LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION Information Booklet Platinum Sponsor: Gold Sponsors: Silver Sponsors: Bronze Sponsors:
Welcome! We are pleased to invite you to Birmingham for the 2017 LASA Annual Conference. We have put together an exciting scientific programme for delegates and have retained the day registration discount of 50 for attendance by two delegates from the same Institution which we hope will allow more day delegates to join us. This year we have retained the session for Establishment Licence Holders, which was successfully piloted at last year s meeting in London. We have put together a varied scientific programme from our different specialist sections covering topics on better regulation, work outside of ASPA, monitoring animal welfare, assessing skills and our 3Rs presenters, kindly sponsored by AS-ET (Animals in Science Education Trust). The venue has excellent and spacious facilities for our trade colleagues providing opportunity for delegates to view all that is new and exciting from our many commercial supporters. Without the support of our trade colleagues the Annual Conference would not be possible, so we hope you will all take the opportunity to spend some time exploring the trade stands and meet with their representatives. We are confident that you will find ideas and information which will further enhance the welfare, care and use of animals within your establishments. In addition to the scientific programme, delegates have the chance to view a range of poster presentations kindly sponsored by Envigo. If you have any ideas or thoughts about the meeting, please speak to Stuart Lamming from the LASA Secretariat. We are always happy to hear new ideas and topics you might like to see at future meetings. The support given to LASA by Stuart and colleagues from Agenda continues to grow each year and they have been invaluable in putting together the organisation of this meeting. David Anderson, President Caroline Chadwick, Chair of Scientific Programme 2
Key Dates Early booking discount deadline 6 th October 2017 Posters abstract deadline 20 th October 2017 Registration deadline 20 th November 2017 Bursary Applications deadline 4 th September 2017 Conference dates 28 th November 30 th November 2017 Programme Key Notes Social Programme On Tuesday evening there will be a Trade Reception with wine, which will be followed by a buffet dinner, providing an opportunity to catch up with colleagues. On Wednesday, a wine reception will precede the Gala Dinner, at which there will be the presentation of awards and prizes, followed by live entertainment. Poster Exhibition Throughout the meeting there will be a poster exhibition open to all contributions relevant to LASA s aims. Prizes will be awarded to the best original poster and the best poster from a new presenter. Details are included in the Call for Posters insert. Registration & Accommodation All delegates must pay the relevant registration fee. Please note there is a reduction in this fee if booked and paid for before 6 th October 2017. Accommodation will be allocated on a single occupancy basis. There are a limited number of twin-bedded rooms available at a slightly lower cost per person. All bookings for accommodation at the venue for this event must go through LASA Secretariat. Residential booking Residential packages may be booked for one or two nights; please refer to the booking form. Residential rates cover registration, accommodation, all meals and refreshment breaks. Day delegates Pre-booking is required. Day delegate fees cover registration, refreshment breaks and lunch on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Dinner on Tuesday and Wednesday is not included for day delegates. A 50 discount may be applied when two delegates from the same establishment book day attendance. 3
Venue & Travel information We would advise early booking as all delegates will be accommodated at the conference venue. Group Check-in will be available at the hotel reception from 15:00. WIFI is complimentary up to 128 kb/s speed up to 200 Mb download. Parking is available at the hotel and is chargeable. If you have questions or particular requirements about transport or the accommodation, please contact the Secretariat who will do their best to answer your questions without compromising security. Bursaries LASA has a generous bursary fund which may be able to support first-time attenders at the meeting. The cut-off date for bursary applications for this meeting is 4 th September 2017. Please see the LASA website for details and application forms. Safety and Security LASA aim to ensure minimum disruption and maximum safety and security for delegates, therefore we appreciate your co-operation with the following: Joining instructions will not be sent out until closer to the event date Limited details of venue and speakers will be circulated prior to the meeting No delegates will be allowed to register at the meeting 4
Terms & Conditions Booking Conditions Delegates can only be registered by completing the appropriate form(s). A method of payment must accompany the booking form, otherwise booking will not be confirmed. Further forms can be obtained from the Secretariat or the website. Telephone bookings and reservations will not be accepted. All payments must be made before the first day of the conference. Late bookings must be paid in full by credit/debit card. The meeting is open to members of LASA and non-members. No contact with the venue will be made by any delegate. All contact must go through LASA Secretariat (except where authorised by LASA Secretariat). Cancellation Policy All cancellations must be received in writing. There is no penalty for cancellation before 15 th September 2017. All fees will be refunded. Cancellation after 15 th September 2017 and on or before 20 th October 2017 will incur a cancellation charge of 50% of the total cost. After 20 th October 2017, no requests for refunds will be accepted and any outstanding remittance must be paid. Bona fide substitute delegates may be accepted in exceptional circumstances. In the event of the whole meeting being cancelled by LASA, full refunds will be issued. In the event of extreme weather conditions, natural disasters or acts of God where LASA cannot be held liable, there will be no refunds issued. Booking confirmation is sent out on receipt of application. Details of the venue will be sent, together with the joining instructions, in early November. Fully itemised VAT invoices will be issued. All communication must be made through the LASA Secretariat. LASA, PO Box 524, Hull, HU9 9HE. Telephone: 08456 711956 Int l Telephone: +44 1964 670942 Fax: 08456 711957 Int l Fax: +44 1964 671405 e-mail: info@lasa.co.uk 5