Manchester Central Convention Complex, Petersfield, M2 3GX

Website

Please note that all attendees will be subject to security checks, and may be subject to bag checks on arrival.

All conference sessions, Sunday workshops, the networking buffet, Exhibition and Posters will take place here. (Conference dinner at a separate location, see below for more information)

We are using Swapcard as the Event App. You will receive a “magic link” by email to access this. Please download the Swapcard app and log in to:

• View the programme
• Select breakout sessions
• Create your schedule
• Network with other attendees
• View the floor plan

Please select your sessions and build your schedule as soon as possible, this helps us allocate the right room sizes and ensures the best experience for all delegates.

Note: Sunday Workshops and the Conference Dinner cannot be booked through the app.

Download from App Store

Download from Google

Visit Swapcard Website to get App

User Guide

If registered and booked for Sunday:

• Workshop Starts: 18:00 in the Auditorium, Exchange Upper Foyer
• Networking Buffet: 20:00 in the Exchange Hall, Exchange Upper Foyer
• Finish Time: 22:00
  A cash bar will be available.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

So that delegates can hear the experiences of psychological safety from diverse perspectives, we would love to invite a delegate who is neurodiverse to join the panel discussion on Sunday evening. If you feel you might like to join the panel discussion on stage, with Tom Geraghty and others from across the UK R&D system to share your experience of psychological safety, please get in touch with us via email to explore further.

Please note: The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run takes place on Sunday 18th May. This will involve road closures in and around Manchester City Centre from approximately 07:30 to 16:00. Vehicle access to Manchester Central will not be permitted during these times, and may also affect travel to your hotel. Please consider this when making your travel plans.

Stay up to date with road closure details on the Manchester City Council Site.

All registration will take place in the Exchange Upper Foyer. Please enter via the Exchange Lower Floor entrance on Windmill Street, located at the far-right of the building (as viewed from the front). Then take the lift or escalator to the Upper Foyer, where you’ll find the registration desk.

• Sunday for Exhibitors: 13:00 – 16:00 (for stand setup)
• Sunday for Delegates: 16:00 – 20:00
• Monday & Tuesday: From 08:00

If registered and booked for the dinner on Monday, you’re in for a special evening. The Conference Dinner will take place in the beautiful and historic Manchester Cathedral, a truly unique setting to celebrate the vital work of those in R&D, research, and healthcare.

Details:

• Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street, Manchester, M3 1SX
• Plan your visit
• 19:30 – Doors open, welcome drink, and take your seats
• 19:45 – Dinner service begins
• 00:00 – Event ends

The Cathedral is within walking distance of all hotels, but you may wish to book a taxi or use local transport, see the link above for details.

Special Requirements

Please review your special diet/access needs. If updates are needed, submit them via the Change Notification Form above.

• Vegetarian options are provided as standard
• Allergies/intolerances: speak to an F&B team member
• Only delegates who pre-notified us of dietary requirements will be catered for
• Conference Dinner: For any special dietary requirements, a name card will be provided (collect one at the dinner entrance and place by your plate).

Explore Our Biggest Poster Showcase Yet

This year, we’re excited to feature a dedicated page on the conference website where you can preview the titles and organisations behind nearly 150 posters, our highest number to date.

Get a head start before the event by browsing the full list, and make note of the ones you’d like to explore during the conference. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with authors, discover new insights, and spark conversations across the R&D, research, and healthcare community and don’t forget you will have the opportunity to vote for “Best Poster Award: Delegate Choice” at the conference via the event app.

Browse all posters on display at RDF25 here.

Badges & Dress Code

Please wear your name badge at all times.

• Sunday Evening: Smart/Casual
• Monday/Tuesday: Smart/Business Casual
• Conference Dinner: Smart/Business Casual (Black Tie optional)
  Badges are not required once inside the Cathedral for dinner but must be presented upon arrival due to security at the door.

We will be using Slido for polls and Q&A.
Event Code: #RDF25
Access Slido | Available via app or mobile browser

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout all conference areas

• Contact event organisers: 07881026549