FAQs
Who attends the conference?
The main attendees are members of BIALL representing the wide range of our membership: legal information professionals from different sectors ‐ academic, law firms, courts, in‐house libraries, local government and freelancers. We are also joined by representatives of international law library associations such as the American Association of Law Librarians (AALL) and the International Association of Law Librarians (IALL).
How many people attend?
There are over 250 delegates.
I want to attend but can’t afford it, what can I do?
Every year BIALL administers a number of awards and bursaries, including ones that will contribute some or all of the cost of attending the BIALL conference. Have a look on the BIALL website, under Awards and Bursaries for further information.
What will I need to bring?
As well as the obvious (clothes, toothbrush…) here are some ideas of things you may want to bring:
- Money ‐ for travel from the airport/port/train station to your hotel, travel to and from the venue, drinks at the bar in the evening events, and other incidental expenses. Don’t forget to collect tickets or receipts if you will be claiming these back later.
- Hairdryer ‐ Check to see if your hotel provides a hairdryer and bring one if necessary.
- Camera ‐ to make the most of any photo opportunities and the sights of Brighton
- Business Cards ‐ to give to suppliers and other delegates as well as to enter prize draws with.
- Pen and paper ‐ to take notes on the sessions. Paper is provided in the Conference Brochure in your delegate bag. There are free pens aplenty in the Exhibition area.
What happens when I arrive?
If you are arriving the day before and not attending the pre‐conference seminar then you can check into your hotel and relax, maybe join the meal arranged by the MSC or have a mooch around Brighton. If you are attending the pre‐conference seminar then head to the venue and register for the seminar and get lunch. If you arrive on the morning of the conference then you can leave your bags (at your own risk) in the cloakrooms at the conference venue and check into your hotel in the afternoon or evening.
When you arrive at the venue on Thursday or the day you are attending then you will need to register at reception to receive your conference pack which will include tickets for the dinners and any visits. There will also be a copy of the final conference programme, a note of the parallel sessions you will be attending and a name badge. You will also find a card inviting you to Have Your Say.
What should I wear?
Day
Business casual tends to be most common, but jeans are fine as is your favourite suit! You will be sitting down a lot of the time listening to presentations and seminars, as well as having the opportunity to explore the exhibition so wear what you feel most happy and comfortable in.
Evening
The evening events are to be confirmed.
What food will be provided?
Breakfast
Breakfast will be provided if you are staying in one of the conference hotels.
Lunch
Lunch is provided on the three days of the conference, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Those of you attending the pre‐conference seminar will also get lunch.
Dinner
Dinner is available on Thursday and Friday nights. If you have booked the full conference package this is included. If you are attending as a day delegate then you need to have booked to attend one of the dinners. Wine and soft drinks are provided with dinner. A cash bar is usually provided after dinner. If you are arriving on the Wednesday then the Membership Services Committee will be arranging a pre‐conference dinner. Keep your eyes peeled on the blog and the email list for further details.
Refreshments
Refreshments in the form of tea, coffee, and soft drinks will be provided in the morning and afternoon refreshment breaks as detailed in the programme. The thought of networking makes me a bit anxious. Don’t worry, most people get anxious in settings such as conference. But it is a great opportunity to talk to other people, so why not aim to get to know a few new people every day rather than talking to your friends and colleagues all the time? They could become your new best friend or a valuable contact.
I am coming alone, how can I meet other new delegates?
Participate in the buddy scheme! This is an ideal opportunity to meet other new delegates and members of BIALL. There will be a BIALL stand at the exhibition so you can always pop along there to meet other members and find out more about the association. Have Your Say on Thursday will also provide an excellent opportunity for you to meet other BIALL members and find out more about the Association as well as…having you say! And if you spot someone alone why not go and talk to them. They’re probably just as nervous as you!
How does the Buddy Scheme work?
The Buddy Scheme is administered by the Membership Services Committee (MSC). If you have ticked the box on the conference registration form your details will be passed on to the MSC, who will circulate a list before the conference starts. You can use this to email other people from the same area or sector as you to make contact before the conference, perhaps arranging to meet during the conference.
Will other people be staying at the same hotel as me?
Delegates will mostly be staying at one of the conference hotels, so you will undoubtedly meet some other delegates there.
What happens in the evenings?
At the end of each day you will have a break to relax and see some of Manchester before the dinners on Thursday and Friday nights. Entertainment is usually provided after the dinners in the form of disco, dancing etc. See also the section above: What should I wear? You can ask at the Registration desk for details of how to get to and from the evening events.
What is the exhibition like?
The exhibition runs alongside the conference and allows you to see the latest publications, products, and services from suppliers in the legal sector. There are regular prize draws sponsored by exhibitors, so bring enough business cards to enter as well as to hand out to reps for follow up meetings. Please note that should your name be drawn as a winner of a raffle prize you MUST be present in the exhibition hall at the time your name is drawn to claim the prize.
