FAQs

Some Frequently Asked Questions

If you can't find the information you are looking for please contact us.

General Information about ALT-C 2011

When does ALT-C 2011 start/finish?
ALT-C 2011 will run from 10:00 Tuesday 6 to 13:00 Thursday 8 September 2011. Pre-conference workshops will run during the afternoon of Monday 5 September. There will be a reception on Monday evening, and accommodation will be bookable on Monday night.

Where is ALT-C in 2011?
ALT-C 2011 is taking place at the University of Leeds.

How many delegates will there be at ALT-C 2011?
We expect that there will be approximately 400 delegates at ALT-C 2011.

What are the timings of the conference?
Please view the conference timetable for this information, the current version of which is available here. An interactive timetable is available via CrowdVine.

How do I get onto CrowdVine?
All delegates have access to CrowdVine and we sent delegates who requested it login details during August.

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 now 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?
We shall be publishing some details on the conference website. These should be finalised by mid august and you should look up the site then. 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 2011?
All delegates who have registered by the booking deadline will receive on arrival a copy of the Proceedings for ALT-C 2011 (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.

What internet access will I have during the conference?
Delegates will have access to Leeds University wired and wireless networks. The wireless network provides near complete coverage across the campus and Storm Jameson residence with the JANET roaming service eduroam, available for delegates from institutions signed up to the service. For those delegates who cannot use the eduroam service, there is the University of Leeds Wireless network. Along with the wireless network, the University also provides access to computer clusters and wired connections in each of the rooms at Storm Jameson.

Is the conference area wireless enabled?
Yes it is, please see above. 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. Please see section B of the guidelines for presenters at ALT-C 2011 for further information.

Are there medical services at hand during ALT-C 2011?
During the conference the first point of contact for any first aid emergency is the St John’s Ambulance staff, who will be located in the Exhibition Area. If not, please make yourself known to any conference helper, identifiable by white T-shirts, or the Conference Help Desk. During the conference the first point of contact for any first aid emergency is any conference helper, identifiable by white T-shirts, or the Conference Help Desk.

What should I bring to Leeds?
Leeds is not in the hottest part of the UK and weather close to the Pennines can be changeable. It may rain but could equally be fine and sunny. You should certainly bring 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 Leeds 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 Leeds in my free time?
Leeds has a rich local history, exceptional parks and green spaces, world class sports venues, excellent shopping centres and a diverse programme of year-round entertainment, making the city a great place to visit. More information is available via the Visit Leeds 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 2011?
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 Leeds University campus and surrounding area, together with further details regarding ALT-C 2011.

Can I cancel my booking without charge?
Cancellations made in writing on or before Friday, 12 August 2011 will be eligible for a full refund minus a £50 cancellation charge. Cancellations made after Friday, 12 August 2011 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, 19 August 2011.

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/conference dinner?
The social evenings on Monday and Tuesday, The Gala Buffet Dinner on Wednesday and the Thursday 'lunch in a bag' are all included in the cost.

I do not want to come to the conference dinner. Do I get a refund?
Not this year - the dinner is on site and is being scaled back a little to reflect the changing circumstances. It is now an integral part of the conference.

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 
Accommodation in Storm Jameson Court at the heart of the University of Leeds campus is available from a price of £40 per night directly from the University of Leeds. (To book you will be required to create a new customer account with the University of Leeds; and if you require alternative means of payment or need more information please contact Leeds University by email to ALTaccommodation@leeds.ac.uk or by phone to +44 (0)113 343 5006.)

Off campus accommodation
Information concerning hotel accommodation close to the campus is available via the Visit Leeds website

What is the cancellation policy for accommodation on campus?
All cancellations must be received in writing to Leeds University Conference & Events Office at least two weeks before your arrival. A one-off cancellation charge of £25 applies to any cancelled booking.

When can I get into my room?
Check in is available from 3pm on the day of arrival. Bags can be left if necessary in advance of this.

Where do I collect my keys from?
A 24-hour reception is available in Storm Jameson Court East Block. If delegates are arriving by taxi to the drop off point on Mount Preston Street, the Reception is one floor up - a lift is available.

Is there luggage store near to my accommodation?
Luggage can be stored at Storm Jameson Court.

What facilities are available within the accommodation?
The Student Union building on campus houses a number of cash points, shops, bars and coffee bars, a hairdressers and Essentials which is a mini-supermarket selling newspapers, magazines, stationary, drinks, sandwiches, snacks and confectionary.
There are also excellent sports facilities, including a pool, which are available for use free of charge for residential conference guests.
Storm Jameson Court, which has been built to an extremely high specification, offers a 24 hour reception service and comfortable and spacious lounge. Each room features “junior double” beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, data access, room safes, and an IPTV facility.

Is there disabled accommodation?
Leeds University is easily accessible by wheelchair users. If you have any specific access requirements, please contact Leeds University by email to ALTaccommodation@leeds.ac.uk or by phone to +44 (0)113 343 5006.

Where is breakfast served?
Breakfast will be served in the Refectory, a short walk from the accommodation.

Where is the nearest train station?
Leeds station connects with all major UK cities and has regular services to a huge amount of locations. The campus is five minutes by taxi from the railway station, or a pleasant twenty minute walk. More information about travel to and from the conference is available here.

Where is the nearest airport?
Leeds is served by two major airports: Leeds-Bradford and Manchester. Regular flights are available from a huge number of European and international cities. Leeds-Bradford Airport is approximately seven miles away from the University, and is well served by taxis. The cost is approximately £15 (22 Euros) from the airport to the city and campus.

Are there any parking facilities?
Limited parking is available on a first come first served basis via the main University entrance. The charge is £5 per day.