Joining Instructions


The information below is intended to help you prepare for the Physics of Life conference. Please read the instructions carefully. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us and a member of the team will respond as soon as possible. 

Getting to Harrogate and the Convention Centre

We recommend that attendees use public transport wherever possible. The HCC is located less than a 10-minute walk from Harrogate Train Station. For further information, visit the HCC website

Taxi's 

The nearest taxi rank is on Montpelier Road.  

  • Blue Line Taxis Tel: 01423 530 830 
  • Mainline Taxis Tel: 01423 555555

Taxis are readily available at Leeds / Bradford Airport and Harrogate train station.

Car Parking

There is a 24-hour pay and display car park directly below the Harrogate Convention Centre and a further 1,200 parking spaces in the centre of Harrogate. There are also electric car charging points available just one minute from the venue. For more information please click here. Whilst the Harrogate Convention Centre car park is available 24/7, please note that the entry and exit shutters are open from 06:00 to 23:59.

Location

Harrogate Convention Centre (HCC)
King's Rd
Harrogate
HG1 5LA

Please enter the convention centre via Entrance 1, which is directly opposite the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The HCC security team will manage the entrance and conduct bag checks. Please ensure you allow plenty of time to access security.


Registration

All participants are requested to visit the registration desk on their first day at the conference to collect their conference badge, pen and pad, and programme overview. Badges must be worn at all times while on-site at the conference. If you are likely to forget your badge, please return it to the registration desk on your departure each day, and we will keep it safe for you. The registration desk will be managed by Claire Garland and Viv Thomas from the Institute of Physics (IOP). The registration desk will be staffed during the following hours:

Monday 24 March08:00 - 19:30
Tuesday 25 March08:30 - 19:30
Wednesday 26 March08:30 - 19:30
Thursday 27 March08:30 - 13:30

Cloakroom

We are pleased to be able to provide a free cloakroom service for coats and bags. The cloakroom will be supervised by HCC staff during registration hours, and is located in the entrance foyer close to the escalator.

Catering

All catering from the drinks reception onwards on Monday 24 March will be held in Studio 1 except for the Conference Dinner which will be held off-site (see below). Prior to this, catering will be provided on Level 5, directly outside the Auditorium. 

We are dedicated to accommodating your dietary needs, including any allergens. All food items will be clearly labeled. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to speak to the HCC staff. 

Social Programme

We've planned an exciting social programme for you, offering plenty of opportunities to network with colleagues, explore the poster presentations, and connect with exhibitors. Including the Poster and Exhibitor Receptions on Monday, 24 April and Tuesday 25 April, and the Conference Dinner at the Harrogate of Pavillions on Wednesday 26 April. The social programme is included in the registration fee; however, we asked you to indicate your attendance during registration to guarantee a place. If you did not indicate your attendance or you cannot attend, please email claire.garland@iop.org or visit the registration desk. 

The Conference Dinner is due to take place at the Pavilions of Harrogate, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 8QZ. Buses will depart from outside the HCC at 18:30 and will return attendees at the end of the dinner. The dinner consist of an arrival drink, a three course dinner with wine. 

ECR Programme

In addition to the conference social programme, we have arranged a reception for ECR's on Monday 24 April at Cold Bath Brewery (Cold Bath Brewing Co, 44-46 King's Road, Harrogate, HG1 5JW) which is less than 5 minutes walk from the HCC. As this event is oversubscribed, there will be two opportunities to visit the brewery as below. Please note entry will be allocated strictly on a first-come-first served basis. 

  • 19:30 - 21:00
  • 21:00 - 23:00

Code of Conduct 

The Code of Conduct outlines the expected behavior that the IOP requires all attendees to uphold. Our events are designed to be open and inclusive, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background. For more information on the Code of Conduct, please refer to the website here. If, during the event, you have any concerns that the Code of Conduct is not being followed, please speak with the registration desk. 

WIFI - Internet Access

Complimentary WiFi is available. Please refer to the programme booklet in your delegate pack for details. 

Useful Information

Banking

The venue has Cash Zone on the external walls of Hall M on King’s Road, with numerous other cash points just a few minutes’ walk away in the town centre. Some charges may apply to use these facilities.

Pharmacy

King’s Road Pharmacy is opposite Harrogate Convention Centre and Harrogate Pharmacy is located on Bower Street. Larger retail shops with pharmacies are available in the town centre.

Environmental Policy

The organisers and the organising committee recognise their environmental responsibilities and are committed to ensuring the event is as sustainable as possible. To achieve this, we have: 

  • Minimised waste by reducing consumption. 
  • Effective waste management and recycling points
  • Stopped waste by using upcycled, recycled, or reusable items
  • Worked with ethical partners when purchasing supplies
  • Complied with all applicable environmental legislation and relevant codes of practice.
Health and Safety and Security

Your safety and well-being are our top priority during the conference. In light of this, we are sharing the following safety protocols to ensure a secure and comfortable experience for all attendees.

First Aid:
If you require first aid during the conference, please go to the registration desk or speak to a member of the HCC team. A trained first aider will be available at all times while on-site at the conference

Bomb threat procedure:
If you find an unattended package/ bag etc: 

  • Do not touch it, inform Harrogate Convention Centre Management and Event Organisers 
  • Do not activate fire alarms 
Fire evacuation drill:
If you discover a fire or suspect there is a fire, for whatever reason (i.e. you see smoke): 
  • RAISE THE ALARM - operate the nearest glass fronted fire alarm call point (located near fire exits, main doors, linkways etc.) - this will sound the alarms and result in attendance by the Fire Brigade 
  • You must inform a member of Convention Centre staff of the area the fire is in 
  • The sounding of loud alarms/sirens indicates a fire alarm 
  • Only if you have been trained to do so are you to attack the fire with the equipment provided – and only if there is no immediate danger to yourself 
  • Be aware of the type of fire you are fighting, i.e. electrical fires must only be fought with green/black/blue extinguishers, or those displaying the appropriate markings 
Evacuation:
If you should hear the alarm: 
  • Evacuate immediately by the nearest exit and make your way to the appropriate assembly point 
  • Exhibitors are advised not to try to remove their goods from the halls 
  • You will be informed of the situation at your assembly point 
  • Permission to re-enter the halls may only be given by the Fire Officer in charge
Assembly Point

Springfield Avenue, King's Road or the rear service road. 



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