This is an accessible conference, which supports all IAMCR members to participate and grow professionally.
Please let us know what needs you have, so we can discuss how we help you attend and enjoy the conference. For example mobility needs, low-vision or hearing aids, support with sensory issues or catering requests related to allergies. We welcome assistance dogs and other aids you want to bring. If you inform us about these, we can support you better.
The main conference venue, Te Pae, is 400m walk from the bus stop for buses 1, 27, 29 and 95. See Metroinfo for more detail. The Christchurch tram circuit passes the venue (the tram is not wheelchair-accessible, except at one point on the route).
There are digital screens around the venue. These will contain details on what is happening in rooms and will be in large, high-contrast text.
Te Pae has escalators and lifts between the two floors. The large auditorium can be entered from the top or bottom. There is seating for wheelchair users downstairs. If you have difficulty seeing a screen room at a distance, we recommend you use the bottom entrance and sit near the front.
We can provide a guide person if you have low vision or mobility needs. Please email charlotte@conference.nz by 14 June 2024 so we can organise this. You are also welcome to bring a helper (at no cost).
We will provide live captioning for all plenary events, but not for parallel sessions. We aim to provide interpretation of plenaries in sign language, in the sign language most relevant to participants. Please let us know what language you sign in by emailing charlotte@conference.nz by 31 May 2024.
We will provide 5 minutes for you to move between sessions. The venue plan is attached (wheelchair users can use any of three passenger lifts to move between the venue’s two floors). Please let organisers know if we can make movement between sessions easier for you. We can also arrange an orientation session at the venue the day before. You may also find Te Pae’s accessibility information helpful.
Please see the notes on the welcome (mihi), which will include an optional hariru (nose-to-nose greeting) and singing. There will be low intensity music, no spotlights and no flashing lights at the opening ceremony or gala dinner.
These notes do not apply in full to some of the other venues we use for some parallel sessions and social and networking events, however all rooms have lift access. We will do our best to make all venues accessible for you.
Hotels that meet a range of accessibility needs are located near the venue. The Crowne Plaza, for example, is across the road from the conference centre main entrance and offers accessible rooms.
Aspire Canterbury provides further information on wheelchair hire, medical assistance, physiotherapy and other assistance.
