely with ACC Liverpool, to comply with whatever guidance is operational at the time. In such circumstances, the conference will only take place if it is allowed to by the UK Government, and if the venue, ACC Liverpool, deem it safe to do so. A full risk assessment will be carried out in those conditions.
What other measures will be introduced to ensure our safety?
- Larger registration and catering areas
- Socially distanced optional seating areas in the catering and lecture spaces
- Air conditioning will allow only outdoor air in and will not recirculate indoor air to aid proper ventilation
- Increased distance between stands and aisles
- Encourage a no-contact greeting policy (no handshaking)
- Public health messaging will be displayed at the event and shared beforehand with all attendees
- Exhibitors to send promotional materials electronically.
Will I need to pre-register to attend the Conference?
You can register to attend the Conference until 5pm on 30 June 2022. You can also, this year, purchase your ticket on the day at the reception desk at the ACC Liverpool.
Will social distancing be in place?
The current restrictions in England do not include any limits on socialising - so friends and family are legally allowed to see each other in private houses, or to meet in public places. Whilst there are no direct government directions to socially distance in England, the College supports its members in making an assesment for both their own heath and that of others.
What measures will ACC Liverpool have in place?
ACC Liverpool is one of this country’s premier conference venues. It has over 20,000m2 of flexible flat floor event space, as well as tiered seating that can accommodate a conference for up to 3000 delegates with social distancing at 1m, and 1,400 delegates at 2m.
ACC Liverpool has produced a full brochure, Rediscover events, detailing how it can safely host conferences. The College and Profile Productions will always adhere to any strict COVID-19 guidelines and policies.
ACC Liverpool has also produced a video demonstrating the safety measures in place. See its COVID-19 secure venue tour.
ACC Liverpool has ensured that its air conditioning system allows only outdoor air in only. It means the system won't recirculate air from within the building, therefore aiding proper ventilation. It does, however, mean that inside temperatures might be cooler than usual. Delegates are encouraged to pack warm clothes to ensure that they are comfortable throughout the conference. ACC Liverpool has ensured that its air conditioning system allows only outdoor air in only. This means it won't recirculate air from within the building, aiding proper ventilation. This does mean that temperatures can be cooler than they usually would be. Delegates are encouraged to pack warm clothes to ensure that they are comfortable throughout the conference.