Accessibility

We are committed to making the IRMS Conference as accessible and inclusive as possible for all attendees. This page outlines the accessibility arrangements in place and the support available during the event.

If you have any accessibility requirements or questions that are not covered below, please contact us in advance so we can discuss how we can best support you.

Our Commitment

We aim to provide an event environment that is welcoming and accessible to everyone. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting attendees with hearing or mobility impairments, and those with physical, mental, or dietary needs. Where possible, reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance comfort and participation at the event.

Location & Venue Accessability

The Celtic Manor Resort is set within 2,000 acres of scenic parkland in the beautiful Usk Valley, just off the M4 (Junction 24). The resort is easily accessible, located approximately 90 minutes from London Heathrow Airport, 45 minutes from Cardiff and Bristol Airports, and just 5 minutes from the Severn Bridge.

The venue is close to intercity rail services at Newport Train Station, with direct connections to Cardiff, London Paddington, and Birmingham. Public transport is available from Newport Train Station to the Celtic Manor.

Click here for a guide on getting to The Celtic Manor

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Nearest train station: Newport Train Station (3.2 miles / approx. 11-minute drive)

The IRMS Conference takes place at The Celtic Manor Resort, set within 2,000 acres of panoramic parkland in the Usk Valley, just off the M4 (Junction 24).

The venue is approximately:

  • 90 minutes from London Heathrow Airport
  • 45 minutes from Cardiff Airport and Bristol Airport
  • 5 minutes from the Severn Bridge

The resort is close to intercity rail services at Newport Train Station, with direct trains to Cardiff, London Paddington, and Birmingham. The venue can be accessed via public transport from Newport Train Station to Celtic Manor & ICC, with an approximate 0.4-mile (9-minute) walk to the venue.

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  • Nearest train station: Newport Train Station (3.2 miles / approx. 11-minute drive)
  • Onsite hotel parking: Available (parking charges apply and are payable by the individual)

Venue Accessibility Features

  • Step-free access and accessible public spaces throughout the venue
  • Lifts providing access to all floors
  • Accessible toilet facilities, including designated disabled toilets
  • Meeting rooms with sufficient space to manoeuvre wheelchairs and mobility aids
  • Well-lit spaces to support attendees who may lip read
  • A shuttle service to help guests move easily between hotel areas, meeting rooms, and leisure facilities

The resort’s Forum Health Club and Spa also includes accessibility features, such as a pool hoist to assist with entry and exit.

Arrival & Getting Around

  • Clear signage will be in place throughout the venue
  • Event staff will be available to assist with directions and access needs
  • Upon request, an accessible route map is available, including walking routes, nearby accommodation, parking information, and toilet locations

If you need support on arrival or at any point during the event, please speak to a member of the event team.

Catering & Dietary Requirements

Caterers can accommodate all pre-ordered dietary requirements, with a minimum of 14 days’ notice.

  • Chairs and tables will be available for eating and drinking
  • If a self-service buffet is offered, a member of staff can assist wheelchair users or mobility-impaired attendees by bringing food directly to their table
  • Allergens will be clearly labelled where possible

Please ensure dietary requirements are provided at the time of booking or updated as soon as possible.

Exhibition & Build Access

  • Clear aisleways will be maintained throughout the exhibition space (approximately 2m wide, no narrower than 1.5m)
  • The registration desk is standard height; if this is not suitable, a member of the team can greet attendees separately at an accessible height
  • Seating will be available in networking areas for rest breaks

Speaking Sessions & Rooms

We aim to make sessions as accessible as possible for all attendees.

  • Presentation rooms are wheelchair accessible
  • Steps to the stage may be present; a ramp is available on request
  • Adjustable microphone heights or alternatives (such as lapel microphones) are available
  • Speakers are briefed to use microphones where provided

Upon request, seating can be reserved for attendees who are:

  • Hearing impaired (near interpreters, captionists, or note-takers)
  • Vision impaired
  • Using sign language interpreters
  • Wheelchair or motorised scooter users
  • Accompanied by guide or service dogs

For improved audio in open spaces, headsets may be used to reduce background noise. Attendees can request details in advance of which sessions will include headsets.

The organisers will ensure sufficient breaks are built into the programme, with a minimum of 10–15 minutes every 30–40 minutes, allowing time to rest, use facilities, or get refreshments.

Content & Information Sharing

  • An agenda including timings and speaker details will be provided in advance in an accessible format
  • Presentation slides may be shared after the event (subject to speaker permission)

Support Animals

We recognise that animals can provide vital support, particularly for those managing disabilities or mental health conditions.

  • Registered assistance dogs (such as guide, hearing, or medical alert dogs) are very welcome at the event. Please let us know in advance so we can make appropriate arrangements.
  • Therapy or emotional support animals do not have automatic public access rights under UK law. However, we are happy to discuss requests on a case-by-case basis.

If you would like to bring a support animal or have questions, please contact us as early as possible — ideally at least one month prior to the event — so we can explore options together.

Additional Support (Available on Request)

The following can be arranged with a minimum of 28 days’ notice:

  • Closed captioning
  • Hearing loops
  • Access to a quiet or prayer room

Contact & Accessibility Requests

If you have any accessibility requirements, questions, or concerns, please contact us as early as possible so we can support you effectively.

Email the team.

We welcome feedback and are always looking for ways to improve accessibility at future events.