Conference 24 Inclusion Statement

Theatres Trust is committed to ensuring that the diverse voices and experiences of the UK theatre sector are able to participate in Conference 24.

Conference participants

We aim to ensure that speakers are as representative as possible of the diversity of the UK.
We work with partner organisations including ABTT, ITC and UK Theatre to promote the conference as widely as possible.
A bursary scheme for free places was available to freelancers, small theatres, and students. This will include expenses to remove financial and geographical barriers for recipients. In order to keep the process fair and consistent across all applicants, bursary applications will be assessed using one standard form, and will not require a formal CV to supplement the application.
Recognising that budgets don’t always allow for more junior staff to attend conferences, we are offering a second place at half price when booked alongside a full price conference place, the Future Leaders initiative.

The venue

Conference 24 will be held at The Lowry, which is a fully accessible venue. The Lowry has step-free access to the box office, toilets and performance spaces and galleries from the street. The Lowry has five lifts to access different parts of the building. The Quays lift can be reached at ground level inside the Quays Theatre entrance at the rear of the building. Please note that the ground floor features a slight incline. This lift gives access to the Compass Room as well as all three tiers (levels) of the Quays Theatre.
There are lifts that enable access to all floors and with accessible toilets on each floor. There are wheelchair spaces in the Quays Theatre stalls.
The Lowry has a range of toilet facilities available including individual cubicles, throughout the building. Toilets on the ground floor, which are accessed by stairs or two sloping ramps. As well as toilets on Levels 1 and Level 2, which are accessible by stairs or lifts. There are accessible toilets available throughout the building, with a Changing Places toilet on the ground floor.
A quiet room (South Room) will be available throughout the day for attendees to use, should they require it.
Public Transport – Bus: The Stagecoach number 50 bus stops approximately 50 metres from The Lowry entrance and has low floor access and wheelchair spaces.
Public Transport – Tram: All MetroLink trams are wheelchair friendly. Trams can be picked up across Manchester City Centre. Board the tram for MediacityUK. The Lowry is less than 500 metres from the tram stop across the quays.

There is a passenger drop-off point at the front of The Lowry, approximately 25-30 metres from the main entrance.

Conference presentations

All keynote presentations and panel discussions at Conference 24 will be both live captioned and BSL interpreted.
The theatres and conference spaces are fitted with a Sennheiser infra-red system which can enhance the audibility of shows and events for customers through a headset, one for visitors with hearing aids, and another device which works alongside hearing aids. You can collect a headset from one of the Information Assistants.
The theatres are also equipped with MobileConnect, an app that can be downloaded in advance that connects, via the customer's phone to their hearing aid, to offer audio enhancement.
The systems above also work with audio-described performances for visually impaired customers.

There are hearing loops at key points throughout The Lowry.
Speakers and panellists will be supplied with guidelines on accessibility, visibility, and minimum fonts to ensure their slides are accessible to all.
All speakers will be asked to describe their appearance at the beginning of their presentations.

Attendees are encouraged to contact events@theatrestrust.org.uk to discuss any specific accessibility needs.

Further information on navigating the building can be read here and a visual guide to The Lowry can be downloaded here.