1. When is Tactile Graphics 2008?
2. Why should I attend?
3. How many people attend the conference?
4. How can I present at the event?
5. How can I exhibit at the event?
6. How are abstracts reviewed?
7. What type of presentations will there be?
8. What are the pre-conference workshops?
9. Can I just attend the exhibition?
10. What have people said about previous events?
11. How much does it cost?
12. Are there any charges for cancellation?
13. How much is VAT?
14. Do I need to pay VAT?
15. How can I book?
16. Can I amend my details once I have booked?
17. Do you offer any travel bursaries?
18. What are the options if I want to sponsor part of the event?
19. Is there a dress code?
20. Where can I eat in the evening?
21. Is there any parking at the conference venue?
22. What languages will the conference be in?
23. Will there be sighted assistants at the conference?
24. Are there any facilities for guide dogs?
25. What important dates do I need to be aware of?
26. Will there be a chance for delegate to network?
27. What accommodation is available to delegates?
28. Can I get a copy of the presentations?
29. Do I need a Visa to attend Tactile Graphics 2008?
30. How do I get a letter of invitation as I need to apply for a Visa to enter the UK?
31. When is the next Tactile Graphics conference?
32. What if I need more information?
33. What is the conference schedule?
34. What is a purchase order number?

1. When is Tactile Graphics 2008?

Tactile Graphics 2008 will be held 4-5 December at Jurys Inn Birmingham, UK.  Pre-conference workshops will be held at the same venue on 3 December.

2. Why should I attend?

This is the only specialist international conference on presenting graphical information to blind and partially sighted people. If you would like to discover the cutting edge work in tactile graphics, from the latest research, to practical design, use and support techniques, or the latest technology for design and production, this is the only conference to attend.

3. How many people attend the conference?

We expect around 200 participants will attend throughout the course of the conference, with many travelling a considerable distance to participate. The majority of the presentation sessions run in parallel tracks to give delegates as much choice as possible.

4. How can I present at the event?

The call for presentation abstracts has now closed.  Visit the call for abstracts page for further information about the process we have used.

5. How can I exhibit at the event?

There is still time to submit an exhibition abstract for Tactile Graphics 2008!  Visit the exhibition page for further information and to download the exhibition abstract submission form.

6. How are abstracts reviewed?

All abstracts are reviewed by the conference Content Group, and feedback on all abstracts will be returned in September.

7. What type of presentations will there be?

Presentations will be on a range of topics from a range of people, from academics presenting findings of their research, to tactile graphics designers discussing how they tackle everyday issues.
The draft programme has now been published, you can view the presentations in a list or by Day 1 and Day 2 listing.

8. What are the pre-conference workshops?

The pre-conference workshops will be hands-on practical interactive sessions to develop skills and knowledge on a particular topic. Please see the Workshops page for further information.

9. Can I just attend the exhibition?

The exhibition is not open to the general public because it is an integral part of the conference. Should you want to attend the exhibition you must book as a conference delegate and pay the appropriate fee for the days you wish to attend.

10. What have people said about previous events?

You can read feedback from all of our previous conferences online:

2005 conference feedback
2002 conference feedback
2000 conference feedback

11. How much does it cost to attend?

The cost will vary depending on when you book, how many days you will attend, and if you plan to attend a pre-conference workshop. Please check the Conference rates page for further information on costs.

12. Are there any charges for cancellation?

There is a small charge for cancellations which purely cover our administration costs.  For more information, please read our Cancellation Policy. You can substitute another named delegate at any time by notifying us if the original delegate is unable to attend.

13. What is VAT?

VAT stands for Value Added Tax which is set by HM Revenues and Customs in the UK, charged at 17.5% and is added to your total conference fee.

14. Do I need to pay VAT?

All delegates will be charged VAT regardless of their country of origin.

15. How can I book?

Booking is now open! The booking process is described, along with the terms and conditions of booking, on the Booking Information page. Booking closes on 14 November 2008.  If you are unable to complete the on-line Booking Form please contact the Conference Team.

16. Can I amend my details once I have booked?

Yes.  Each delegate will receive a unique Delegate ID number upon booking.  Should you need to amend any of the details, such as contact details or job title please contact the Conference Team by e-mail or post, to request the amendments.  Please ensure you quote your unique Delegate ID number when contacting us.  Any changes will then be confirmed with the delegate. Please note that changes made after 12 November 2008 may not be reflected in any printed conference material.

17. Do you offer any travel bursaries?

Unfortunately we are not able to offer any bursaries to subsidise the cost of travel.  However we do offer a concessionary booking fee to qualifying groups of people.  Please refer to the Conference Rates page for more information.

18. What are the options if I want to sponsor part of the event?

There are many options for organisations who want to support the conference through sponsorship. If you'd like further information about sponsorship please contact us.

19. Is there a dress code?

There is no dress code for the conference, although most people will wear smart casual.
As the conference is during British winter the weather outside is likely to be cold and wet.  However the conference is being held in one venue so there will be no need to change buildings.
The venue is fully air conditioned, however as in all hotels the temperature from room to room can be variable, so for your personal comfort you are advised to wear layers of clothing.

20. Where can I eat in the evening?

There are two restaurants in Jurys Inn offering a range of food for different budgets.  However, being in the heart of Birmingham there is a wide variety of dining options.  See our About Birmingham page for links to more information on eating out in Birmingham.

21. Is there any parking at the conference venue?

Jurys Inn has a public car park on site, for which there is a charge for use. Please contact the hotel for further information.

22. What languages will the conference be in?

The official language of the conference is English and all presentations, exhibitions and workshops will be delivered in English, although many of the conference delegates will speak other languages.

23. Will there be sighted assistants at the conference?

Yes, there will be staff and volunteers providing sighted assistance throughout the conference.  Hotel staff will also have been given training on Visual Awareness.  For more information, please refer to the Accessibility and Support page.

24. Are there any facilities for guide dogs?

Yes, there will be water bowls in each conference room, a turfed dog toilet in the hotel car park and people on hand to assist taking dogs out to the toilet.  Additional space is also allocated for guide dogs in the presentation rooms.

25. What important dates do I need to be aware of?

• Last day to book discounted rate accommodation at Jurys Inn: 14 November 2008 (subject to availability)
• Conference booking closes: 14 November 2008
• Pre-conference workshops: 3 December 2008
• Conference dates (presentations / exhibition):  4 and 5 December 2008

26. Will there be a chance for delegates to network?

Making new contacts, sharing experiences and networking is important to many delegates.  During the conference there will be an opportunity to meet other delegates at the exhibitions and during breaks.  There is also an evening drinks reception on Thursday 4 December which is open to all delegates.  We will have a list of delegates available at the conference, but please note that we are unable to give out any contact details for any delegates.  If you want to get in touch with another delegate we can pass your details on to the other delegate.

27. What accommodation is available to delegates?

The conference venue, Jurys Inn, is offering discounted accommodation to delegates of Tactile Graphics 2008 (up to 14 November subject to availability).  Please refer to the Accommodation page for further information, which also has links to some of the other hotels in the area.

28. Can I get a copy of the presentations?

All conference abstracts will be posted on this site, and after the conference we will also post presentations provided by presenters. We are unable to guarantee how many presentations will be made available so strongly recommend people interested in the subject attend the conference to hear the presentations first hand.

29. Do I need a Visa to attend Tactile Graphics 2008?

Tactile Graphics 2008 is an international conference and we welcome visitors from all over the world. For more information on UK Visa requirements please visit the UK Border Agency.

30. How do I get a letter of invitation as I need to apply for a Visa to enter the UK?

If you wish to attend Tactile Graphics 2008 and need a Visa to enter the country, you may require a letter of invitation from us. Due to the amount of time it takes to get a Visa, invitation letter requests must be made by 1 August 2008, none will be accepted after this date.
Please see the terms and conditions visa section for more information on applying for a visa invitation letter.

31. When is the next Tactile Graphics Conference?

Tactile graphics conferences are normally every 2-3 years, so the next Tactile Graphics conference is likely to be 2010-11.  Sign up for the Tactile Graphics mailing list to be kept up to date with the Tactile Graphics Conferences.

32. What if I need more information?

If you have any additional questions not answered in the FAQ or on the website please feel free to contact the Conference Team.

33. What is the conference schedule?

The current version of the conference schedule is available on the Programme page. For more detailed information about a specific day please see the Day 1 and Day 2 pages. Please note that times are subject to change.

34. What is a purchase order number?

Some organisations use purchase order numbers to identify and authorise invoices. Some organisations will not pay an invoice if it does not have a valid purchase order number. If your organisation requires invoices to include a purchase order number please ensure you provide one when booking.