FAQ's - Tech Storm

Q: Who can I ask about accessibility in Exeter? 

For information about Exeter’s accessibility, including public transport, please visit our website which provides some useful information. 

Q: Can I park at the Met Office?  

Parking is very limited at the Met Office HQ so please try to take public transport where possible. Our website will provide you with more details of how to get here and what transport is available. If you would like to reserve a parking space at the Met Office, please contact us at [email protected] with your details and we will confirm availability.  

Disabled parking is also available in the Met Office grounds, if you require a space and would like to reserve one please contact us at [email protected] with your details.  

Q: Arriving at the Met Office, where do I go?  

On arrival please follow signs for parking and then reception where you should go to check in. Entry and exit of the Met Office building should always be via this route.   

You will be given an event pass when you arrive at reception. Please ensure you wear this at all times for security purposes, and in case of an emergency.  

Q: Why do I need to bring photo ID?  

We have a strict security policy which requires you to bring up-to-date photo ID so that we know ‘you are who you say you are’. A passport or UK driving licence are acceptable forms of ID. Student cards, work ID, or citizenship cards are not accepted.  

It’s nothing personal, we ask this of all our visitors. If you do not bring your ID it could result in you being refused entry so please don’t forget this part!  

Q: Can anyone assist me during the conference? 

The Event Crew will be available to assist all attendees with navigation, meal service, or any other accessibility needs.  

Attendees who require personal care assistance should bring their own assistant. Companions are required to register for the conference as unfortunately there are limited spaces available.  

Q: What is the conference space like? 

Our conference room is a large space, set out in a theatre style seating 200 people. There are three entry and exit points and rest room facilities just outside.  

The conference events will be held on the ground floor in ‘The Street’, and the second floor in the conference room. The second floor can be accessed via the stairs or the elevator.  

Lunches will be provided on the first and second floor balcony’s, just outside the conference room where you will have an impressive view of inside the Met Office HQ.  

We do have a very shallow stream running through ‘The Street’ on the ground floor. It is a lovely feature that we have but please familiarise yourself where it is for safety purposes!  

Q: Will the conference be accessible by wheelchair or power scooter? 

Yes, the conference will be accessible to wheelchair users. The entire building has been designed to accommodate wheelchair users.  

There will be no offsite events. 

Q: What are the restroom facilities like? 

All restrooms have wheelchair accessible stall and grab bars.  

Q: What are the arrangements for presenters with accessibility needs? 

There is an access ramp to the main raised stage. If you would like assistance with operating slides, or have other accessibility requests please contact [email protected].  

Q: Can I bring my guide dog? 

Yes, Guide dogs and other service animals are welcome at the Met Office HQ. Please contact us at [email protected] if you anticipate bringing a service animal to the conference. Pet bowls will be available upon request. 

Q: Can I attend the conference by robot? 

We are sorry but we will not be able to accommodate remote attendance by robot. 

Q: How much walking or standing will be needed? 

The conference and all other events are within the building with short walking distance. There are no steps/stairs between rooms on the same floor. There are elevators and stairways to get to other floors in the building. There are accessible restrooms on all floors of the building. All meeting rooms are equipped with chairs and are wheelchair accessible. Please contact us at [email protected] if you have further questions or special requests. 

Q: Will there be an induction loop in the meeting rooms? 

Yes, the conference room and ‘The Street’ will be fitted with an induction loop.  

Q: What food service will be provided? 

The conference will provide lunch and regular refreshments. All meals and snacks will be labelled. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate these clearly on your registration form and contact us at [email protected].  

Q: Can the conference accommodate special dietary needs? 

Yes. Attendees who indicate special dietary requirements on their registration form will be provided with special meals when the conference catering does not accommodate them. If you have a severe allergy, please indicate this clearly on your registration form. For more detailed information or questions please contact us at [email protected].  

Q: What if there is a fire alarm? 

There is no fire alarm test due on the event day, so if a fire alarm sounds it should be treated as a real incident and you should follow the instruction given by the automated Voice Alarm System (VAS). This will either advise you to stay where you are (this means you are in a safe area) or to evacuate the building immediately and calmly.  

Fire exits are clearly sign posted but the Event Team will be there to assist a safe evacuation in the event this happens. 

If you have any concerns or require a personal emergency evacuation plan, please contact us at [email protected].  

Q: Where can I put my belongings? 

Space for storing your baggage will be available but the space is limited so please keep what you bring to a minimum. We cannot accept any responsibility for lost/stolen items so anything left will be at your own risk.  

Please note: bag searches may be undertaken for security purposes.  

Q: Can I take my own videos or photos?  

We politely ask that you do not take videos or photos during your time at the Met Office HQ. We are going to film the event and videos will be available after the conference on our website.  

Q: Will the conference be a smoke-free environment? 

Yes the building is a smoke free environment. Smoking areas are designated outside of the building.  

Q: What if I have a medical emergency or health problem during the conference? 

In an emergency call 999 for an ambulance and immediately advise one of the Event Crew members as they will need to notify the duty Security staff to facilitate access to site for the emergency services. The Royal Devon and Exeter hospital is 2.4 miles away. If you require non-urgent medical care on the day, please speak to one of the Event Crew members and they will either provide a First Aider or escort you to the first aid room on site.  

If you have any illnesses or health conditions that you need to make us aware of, please contact us at [email protected]. All information will be handled in confidence.