Location
By Car
From the M2 Motorway, exit the motorway at junction (5) signposted Maidstone A249. The Kent Showground is approximately 5 miles.
By Bus
There is a limited bus service to the showground – Arriva route 333 | www.arrivabus.co.uk
Our advice would be to access the showground by car.
By Rail
The nearest train station is Maidstone East. Ashford International is a 35 minute drive away (20.7 miles).
By Taxi
Streamline 01622 750000
Sapphire Cabs 01622 663000
Angels Express 01622 201020
- Venue is easily accessible by private transport
- The venue has amble parking and disabled spaces are available on request – please note that general parking may be on the grassy areas so we do require 7 days notice to reserve a space on hardstanding near the event entrance
- Stair Lifts, ramps where required
- Access to nearby toilets and specific disabled toilets.
- Well lit spaces for those that may lip read
Catering
- Caterers can provide for all pre-ordered dietary requirements – minimum requirement of 14 days notice
- Ensuring there are chairs and tables to have food and drinks
- If a self-service buffet is offered, a server can assist wheelchair users or mobility impaired people by bringing food directly to their table
Build up & Exhibition
- Lower height counters available at registration
- Clear aisleways, approx. 2m wide (no narrower than 1.5m)
- Upon request, accessible route map available for attendees including walking routes, nearby accommodation, parking information and toilets
Speaking sessions and rooms
Step to stage where possible
Ramps available upon request
Adjustable microphone heights or alternatives such as lapel microphones
Upon request seating can be reserved for guests who are:
- Hearing impaired to be near the interpreters, captionists, note-takers
- Vision impaired
- Sign interpreters
- Wheelchairs and motorised scooter users
- People accompanied by guide/service dogs
For better audio, headsets will be used in open spaces to cut out background noise – guests are able to request details of which sessions will include headsets in advance of the event.
Kent Construction EXPO ensures there are sufficient breaks:
- Minimum of 10-15 minutes break every 30-40 minutes to allow quests to use facilities or get refreshments
Content and Sharing Information
- Provide content including an agenda with timings and speaker details in advance, ensuring this is an accessible format.
- Presentation slides are shared with permission after the event
Support Animals
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are very welcome at our events. These include guide dogs, hearing dogs, medical alert dogs and other dogs trained to support disabled people. You don’t need to provide us with paperwork or proof, but if you can let us know in advance, it really helps us make sure everything is set up smoothly for you and your four-legged companion.
Dogs in Training
We understand that assistance dogs in training may sometimes attend events with their handler or trainer. While they don’t have the same legal rights as fully qualified assistance dogs, we’re supportive wherever possible and will do our best to accommodate them and if you can let us know of their attendance on the booking form, we can ensure a smooth experience.
Therapy or Emotional Support Animals
Therapy or emotional support animals don’t currently have automatic access rights under UK law, but we’re happy to discuss this with you on a case-by-case basis.
Getting in Touch
If you’d like to bring a support animal or have questions, please drop us a line. The earlier the better – this helps us make any adjustments in good time and ensures everyone feels comfortable.
Additional Items Available on Request
Please send your request minimum 28 days prior:
- Closed captioning and hearing loops
- Contemplation/ Prayer Room
