General information about ALT-C 2012
When does ALT-C 2012 start/finish?
ALT-C 2012 will run from 10:00 Tuesday 11 to 13:00 Thursday 13 September 2012. Pre-conference workshops will run during the afternoon of Monday 10 September. There will be a reception on Monday evening, and accommodation will be bookable on Monday night.
Where is ALT-C in 2012?
ALT-C 2012 is taking place at the University of Manchester.
How many delegates will there be at ALT-C 2012?
We expect that there will be between 400 and 500 delegates at ALT-C 2012.
What are the timings of the conference?
Please view the conference timetable for this information, the current version of which is available here.
What is CrowdVine?
The ALT-C 2012 CrowdVine site is the social networking facility for the conference. It provides an effective way for conference delegates to network with each other in the run up to and during the conference, to sign up for sessions, and to see who has signed up for what.
How do I get onto CrowdVine?
All delegates will have access to the ALT-C 2012 CrowdVine site. Delegates are asked whether they would like login details during the registration process and will be sent this information if requested in the weeks before the conference.
I only want to book for one/two day(s) and want to know when someone is speaking.
The current version of the conference timetable is available here. However please note that sometimes speakers, even keynotes, have to swap/move times as a result of other circumstances and so we cannot guarantee that you will get to hear a specific speaker - the only way to be sure is to attend the entire conference.
I cannot come to the conference but understand that I can participate in some sessions remotely and even ask questions through Twitter?
Details about online participation are published here. To keep up to date with news about the conference you can subscribe to our RSS feeds.
What will I receive when I register at ALT-C 2012?
All delegates who have registered by the booking deadline will receive on arrival a copy of the Proceedings for ALT-C 2012 (if this option was chosen at the time of booking) an electronic version of the conference abstracts, a conference programme, a delegate list and a guide to conference facilities and the exhibition.
I am new to the conference - what should I look out for?
There will be things for you to attend such as an introductory ALT session. The plenaries are usually not to be missed. You can contact the ALT helpdesk at any time during the conference for advice. But the best thing is to get involved with the Social Networking CrowdVine site in the run up to the conference and tune in to the dialogue about various sessions and read the details and abstracts.
What is the ALT helpdesk for and where can it be found?
The helpdesk can provide you with all the information you need concerning your ALT-C booking, i.e. what days you have booked, the social options you chose at time of online booking etc. We will also do our best to assist with any other enquiries you may have.
The helpdesk will be positioned in the Exhibition Area.
Is the conference area wireless enabled?
Yes it is, we will provide full instructions on how to access this facility with your joining instructions.
I am presenting at the conference, can I use my own computer equipment for my presentation?
Yes you can, however there are a few things to consider should you wish to use your own equipment. Further information will be published on the conference web pages in due course.
Are there medical services at hand during ALT-C 2012?
During the conference the first point of contact for any first aid emergency is the University of Manchester staff or conference helpers (who will be identifiable by white t-shirts). They will direct you to the nearest qualified first-aider.
What should I bring to Manchester?
Manchester is not in the hottest part of the UK and the weather can be changeable. It may rain but could equally be fine and sunny therefore please bring appropriate clothing. In terms of technology you should consider bringing a device that allows you to access the Internet that you can take into presentations, as many presenters will assume that the audience has such access.
Delegates are requested to reduce the risk of theft by not leaving valuables unattended on University premises. Subject to statutory rights, neither ALT nor Manchester University will accept responsibility for accidents to delegates while on University property, or for damage to, or loss of, their personal property.
What is there to do in Manchester in my free time?
Manchester is a city steeped in history with a rich cultural heritage so whether you are interested in art, theatre, sport or shopping, the city has it all. More information is available via the Visit Manchester Website
Information concerning booking
When will I receive confirmation of my booking?
If you chose to pay by credit card, a confirmation email will have been sent to you from ALT when payment has been received.
If you have requested to pay by purchase order, an invoice will have been sent to you from ALT along with your confirmation email.
What will I receive prior to ALT-C 2012?
All delegates will receive a 'joining' email which includes information on where to register and the conference social programme. This will be sent out approximately two weeks before the event. Travel directions will be provided with a map of the Manchester University campus and surrounding area, together with further details regarding ALT-C 2012.
Can I cancel my booking without charge?
Cancellations made in writing on or before Friday, 10 August 2012 will be eligible for a full refund minus a £50 cancellation charge. Cancellations made after Friday, 10 August 2012 will not receive a refund. Substitutions are allowed if made in writing (either by email to Liz.Wyatt@alt.ac.uk or by faxing your request to +44 (0) 1865 484165) before Friday, 17 August 2012.
Can anyone attend pre- and post-conference workshops?
Yes, but priority will be given to ALT-C delegates.
Is it possible to share a conference place?
The delegate rate is for one individual only and each delegate must book separately.
I have registered as a full conference delegate. Do I have to pay extra for the social evenings/Gala Dinner?
The social evenings on Monday and Tuesday, the Gala Dinner on Wednesday and the Thursday 'lunch in a bag' are all included in the cost.
Can I attend for only half of one day, or part of one day and part of another?
You must book for a whole day even if you can only attend part of it.
Information concerning transport and accommodation
On campus accommodation
You can book accommodation directly via the University of Manchester. There are a number of rooms available in George Kenyon Hall, only a few minutes walk from the conference venue, at price of £49.80 per night.
For more information see our accommodation page.
Off campus accommodation
Alternative accommodation can be found in one of the following hotels, which are all within a 15-20 minute walk of the conference centre, with prices around £40-70 per night:
- Premier Inn, Portland Street and Premier Inn, Deansgate Lock (www.premierinn.com)
- Days Inn Conference Centre, Sackville Street (www.daysinn.com)
- Hotel Ibis, Charles Street (www.ibishotel.com)
- Mercure Mancester Piccadilly Hotel, Portland Street (www.mercure.com)
What is the cancellation policy for accommodation on campus?
An administration fee of £15 will be levied for any cancellations made before 5th August. Cancellations made after this date will be charged the first night's accommodation.
Where is the nearest train station?
The University of Manchester is located close to both Piccadilly main line station (about two and a half hours from London) and Oxford Road train station, with Victoria train station a little further away.
For details of timetables, tickets and other rail information, call National Rail Enquiries on +44(0)20 7278 5240 or visit the National Rail Enquiries website.
Where is the nearest airport?
Manchester Airport is one of the largest and busiest in the country. It is located about 10 miles (16km) south of the city centre, about 30 minutes from the university.
The airport has a number of transport links to the city:
- Train - The airport's two terminals are linked directly to the city centre by a fast, frequent 24 hour train link to both Piccadilly and Oxford Road stations.
- Taxi - A taxi from the airport to the University will cost approximately £15.
- Bus - Local buses also run to the Oxford Road and Sackville Street areas of the campus.
Most major airlines fly to and from Manchester. For more information please visit the Manchester Airport website.
Are there any parking facilities?
Parking is available nearby at the NCP Aquatic Centre: http://www.ncp.co.uk/car-park?cpid=901068
The car park is a few minutes walk from the venue and operates a pay station system. Opening times are 6am-11pm and cars can be left overnight (although you will not be able to go in or out between 11pm and 6am).