Accessibility
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
The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel Manchester is located in the heart of Manchester city centre on Oxford Street, making it easily accessible by road, rail and air.
The hotel is approximately:
- 20 minutes by car from Manchester Airport.
- A 2-minute walk from Oxford Road Railway Station.
- Approximately a 10-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly Station, with direct rail connections across the UK.
The venue is well served by public transport, including rail, Metrolink tram services and local bus routes.
For detailed travel information, please refer to the venue’s directions guide.
Nearest railway stations:
- Oxford Road Railway Station (approximately 0.1 miles – 2-minute walk)
- Manchester Piccadilly Station (approximately 0.5 miles – 10-minute walk)
Parking
Limited on-site parking is available and is chargeable to the individual. There are also several public car parks within a short walking distance of the hotel.
Accessibility
- Lift access to all floors.
- Accessible public spaces throughout the hotel.
- Accessible guest bedrooms are available (subject to availability).
- Meeting rooms are accessible, with sufficient space to manoeuvre wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- Accessible toilets are available close to the meeting and event spaces.
- Step-free access is available to the main event areas.
- Well-lit spaces are available to support guests who lip-read.
- Hotel staff are available to assist guests requiring additional support during their visit.
Catering
Our caterers can accommodate all pre-ordered dietary requirements. Please notify the event team of any dietary requirements at least 14 days prior to the event.
- Seating with tables will be available for guests to enjoy food and refreshments comfortably.
- Where a self-service buffet is provided, a member of the catering team can assist wheelchair users and guests with mobility impairments by serving food directly to their table upon request.
Build and Exhibition
- A standard-height registration desk will be available. If this is not suitable, a member of the event team will be happy to greet and register you at an accessible height.
- Clear aisleways of approximately 2 metres will be maintained throughout the exhibition area, with a minimum width of 1.5 metres.
- An accessible route map, including walking routes, nearby accommodation, parking information and accessible toilet locations, is available on request.
Speaking Sessions and Rooms
- Access to the stage is via steps, with a ramp available on request.
- Microphones can be adjusted to suit individual speakers, with alternatives such as lapel microphones available where appropriate.
- Reserved seating can be arranged on request for guests who:
- are hearing impaired and wish to be seated near interpreters, captioners or note-takers;
- are visually impaired;
- require sign language interpreters;
- use wheelchairs or mobility scooters; or
- are accompanied by an assistance dog.
- Where speaking sessions take place in open spaces, headsets will be used to minimise background noise. Guests can request details in advance of which sessions will use headsets.
- The organisers will schedule regular breaks, with a minimum 10–15 minute break every 30–40 minutes, where appropriate, to allow guests time to use facilities, obtain refreshments or take a break.
Multi-faith & Contemplation Room
This is designed to be an exclusive quiet space for prayer or contemplation. The space needs to be booked at the Registration and Information desk. It is not to be used for meetings or calls. The location of the room is not advertised to make sure it remains a quiet space.
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.
We welcome feedback and are always looking for ways to improve accessibility at future events.
