Families at the Annual Meeting

Information for families attending the Annual Meeting.

Registration

We strive to ensure our meetings are as inclusive as possible and want to encourage families to attend the Annual Meeting. We have therefore added the below concessionary rates to recognise this.

Accompanying Person

If you are attending the meeting and have a partner, or other person who does not wish to attend the scientific programme but would like to come along to the social programme, this rate would cover all lunches, coffee breaks, poster sessions and the welcome mixer. Only the dinner would need to be added as an additional cost.

Family Registration

If you are coming along to the meeting with children and both parents/carers wish to attend the scientific programme, we understand that half of your time as a parent will be looking after your child so will offer a discounted registration rate.

At the ICC

The Birmingham ICC is only a 13 minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station, however if you have small children the best alternative is to hop in a cab for 8 minutes. This will cost around £5 and the taxi rank is signposted at the station.

There are two baby change facilities available just off the mall. There is one within the disabled toilet near the cloakroom on Level 3, and then there is a dedicated baby changing facility on level 2.

There will be a family room located behind the Speaker Upload room in the ICC. This room will contain a microwave, fridge and kettle. There will be seating and an area for those that need to breastfeed or express. Please feel free to bring toys to use in this area. It is your responsibility to ensure children are accompanied by an adult at all times.

Childcare

We are keen to explore childcare provision at our Annual Meeting in future years. Before we are able to commit to this, as a Society we need to ensure there is demand and that we are able to provide the most useful service to parents/carers. We recently asked the community to complete a survey on childcare and once we have analysed the responses we will make a decision on childcare available at the Annual Meeting.

In and around Birmingham

Buses

Network West Midlands has all the online timetables and fare information you need with easy ticket buying and route planning.

Metro

Birmingham Snow Hill Station serves local rail services to Solihull and Worcester and metro trams towards Wolverhampton. The current tram line runs to Bull Street in the City Centre with a further extension to Corporation Street and New Street station.

On Foot

Walking is a great way to discover Birmingham. There’s so much to see. The city is now full of pedestrianised areas very close to the ICC. So it’s easy to take a relaxed and safe stroll around the compact centre with attractions, shops and places to eat and drink always close by.

Baby Changing Facilities

Birmingham city centre has a number of baby changing and accessible toilets, such as at The Library of Birmingham and Bullring shopping centre. Cadbury World, one of the top attractions has one in Bourneville, as do Birmingham Airport and the NEC. Please check out the list and map for details and locations.

Things to do

The Library of Birmingham (Entrance: Free)

Birmingham Library is a great attraction for children in Birmingham, not only because it is a 5 minute walk from the ICC, but also because of the fantastic Children’s Library (lower level, on the left). It is also the largest public library in the UK and holds the beautiful Shakespeare memorial Room, which was built in 1882.

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (Entrance: Free)

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is also a 9 minute walk from the ICC and is free to get in. There are child friendly exhibits including the ‘Birmingham: its people, its history gallery’ with plenty of interactive displays. They also have a website dedicated to children visiting the gallery ‘Birmingham Museum for Kids’.

The National SEA LIFE Centre Open: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm (last entry 3pm), Sat-Sun 10am-6pm (last entry 5pm)
Location: Brindley Place (across the canal from the ICC)

The Sea Life Centre is great for toddlers and older children. As well as feeding demonstrations and an interactive rock pool, there are thousands of creatures including Hammerhead sharks, Giant turtles, seahorses, Gentoo penguins and a children’s soft play area.

Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park (Monday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Last admission- 3pm)
Location: Cannon Hill Park

Home to a wide range of animals and reptiles from across the world, including some endangered species. At the park there are boats available to hire on the lake, plenty of space to run about and cafés to feed hungry youngsters.

Cadbury World (Open: 10am-3pm) Adults: £17.00 Children (4-15 years): £12.50

Fun for anyone who loves chocolate and a top attraction in Birmingham. Learn about the history of one of the world’s biggest chocolate manufacturers and sample various Cadburys products. You can save 5% on standard admission only ticket prices by booking online here.

For the slightly older kids tours of Birmingham’s three football stadiums are a good option:

Christmas in Birmingham

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market (15 Nov – 23 Dec – 10am-9pm)
Location: Victoria Square, New Street (10 mins walk from the ICC)

The largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is a firm fixture in the city’s annual calendar. Together with the neighbouring Christmas Craft Market it is a massive favourite with both residents and visitors to the city from across the UK and Europe.

Child-friendly Restaurants

There is a wide array of restaurants just across the canal from the Birmingham ICC at Brindley Place. The most child friendly of these are:

Play Areas

Check out the Visit Birmingham website for activities for babies and toddlers.

Accommodation

There are a number of hotels that provide accommodation with family rooms.

Hostels

Family Friendly Hotels – according to Trip Advisor

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