GA Annual Conference 2026

Attendees

1. Registration & Payment
   1. How do I register for the conference?
      Online book has closed, but you are very welcome to pay on the day. Just let us know at our Reception desk what days you'd like to pay for and you can pay via contactless.
   2. What forms of payment do you accept?
      We accept payment by card on the day.
   3. Can I get a refund if my plans change?
      Terms and conditions are shared on our website .
   4. Can I transfer my ticket to someone else?
      Yes, just provide us with a name and contact email for the person you are transferring over a month before the event.
2. Conference Logistics
   • Where and when does the event take place?
     Sheffield College, City Campus
   • Is there a recommended dress code?
     There is no defined dress code throughout the event. If you are booked for an offsite field visit however you may want to consider appropriate clothing and footwear according to the type of trip.
   • Are meals or refreshments included with my ticket?
     All tickets include lunch and morning and afternoon refreshments. Evening events must be booked separately.
3. Venue, Travel & Accommodation
   • Venue Amenities
     • Is free Wi-Fi available?
       Yes, ask at Reception for how to join the free network.
     • Are there on-site dining options or nearby restaurants?
       Your ticket includes lunches and refreshments across the two full days of the conference, and the opportunity to book on for dinner/buffet events on 9 and 10 April.
   • Accessibility
     There is ramped access to the building and lifts available throughout. Accessible toilets are available on multiple floors, and rumble strips and braille signage throughout the building.
   • Are there special hotel rates for attendees?
     Our website provides a passkey link to hotels in the area with special rates. Find it here: 
   • How do I get to the venue from the airport or train station?
     The train station is only ten minutes' walk or a short tram ride away from the event.
   • Is parking available on-site?
     Yes. There are up to 200 available parking spaces on site.
4. Accessibility and Special Needs
   • Is the venue accessible to wheelchairs or those with mobility issues?
     Yes, ramped entry and lifts are available across the site.
   • Can I request special dietary accommodations?
     Yes, let us know in the requirements section of your booking when you purchase your tickets.
   • Who should I contact for any additional accommodation requests?
     If you have additional special requirements, please add these to the notes field of your booking, or alternatively let us know by email at .
5. Networking & Sessions
   • How do I schedule or sign up for specific sessions?
     Use the Sched app to add sessions to your timetable. You will be able to see if there are spaces left based on room size and capacity. 
   • Is there a networking lounge or reception?
     Yes, there are multiple spaces around the venue, including the cafeteria and other casual seating areas.
   • Will I have access to session recordings or presentation slides afterward?
     Slides provided to us by the presenters will be circulated after the event. Please note that we do not require slides to be shared and this is at the discretion of each presenter/team.
   • How do I network through Sched?
     Sched provides a number of features including Chat and QR codes to help you build your network at the Conference. Make your profile visible and activate your QR code to share details with colleagues and sign up to mailing lists.*
6. Code of Conduct
   • Does the conference have a code of conduct?
     Yes, see our website here: 
   • Who should I contact if I experience or witness inappropriate behaviour?
     Please locate and alert a member of GA staff on site. 

1. Session Logistics
   • How long are the speaking slots and what format is expected?
     Speaking slots are either 25 or 50 minutes long, depending on the format of your session. These details are shared at the point of proposal and again if your session is accepted into the programme as confirmation.
   • What audiovisual equipment will be provided?
     Screens, projectors and internet connection are available in all of the classrooms and lecture theatres across the venue.
   • Can I request additional technology or resources?
     You can make requests with your proposal, but requests will be subject to venue availability. If you need unusual technology for your presentation you will be required to provide it yourself.
2. Promotions & Materials
   • How can I promote my session to attendees?
     Share the link to your session from Sched on your social media platforms as widely as you wish.
   • Can I distribute handouts or promotional materials?
     You may circulate handouts and educational materials. Promotional materials are discouraged.
3. Post-Event Materials
   • Will my presentation be recorded and shared?
     Keynote and public lectures will be live streamed through our YouTube channel. All other sessions will be live on site and you will be encouraged to share a copy of your presentation to be added to our conference materials after the event.
   • Can I get attendee feedback from my session?
     Attendee feedback can be gathered through Sched.

1. Sponsorship Packages
   • What sponsorship levels are available?
     We offer headline sponsorship at a range of price points, as well as additional branding opportunities across the event. All sponsorship packages are fully customisable to your needs with a range of available benefits. Read more here: 
2. Booth & Display
   • What is the pitch size and layout?
     Pitches are 2.00 x 1.50m and tables and chairs are provided according to your needs.
   • What setup and teardown times are permitted?
     Setup is from 8:00–15:00 on 8 April and breakdown from 15:00–18:00 on 10 April.
   • Will electricity, Wi-Fi, or extra furniture be provided?
     All of these are provided or bookable as part of your pitch booking.
   • Can I bring my own display materials and equipment?
     Yes, you can either take a pitch with tables and chairs provided, or build your stand fully from scratch within the pitch area. If you are working with a contractor to build your stand we will need their details within six weeks of the event.
3. Branding & Marketing
   • How will my sponsorship be promoted before and during the event?
     Your logo will be featured on signage, the website, marketing materials and delegate badges at the venue. The full package of advertising provided to sponsors can be found on our website. 
4. Payment & Deadlines
   • What are the payment terms and methods?
     Payment is required within 30 days of invoicing. Any payments left incomplete within a month of the event may result in cancellation of benefits. 
   • Are there any deadlines for submitting artwork or promotional content?
     Deadlines are provided on signup. All areas of your sponsorship should be in place and/or complete by 1 March.
5. Lead Generation & Networking
   • Will I have access to attendee contact lists?
     Full lists will not be available to you due to GDPR restrictions. Attendees for your sponsored programme sessions will be available however through Sched.
   • Can I attend networking sessions or speaker events?
     Yes, you are welcome at any sessions or networking events throughout the Conference. 

1. Types of Tickets
   • What ticket categories are available (e.g., full conference, one-day passes)?
     Most tickets are available on a day rate, so you can build an attendance package that suits you. 
   • Do you offer student or nonprofit rates?
     All our conference rates are based on your membership level, with GA Member, Non-member and Student/ECT rates available.
2. Confirmation
   • When do I receive my registration confirmation or badge?
     You will receive an automated confirmation as soon as you book, and shortly after, an invitation to set up or update your Sched profile and start building your personalised Conference timetable. Tickets/badges are collected on arrival at the venue and must be displayed at all times.
   • What should I do if I haven’t received my confirmation email?
     Let us know at if you haven't received a confirmation or something doesn't look right.

• Optional: You choose whether to activate contact sharing in your Sched account.
• What’s shared: Name, email, and social media profiles (if provided).
• How it works: Show your QR code to businesses and attendees you want to connect with.
• Control: You can stop sharing anytime in your Sched settings.
• Privacy: 
  • The Geographical Association can view shared info but cannot edit it.
  • Businesses may use your details only to contact you directly and must not share with third parties.
• GDPR: Your data is handled under UK GDPR. You can access, update, or delete your info via Sched.