About this guide
Active Travel England is dedicated to making the Making Active Places conference as accessible as possible, and we continue to learn and improve.
This page sets out the accessibility features available at Making Active Places 2026 and how to request additional support if you need it.
The guide also provides insights into the sensory environment you will encounter when attending the conference.
If you have any access requirements or questions for our team, please contact us at contact@activetravelengland.gov.uk.
This page will be regularly updated. This page was last updated on 4 December 2025.
About the venue
The Social
What happens in the Social?
You will enter the building via the Social. This is where you will register your attendance on the day. Stairs, escalators and lifts to access other parts of the building, including the Lab, the Warehouse, the Andrew Law Hall and all foyer areas can be found on either side of the Social area.
Layout of the Social
The Social is a large, open plan space with room for lots of tables and chairs. Across one wall, you will find kiosks serving hot and cold food. You may be able to smell hot and cold food throughout this area, including coffee, alcohol and meat products.
In the middle of the room, you will find an information desk, which is located inside a bright orange box.
Male, female and gender-neutral toilets can be found at the rear of this room. This includes an accessible changing places area.
You can find detailed access information about the Social on the Factory International website. This includes information about:
- seating, including portable seating for use throughout the venue
- how to access the nearest toilet facilities
- support for people with assistance dogs
- assistive listening
The Lab
What happens in the Lab?
Workshops will be delivered in the Lab space.
Layout of the Classroom
The Lab is located on the ground floor of Aviva Studios. You can access the Classroom via the Social.
The layout of this room has not yet been confirmed. All tables and chairs in this room can be moved.
The nearest toilet facilities are in the Social. You can find detailed access information about the Social on the Factory International website. This includes information about:
- seating, including portable seating for use throughout the venue
- how to access the nearest toilet facilities
- support for people with assistance dogs
- assistive listening
The Warehouse
What happens in the Warehouse?
The Warehouse is a large space and is the main networking area at Making Active Places 2026. In this room, you will find the exhibition and catering area. In one section of the room, you will find an area dedicated to exciting workshops and seminars. Walls will divide each part of the room.
Layout of the Warehouse
The Warehouse is located on the first floor of Aviva Studios. From the ground floor, you can access the Warehouse via lift or stairs located near the large screen in the Social.
This room will be split into three sections. These are:
- exhibition space, where you can meet our exhibitors and network with other professionals
- catering and seating area, where you will choose your provided lunch
- seminar and workshop area, where you will find theatre style seating and a stage
You may hear other people having conversations in this room. You may also be able to smell hot and cold food in this area.
The nearest accessible toilet facilities are located outside the doors to the Warehouse.
Other toilets, including accessible toilets and Changing Spaces, are available in the Social.
You can find detailed access information about the Warehouse on the Aviva Studios website. This includes information about:
- venue access
- how to access the nearest toilet facilities
- support for people with assistance dogs
- assistive listening
The Andrew Law Hall
What happens in the Andrew Law Hall?
Plenaries, lectures and seminars will be delivered in this theatre.
Layout of the Andrew Law Hall
The room is set over two tiers. Lifts, escalators and stairs are available to help you travel between floors. Step-free access is available to seats in the stalls and circle.
All seats in this room face a large stage. The majority of seats in this room are fixed, with wheelchair-accessible spaces available on both seating tiers. Fixed seats have a fabric covering.
While presenters are on the stage, lighting in the seating area will be dimmed. The stage will be lit with overhead lighting during presentations.
Sound levels in this room can vary. You may hear lots of people having conversations at once while attendees wait for the presenters to come on stage. During the conference, all presenters will use microphones, which may be loud.
You can find detailed access information about the Andrew Law Hall on the Factory International website. This includes information about:
- the layout of the Andrew Law Hall, including diagrams
- seating
- how to access the nearest toilet facilities
- support for people with assistance dogs
- assistive listening
Lower Hall Foyer
What happens in the Lower Hall Foyer?
The Lower Hall Foyer is a great place to relax and network with other delegates.
Layout of the Lower Hall Foyer
The Lower Hall Foyer is located on the first floor of Aviva Studios. From the ground floor, you can access the first-floor foyer via lift or stairs to the Andrew Law Hall.
Various seating options are available in this room, including seats without arms.
This room is located next to the Andrew Law Hall, so you may hear background noise when the doors are open. You may hear other people having conversations in this room.
There is a bar in the middle of this room. Drinks including alcohol will be on display behind the bar. You may also smell hot and cold food in this area.
The nearest accessible toilet facilities are located in the Lower Hall Foyer. Other toilets, including accessible toilets and Changing Spaces, are available in the Social.
You can find detailed access information about the Andrew Law Hall on the Factory International website. This includes information about:
- venue access
- how to access the nearest toilet facilities
- support for people with assistance dogs
- assistive listening
Upper Hall Foyer
What happens in the Upper Hall Foyer?
The Upper Hall Foyer is a great place to relax and network with other delegates.
Layout of the Upper Floor Foyer
The Upper Hall Foyer is located on the second floor of Aviva Studios. From the ground floor, you can access the Upper Hall Foyer via escalators, lift or stairs located near the toilets in the Social.
Various seating options are available in this room, including seats without arms.
This room is located next to the circle tier of the Andrew Law Hall, so you may hear background noise when the Andrew Law Hall doors are open. You may hear other people having conversations in this room.
There is a bar against the back wall of this room. Drinks including alcohol will be on display behind the bar. You may also smell hot and cold food in this area.
Accessible toilet facilities are available in this room. Other toilets, including additional accessible toilets and Changing Spaces, are available on this floor and in the Social.
You can find detailed access information about the Andrew Law Hall on the Factory International website. This includes information about:
- the layout of the Andrew Law Hall, including diagrams
- seating
- how to access the nearest toilet facilities
- support for people with assistance dogs
- assistive listening
Prayer/multi-faith room
If you require use of a prayer/multi-faith room, please speak to a member of the Aviva Studios team during the conference.
Private sinks are available in some accessible toilets.
More information about prayer/multi-faith rooms can be found on the Aviva Studios frequently asked questions page.
Accessibility queries
If you have any accessibility queries that have not been answered in this guide, please email contact@activetravelengland.gov.uk and we will be happy to support you.