Frequently Asked Questions

What is Connect27?

Connect27 is the EMCC UK annual conference for mentors, coaches and supervisors. It brings together leading voices, thought leaders and practitioners from across the UK for one and a half days of inspiration, learning and connection.

When and where is the conference?

Connect27 takes place on 21–22 April 2027 at the National Conference Centre (NCC), Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull, West Midlands, B92 0EJ. The conference is also available to attend virtually.

Is the conference available online?

Yes. Connect27 is a hybrid event. Virtual attendance tickets are available for those who cannot attend in person. Virtual delegates will have access to live-streamed sessions, interactive Q&A and polls.

Who is the conference for?

Connect27 is designed for coaches, mentors, supervisors and anyone with a professional interest in these disciplines. Whether you are an experienced practitioner or newer to the field, there is something for everyone.

Will I earn CPPD hours?

Yes. Attending Connect27 counts towards your Continuing Professional and Personal Development (CPPD). You will earn valuable CPPD hours across the full programme of keynotes, workshops and interactive sessions. A certificate will be issued for all attendees.

How much do tickets cost?

Ticket prices vary depending on your membership status and whether you attend in person or virtually:

• Early Bird – EMCC UK Members (in person): £195 + VAT
• Early Bird – EMCC UK Members (virtual): £100 + VAT
• Early Bird – Non-Members (in person): £280 + VAT
• Early Bird – Non-Members (virtual): £140 + VAT
• EMCC UK Members (in person): £260 + VAT
• EMCC UK Members (virtual): £130 + VAT
• Non-Members (in person): £345 + VAT
• Non-Members (virtual): £175 + VAT
• Day 1 Evening Dinner (optional add-on): £30 + VAT

Are there early bird tickets available?

Yes. A limited number of early bird tickets are available at a reduced rate. These are offered on a first-come, first-served basis — book early to avoid disappointment.

Do I need to be an EMCC UK member to attend?

No. Non-members are very welcome to attend. However, EMCC UK members benefit from discounted ticket prices. Annual individual membership costs £110 + VAT, and membership discounts are also available for those paying by Direct Debit, eligible ILM or EQA students, and employees of organisations that are existing EMCC UK members. Become a EMCC UK member.

How do I book my ticket?

Tickets can be booked via the Book Now button on the Connect27 website. When booking, you will be able to select your ticket type and add the optional evening dinner.

Is the evening dinner included in the ticket price?

No. The Day 1 Evening Dinner is an optional add-on priced at £30 + VAT. You can select this when booking your conference ticket. Please also confirm any dietary requirements or restrictions at the time of booking.

What does the evening dinner involve?

The evening begins with a drinks reception, followed by a seated three-course dinner, entertainment, dancing and further networking opportunities.

What is the dress code for the dinner?

Come as you are — from smart casual to evening dress. There is no strict dress code.

Can I specify dietary requirements for the dinner?

Yes. Please confirm any dietary preferences or restrictions when booking your dinner place.

Where is the dinner held?

The dinner takes place in the Britannia Banqueting Suite at the NCC, which is the same room as the main conference.

Where is the National Conference Centre?

The NCC is located at Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull, West Midlands, B92 0EJ, adjacent to Birmingham Airport and the NEC — one of the UK's most accessible conference venues.

How do I get there by train?

Birmingham International station is a 5-minute walk from the NCC. However, due to the proximity to a busy motorway roundabout, it is advised to use a taxi. Direct services run from:

• London Euston (approx. 1 hr 20 min)
• Manchester Piccadilly (approx. 1 hr 20 min)
• Bristol Temple Meads (approx. 1 hr 10 min)

Cross-city and local services connect from Birmingham New Street in under 15 minutes.

How do I get there by car?

The NCC is located just off the A45, with direct access from Junction 6 of the M42. Sat-nav postcode: B92 0EJ. The NCC has its own free car park with ample spaces.

How do I get there by air?

Birmingham Airport is a 2-minute walk from Birmingham International station, making the NCC exceptionally accessible for international delegates.

Is parking available at the venue?

Yes. The NCC has its own free car park with ample spaces for delegates.

Are there recommended hotels nearby?

Yes. Several hotels are located within a short drive of the NCC:

• Holiday Inn Birmingham NEC
• Premier Inn Birmingham NEC
• Arden Hotel & Leisure Club
• Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC
• Hilton Birmingham Metropole

Links to each hotel can be found in the Venue & Hotels section of the Connect27 website.

Should I book accommodation early?

Yes — we strongly recommend booking early. Due to the proximity to the NEC, hotels in the area fill up quickly. The best rates are usually available via specialist booking sites such as Expedia, Trivago or Booking.com.

Can I walk between the hotels and the NCC?

Walking is not recommended due to the busy adjacent motorway junction. Taxis are available from the NCC reception.

Is the venue accessible?

Yes. The National Conference Centre is designed to be accessible to all delegates:

• All public entrances provide step-free access via low-gradient ramps and automatic doors.
• All floors inside the venue are level, with lifts to lower floors and dedicated chairlifts to upper-floor meeting rooms.
• Multiple designated accessible parking bays are located close to the building entrances.
• Corridors and lifts are wide enough for wheelchairs, with no fixed seating in meeting rooms.
• Dedicated accessible toilets are available across the conference centre.
• Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the venue.

For full details, see the venue's Accessibility page.

What if I have specific accessibility requirements?

If you have specific accessibility requirements or need reasonable adjustments, you can inform us of these when booking online. If you have any enquiries prior to booking, please contact the EMCC UK member services team on info@emccuk.org.

What does the programme include?

Connect27 features keynote addresses, panel discussions, interactive breakout sessions, workshops and networking opportunities across one and a half days. The full programme is available to download from the Agenda section of the website.

What time does the conference start and finish?

On Day 1 (21 April), registration opens at 10:00, with the opening address at 11:00. The conference day concludes at approximately 17:00, followed by the optional evening dinner. Day 2 (22 April) runs from 09:00 to approximately 16:30.

Will sessions be recorded or available after the event?

Some sessions may be recorded and made available to those in attendance post event, but for further information, please contact info@emccuk.org.

Can my organisation sponsor Connect27?

Yes. A range of sponsorship packages are available to suit different budgets. For full details, download the Connect27 Sponsor Pack (PDF) or visit the Partners & Sponsors section of the website.

How do I express interest in sponsoring?

You can submit your interest via the Become a Sponsor form linked from the website, or contact the EMCC UK team at info@emccuk.org.

Who do I contact if I have a question not answered here?

Please contact the EMCC UK team at info@emccuk.org and we will be happy to help.

Where can I find the Privacy Policy?

The EMCC UK Connect27 Privacy Policy is available to download from the footer of the Connect27 website.