You are invited to join us for the first truly hybrid IIMS Annual Conference on 6-7 June 2023. The last face-to-face IIMS Annual Conference took place way back in 2019. With the pandemic receding, IIMS has decided it is long overdue and plans to test the Conference waters again. So, the Institute is delighted to announce the 2023 Annual Conference, AGM and Dinner which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 June.
All are welcome and encouraged to participate in the event, either face-to-face or by Zoom as an online only delegate. You do not need to be an IIMS member to take part.
Traditionally the Annual Conference has been held at a central London location. But this year, we have chosen a conference venue adjacent to hotel accommodation near Southampton, not far from the airport, motorway and main railway links – just a 90-minute train ride from the capital. Why Southampton? London has become far too expensive since our last event there. For example, a modest hotel room can cost £300 plus per night and conference dinner (with wine) well over £100 per person. In these challenging times for many, this is simply not affordable for members.
Our main aim is to make the 2023 Annual Conference affordable and accessible for those wishing to attend, both for those who come in person and those who join our online community too.
The meeting venue
The Conference venue is the Axis Conference Centre (pictured above), which is owned by the University of Southampton and located at the Science Park. The centre is fitted with all the latest IT infrastructure meaning we can offer an excellent online experience. There is plentiful free car parking too for those who wish to drive.
The hotel accommodation
Less than two minutes’ walk away is Chilworth Manor Hotel set amongst 12 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. This charming Edwardian manor house hotel is a wonderful retreat in idyllic surroundings yet is within easy reach of the city centre. As well as offering excellent accommodation the hotel also boasts a state-of-the-art health club and spa.
Although we have ideas for some great speakers and presenters to entertain and inform you, we are still in the planning phase. The provisional programme is as follows:
Tuesday 6 June 2023
Conference Dinner at Chilworth Manor.
Pre-dinner drinks will be served on the patio from 18.45 (weather permitting) after which guests will sit down at 19.30 for a three-course meal with wine followed by a speech by a guest of honour.
The cost of dinner is £60 per person.
Bed and breakfast room rate (at own cost) is approximately £135 per night – double occupancy.
Wednesday 7 June 2023
08.30 Annual General Meeting
10.30 Coffee and Tea break
11.00 A plenary session will be held featuring two speakers (approx. 45 minutes each) whose essential content will have relevance to both yacht and small craft as well as commercial ship marine surveyors.
12.45 Lunch Interval
13.30 After lunch the main conference room will be split into two areas. Yacht and small craft surveyors will be able to take advantage of four presentations. In the other space, commercial ship surveyors will also benefit from four presentations. All presentations will be streamed live for online delegates (or to watch on catch-up by video).
16.00 Conference closes.
There is no cost for attending the AGM.
In-person delegate cost
For those joining the event face-to-face, the cost is £120 which includes a buffet lunch and refreshments throughout the day.
Online delegate cost
For those joining the event as an online delegate (and for those who wish to purchase the video content for later viewing), the cost is just £90.
At this stage, we are not asking you to make a booking but would request that you complete the simple online form to give us your views and express your interest in attending this event either face-to-face or as an online delegate.
