BIAZA Communications Conference 2024

Details

The BIAZA Communications Conference is for members of BIAZA and ABWAK only

Click here to book your tickets: https://biaza.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/59754?branches.branchID=699 

The Conference will take place at Chessington Zoo on the 13 & 14 November in their conference and meeting rooms located at the Chessington Safari Hotel: State of the Art Business Meetings, Conferences & Events (chessington.com)

We are arranging a programme of brilliant talks. We hope this will include welcome talks from senior staff at Merlin Entertainments, talks on discussing animal welfare from SeaWorld, communicating conservation with the Wildlife Trusts & Conservation Optimism, presentations on award-winning projects, a special talk on zoo-comms from Navigate, responsible social media usage from Battersea Park Children's Zoo, a TV discussion panel, crisis comms from RZSS and approaching influencers from Bristol Zoo & Welsh Mountain Zoo among much more!

Social: There will be plenty of opportunity for meeting colleagues from across the sector, including guided tours of the zoo and an evening BBQ on November 13^th. Attendees are also free to enjoy the local area.

Accommodation

Chessington Zoo are offering accommodation at their hotels adjacent to the Zoo, namely Chessington Safari Hotel and the Azteca Hotel, where the Serengeti Suite our conference space for the 2 days is located.  The restaurant boasts views across the animal reserve, immersive design, gym and swimming pool.  We have secured preferential rates for the group and to make a booking please follow this link:

https://reservations.travelclick.com/95172?RatePlanId=9168934 

Other accommodation options are available in Chessington.

Getting there

Chessington is accessible by public transport including a train from Waterloo, London direct to South Chessington from where it is a small (15 minute) walk.

The Resort is well signposted. It is on the A243, just two miles from the M25 and A3. From the South on the M25, take Junction 9 and from the North, take Junction 10. From London, take the A3 to Hook and follow signs to the Resort.

Ultra Low Emission Zone -- London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is expanding from Tuesday 29th August 2023. The expansion will include all entrances to the Resort, which may affect those driving to us - vehicles need to meet certain emission standards for motorists to avoid paying the daily ULEZ charge. Drivers are advised to check TfL’s website for more information here. To see whether your vehicle meets the ULEZ requirements, visit TfL’s website here. Motorists driving to the Resort with vehicles that don’t meet the requirements will have to pay the daily charge or face a fine.

Taxis – Eden Cars - 020 8505 7000 / Aarons Taxis - 01372 724324 / Kingston & Wimbledon Taxis - 020 8391 1600

Attendees should arrive at the Chessington Safari hotel which will be our venue for the duration of the conference: Travel Directions | Chessington World of Adventures Resort

There will be registration table for conference delegates check in is available from 3pm.

Parking: please use the hotel parking and prior to departure, please collect a free parking ticket from the hotel front desks.  This is a pass to scan at the barrier, without one you will need to pay to exit.

For access requirements see: https://www.chessington.com/plan-your-visit/before-you-visit/accessibility-guide/accommodation-activities/

Who’s attending

The communications conference is for members of BIAZA and ABWAK only

You can expect colleagues from many different BIAZA member institutions small and large.  The entire conference will be guided by members of BIAZA’s Communications Working Group who have organised the whole conference.