Hotels
MICE Concierge have negotiated special rates for delegates. By staying in one of the accredited hotels, you will be with other attendees, and will therefore be able to network/socialise more to get the most out of the event.
To view all exclusive rates and to book online, please click below:
SOA25 Congress Exclusive Accommodation Rates
Alternatively, if you would like to reach out to MICE Concierge Ltd directly, please feel free to contact Danielle Reid on +44 (0) 1438 908770 or email kay.bowers@miceconcierge.com and a member of the team will be happy to assist.
Travelling to SOA
It’s important to us to give you all the tools you need to ensure your travel to SOA25 is as environmentally friendly as possible.
With many options available it can be difficult to find the most sustainable travel options. To help you with your choice RouteZero use your starting point and destination information to provide all your travel options and details of their carbon costs. You can book your travel directly via the platform, or use the information to make your booking elsewhere.
To plan your journey to Birmingham with RouteZero, and to make the most sustainable travel choice, simply use the button below and enter your travel information.
By Car
If you’re driving to the ICC, you’ll have no problems finding us as Birmingham is at the heart of the UK’s motorway networks, close to the M6, M5 and M42. And when you get here, you’ll find parking’s a walk in the park thanks to the thousands of spaces near to our venue. Our closest spaces are at our sister venue Utilita Arena Birmingham (King Edward’s Road, B1 2AA). Mobile payments can be made upon arrival at the Arena car park via www.parkjockey.com/pay, quoting location code 5020.
Visitors arriving by car will need to be aware of Birmingham's Clean Air Zone. The ICC and associated visitor car parks are located within this area. Daily charges apply to vehicles entering the zone which do not comply with the zone's criteria. For further information, and to check if your car is Clean Air Zone compliant, please click here.
By Train
If you’re jumping on the train you’ll find three stations to choose from, all in the city centre, and all just a short walk from the ICC with New Street Station the closest.
There is also a tram network that connects Birmingham to Wolverhampton, which stops at Centenary Square, just outside the ICC.
On Foot
With a wealth of landmarks to view along the way including the impressive Library of Birmingham, walking to the ICC from the city centre offers the most scenic route to the venue. From New Street head up to Victoria Square and follow the signs to Centenary Square, the ICC and Utilita Arena Birmingham. Enter Centenary Square and walk straight towards the ICC, passing the stunning Library of Birmingham and Rep Theatre on your right.
By Air
Joining us by plane? No problem, Birmingham Airport is the only UK airport with a train station connected to the terminal, which means it takes just a ten-minute train ride to get into Birmingham New Street. If you’d prefer to jump in a taxi, you’ll find a rank directly outside the airport.
Bike
In Birmingham you will find traffic free cycling routes, including canal towpaths, on road cycle lanes and signed routes on quieter roads.
More confident cyclists may also choose to cycle on larger roads, mixing with faster moving traffic.
You can cycle in Birmingham using the recognised cycling routes, and any suitably marked dual-use footway. Many of these will be served by West Midlands Cycle Hire docking stations where you can hire a bike to use on your journey.
Have a look at the map of docking stations to find the nearest one close to where you want to go.
An open source map and journey planner is available from CycleStreets. This useful tool shows cycle parking, cycle shops and other places of interest.
Travelling around Birmingham
Getting around Birmingham and the region is easy thanks to the fantastic public transport network, including buses, trams and trains. Despite being such a well-connected city, walking or cycling around Birmingham is often just as popular, as there are plenty of things to see and enjoy.
Birmingham is brilliant for buses and tremendous for trains and trams. There’s a huge network linking everyone to everything. You can easily plan your journey around Birmingham and the West Midlands and buy tickets at TfWM.
Buses
Transport for West Midlands has online timetables and fare information, with easy ticket buying and route planning. Alternatively, call 0871 200 22 33 for timetable information (calls from landlines and mobiles cost 12p per minute; your phone company may add its own access charge but it will tell you about this).
More and more local buses have facilities such as low floors for easy access for wheelchair users and pushchairs. Birmingham buses can’t be hailed to be stopped; passengers wishing to board or leave a bus should do so at an official bus stop.
Visit Transport for West Midlands for more bus information
Tram - West Midlands Metro
Birmingham's modern tram system, the West Midlands Metro, is a convenient and efficient way for visitors to explore our amazing city with ease.
The tram lines connect key areas around Birmingham, including the city centre and Jewellery Quarter, and extend out to connect to Wolverhampton. You can hop on by the iconic Library of Birmingham and hop off at Wolverhampton train station!
The trams use a zone-based ticketing system that gives visitors more flexibility in their travel plans. You can buy single journey tickets, or day passes for unlimited travel within specific zones for a day, a week or more.
The tram system not only ensures swift travel but also offers a unique perspective of the city and surrounding areas, allowing visitors to absorb its vibrant atmosphere while seamlessly connecting them to the best Birmingham has to offer.
For more information or to buy your tickets, visit West Midlands Metro.