We are really looking forward to welcoming you to Eastbourne for the 12^th National Playwork Conference and the 5th Annual Playwork Awards on 4th & 5th March 2013.

Here is more information about Conference so you are fully prepared and ready for it!! Do read all the way to the end.

The Conference Venue is:
The Winter Gardens, Compton Street, Eastbourne BN21 4BP
The Hotels are either:
The Chatsworth Hotel, Grand Parade, Eastbourne BN21 3YR

Mansion Lions Hotel, Grand Parade, Eastbourne BN21 3YS or

Albany Lions Hotel, Grand Parade, Eastbourne

They are adjacent and close to each other

We will be using the bar area in the Mansion Hotel as an evening networking place; on the Monday night after the pub has closed and on Tuesday after the evening event. Both hotels are fully accessible for those with mobility impairments once you are inside. However due to the age and historic value of the traditional Eastbourne seafront hotels they have been refused planning permission for external stairlifts to be fitted. The Mansion Hotel will have available staff to help carry in wheelchairs. Please advise us if you need to stay in this Hotel and are not already booked into it.

Travel directions to Eastbourne are on this Conference website but here is a money saving tip! There may be other Conference delegates on the same train as you, so print of the Conference logo that has been sent to your email and keep it visible on the train and in your hand as you walk across the station and wait for a taxi and then you might find other delegates and share the cost – as well as make a friend.

Our preferred taxi company is Town and Country on 01323 720720. If you tell them you are with the National Playwork Conference when you book they will give you a 10% discount

All invoices will need to be paid before you are admitted to the Conference. Payment terms are on the website and do include a penalty if not paid on time

Coming on Monday?

If you are coming on the Monday you will be able to check in to your Hotel from 4:00pm. If you need any assistance because there is a hotel problem than call Meynell on 07977 017090.

If you arrive during the afternoon and feel like popping over to the venue to help with the set up - your extra pair of hands will be most welcome. Just call Meynell's mobile 07977 017090 and I will come and let you in.

All the hotels have night staff so it doesn’t matter how late you arrive.

We have arranged discounts at my favourite local restaurants.

After your meal you are invited to join me, the Conference Team and other colleagues in the Eagle pub at the end of South Street. Once the pub closes we will return to the Mansion Hotel bar to continue our conversations!

Coming on Tuesday?

You will come directly to the Winter Gardens.

The Conference registration does not start till 9:00am but the building will be opened at 8:00am and you can sit in the Bistro, where tea and coffee will be available. The Door Stewards will direct you to the right place.

There will be an allocated space to leave any suitcases or bags you have brought with you once registration has commenced.

Coming on Wednesday?

The same as Tuesday but the bistro will not be available.

Registration

Registration starts at 9:00am and we aim to have the shortest queues possible!! Each Delegate will collect a personalised Conference Journey Planner: inside it will be your Conference tickets: one for Tuesday, one for Wednesday and one for the Wards Dinner and Celebration [depending on what you have booked]. Pick up a badge holder and fit your badges into it.

Your copy of the Conference Journey Planner - has your name on it. If you lose it and want a non personalised replacements - the cost is £10

There will always be Conference staff around to help you. Please do not hesitate to ask us. It is your Conference – we want you to get the most out of it.

Food at Conference

There will be coffee and a range of teas available throughout the day [there is a limited amount of soya milk and organic milk]. Lunch will consist of a light buffet which will cater for most dietary requirements. If you have very specific requirements or allergies please do tell us. The Tuesday evening meal at the Annual Playwork Awards and Celebration will also meet all your requirements. Alcohol will not be available for sale during the day but will be in the evening. We have negotiated hard with the venue for their bar prices not to be excessive.

Photographs, video and audio recording.

By coming to Conference you accept that you may be recorded visually or on audio, digitally or on tape and film. The Conference organisers may use the sound or image to promote future Conferences or events and to raise the profile of playwork.

Don’t forget to tell us if you have any specific or additional needs we need to know about so that your Conference experience is a positive one.

Shopping

This year at Conference we have some opportunities for you to spend yours or your organisations money. And what you can buy will be at bargain or discounted prices. So bring some cash, a cheque book or a bundle of purchase orders. Not all sellers can accept your credit cards!

What can you buy?

There will be bookstalls selling all the well known playwork books and other books. You will be able to buy books and in many cases get them signed by the authors!

Not happening

We have lost a couple of sessions facilitators and are trying to fill the spaces.

Dee Sharpe's session on Tuesday morning will not be taking place.

The Play Wales lounge on Tuesday and the what is happening to play in Wales session on Wednesday will not now happen

Contacting us

If you are having any problems on your journey to Eastbourne, checking in to the hotel or finding the venue then we would like to help you so call us if you think we can help. My personal mobile number is 07977 017090.