Speaker FAQs

To build out master decks and double check slides for 120+ sessions, the NEC's AV team requires all presentations to be sent through by COP Friday 30th October. After this point, we cannot guarantee any submissions or amendments will be accounted for.

Presentation slides are not required or expected for panels or fireside sessions.

Your presentation:

• Must be in .pptx format.
• Must be in widescreen 16:9 ratio.

Any embedded media must be sent through as a separate file, ideally in 1080p as an MP4 file.

Any files too large to attach to an email should be sent to the content team directly via WeTransfer, and the WeTransfer link should also be shared in an email to the team as a back up.

We recommend bios be between 50-150 words, but there is no set length or format.

We encourage all speakers to share their involvement and help spread the word about the show with their networks.

To make this as easy as possible, we've created a personalised social card for each speaker in Gleanin, along with suggested social copy that you can use or adapt.

You'll find all speaker social card here:

Speaker Social Cards

Around six weeks before the Show, the content team will be in touch to share any outstanding information required and any important information for you to be aware of.

If you are a panellist, the content team will connect you with your fellow speakers about four weeks before the Show, so that you can get to know each other and plan the session.

If you have any concerns or questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of us.

Please advise your main point of contact in the content team, who will be able to get you the most accurate information and liaise with our operations team on any finer points.

The closest train station is Birmingham International, which has step-free access from all platforms.

Should you require support from station staff, please use the CTA below to arrange assistance.

Arrange Assistance

The NEC is a large venue. All public entrances allow access by wheelchair via low gradient ramps and an automatic door. Once inside the venue, all floors are level, offering unobstructed access.

Further general accessibility information can be found through the CTA below; however, please let our team know so that we can make the best accommodations for your needs.

NEC Accessibility

No - as a speaker, we will take care of your registration. Please ensure, if we haven't already received it, that you send us your job title and organisation name as you'd like it to appear on your badge, and the best email address for you to be reached on for sharing logistical information.

Yes, absolutely. Colleagues can register for the Show on the main Schools & Academies Show website.

The event is free to attend for anyone working in the education or public sector.

Register Here

More information on planning the best route to the NEC can be found via the CTA below.

Plan Your Route

The closest parking to Hall 1 at the NEC is the North Car Parks, specifically North 1 and North 2, or the NEC Express Parking.

As a speaker, your parking is free. Please present your speaker badge on exit.

You can search for your name or session title on the left-hand side of the agenda page to see your session time.

Generally, the time of your session will be the time on your email invitation. However, session timings occasionally must be shifted slightly. The content team will inform you of any changes, but please check the website for the most up-to-date timings.

View Agenda

Simply download the GovNet App on your phone, logging in using the email address you were registered with. Unless otherwise agreed with the content team, this is the email address your speaker invitation was sent to.

You can then click My Badge to access your unique QR code, which is scanned on arrival to print your badge.

There will be a dedicated speaker registration desk on arrival, with staff on hand to help if you can't access your QR code for any reason.

After collecting your badge, staff at the speaker registration desk will direct you to check in to our dedicated Speaker Lounge, where you will be able to grab some refreshments, sit and catch up on emails, or meet fellow panellists and check presentation slides if relevant.

The content team will be based in the Speaker Lounge and will be able to answer any practical questions and direct you to your theatre as required.

We recommend you arrive at least 45 minutes prior to your session, and that you arrive at your theatre 15 minutes prior to your session for the AV team to mic you up.

You are, of course, welcome to spend the day at the Show should your diary allow. Please do not feel that your attendance is limited to the duration of your session. We very much hope that the wider content on the day is of benefit for you.

There is a cloakroom located at the entrance of Hall 1, to the left of the entrance for the show.