Getting to the Conference
You can find full instructions for travelling to the venue by road and rail on the venue website. Use the link above for directions to the Studio.
We also have a short walking video showing the route from Birmingham New Street station to the Studio. The walk takes around 5 minutes.
If you’re flying to the UK, you can take a train to Birmingham New Street and then follow the directions above.
Travel times by train
- Birmingham International: 20 minutes
- London Euston: 90 minutes
- Manchester: 70 minutes
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT "STUDIO"
There is another venue with a very similar name, so please check that you have the right Studio when using your phone or maps app.
Our venue is The Studio, B2 5EP.
One photographer’s studio with a similar name is around a 30-minute walk from the conference venue, so please double-check before you set off.
Use the postcode B2 5EP to make sure you’re heading to the right place.
HOTELS AND ACCOMODATION
Book a room with your conference ticket
For an easy option, you can book one of our pre-reserved rooms at Staybridge Suites, just a 5-minute walk from the venue.
Other nearby hotels:
Here are some hotels that people have used for past IAF England and Wales conferences:
Other accommodation options
If you’re travelling with friends or colleagues, you could also consider booking an Airbnb together. Small groups have used this option for past conferences.
Some Airbnb options may be a little farther from the city centre, but staying close to a tram or Metro stop can make getting to the venue easier.
You can also enter the venue postcode B2 5EP into your favourite accommodation booking site to explore other options nearby.
GETTING AROUND BIRMINGHAM
BIRMINGHAM METRO
Birmingham’s Metro is a newer tram system with an East-West line that can be useful for getting around the city. It also gives you more accommodation options if you’re looking for somewhere outside the city centre.
The Metro is fast and easy to use, with a stop just a 2-minute walk from the venue: Grand Central - New Street, Zone 1
You can pay for your journey by contactless card or use the Metro app.
TAXIS
Taxis can be a more expensive option for longer journeys, but they can be useful for shorter trips, especially if you’re travelling in a group of 2–4 people.
Official city taxis are blue and accept both card payments and cash.
Uber also operates in Birmingham.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL AND VISAS
If you need a visa to enter the UK, you may need to show that you are attending the conference.
The documents you need can vary depending on your country and visa application. Please check the latest UK visa requirements for your situation.
If you need a letter confirming that you are attending the conference, please email the IAF England and Wales Chair, Paul Brand, at chair@iaf-ew.co.uk.
Please include:
- Your full name
- Your full postal address, either work or home
- A short sentence explaining why you would like to attend the conference
Paul will prepare a standard invitation letter confirming that you have a conference ticket and including the information you provide.
Please allow at least 1 week for your letter to be prepared.