On this page you’ll find the answers to the most commonly asked conference questions. If you still need help, please do get in touch with the AIM team on [email protected].
Can I be added to a waiting list?
All tickets for AIM Conference 2026 have been sold. The event sold out before the deadline for early bird tickets so unfortunately there are no additional tickets to be released at non-early bird prices.
However, we are running a waiting list on the chance that any ticket holders are unable to make the event. If you’d like to be added onto the waiting list for tickets, please get in touch with us at [email protected].
How much were tickets?
Ticket prices for AIM members:
- Early bird all-in-one for AIM members £288+VAT
- Early bird Thursday and Friday for AIM members £232+VAT
- Early bird Wednesday for AIM members £128+VAT
- Early bird Thursday for AIM members £128+VAT
Ticket prices for non-members:
- Early bird all-in-one for non-members £390+VAT
- Wednesday for non-AIM members £190+VAT
- Thursday for non-members £190+VAT
Ticket prices for social events:
- Tuesday evening social £35+VAT
- Wednesday evening social £55+VAT
How long were early bird tickets available?
Early bird tickets went on sale on Monday 19 January with an early bird deadline of Friday 24 April. However, all tickets for the event were sold before the early bird deadline.
Is there any information for conference delegates?
There is information for delegates to help you make the most of the event, including bookings for Masterclasses and breakout tours.
Can I see a delegate listing?
Yes, you can see a list of delegates due to attend conference. Please note, this was correct at 28 May.
Click here to download the delegate list (opens in a new tab)How can I check if my organisation is an AIM member?
If you’re not sure if you, or your organisation, is an AIM member, you can check on our latest membership list. Or get in touch with us via [email protected].
Click here for the AIM membership list (opens in a new tab)Are there online tickets available?
There will be no online conference this year. There has been relatively low demand for an online conference in previous years and in an effort to reduce costs and keep ticket prices reasonable for delegates, we’ve taken the decision to focus on the in-person experience.
We host a number of online events throughout the year, many of which are free to attend, so there are plenty of opportunities to build your skills and knowledge and meet other AIM members online.
How can I apply for a conference bursary?
Applications for conference bursaries closed on Friday 3 April and all 15 bursary places have now been allocated.
How do I get to the venue?
Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
Take a look at the directions on the Ushaw website for information on how to get to the museum: Plan Your Visit – Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels & Gardens
For SatNav’s – use postcode DH7 7DW. This will take you to the main visitor entrance.
Some GPS systems will take you to the wrong location when using the postcode DH7 9RH or typing the old name – Ushaw College.
To find the visitor car park you can also use What3Words: ///prettiest.bookshop.basic
Beamish
For directions to Beamish, take a look at this information on the museum website: How to plan your visit to Beamish – Beamish Museum
How accessible is the venue?
The venue websites includes details of accessibility to help you plan ahead.
Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens: Plan Your Visit – Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels & Gardens
Beamish: Accessibility at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
Please share your accessibility needs via Eventbrite at the point of booking, and if you have any specific questions or concerns, please contact Christine, Programmes and Events Officer: [email protected]
Coaches
We will be providing coaches for travel to the conference from central Durham and for travel after the social on Tuesday evening and to and from the social on Wednesday evening. Information on timings is included with the pre-event information for delegates at the link above.
If you have any questions about coach travel, please contact Kate, Office and Grants Administrator: [email protected]
What to expect at the social events?
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North will host two social evenings for AIM Conference delegates. The evening social events are always a highlight of AIM Conference; a chance to network, catch up and make new friends in a unique heritage setting.
Will there be vegetarian and/or vegan options for lunch?
Ticket prices for conference include lunch, tea, coffee and water.
The menus for lunch on both days and for the social events will include vegetarian / vegan options. Please share any specific dietary requirements via Eventbrite at the point of booking so these can be communicated to the venue(s).
Code of conduct
At AIM, we believe our events should be open to everyone, so we are committed to creating a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment for all. This way, we can have thought-provoking conversations. As an event participant, please be mindful to keep things positive and supportive. We do not tolerate any form of bullying, discrimination, or bad behaviour. If you see or experience a problem at an AIM event, please speak to one of the AIM team. Responses may include warnings, removal from the event, or further escalation if necessary.
Does AIM have a sustainability policy for the conference?
We’re mindful of the environmental impact of AIM Conference and always work with our host venues to make sustainable choices. We encourage travel by public transport where possible, and will be providing coaches to help delegates travel between the two venues. Delegates can bring refillable water bottles and/or cups for their tea and coffee to help reduce waste at both venues.
What’s the dress code?
There is no set dress code. We’d advise you to dress comfortably and for the social events, please consider comfortable shoes suitable for the venue.
If you’re joining us for the Wednesday evening social at Beamish, you might like to dress for the occasion. We’ll be exploring the 1900s Town and taking a look around the new 1950s Town, so feel free to have fun choosing between Edwardian elegance or the classic styles of the 1950s.
Is there a refund policy on conference tickets?
Delegates can get 100% refund on their tickets up to Monday 27 April. After this date the following policy will apply:
- 50% refund until Monday 11 May
- No refund from Monday 25 May
To request a refund on your conference ticket, please contact Kate Prescott, Office and Grants Administrator on [email protected]
Who are the event sponsors?
AIM Conference is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors. 2026 sponsors include:
Host venue sponsor: Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, and Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
Headline sponsor: Bloomberg Connects
Gold sponsors: RiCHES, Minvera, Hayes Parsons Insurance Brokers
Delegate handbook sponsor: ArtFund
To find out more about remaining sponsorship and/or exhibition opportunities, please get in touch with Catrin Salvatore on [email protected].
Visas and letters of introduction
Currently, UK Visas and Immigration grants visa waivers/exemptions to nationals of countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. If you live in an area that is not eligible for a visa waiver/exemption or are unsure of whether or not you need to apply for a short-term visa to enter the UK in order to attend conference, please contact the British Embassy in your home country to receive guidance. Please be aware that prior to requesting a Letter of Invitation, you must have purchased conference tickets.
Do you have any details of previous conferences?
Take a look at copies of our delegate handbook from previous conferences to find out what the programme was, and what else was happening across the two days.
AIM Conference 2025 delegate handbook (opens in a new tab) AIM Conference 2024 delegate handbook (opens in a new tab) AIM Conference 2023 delegate handbook (opens in a new tab)