imagine… an event where everyone feels welcomed, supported, comfortable and empowered to participate fully.

• Accessibility at the NEC

  The NEC Birmingham offers a range of facilities for visitors with access requirements, including step-free access, accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities, Blue Badge parking and mobility equipment hire.

  Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be hired from the venue, subject to availability, and trained assistance and guide dogs are welcome.

  Baby changing and feeding facilities are also available across the venue, and NEC staff will be available onsite should you need assistance during your visit.

  Find out more about accessibility at the NEC

• Getting around the PFS Festival

  The PFS Festival takes place on a single floor, with wheelchair-accessible routes throughout the event.

  This includes access to:

  • all Festival theatres and session spaces;
  • exhibition and delegate areas;
  • catering and networking areas; and
  • theatre stages for speakers and presenters.

  The venue and Festival maps will be available ahead of the event, on the Festival app, to help you familiarise yourself with the layout before you arrive.

• Tell us what you need

  When registering for the Festival, you will be asked about any additional support requirements you may have.

  Providing this information in advance allows our team to understand your requirements and consider any reasonable adjustments that may help you participate comfortably in the Festival.

  You will also be able to provide details of any dietary requirements during registration. These will be shared with our catering partners so that appropriate options can be planned wherever possible.

  If your requirements change after registering, please contact the Festival team: [email protected] or +44 (0)207 808 5172.

• Quiet, wellbeing and sensory-friendly space

  We are planning a dedicated neurodivergent wellbeing and sensory-friendly space within the Festival, designed to provide a calmer environment away from the main event activity.

  Full details and the location of the space will be provided ahead of the Festival.

• Live captions

  We will provide live on-screen captions across Festival theatre sessions.

  Our aim is to make spoken session content easier to follow for delegates who are hard of hearing, as well as those who may benefit from being able to read content alongside the presentation.

• Accessible presentations

  We are asking our speakers and presenters to consider accessibility when preparing their presentation materials.

  Our speaker guidance will include recommendations covering:

  • clear, easy-to-read fonts and appropriate font sizes;
  • sufficient colour contrast between text and backgrounds;
  • avoiding unnecessary visual clutter;
  • keeping slides clear and concise; and
  • ensuring important information is not communicated through colour alone.

  These measures will help make presentations easier to follow for as many delegates as possible.

• Prayer and reflection

  A quiet room is available at the NEC for delegates looking for a quiet space for prayer, reflection or meditation.

  Location details will be included in the pre-event information and venue map.

• Plan your visit

  Ahead of the Festival, we will share practical information to help you prepare for your visit, including:

  • accessibility information;
  • Festival and venue maps;
  • accessible travel and transport guidance;
  • information about parking and getting around the NEC;
  • details of the wellbeing and sensory-friendly space; and
  • any confirmed accessibility services available during Festival sessions.

  We recommend reviewing this information before travelling, particularly if you have specific access requirements.

• Need additional support?

  If there is anything we can do to help make your PFS Festival experience more accessible, please let us know.

  Wherever possible, contacting us in advance will give our team the best opportunity to discuss your requirements and make appropriate arrangements.

  Email [email protected]

  Call +44 (0)207 808 5172