Conference FAQs

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].

How long are early bird tickets available?  

Early bird tickets will be on sale until Monday 5 May. The all in one ticket which includes both evening social events represents the best value ticket option – and this ticket is only available until 5 May.  

From 6 May, these are the ticket prices that will apply to AIM members:  

  • Thursday and Friday for AIM members £275+VAT 
  • Thursday for AIM members £150+VAT 
  • Friday for AIM members £150+VAT 
Click here to buy your tickets (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?

This year we are offering 12 bursary places to enable AIM members, who may face obstacles in attending our annual conference, to receive an all-in-one ticket.

Bursary recipients will receive an all-in-one ticket to attend both days of the conference, (Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 June) and the evening social events (Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 June). In addition, bursary applicants can request funding of up to £175 towards accommodation and travel costs associated with attending the conference. 

How do I get to the venue?  

Take a look at the directions on the Mary Rose website for information on how to get to the museum. https://maryrose.org/visit/directions-parking/ 

The nearest station is Portsmouth Harbour: a few minutes’ walk from the Historic Dockyard and only around 90 minutes by rail from London Waterloo.

For delegates coming from further afield, the nearest airport is Southampton Airport, around a 30 minute drive from Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

How accessible is the venue? 

The Mary Rose website includes details of accessibility at the venue to help you plan ahead: https://historicdockyard.co.uk/plan-your-visit/accessibility/.  

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]  

What to expect at the social events? 

Tuesday 17 June, HMS Warrior, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Informal networking event to meet up with other delegates before the conference starts. Join us aboard HMS Warrior after hours and enjoy a drink and canapes on the deck (weather dependent) plus tours of the boat.

HMS Warrior may have been seaworthy for sailors, but can be tricky to navigate for some. If you want to check the accessibility of the venue, please click here: Plan your visit: Accessing our museums & attractions

Ticket price: £40+VAT, or included within the all in one ticket.

Wednesday 18 June, Mary Rose Museum

Our conference social gives delegates a very unique way to experience the Mary Rose. We’ll enjoy a walking buffet with each course served at a different point around the museum. There will also be a free drink served on arrival.

Ticket price: £60+VAT, or included within the all in one ticket.

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 be vegetarian / vegan. Please share any specific dietary requirements via Eventbrite at the point of booking so these can be communicated to the catering company.  

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. The city centre location should make travel by public transport more feasible for delegates, and delegates can bring refillable water bottles to help reduce waste at the museum.

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 venues.  

Is there a refund policy on conference tickets?  

Delegates can get 100% refund on their tickets up to Monday 5 May. After this date the following policy will apply:  

  • 50% refund until Monday 19 May 
  • No refund from Monday 2 June 

To request a refund on your conference ticket, please contact Christine, Programmes and Events Officer: [email protected] 

Who are the event sponsors? 

AIM Conference is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors. 2025 sponsors include: 

Host venue sponsor: Mary Rose Museum, in partnership with Portsmouth Historic Quarter and the National Museum of the Royal Navy.

Headline sponsor: Bloomberg Connects 

Gold sponsors: 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 2024 delegate handbook (opens in a new tab) AIM Conference 2023 delegate handbook (opens in a new tab)

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