Skip to 2018 event-specific FAQs
TechCon FAQs
What is (Radio) TechCon?
Radio TechCon is the UK radio and audio industry’s technical and engineering conference. It’s held annually and welcomes radio broadcast engineers, developers, technically-savvy producers, managers, radio industry suppliers and those working in related audio industries together to discuss the future of radio and audio and celebrate the achievements of the last year.
Are you no longer part of The Radio Academy?
TechCon has been run in many different ways over the last few years. Most recently, it was part of The Radio Academy’s Radio Festival. Unfortunately, as a charity, the Radio Academy has got limited resources and cannot run all the events it would like.
To save the event from being lost, some of the former TechCon committee team formed a company, TBC Media Ltd, so that (Radio) TechCon could continue. This new structure began in 2016.
Although it’s now an independent event, The Radio Academy is still very supportive. The Managing Director, Roger Cutsforth, said, “Engineering and technology are vital to radio’s future and we are delighted to support TBC Media in this exciting new chapter for Radio TechCon. Whilst an independent event, Academy members will benefit from discounted ticket prices and we wish TBC Media the very best of luck.”
The Radio Academy members will receive a discount to attend Radio TechCon – if you are a member, contact The Radio Academy for your special checkout code.
Who or what is TBC Media Ltd?
TBC Media Ltd. is the company which is now running Radio TechCon. It’s made up of former TechCon volunteers, Ann Charles and Aradhna Tayal, along with some helpers from across the industry who are giving their time to help make sure the event runs as well as it can! We had to form a company so that the event had the right legal structure to continue in its new form.
I don’t think I am very ‘technical’ – should I still attend?
You are more than welcome!
Although TechCon is primarily aimed at engineers and technical staff, we are delighted when producers, managers, and other interested people attend.
Remember, even among the engineers, nobody is an expert in everything – the sessions will vary across the day from more in-depth stuff to case-studies from real radio situations. We hope that everyone will find out something they didn’t know before.
We work very hard with our presenters to make sure they explain terminology and have a definition screen in to flag up technical terms which might be used as a reminder to the audience (not all of the definitions are that serious).
Radio and audio only work well when people with different experiences come together to share – we really do want you there, too!
Producers who have visited in the past have commented about how much more ‘in touch’ they feel after attending TechCon – we often discuss things 2-3 years ahead of the more mainstream conferences, so if you want to know where the worlds of radio and audio are heading, get yourself to TechCon and you’ll be among the first to know.
The greatest broadcasters are the ones who are curious, and really understand the technology they are using. Come to TechCon and you’ll be up there with the best!
(Oh, and if it all gets too much – we usually go to the bar afterwards…)
I don’t work in radio …am I still allowed to come?
Of course! 🙂
Anyone is welcome. If you work in audio, sound, electronics, IT, software/apps, or other areas of broadcasting, you might find it especially useful.
I would like to sponsor the event – how can I get involved?
Contact team@radiotechcon.com
We are grateful for all support, including sponsorship of the main event, certain sections of the event (e.g. meal breaks and breakout rooms) and also bursaries to subsidise tickets for groups who may otherwise not be able to attend.
I have a shiny new product that I’d love to show you – how can I get involved?
We have a small Trade Fair with a select number of exhibitors telling us about their products and showcasing their latest wares. Contact team@radiotechcon.com if you’d like to book an exhibition space.
I have a great idea for a topic or speaker – who do I tell?
We’d love to hear your idea – contact team@radiotechcon.com
We are especially keen to hear proposals from women and speakers of diverse backgrounds. We have a team of producers who can help put talks together, so even if you don’t have a fully-formed idea, get in touch and we’ll see if it could be a good fit.
How else can I stay in touch?
Sign up for our e-mail newsletter. People on our e-mail list will always be the first to hear Radio TechCon news and ticket announcements (we won’t give your details to anyone else or add you to any other lists without your permission).
We also have a Facebook page, where we post links to useful radio technology news and you can ask for help if you have got stuck with something at your station.
On Twitter and Instagram, we’re @radtechcon and our hashtag is #radtechcon
Radio Techcon 2018 specific event FAQs
How do I buy tickets?
All the details you need are on the Tickets page.
Are there any discounts?
We have given special discount codes to a number of industry associations. The largest discount available is for The Radio Academy members (and those belonging to its affiliated organisations). If you are a member of an eligible organisation, you should have received the discount code over e-mail.
If you haven’t received it, please get in touch with them (not us!), quoting your membership number.
Discounts are currently available for members of The Radio Academy, Sound Women Network, Community Media Association, Student Radio Association, Radio Independents’ Group, The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), IABM, and Audio Engineering Society.
There are also a limited number of free tickets available via our bursary schemes.
How do I get to the venue?
IET London: Savoy Place’s address is:
IET London, Savoy Place, London. WC2R 0BL
IET London: Savoy Place is next door to the Savoy Hotel. The main entrance is on the river/embankment side, and not on the Strand itself.
The nearest tube is Embankment (District, Circle, Bakerloo and Northern [Charing Cross branch] lines). Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line) is also very close.
From Embankment, exit the station on the river side (i.e. out to the main road), and turn left along Victoria Embankment. Walk down towards Waterloo Bridge, which is the next bridge down the river. The IET is a red brick and white stone building on the corner of Savoy Place/Savoy Street, just before you cross the road to go under Waterloo Bridge.
Any bus which takes you to Trafalgar Square, Waterloo Bridge or The Strand will be handy for the venue.
There is also a riverboat stop at Embankment pier.
The nearest mainline train station is Charing Cross – it will take no more than 10 minutes to walk to the venue from this station.
Waterloo is also nearby – allow 15-20 minutes if you are walking from there.
There are Santander Cycle Hire docking points at Embankment (Savoy), Strand and Somerset House, Strand.
We do not recommend bringing a car! There is no parking on site, and London traffic can be dreadful.
If you need to drive, then try: https://en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/locations/savoy_place_london_wc2r_0bl_united_kingdom_gcpvj315sn4/?country=uk&arriving=201711270830&leaving=201711271930
For further travel planning advice, try TFL Journey Planner.
If you are flying into Heathrow then the Piccadilly line gives you a direct connection between the airport and Covent Garden station, or you can change at Hammersmith for the District Line (Eastbound) and alight at Embankment.
If you are arriving on the Eurostar into St Pancras, take the Victoria Line Southbound to Warren Street and then change to the Northern Line Southbound to Embankment.
There are more detailed directions on the IET’s website: http://www.theiet.org/about/locations/savoy_location.cfm
Have you got any recommended accommodation?
We don’t have an official event hotel, but here are some pointers if you are travelling from outside London.
Premier Inn has hotels in both Leicester Square and Covent Garden (cheaper the further in advance you book), Citizen M could be a good option at Bankside (you get more of a discount if you sign up as a member – it’s free) and there’s always AirBnB (book via this affiliate link and you may get some travel credit). Travelodge is another budget option with hotels at Waterloo and Southwark.
You may find it cheaper to stay out in a suburb and commute in.
If budget is no problem, then central London is full of hotels, many of which will be in walking distance – TripAdvisor will have suggestions and reviews.
If you are feeling very flush, the 5*, internationally-famous Savoy Hotel is right next door.
What time is Radio TechCon 2018?
Radio TechCon 2018 takes place on Monday, 26th November 2018.
The event runs between 10:00 – 17:30.
You will need to collect your ticket and name badge before we begin – you can come to sign in, have a welcoming coffee and see our exhibition area from 09:00 (please don’t arrive earlier than that – we’ll still be setting up).
We are in the Turing Lecture Theatre and the Maxwell Library – come into IET London: Savoy Place reception and the team will show you the way.
There will be an opportunity for a post-conference beer or three at our evening ‘Meet & Talk’ event, which happens straight after the conference has finished. This is where much of the true learning and networking tends to happen, so you may wish to allocate some time in your schedule for this part of the event (so don’t book an early train home if you can help it!)
I bought a ticket but now I can’t come – what do I do?
Oh no! Sad times.
We’re sorry you can’t make it – we can’t refund your ticket but you are able to change the name of the person attending – e-mail team@radiotechcon.com and we’ll get you sorted.
Help! I haven’t received my tickets!
Don’t panic – that’s normal!
You won’t be sent any physical tickets in the post.
You should have received a confirmation e-mail when you booked – you do not need to print out this confirmation as we will have your name on our list at the reception desk. If you prefer to keep your confirmation handy, we recommend saving trees by using the booking app on your phone or keeping an electronic copy of your confirmation email on your phone.
We will issue you with your delegate lanyard when you arrive.
What if I have an Accessibility requirement?
Let us know any requirements you may have when you book your ticket and/or contact team@radiotechcon.com so we can make sure the day is as easy as possible for you.
The IET is a fully-accessible venue with lift access to all floors (including an award-winning lift outside).
There is an induction loop and infrared hearing systems.
A quiet room is available – ask the Duty Manager on the day for its location.
A full list of the IET’s Accessibility features can be found here:
https://savoyplace.theiet.org/about/accessibility/
The stage has a couple of steps at one end and a ramp at the other. Accessible toilets are nearby.
If you need to bring a carer that’s also no problem – get in touch so we can make sure the right ticket is issued.
Assistance dogs are of course welcome.
Can children attend?
People under the age of 18 are welcome to attend, but remain the responsibility of their accompanying 18+ adult.
Babes-in-arms are free, but please let us know in advance so we can issue you with the right ticket / reserve you an aisle seat.
Although younger audience members are welcome, please note that this is not an event aimed at children. The conference will involve long periods of sitting and listening. Although we hope all our speakers are very interesting, younger children and toddlers may not agree!
Do you need any helpers on the day?
We’ve got a trusty team of volunteers. There may be limited spaces for more – drop us an e-mail if you are interested in a working ticket.
Will there be lunch?
Yes! A light lunch, tea/coffee and snacks are included in your ticket – let us know your dietary requirements when you register for your ticket.
Will there be a trade fair?
There will be a small exhibition area for delegates to visit during coffee breaks and over lunch. Space is limited, so if you are interested in having a table, please contact team@radiotechcon.com
How do I choose which sessions to attend?
Good news – you don’t have to! Radio TechCon is a one-room conference, so your ticket means you get access to everything. No ‘other room’ FOMO – yay!
Where can I get a beer/wine/gin/soft drink afterwards?
We’ll let delegates know the rendezvous at the end of the conference.
I am a speaker and I have a question about my session – who do I ask?
Contact your session producer in the first instance or e-mail team@radiotechcon.com.
Random / Misc. FAQs
Why can’t you spell ‘MailChimp’?
You need to listen to this: https://serialpodcast.org/season-one
Are you sure you work in radio?
What does ‘TBC Media’ stand for?
TBC Media Ltd. stands for creating amazing events that combine the technological and production parts of the radio engineering community so practitioners can come together to share experiences, learn new ideas and solve the industry’s challenges as part of a wider technical community.
No, I don’t want any of that corporate nonsense. What do the initials stand for?
That’d be telling. We might give you the answer if you buy us enough gin.
In the meantime, this is our favourite guess so far…
@sparkyannc Congrats on the new Radio TechCon event! Does TBC stand for The Bare Cogs? Transmitters, Batteries & Coils?
— Oliver Needham (@OliverNeedham) July 25, 2016
I want to know something else or I have a brilliant suggestion for you – what do I do?
Drop us an e-mail: team@radiotechcon.com
