VENUE
ACCESSIBILITY
Accessibility at LAC VII
We are committed to making the Lipoedema Australia Conference (LAC) as accessible and inclusive as possible for all delegates.
We recognise that many attendees may be managing mobility, pain, and fatigue challenges. We have chosen our venue and designed our event with these needs in mind.
If you have specific accessibility requirements, please contact us as early as possible. We will do everything we can to meet all reasonable requests, provided we receive them by 3 weeks prior to the event.
Venue overview
The conference will be held at the Crown Conference Centre, Southbank, Melbourne. Key spaces include:
Main Plenary
Promenade Rooms
Breakout Rooms
Promenade & M Rooms
Exhibition Hall
Promenade Lobby
Launch Party
Promenade Lobby
Gala Dinner
Venue TBC
All main conference areas are step‑free, with lift and escalator access for all delegates.
There are accessible toilets near all key rooms, and step‑free access from street level throughout the entire venue.
No known physical accessibility barriers have been identified within the conference spaces.
This venue was specifically selected as session rooms, exhibition, and catering areas
are close together, minimising walking distances for delegates.
The Gala Dinner location will be announced soon; it will be held in a fully accessible
space, and we will provide detailed access information along with the venue announcement.
Getting to and around the venue
Arriving by car – accessible parking
Accessible parking is available in the Crown Multi‑Level Car Park. While there is also accessible parking in the Crown Basement Carpark, this will significantly increase the distance between parking and the conference areas.
Delegates who require wheelchairs or other mobility equipment will need to bring their own; these are not provided by the venue or the conference.
Park near the Level 1 lifts
When entering the Multi‑Level Car Park (via Haig Street or Clarke Street), look for the accessible parking bays. If possible, aim for Level 1 to bypass any multi‑level lift transitions later on.
Traverse the flat corridor
The entire pathway from the retail precinct to the hotel connection is completely flat, wide, and air‑conditioned.
Enter the Metropol Precinct
Follow the clear accessibility signage from the car park lifts into Level 1 of the Metropol Precinct (the retail, bowling, and cinema hub of the complex).
Follow signage to the Exhibition Hall
Once you reach the Crown Promenade boundaries on Level 1, follow the signage to the Exhibition Hall and conference area.
Dietary needs and health considerations
The venue can cater to most dietary requirements (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, gluten‑free, halal, kosher, dairy‑free, and other common needs), provided we give sufficient notice. A separate catering station will be provided for those who have advised of special dietary requirements.
Please specify your requirements during registration, and no later than 3 weeks prior to the event. While they will do their best, the venue is not able to guarantee catering to any dietary requirements that they are not advised of prior to the event.
If you have specific health needs that may affect your participation (e.g., need for frequent breaks, access to a private space, or proximity seating), please let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
Hearing Access
The venue’s existing hearing augmentation (hearing loop) systems will be used where available
Microphones will be used in all rooms, including for audience questions, to improve audibility for all delegates
If sign language interpretation is required, we will do our best to arrange this, or can arrange access for your personal interpreter.
Captioning / subtitling may be available on session recordings, but will not be available for live presentations
Please note that Australia uses Auslan, which may differ from other sign languages used internationally.
If you have specific hearing access needs, please advise as part of your registration, or by emailing laconference@lipoedema.org.au
Vision Access
We will endeavour to produce printed materials (e.g., program, abstract book) in accessible formats (such as large print or digital versions) on request. Please advise us of your requirements at least 3 weeks prior to the event.
Our registration and event platform is designed to be accessible for users of screen‑readers.
High‑contrast signage will be in place at the venue to help with navigation. Event specific tactile signage is not currently planned.
Mobility, seating, and rest spaces
We have specifically chosen a venue where conference areas are close together and walking distances are minimised,
and we have built in quiet spaces, flexible seating, and accessible facilities to support delegates who may need them.
If there is anything else we can do to make your experience more comfortable, please let us know.
Mobility and seating are a significant priority for us. There is capacity in all session rooms for additional space for wheelchairs, walkers, and delegates who need extra room between chairs.
A dedicated quiet / sensory space will be available for delegates who need a low‑stimulation environment to rest and reset during the day.
All catering areas (morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea) are step‑free and fully accessible.
A private area is available for delegates who need to rest, manage symptoms, or administer medication during the day.
Please ask at the registration desk for directions & access.
Venue first aiders will be on each shift, and the organising team can also assist if needed.
Service animals and support persons
Assistance dogs / service animals are permitted in all areas of the conference, including sessions, exhibition, and social events. For compliance and safety, animals must be able to be identified as a service animal, and in their specialised harness at all times.
Carer tickets are available at a significantly discounted rate for delegates who require a support person or carer to attend with them. Carer tickets can be added to your booking as part of the registration process.
How to request accessibility accommodations
Requests can be made during registration
If your accessibility needs change between registration and the event, please contact the team as far in advance as possible, and no later than 3 weeks prior to the event.
Email laconference@lipoedema.org.au with details of your requirements or changes (e.g., seating, accessible materials, hearing access, dietary needs, carer ticket).
We will do everything we can to meet all reasonable requests. In some cases, we may need to liaise with you to confirm the best way to accommodate your needs.