We try to ensure the information is correct however things may change closer to or during the event and if this happens we ask you to bear with us. Confirmed stands will be told final timings and event-specific information when possible.

1. Event dates

27th - 30th August 2027

2. Event timetable (tbc)

This may vary slightly. Final details will be available the month before the event in the Confirmation Pack.

Thursday - Arrival and set up from 12pm

• We are not able to allow you in until our preparation work has been completed and it is safe to do so. Please do not try to arrive early as it may delay our set-up and subsequently hold up the process for everyone. 

Friday - Arrival and set up from 8am, Open from 11:30 - 6:15pm and 8:30pm - 10pm

• Wherever possible, stands should be set up by 11:30am.

Saturday  & Sunday - Open 8:30am - 9:45am, 11:30am - 6:15pm and 8:30pm - 10pm

• We ask that your stand is open and staffed during the afternoon and evening opening times. 

• Staffing your stand during the morning slot is entirely optional. If you choose not to be at your stand, please ensure you leave a sign letting delegates know, as they will be free to walk around and browse the Marketplace.

Monday - Open 8:30am - 9:45am, 11:30am - 6:15pm, pack-down from 6:15pm

• Pack-down will begin from 6:15pm (once delegates have left the Marketplace area).
• The Marketplace must be cleared by 10am Tuesday (at the very latest).
• Exhibitors and Traders are responsible for the removal of all materials from their allocated space and must leave it in good order and clear of all rubbish.
• We cannot store any items overnight or in any other venues for later collection.

3. Marketplace details – need to know

Location - The EXO Centre
The Marketplace is in the EXO Centre. This large, covered. It is also home to the Awaken Merch Stand, Information point, Marketplace Cafe, Site Shop and Partner Stands. 

Your space
Your space will be marked out on arrival and your stand and all activities must be contained within it. 

Stands are responsible for providing all tables, chairs, cloths, backdrops and display boards etc all of which must be of professional standard (we have limited Tables avaiable to hire if required). When planning your stand we suggest your backdrop and side panels (if you use them) are no higher than 3m.

Power supply & electrical equipment
The power supply if you choose to hire it is a double 13-amp socket. All electrical equipment or applications over a year old which you propose to use should have had an EET test (formerly PAT test) within the past 12 months.

Awaken offer free Wi-Fi which is sufficient for basic internet, emails, general browsing and social media. The Exhibitor Wifi is sufficient for Card Machines, but may be slower during busy periods in the Marketplace.

We advise you to take any valuable items away from your stand when the exhibition is closed. We cannot guarantee the security of any stock or equipment left on your stand. Please ensure you have the correct insurance cover in place.  We cannot provide any storage facilities for stands- you will need to store any equipment or boxes in your vehicles.

Activities
In keeping with our aim to reduce waste, the distribution of literature must be kept to a minimum and offered sensitively and in response to a meaningful conversation. Please do not place stickers, posters, leaflets or notices anywhere other than on your stand unless you have made a prior arrangement with us to do so.

We do not accept applications from booksellers. If you are primarily or exclusively promoting or selling books please contact us at - https://awakenevent.uk/contact to introduce yourself and ask we will ask if our Bookshop would consider including your books on the Stand.

Please keep noise to a reasonable level and always have consideration for guests and other exhibitors. If there are any issues with noise levels, please speak to the Marketplace Team Leader.

Safety
To ensure everyone's safety, and comfort, all rubbish, including boxes, should be disposed of and should not be stored on or behind your stand and all gangways must be kept clear. 

Do not use any type of portable heating appliance, including fan heaters.

4. Your team

Team accommodation
You will need to make your own arrangements for your team while they are at Awaken, your booking does not include accommodation. You can book a Camping Pitch or Single occupancy onsite residenital room (Subject to Availability) via the application form.

Event passes (wristbands)
All team members should wear an event wristband while at Awaken. The wristband gives access to the and we reserve the right to ask any individual unable to produce a wristband to leave the event.

We will provide you two wristbands after you arrive which may be used by your team. Wristbands may be shared by part-time team members if you do not have the same team for the whole week. If you need more passes for your team you can request these on the application form.

Name badge
All team members should wear their organisations name badges when on the stand. 

Team welfare
You should brief your team in advance so they understand what you hope to achieve. Your team should also understand your Risk Assessment.

Your Team Leader/Main Site Contact will be our point of contact for your stand and team at the event. They should take care of themselves and their team while they are at Awaken and should pass on relevant information to the rest of the team.

Your stand must be free from hazards such as trip hazards and you should comply with the Risk Assessment you completed in advance. No one should stand on tables, climb on chairs or lift anything heavier than they can manage.

Enjoying the programme
Your team are welcome into the programme and we hope they get a chance to enjoy some of it. The Marketplace will be closed during all Big Top Sessions.

Event details
The full programme will be available online about two weeks before the start of the event.

We look forward to working with you.