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Venue and Local Information

 

This year’s conference will be taking place at the prestigious Royal Geographical Society, a central London location with a longstanding history yet modern feel. Next door to the Albert Hall, a few steps from Kensington Gardens and a stone’s throw from the major national London Museums, the RGS is the perfect location for Icon24.

Our main programme will be delivered in the impressive state-of-the-art Ondaatje Lecture Theatre with sponsor and exhibitors displays and catering taking place across the Main Hall, the original reception room to Lowther Lodge, built by William Lowther in 1874 and designed by the famous architect Norman Shaw, and modern light filled Education Centre.

The Summer evening drinks reception will be hosted in the Education Centre spilling out onto the outside garden terrace.

For further details about the Royal Geographical Society please see their website: https://www.rgs.org/
 

Accommodation

The Royal Geographical Society is a short walk from Kensington High Street and near to accommodation to suit all budgets. 

There are many hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts and self-catering accommodations within walking distance of the venue. Attendees are also encouraged to look at public transport links to accommodation further away.

Useful search engines for accommodation:

Visit London
Youth Hostel Association

Accommodation within walking distance (25 minutes):

Price range: £80-£250

  • easyHotel South Kensington
  • Cromwell International Hotel
  • Chelsea Cloisters
  • The Ashburn Hotel
  • Eden Plaza Hotel
  • Ibis Style Kensington
  • Montana Hotel

Accommodation with direct public transport:

Price range: £100-£200

  • Travelodge Fulham
  • Travelodge Manor House
  • Travelodge Wood Green
  • Premier Inn Hammersmith
  • Premier Inn Kensington Olympia
  • Ibis Earl’s Court
  • Ibis Hammersmith/Shepherd’s Bush

How to get there

How do I get to the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)?

The venue is located on the intersection of Exhibition Road and Kensington Gore. We would highly recommend travelling by public transport - the nearest underground stations are South Kensington (Piccadilly, District and Circle lines) and Knightsbridge (Piccadilly line) which are both approximately a 10-15 minute walk. There is also a bus stop outside the Royal Albert Hall which is served by the following bus routes: 9, 23, 52 and 452. The address is: 1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR.

Which entrance do I use?

There are two entrances to the Royal Geographical Society. For Icon 24 please go to the entrance on Exhibition Road.

Is there Blue Badge parking available? Does the venue have a car park?

There is limited parking available at the venue which will be allocated on request. There is also blue badge parking available in the nearby area. For further details about this please see: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/disabled-parking/where-you-can-park-disabled-badge.

 

Accessibility

We are committed to making the Icon Conference 2024 as accessible as we can to all delegates, in person and online. Delegates who indicate accessibility requirements upon registration will be contacted in the run up to the event.

 

On-site accessibility at the Royal Geographical Society

Access to the venue via Exhibition Road and Kensington Gore entrances are both wheelchair accessible. There are two spaces in the main Ondaatje Theatre for wheelchair users, but additional spaces can be provided. A ramp can be provided for speakers to access the stage. There are a set of steps on the ground floor of the venue (connecting the Theatre to the ambulatory), but a stair lift is available for wheelchair users.

There is a hearing loop installed in the Ondaatje Theatre and the Education Centre. Should you need to use it we can advise on where the signal is strongest.

Accessible toilets are available on the ground and first floors (via the lift).

Assistance dogs are welcome in the building.

Presentations and the Icon 24 conference brochure can be provided in a large print format on request.

We will be providing a dedicated room to give attendees the opportunity to take a break if they feel overwhelmed. Within the Royal Geographical Society building, the Map Room can be used can be used as quiet spaces during the main conference sessions. During breaks alternative rooms are available and will be signposted on the day.

If you have any other access requirements please contact us on [email protected] and we will endeavour to support your attendance at Icon24.

 

Online platform provider

Online attendees will be able to access sessions via Zoom. Links to the individual sessions and details of accessible features will be sent out no later than 48 hours before the event. If you need help or support accessing the platform please contact [email protected].

 

Sustainability

The Royal Geographical Society recognises the need for both ambition and accountability in its approach to, and performance on, the range of sustainability and environmental change issues. To read more their latest report please see: https://www.rgs.org/about-us/our-work/sustainability/sustainability-reports