FAQs

Welcome to the FAQ section - here we have tried to cover as many of your questions as we can, but if there is something that we haven't answered please do contact us at info@chain-reaction.org

General

I have an idea I would like to share

Great!

Please share your idea with the Chain Reaciton Network to gain further support and stimulate discussion.

I want to make a difference, but I don’t know where to start. I want to be inspired.

Chain Reaction can help you meet people from all walks of life, who are all saying “we can build a better world”, shaping new ways of living and working and inspiring others through their ideas and their actions. Chain Reaction is the place to learn about HOW social change happens, and to get involved in developing new and exciting projects.
Take a look at some of the ideas already being discussed as a result of Chain Reaction

I work within the Third Sector - Why should I get involved in Chain Reaction?

Third sector organisations bring a wealth of experience – engaging the most excluded, working from the group up, developing innovative solutions to both local and global challenges, getting things done with limited resources.
Through the network and events, Chain Reaction offers third sector organisations the opportunity to share learning, forge new networks, and explore new ways of working with both the public and business sectors.

I work within the Business sector - Why should I get involved in Chain Reaction?

We can learn much about social leadership from the best businesses. Many of our greatest social pioneers come from the private sector, and business’s efforts to open up new markets often provide social benefits on a scale that the third sector can only dream of. Chain Reaction offers businesses an opportunity to collaborate with public and third sectors as a way of generating new solutions for better lives for those in the UK and internationally. And its not just about Corporate Social Responsbility - Chain Reaction is about furthering your network and linking up with potential partners.

I work within the Public sector - Why should I get involved in Chain Reaction?

The Public sector is the biggest delivery mechanism for change the world over. Progress within local and national government is dependent on working with other sectors and using those networks to identify and deal with new challenges. Through events and the network, Chain Reaction provides ways for national and local government to network and collaborate with others on both a local and international context, to further generate trust between government bodies and the third and business sectors, and to create new partnerships and ways of working, to highlight and create solutions to new challenges.

I’m a young person - Why should I get involved in Chain Reaction?

Over 200 people aged under 21 (the leaders of tomorrow) attended Chain Reaction 2008, and a significant proportion of the event programme was planned and delivered by young people. Young people bring a different energy - we have lots to learn from their perspective, and they will challenge us to be more ambitious. Through events and the network Chain Reaction offers young leaders an opportunity to learn practical tools and develop their networks

I’m passionate about social change, and want to connect with a wider network to make things happen

Chain Reaction brings together social leaders, community activists, policy makers, business leaders, young people and people like you from around the globe to share learning and to generate new ideas for social change, locally, nationally and globally, that participants commit to taking forward together. Join our network and meet others passionate about social change

Events

Who can attend Chain Reaction?

Chain Reaction is open to anyone who wants to get involved or make a difference

How do I register to attend the event?

Registration isn't open at present, but when it is you will have the option of booking online by debit / credit card, or you can register by post by completing an application form and sending us a cheque, or request that we send you an invoice.
Payment must be received in advance of the event. All online bookings will receive automatic confirmation on receipt of booking, but places will not be confirmed until full payment has been received.
(To keep down our administration costs, we prefer for you to book your place online)

What is the cost to attend the event?

We are charging a flat rate of £149 + VAT for everyone attending Chain Reaction 2009.

That means that everyone is contributing to someone else attending the event as a percentage of every ticket booked and paid for goes towards providing free tickets for young people and people who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to attend.

These bursary tickets will be made available on a weekly basis so check the website for updates!

Pay it forward:

If you are able to, you may also choose to make a contribution towards the cost of a bursary ticket for someone otherwise unable to attend the event - you can do this even if you don't want to attend the event yourself. You can donate as much as you wish to.

If you decide you want to help others in this way, we can recognise you as a bursary supporter on the website and at the event (although this is only optional should you wish to remain anonymous!).

What shall I wear?

There is no special dress code for this event, and delegates are invited to wear what they feel most comfortable in (within reason!)

Will there be food?

Yes! Participants will be invited for a light breakfast and lunch - and of course tea and coffee - on each day they attend the event.

How do I get there?

Chain Reaction 2009 will take place at the East Wintergarden in the heart of Canary Wharf. The venue is easily accessible by the Jubilee Line or the DLR at Canary Wharf and is also served by local bus routes. Click here for a map to the venue.

East Wintergarden
Bank Street
Canary Wharf
London E14
http://www.eastwintergarden.com

We advise participants to plan their journey in advance, using Transport for London’s route planner (Go to Transport for London’s Website) Or, why not walk it?

What language will the event take place in?

All sessions and supporting material (including newsletters and website) will be in English.

If you would like to connect to speakers of other languages, why not register on the network? .

What about if I have special dietary requirements?

All special dietary requirements can be catered for at the venue. However we must know of your special dietary requirements in advance as it is not always possible to cater for special diets on the day. We advise delegates to let us know of any dietary requirements on registration.

I have access requirements - can I still attend?

Of course you can! The venue is fully accessible by wheelchair. (Let us know about any access requirements you have and we will do our best to accommodate them)

Can you help with local Hotel bookings?

Unfortunately, we can’t book hotels on behalf of participants. Here is a list of local hotels in the area. (Links to Trip Advisor - Please note that we cannot be responsible for content on external websites). We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

I am travelling to the event from abroad and may have VISA requirements

Some nationals of some countries need to have a visa or entry certificate to enter the UK.

Information on specific country requirements can be obtained from any British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate, or from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office by clicking here.

I’m travelling to the event from abroad - will I require insurance?

We do strongly advise that you take out adequate insurance cover before travelling to Britain. Your travel agent will be able to suggest a suitable policy.

I would like to participate in the programme - what do I do?

Contribute your ideas and suggestions for the programme for the inaugural Chain Reaction Event.

Use the network to tell us:

Participants: Who would you most like to meet there? Who’s doing something that really inspires you?

Sessions: Do you have something you’d like to share with others? Would you like to host a session on a particular issue or share a skill?

Issues: if Chain Reaction could solve one problem, what should it be? Does your community have a specific challenge that needs the focus of 500 brains?

You can also use the network to share your ideas with others before the event

I have registered to attend - what happens next?

Thank you for registering!

If you booked online then you should have received a confirmation email straight away.

If you have booked by post, then your confirmation email will be sent as soon as we receive your booking. (If you haven’t heard from us for a while you should contact us to make sure we have received your booking)

We will now continue to keep you informed about developments in the programme and website in the run up to the event. Nearer the time of the event you will have the opportunity to register to attend specific sessions as part of the programme, and full joining instructions will be sent to you a bit nearer the time of the event by email.

We encourage you to network with your fellow participants by using the Chain Reaction network in the run up to the event

Is there a code of conduct?

The Chain Reaction event is a platform for networking, discussion and debate. We do request your cooperation in supporting the conference organisers, officials and other attendees in obtaining the best out of the event. Intimidating and disruptive actions or antisocial behaviour directed at speakers, panellists, officials or delegates are grounds for removal from the site and may lead to further action. By completing a booking, you are agreeing to abide by this code. So be nice please!

Why is it compulsory for me to provide you with my email address?

Because we think it's better to save the trees and communicate by email. If there is any reason why you can't receive email please let us know and well respond by post.

What if I have to cancel my place?

If you have booked places at the event and subsequently have to cancel, we ask that you let us know as soon as possible. Transfers of places may be requested, in writing (email or letter) at any time.

Cancellations must be received in writing by the Chain Reaction Events Team. Telephone cancellations cannot be accepted. The following refund arrangements apply:

Registrations cancelled more than 40 days before the event will be refunded 80% of the registration fees
Registrations cancelled less than 40 but more than 20 days before the event will be refunded 50% of the registration fees.
Registrations cancelled less than 20 days before the event will not be eligible for a refund.
No-shows will not be refunded and the full registration fee will be charged.

Registrants are responsible for cancelling their own hotel reservations if applicable.

Chain Reaction, the Conference Organisers, reserve the right to cancel or reschedule the Conference in the circumstances of "events beyond our reasonable control"; Chain Reaction shall not be liable for the consequences of "events beyond our reasonable control" - see definitions below.

Chain Reaction has the right to cancel the Conference & Exhibition, for reasons other than "events beyond our reasonable control", and in that instance only, shall refund to each Participant the Conference and/or Exhibition fee, previously paid, in full satisfaction of all liabilities of Chain Reaction to each Delegate or Exhibitor.

Events beyond our reasonable control include: acts of God, war, threat of war, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, natural and nuclear disasters, fire, epidemics, health risks, governmental emergency, travel restrictions by government(s), technical problems with transport, including changes due to rescheduling or cancellation of flights by an airline or alteration of the airline or aircraft type for reasons beyond our control or that of our suppliers; closed or congested airports, stations or ports, hurricanes and other actual or potential severe weather conditions, labour strike, unavailability of the Exhibit Facility or other such like events, and any other similar events.

I want to organise a discussion group in my area

Participating in a discussion group in your local area is a great way to make new connections, create change in your own communities, and get your ideas heard. Discussion groups can be a small informal group with colleagues or friends, or this could be a hosted group in your area, and anyone can get involved with minimal organisation. Click here for our guide to organising a discussion group

Using the website

How can I use the website to connect with other people?

You can use of our online network to start discussions and start collaborating with others.

How do I register to use the network?

Our network uses the ning social networking software. If you already have a ning account you simply need to click to join the network.

And if you don’t already have a profile, it only takes a minute to set one up

Click here to go to the network

I have registered to receive the newsletter - what happens next?

Thank you for registering your details. The Chain Reaction team will keep you updated with news from the Chain Reaction community as it develops. You may unsubscribe at any time by sending an email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject field to .

I am having difficulty finding the page I need.

We are constantly updating and improving the Chain Reaction website - therefore you may find that things move about a bit!

If you are having difficulties finding the page you need, try the site map. There should be a link to this on every page of the site.

How do I use the search facility?

You can search for what you are looking for using the search box which should appear on every page of the site. The search will initially look for all of the words you type into the search box, e.g. Community Links. If it does not find what you are looking for, try using less words which should return more matches.