Alzheimer's Society Annual Conference 2024

Attend conference in person

Voluntary and Public Sector - £199 (early bird fee £149 if booked in January 2024)

Private Sector - £299 (early bird fee £249 if booked in January 2024)

Student - £70

People with dementia & carers - £70

Attend conference virtually

Voluntary and Public Sector - £99

Private Sector - £140

Student - £30

People with dementia & carers - £30

08.30am - 09.30am - Registration, exhibition and refreshments

09.30am - 09.45am - Welcome from our hosts, Trevor Salomon, Carer and Gina Airey, Living with dementia

09.45am - 10.00am - CEO Opening Address, Kate Lee, Chief Executive, Alzheimer's Society

10.00am - 10.40am - Getting diagnosis right for now and in the future

Why we need to future proof the diagnostic system now to ensure people can access the best innovations, support and treatments.

Chair: Prof Louise Robinson, Professor of Primary Care and Ageing. Regus Professor of Ageing, Newcastle University, Principal Investigator of PriDem

Speakers: Dr Charles Marshall, Clinical Senior Lecturer, Honorary Consultant Neurologist, Queen Mary University of London

Dr Paul Gilluley, Chief Medical Officer, North East London

Professor Paresh Malhotra, Professor of Clinical Neurology, Imperial College London

Dr Josie Jenkinson, Vice Chair, Faculty of Old Age Psychiatry, Royal College of Psychiatrists

10.40am - 11.00am - How personalised care and community services can help those affected by dementia.

James Sanderson, Director of Community Services and Personalised Care at NHS England, will explore how getting services right for people close to home through effective personalised care and community services will benefit those affected by dementia.

Speaker: James Sanderson, Director of Community Health Services, Community and Personalised Care, NHS England

11.00am - 11.30am - Refreshments, exhibition and networking

11.30am - 12.15pm - What do national strategies for dementia mean for local systems

In this session, National Dementia Leads will discuss current and future plans for national dementia strategies and how these could impact local systems.

Chair: Mark MacDonald, Associate Director of Advocacy and System Change, Alzheimer's Society

Speakers: Claire Murdoch CBE, National Mental Health Director, NHS England

Michela Morris, Mental Health Services Improvement Manager, Dementia and EIP Programme Lead, Improvement Cymru & NHS Wales Executive

12.15pm - 13.15pm - Choice of breakout sessions

13.15pm - 14.15pm - Lunch, exhibition and networking

14.15pm - 15.15pm - Choice of breakout sessions

15.15pm - 15.40pm - Refreshments, exhibition and networking

15.40pm - 16.25pm - Tackling inequalities in dementia diagnosis

Variation in diagnosis exists - clinically, culturally, and geographically. This session will explore how we manage the importance of diversity, reduce inequalities and ensure every person has equitable access to care and support.

Chair: Fiona Carragher, Director of Research and Influencing, Alzheimer's Society

Speakers: Michael Jackson, Programme Lead for Neurology and Dementia Intelligence, Department of Health and Social Care

Mike Parish, Former Carer

Prof Farooq Khan, Clinical Lead Dementia Midlands Clinical Network NHS England & Improvement Consultant Psychiatrist, Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Mohammed Akhlak Rauf MBE, Founder & Director, Meri Yaadain CiC

16.25pm - 16.45pm -  Keynote Speech

Speakers: John Suchet OBE and Nula Suchet, Alzheimer's Society Ambassadors

16:45pm - 16:55pm - The story of 'Our Dementia Choir' - Karen Bonser, Charity Manager, Our Dementia Choir and members of the Choir

16.55pm - 17.05pm - Closing remarks from our hosts, Trevor Salomon, Carer and Gina Airey, Living with dementia

17.05pm - 18.00pm - Drinks Reception - singing from Our dementia Choir

12.15pm - 13.15pm - Parallel Session 1

1. How systems can improve the quality of a dementia diagnosis

We need everyone with dementia to access a diagnosis but we also need to ensure these are of a quality standard. A session hearing about how different local systems are changing how we think about dementia diagnosis.

Chair: Jennifer Keen, Head of Policy, Alzheimer's Society

Speakers: Alison Skea, Dementia Lead Nurse Consultant,  Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust

Dr Kevin Tan, Dartford Gravesend and Swanley HCP Clinical Lead GP (Frailty and Dementia) and Mark Kitchingham, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Kent and Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust

Helen Pratt, Project Manager, Dementia United, Greater Manchester

Prof Farooq Khan, Clinical Lead Dementia Midlands Clinical Network NHS England & Improvement Consultant Psychiatrist, Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

2. How local dementia strategies can be developed to improve diagnosis and meet the needs of people affected by dementia

During this session we will hear examples of how dementia strategies have been developed in different areas. We will hear how Alzheimer’s Society can support the development of local dementia strategies and we will discuss the challenges faced and how these strategies can help systems to improve the lives of people affected by dementia.

Chair: Tim Baverstock, Head of Local Systems Influencing, Alzheimer's Society

Speakers: Sheila Fletcher, Commissioning Manager, Mental Health and Vulnerable Adults, Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership

Luke Pickering Jones, Dementia Lead, Betsi Cadwaladr, Wales

Steve Shelley-King, Gloucestershire ICB Dementia Clinical Lead, and Consultant Dementia Nurse

Bhupinder Kaur Bhogal, Project Manager – Frailty, NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board (ICB)

3. How to co-produce with people affected by dementia

A session led by people affected by dementia on co-creation; sharing tips, lessons learnt, importance of co-creation. How this could this be implemented in your local area.

Chair: Nigel Hullah, Chair of the 3 Nations Dementia Working group

Speakers: Marilyn William, Living with dementia

Paul Harvey, Lives with dementia and volunteers, Eamon Dobbyn, Living with dementia and Tim Little, Living with dementia

Chris Norris, Alzheimer's Society Ambassador & Kent Dementia Envoy

Michela Morris, Mental Health Services Improvement Manager, Dementia and EIP Programme Lead, Improvement Cymru & NHS Wales Executive

4. Emerging innovations in dementia diagnosis

This session will explore new emerging approaches to diagnosis from across the UK, and how they can positively change the future of diagnosis for people affected by dementia.

Chair: Lucy Devendra, Head of Research, Alzheimer's Society

Speakers: Professor Gail Hayward Clinical Director, NIHR Community Healthcare MedTech and IVD Cooperative

Dr Julie-Anne Little, Senior Lecturer in Optometry and Vision Science, University of Ulster

Dr Imre Lengyel, Reader, Queen’s University Belfast

Dr Ashton Harper, Head of Medical Affairs UK and Ireland, Roche Diagnostics

14.15pm - 15.15pm - Parallel Session 2

5. Living well - the importance of personalised, needs-led post-diagnostic support from local systems

A session exploring local examples of person-centred care and support services and the impact they have on people living with and affected by dementia.

Chair: Charlotte Carp, Programme Manager - National Ambitions Programme and Sally Tabbner, CEO, Dementia Support

Speakers: Heather Collin, Community Engagement Lead, Home Instead Flintshire and Wrexham

Ryan Tyler, Local Services Manager;  Becca Diba, Evaluation Officer and Priya Bhawaneedin, Dementia Advisor, Alzheimer's Society

6. Hope alongside diagnosis

A session led by people affected by dementia about life after a diagnosis. Including examples of the impact of involvement in enabling acceptance and growth of people with dementia after diagnosis.

Chair: Anita Goundry, Living with dementia

Speakers: Ian Deakin, Living with dementia

Patrick I J Ettenes, Lived Experience Advisor & Co-Founder of Bring Dementia Out

Chris Roberts,  Ambassador for Alzheimer’s Society & Co-Founder & Member of the 3 Nations Dementia Working Group

Hilary Doxford, Living with dementia, Member of the 3 Nations Dementia Working Group

Masood Ahmed Quresi, Living with dementia

Creative contributions from Martina Davies, Living with dementia, Member of 3 Nations Dementia Working Group, Julie Hayden Living with dementia, Member of 3 Nations Dementia Working Group and Keith Oliver Alzheimer's Society Ambassador

7. Innovation ideas workshop - A Rural Dilemma: Dementia Diagnosis in Non-Urban Environments

There is a significant inequality when it comes to dementia diagnosis in rural communities. Join Alzheimer Society's Innovation Team for an interactive session designed to come up with a solution!

In one hour, you will get the chance to analyse insights, identify a problem and create a solution - let's aim to change government policy and influence rural dementia diagnosis! 

8. Addressing the main barriers to diagnosis

In October 2022, Alzheimer's Society held three roundtables on dementia diagnosis across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, bringing together key stakeholders across the diagnostic pathway. This session will explore the consensus made on the foremost barriers to diagnosis and how Alzheimer's Society will influence national and local decision-makers to improve dementia care.

Chair: Jennifer Keen, Head of Policy, Alzheimer's Society

Speakers: Professor Dame Louise Robinson, Professor of Primary Care and Ageing. Regus Professor of Ageing, Newcastle University, Principal Investigator of PriDem

Dr Frances Duffy, Consultant Lead Clinical Psychologist, Psychology of Older People Service, Northern Health and Social Care Trust, NI

Dr Jen Roberts, Research Officer, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Bangor University

What is your Covid policy?

We will be holding this conference in person, however we will be working in line with the government guidance and restrictions at the time. We will continue to monitor and review the policies and procedures we have in place in accordance with government and public health guidance. We will continue to update our attendees to any changes or considerations if they need to be put in place.

What is the address?

The conference is being held at etc.venues, the address is:

155 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 3YD, United Kingdom

Who will be attending?

We will be inviting local leaders in dementia, local government and authorities, policy makers, professional bodies, health and social care professionals, government representatives, people with an association to dementia.

Is the conference available online/virtually?

Yes, early bird registration for attending the conference in person will open on Tuesday 2 January 2024. Registration for attending the conference virtually will also open on Tuesday 2 January 2024.

What is the difference between an in person vs online attendance?

In person attendees will receive lunch, post reception drinks and visits to our exhibition stands. 

Online attendees will be able to view and interact with sessions, and connect with our exhibitors on our conference app. 

When does the early bird rate apply?

There is a discount for those registering from Tuesday 2 January up to and including Wednesday 31 January.

Do you offer discounts for group bookings?

10 per cent discount for 3-4 people.
15 per cent discount for 5 people and above.
The discount will be automatically applied to your booking.

Do you offer student discounts?

Students receive a reduced rate if they are in full-time education. Students will be required to show a valid student card on arrival at the conference. 

Why are you charging people with dementia and carers?

At Alzheimer’s Society Annual Conference 2024 we will charge people affected by dementia a reduced registration fee of £70. Charging for people affected by dementia (PABD) is in line with key dementia conferences (ADI, Dementia Congress). The conference aims to influence key members of the health and social care and local and national government. The registration fee is designed to dissuade members of the general public not in the target audience from attending, in order to maintain achievement of these aims.

We have assigned the reduced fee of £70 to PABD as this will cover the basic costs associated with a delegate attending the conference. This is primarily the per person cost Alzheimer’s Society is liable to cover for each delegate.  Our Annual Conference takes place in London to ensure we can welcome members of national government and is such is a costly endeavour for the Society. We are required therefore to ensure we recoup costs in every way possible. Other income sources include sponsorship of the event, exhibition fees and ticket sales.

People with dementia will be able to bring a carer to the conference at no additional cost.

Which sector do I fall into?

Voluntary / Public sector - Third sector, charities, not-for-profits, small medium Enterprises, Community Interest Companies, NHS, Local Government, Central Government, Universities, Councils and other Public Sector Organisations

Private sector - Commercial and profit-making organisations.

Speaker Only – Please only select this option if you are confirmed to speak at the conference

How do I pay for my place at the conference?

When placing your booking you can either pay by credit or debit card (Visa and MasterCard only) via the booking system.

Can I pay by invoice?

You can pay by invoice, please email the conference team to find out more at [email protected] Please note an admin fee of £20 will be added to all invoices.

Can I pay by cheque?

This option is not available.

How and when do I receive my confirmation once I have registered?

You will receive an email confirmation once you have completed your registration. You will not be able to attend the conference unless payment is made.

Is there a deadline for payment?

Yes, the deadline for BACS transfer and invoice payments is 14 days before the conference date Wednesday 1st May.

Cancellation/Refunds

Cancellations received up to and including 15th April 2024 – full refund of registration fee

Cancellations received between 16th April –1st May 2024 – 50% refund of registration fee

Cancellations received after 1st May 2024 will not receive a refund.

Please note if you paid for the conference via our invoicing process, you will receive a refund of the registration fee as above, minus the administration fee of £20.

Can I amend my booking after completion?

Yes, use the link in your email to login to your booking. Click ‘Modify’ to amend your booking. You can submit payment, amend your session choices and change answers to the registration questions. The deadline for amending bookings is Wednesday 1st May.

I am a speaker at one of the sessions, can I bring someone else along free of charge to speak with me?

Unfortunately, only one place per speaker is complimentary.

I can’t attend, can I appoint a colleague to attend in my place?

Yes, use the link in your email to login to your booking. Click ‘Substitute Registrant’ and enter the details of the person who will attend in your place. The deadline for substitutions is Wednesday 1st May.

How do I book for sessions?

We will be using a booking system which will allow attendees to pre-book sessions at the conference. You will be asked to select your sessions when booking your place at the conference. 

Will I be able to get a copy of presentations?

The majority of conference sessions are recorded and recordings will be added to our conference app for viewing by delegates after the conference, they will be available to view up to one month after the conference.

Can I see a delegate list before the event?

No, delegate lists will not be available. We will include delegate information on our conference App that delegates have chosen to share only. 

Can I see a list of exhibitors attending the conference?

Once our exhibitors are confirmed they will be detailed on our conference webpage and App.

Can I exhibit and/or sponsor at the conference?

For all exhibition enquiries and opportunities please contact [email protected]. 

Can I submit an Abstract or Poster?

For the 2024 Conference we're not accepting any abstracts or posters.

I have hearing problems, can you help?

Please ensure you indicate your requirements when registering for the event and we will accommodate these on the day.

Is there a dress code for the conference?

The dress code for the conference will be smart/casual.

What are the start and finish times of the event?

The conference will start at 8.30am for registration, exhibition and refreshments. The conference will close at 5pm, there will be a drinks reception at this time to end the day.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch and refreshments will be served at the appropriate times. 

Can I request a Kosher meal?

We can only provide a Kosher meal if it's requested up to 2 weeks before the conference, this is due to the time it takes to order in a meal.

Will there be a quiet room during the conference?

Yes, there will be a quiet room to use which will be clearly signposted. Delegates will be advised the location of the quiet room on arrival at the conference.

Will there be a space for me to breastfeed during the conference?

Yes, there will be a quiet room for you to use. Please let us know when you arrive at the conference so we can direct you to the room.

Will there be a space for me to pray during the conference?

Yes, there will be a quiet room for you to use. Please let us know when you arrive at the conference so we can direct you to the room.

Is Wi-fi available at the conference?

Yes, you will be given the wi-fi network and access password on arrival. 

Will there be wheelchair access?

Yes, there is wheelchair access and a lift available to all floors. 

Will there be parking available?

The venue has no parking available on site.

Do you accept Guide Dogs?

Yes, the venue accepts guide dogs.