Event information

Date: Wednesday 13th May 2026
Time: 10:00am – 4:30pm (Doors open at 09:00, talks begin at 10:00am)
Venue: Catalyst Building, Newcastle Helix, Science Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5TG
Main Room: Theatre (Ground Floor)

What to expect on the day

When you arrive at the Catalyst Building, you will see our branding on the big screen in the window.

Doors open at 9:00am.

You’ll meet our team (wearing purple t-shirts with the Access:Given logo on them) at the welcome desk in the atrium of the building. They will be happy to help you, answer questions, and direct you where you need to go.

From the atrium, you can head into the Workshop, which is behind the welcome desk to the right. This is our exhibition and catering space, and you’re welcome to spend time there before the conference begins. Our exhibitors will be in there, happy to chat to you.

At the welcome desk, you can collect your lanyard which will have your name printed on it. 

If you booked a ticket closer to the event, you will have to write your name on your lanyard with a pen at the registration desk. 

You can also choose a sticker for your pronouns and stick it onto your name badge. This is optional. 

Exhibition, food and social space

Our exhibition, food and drinks are located in the Workshop, behind the welcome desk to the right.

Tea, coffee and pastries will be available in the morning, and lunch will be served here later in the day, if you’ve added lunch to your ticket. 

If you’re bringing your own lunch, you will be able to eat that in this space, too.

The Workshop includes seating and designated wheelchair spaces to ensure everyone can comfortably use the space.

This is a public building, so people who aren’t attending Access:Given may also be using the café or lobby areas.

The talks

The conference begins at 10:00am in the Theatre (Ground Floor).

When it’s time to begin, we will let you know and everyone will make their way to the Theatre. The door to the Theatre is on the ground floor, near reception. This is where all talks take place.

Wheelchair accessibility

The building is fully wheelchair accessible, with internal and external step-free access:

• Wide aisles allow easy movement.

• Front-row seats fold away to allow wheelchair users to sit alongside other delegates.

• The Sensory Room can be accessed via a lift for those needing a quieter space.

• The Workshop exhibition and catering space includes wheelchair space and accessible seating.

Sound accessibility

• Live captions will be provided for all talks.

• Hearing loops are installed under every seat. Hearing aid users can tune into the correct channel to clearly hear speakers.

Toilet facilities

Gender-neutral accessible toilets and a hygiene room are available on the ground floor.

Directions: As you enter the building through the main doors, the toilets are to the right, behind the main reception. The reception is directly in front of you.

Delegates are free to leave the Theatre for toilet or comfort visits at any point during the event via the side door.

Additional accessible toilet facilities are available upstairs.

General access

• Speaker slides will be displayed on a large screen to ensure readability.

• There will be a separate screen for live captions for all talks.

• Side doors will remain accessible throughout the day, allowing attendees to enter and leave quietly for breaks or toilet visits.

• The aisles are extra-wide to allow for easier movement if you do need to leave during a talk.

• A dedicated Sensory Room will be available for decompressing throughout the day.

• The Sensory Room is located upstairs in the Derwent Room and includes books, fidgets, and other calming items for communal use.

Parking and public transport

Paid on-site parking is available at The Garage, Corporation Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5TF. This includes Blue Badge disabled parking spaces.

The nearest Metro station is Central Station, and the nearest mainline train station is Newcastle Central Station, both within walking distance of the venue.

Contact information

Accessibility is our top priority. If you have any questions, requirements, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us:

Email: info@accessgiven.co.uk

We aim to respond as quickly as possible to ensure you have all the information and support you need.