FAQs

Is there a cloakroom?

There is a cloakroom available, just before the entrance to the Great Room, staff will be on hand to point you in the right direction.

Is there step-free access?

For information on step free access to The Great Room, watch this video.

How is the table plan organised? 

Priority is given first and foremost to sponsors and partners at the front and middle of the room. Sponsors often take more than one table. Tables are then allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis, so it's best to book early..

Parties that have booked tables of 12 will be placed around the edges of the room. This is because the tables are much larger and take more space in the Great Room.

What is the judging process?

Judging is completed using an independent platform, with 75% of judges coming from outside of membership to reduce conflicts of interest.

We use an independent, third party judging company to collect entries and allocate them to relevant judges. This platform collates the scores and feedback and delivers the results to AEO.

Judging is completed in isolation to avoid any peer pressure and conflicts of interest. There is a minimum of four judges marking all categories, which increases to 6 for the show categories.

In the event of a tie, a further round of judging will be undertaken by an entirely new set of judges.

No judge will judge their own entry, nor will they judge an entry from someone in their company.

The entry with the most points wins, AEO does not alter the results. If a representative for the winner can't attend, the runner up will win.

Is there a quiet space?

If you need to find a quiet space throughout the day, please find a member of the AEO team, who can direct you as to where to go.

Is there a dedicated space to pray?

Whilst there is not a dedicated prayer room, a member of the venue team will be able to direct you to a space for you to pray.

Are drinks included?

Half a bottle of wine and one beer per person is included in the event package (non-alcoholic alternatives available on request).

The serving team is on hand to provide the beers and non-alcoholic alternatives and can also take additional drinks orders and payments from your table.

Where can we find the AEO team on the day of the event?

The AEO team is located at the front of the Great Room - to the right of the room (if you're facing the stage) on the front row, next to the staircase.