Exhibitor Manual

*All times are provisional

• Monday 31 August, 0930 - 1830
• Tuesday 1 September, 0930 - 1830
• Wednesday 2 September, 0930 - 1830
• Thursday 3 September, 0930 - 1830

Morning Refreshment Breaks in the Exhibition Hall, 0950 - 1020

Lunch in the Exhibition Hall, 1210 - 1330

Afternoon Refreshment Breaks in the Exhibition Hall, 1520 - 1540

Poster Session in the Exhibition Hall 1730 - 1830

Please visit the Exhibitor Registration page for full details. It is a requirement that all exhibitor stand representatives register to attend the 21st International Microscopy Congress (IMC21).

If you have any questions regarding registering exhibition stand representatives, or regarding the build-up and breakdown, please contact the RMS Exhibition Team at [email protected].

IMC21 Contractors

The official contractors and partners for IMC21 are:

• Liverpool Convention Bureau - Accommodation
• Cameron Event Logistics - Stand Furniture, Shell Scheme Extras, Name board, Exhibition graphics, Custom Design Stands and Shipping, Storage, On-Site Lifting and Handling
• Bill Moule & Sons - Electrical Contractor
• ACC Liverpool Booking Portal - AV, Stand Rigging, Business Centre Services, IT, Hard Wired Internet, Stand Catering, Stand Cleaning
• Dime Events - Health and Safety Consultant

In line with GDPR, exhibiting companies have a legitimate interest in being contacted by the above contractors and partners. As such, the RMS will provide them with the details of the primary contact person as provided on your booking form.  We will not share your details with any other suppliers other than the official contractors named above. If you do not wish the RMS to share your details with any or all of the companies listed above, please let Dawn Hopkins know in writing.

Contact details and order forms / documents for contractors can be found below.  Please place your orders by the due dates listed and note any 'early bird' discounts available. Cameron Event Logistics and Bill Moule & Sons will be available on site if you need any help on the day.

Address

The full address is Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 4FP, UK. 

For more information about travelling to ACC Liverpool, please visit their website.

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Loading Bay Access

Please find the details and instructions of the loading bay access at ACC from this document.

Loading Bay Access at ACC Liverpool

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Car Parking 

There is limited on-site parking available. Details of prices for these car park and car parks in the surrounding areas can be found in this document.

Car Parking at ACC Liverpool

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Deliveries

Any goods being sent via courier to the venue must not arrive before Friday 28 August; the venue will not accept items before this date, and you must be present to receive all deliveries. If you are not able to be there to receive them on Friday 28 August - Sunday 30 August, please contact Cameron Event Logistics, who are the official logistics, storage, and lifting contractor, and will be able to handle deliveries on your behalf. To receive a quote for event logistics, complete the online form. Logistics Hire - Online Form.

All deliveries to the venue should be clearly marked as follows:

The 21st International Microscopy Congress (IMC21) 2026 (31 August - 3 September 2026)
Exhibition Centre Liverpool
Company name and stand number
Loading Bay 3
ACC Liverpool 
Kings Dock
Liverpool Waterfront
L3 4FP
(Please note Sat Nav Postcode L3 4BX)

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Stand Cleaning

All stands will receive complimentary waste collection and floor vacuuming each evening. Please leave waste to be collected at the side of your stand when the exhibition closes. Additional stand cleaning options can be ordered by visiting the link to the ACC booking portal which can be found in Section 3 - Contractors and Forms of the exhibitor manual.

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Stand Catering

ACC and their appointed caterers hold the licence for all catering activity on site. Should exhibitors wish to supply any catering provision, this is at the sole discretion of ACC. Any requests for own food & beverage provision are to be in writing for consideration. Stand catering requests can be made by visiting the link to the ACC booking portal which can be found in Section 3 - Contractors and Forms of the exhibitor manual. Upon approval, ACC will advise the relevant fees and any documentation requirements subject to ACC’s policies and procedures. If you wish to provide any food or refreshments not ordered through ACC, you must obtain prior approval. 

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Internet Access including Hard Wired Internet Connections

There will be free Wi-Fi throughout the venue. The standard Free Wi-Fi achieves up to 5Mbps, but this isn’t guaranteed and depends on capacity of connections, bandwidth demand etc. If you require a hardwired connection to your stand, please contact ACC Liverpool using the link in Section 3 - Contractors and Forms of the exhibitor manual.

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Liquid Nitrogen or Gas

If you intend to use liquid nitrogen or gas on-site, please notify Nick Cameron. 

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Venue Accessibility

ACC Liverpool, are committed to providing experiences and events that are accessible to everyone. They work with AccessAble to highlight the accessibility and usability of their venues. Their end goal is to make sure that every visit to ACC is an enjoyable one, regardless of individual accessibility requirements.

Of course, accessibility is about more than just physical facilities: at ACC Liverpool, it’s their culture and attitude that sets them apart. As an organisation, they are aligned with the “Attitude is Everything” Charter of Best Practice – and they currently hold Gold Status. They are committed to further improvement to continually ensure venue accessibility.

For more information on accessibility withing ACC Liverpool, please visit their website.

Space Only Stands

Setting up

• Friday 28 August 2026 – Space only stands 50sqm and over 0930 - 2000 
• Friday 28 August 2026 – Space only stands 36sqm and over 1100 - 2000
• Saturday 29 August 2026 – Space only stands under 36sqm 0800 - 2000
• Sunday 30 August 2026 – Full build 0800 - 1900

If you have requested a space-only stand and require power before 1300 on Friday 28 August 2026, please arrange with Bill Moule & Sons.

About your Space Only Stand

The completion of this form is compulsory for ALL Exhibitors. Please note it is NOT for contractors to complete.

Form 1 - Stand Activity & Product Information and Health and Safety Declaration - IMC21

 

If you selected a space only stand you will not be provided with shell scheme. Please refer to the Space Only Stand Information and Regulations when designing your stand.

In advance of the event all space only contractors are required to provide the following information directly to Phil Fellows [email protected]:

• The Space only Submission Form in the first instance by 24 July 2026.
• CDM Project Safety File, which must contain, but is not limited to:
• Full technical stand plans, incorporating all dimensions, elevations and weight loadings. Please note that all height dimensions MUST include the floor platform.
• Stand visuals where possible.
• Non generic risk assessment.
• Non generic method statement.
• Construction/break phase plan.
• Copy of your Public Liability Insurance, in date at the time of the event.
• Your Company’s Health & Safety Policy Document and Statement
• Any other relevant information regarding any aspect of the design/construction phases.

Please note that all stands and rigs that require structural sign off prior to build will be invoiced as follows:

• Single Decker Stands - £370 plus VAT for audit and certification and £95 plus VAT from the RMS to cover Dime Events handling charge.
• Double Decker Stands - £525 plus VAT and £95 plus VAT from the RMS to cover Dime Events handling charge.

These amounts must be paid in full prior to commencement of build.

Please direct all information and documentation, queries and question to: Phil Fellows at Dime Events Ltd, [email protected]. Telephone number 01799 281400.

Electrics

The electrical contractor for IMC21 is Bill Moule & Sons. To order electric for your space only stand please email [email protected] for a quotation.

Please note that the electricity supply to stands is switched off at night unless 24-hour power has been pre-arranged with Bill Moule & Sons. Please note that Dawn Hopkins at the RMS is also informed if you require 24-hour power.

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Shell Scheme Stands

Setting up

• Saturday 29 August 2026 – Full Build 1200 - 2000
• Sunday 30 August 2026 – Full Build 0800 - 1900

The completion of this form is compulsory for ALL Exhibitors. Please note it is NOT for contractors to complete.

Form 1 - Stand Activity & Product Information and Health and Safety Declaration - IMC21

 

About your Shell Scheme Stand

If you selected a shell scheme stand, you will be provided with a basic white shell scheme which includes the following:

• Basic shell scheme - Shell scheme stand which includes white foamex panels and fascia, silver ceiling grid and poles.  Please note that stands with open sides measuring more than 4 metres will have a pole positioned in the centre of the front of the stand.
• 1 x 500w power socket (all stands will include one 500w power socket for every 9sqm booked, stand size rounded up) *. Additional power sockets can also be ordered at an additional charge through the electrical contractor.
• 1 x fluorescent tube light (all stands will include one fluorescent for every 9sqm booked, stand size rounded up).*
• Carpet (grey).

*Stands smaller than this will receive one socket and one light.

Extras for your stand

• Shell scheme extras, graphics and furniture for your stand can be ordered through Cameron Event Logistics.
  Website Order Portal  - Please contact [email protected] for a password.
• Please ensure that you submit the fascia nameboard order by 2 August 2026.

Electrics

The electrical contractor for IMC21 is Bill Moule & Sons. To confirm your electrical order please complete the form which can be found in Section 3 - Contractors and Forms of the exhibitor manual. They offer an early bird rate before the 27 July 2026. If you have any questions regarding your electrics please contact them by email, [email protected] 

Please note that the electricity supply to stands is switched off at night unless 24-hour power has been pre-arranged with Bill Moule & Sons. Please note that Dawn Hopkins at the RMS is also informed if you require 24-hour power.

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On-site Storage

Unfortunately we are not able to provide on-site storage. Please contact Cameron Event Logistics, the official shipping, storage, and on-site lifting and handling contractor for IMC21 if you need assistance.

To receive a quote for event logistics, complete the online form - Logistics Hire - Online Form

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Arrangements for company representatives and contractors on site for build-up and/or breakdown

Company representatives and contractors on site for build-up on Friday 28 August to Sunday 30 August, and during breakdown on Thursday 3 September and Friday 4 September will be issued with wristbands on arrival to allow access to the exhibition hall and workshop rooms during build-up and breakdown only. Your set up team will not need to register to attend IMC21 as a company representative if they will only be present to set-up/dismantle equipment during the build-up/breakdown period. 

You will be required to wear high visibility jackets in the exhibition hall while the stands are being constructed.  Please bring these along with you. An announcement will be made to advise when there is no longer a requirement to wear this PPE.

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Breakdown

Shell Scheme Stands

Breakdown for shell scheme stands will take place on Thursday 3 September 2026, 1900 - 2100. The venue must be clear of all exhibits by 2100.

Space Only Stands

Breakdown for space only stands will take place on both Thursday 3 September and Friday 4 September 2026 strictly in the following time periods.

• Thursday 3 September 2026 – Full Breakdown 2000 - 2200
• Friday 4 September 2026 – Full Breakdown 0700 - 1400

The venue must be clear of all stand materials and stands by 1400 on Friday 4 September, as this is when our tenancy ends.

Please note that electricity to all stands will be switched off 30 minutes after the exhibition closes. If you need access to electricity for longer than this, please contact the electrical contractor, Bill Moule & Sons. Please ensure that Dawn Hopkins is also informed.

Collection of parcels by couriers can be made from Thursday 3 September 2026, 2000 - 2100 and Friday 4 September 2026, 0700 - 1200.   Please ensure that your consignment is clearly identifiable to your courier.  Alternatively, please organise collections through Cameron Event Logistics, the official shipping, storage, and on-site lifting and handling contractor for IMC21.

Full instructions for the breakdown on Thursday 3 September 2026 will be distributed by the venue during IMC21.

Full details for the IMC21 Lead Retrieval will be released closer to the event.

Accommodation

Please refer to the dedicated accommodation webpage for more information

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IMC21 App

An email will be sent out closer to the time with instructions on how to download and use the app.
 

The IMC21 App is kindly sponsored by JEOL
 

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Promotional Literature

All the IMC21 promotional literature is available for you to download and distribute. Please help us make the 2026 Congress the best ever.

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Key Dates

Make sure these important IMC21 dates are in your diary.

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Social Events

There are a number of social events taking place across IMC21.

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Sustainability

The IMC21 organisers and the Royal Microscopical Society are committed to reducing waste, lessening our impact on the environment and making IMC21 as sustainable as possible. For further details, please visit this dedicated webpage.

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Accessibility

We are committed to making IMC21 a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. For further details, please visit this dedicated webpage.

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Scam Emails

Please be wary of potential scam emails offering hotel reservations for IMC21.  If you receive unsolicited emails requesting information about your accommodation requirements, or offers of "flexible reservations" and "cancellation options", we advise that you do not respond.

In line with GDPR regulations, the RMS do not share IMC21 registrants' details with third parties. If you receive an email offering attendee details, it is from a bogus organisation masquerading as the RMS and incorporating the IMC21 logo in their emails. We would advise that you don't engage with them.