Welcome to the Accio 2008 Frequently Asked Questions page

This page lists common questions about Accio 2008 and their answers. If there is something you'd like to know that isn't covered here don't hesitate to contact chairs@accio.org.uk.

• What is Accio 2008?
  • Accio 2008 is a 3 day conference taking place in Magdalen College, Oxford from the 25th to the 27th of July 2008. It is an unofficial, non-profit making, friendly event that will bring together academics and adult Harry Potter fans to discuss all aspects of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. For further details of what's on in Accio 2008, see Programme and Activities.
  
  
• When and where is it?
  • It's at the Magdalen College, within the University of Oxford in England from Friday the 25th of July 2008 to Sunday the 27th of July 2008.
  
  
• How do I get to Accio 2008?
  • For more information on Oxford, road, rail and coach access, and the precise location of Magdalen College, see Location. London Heathrow and Luton are the closest international airports.
  
  
• Why is Accio 2008 in Magdalen College, Oxford?
  • Other parts of the University of Oxford were used in the various Harry Potter films. Magdalen is close to these sites, and is famous in its own right not only for famous scholars and authors who matriculated there, but for its splendid tower, charming deer park, and location on the River Isis where punters glide past.

    Those who have chosen not to stay at the College will find many B&Bs, hotels, a youth hostel, plenty of dining opportunities, and all proper amenities within the City of Oxford, often within easy access to Magdalen College, which is on the High Street.

    For more information on Oxford and Magdalen College (including how to pronounce the name) see Location.
    

  
  
• How does Accio 2008 relate to Accio 2005?
  • Accio UK is the same organisation that mounted the Accio 2005 conference with some slight alteration in staff and roles. Other conferences: Accio 2008 is on friendly terms with other Harry Potter Conferences, sharing some attendees and even some staff, but we have no direct links with any other Harry Potter conferences.

    Other HP Conferences to be held in 2008:
    Snidget 2008, sponsored by HP Events Australia - (venue TBA) Australia
    Convention Alley 2 - Ottawa, Ontario Canada
    Portus 2008, Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas
    Terminus sponsored by Narrate Conferences, Inc.- Chicago, Illinois USA

  
  
• Are under 18s allowed to come?
  • Unfortunately people under the age of 18 at the time of the conference are not able to attend Accio 2008.
  
  
• What is included in the registration fee?
  • The registration fee provides entry to all formal programming sessions and to all guest speaker lectures; the Friday night reception (snacks/cash bar); the feast on Saturday evening; coffee, tea and biscuits served at all refreshment breaks; lunch on Sunday and a copy of the printed conference proceedings.
  
  
• What time is check-in?
  • Delegates may check-in to their rooms anytime after 1.00 p.m. on Friday 25 July.
  
  
• What time is check-out?
  • Delegates must check-out of their rooms by 10.00 on Sunday, 27 July (there will be a place to store luggage until the conclusion of the conference).
  
  
• May I pay in instalments?
  • Registration has closed. There will be no on-site registration.
  
  
• Are registrations refundable?
  • Registrations are not refundable. However, registrations may be transferred from one delegate to another for a £25 fee. Please contact registration@accio.org.uk if you need to transfer your registration.
  
  
• What meals are included in the registration fee, and what will be served?
  • A three course sit-down feast with wine served at table will be held in Magdalen’s Hall on the evening of Saturday 26 July. The following menu is planned for the feast: Asparagus and Leek Tart with Roasted Caraway Seed Sauce; Roast Duck with Montmorency (cherries and orange segments and a port sauce) Garnish; and Baked Raspberry Cheesecake. A vegetarian option will also be available for those delegates who advised us of their dietary requirements prior to 20 June 2008. Lunch will be provided through the Magdalen College Buttery, with dining in the Hall, on Sunday 27 July. A two-course meal with a choice of hot or cold items, including a vegetarian option, with a hot or cold pudding or fruit will be available.
    For those staying in residence at Magdalen College, breakfast will be provided through the Magdalen College Buttery, with dining in the Hall, on the mornings of Saturday 26 July and Sunday 27 July. A selection of cereals, toast, fruit and yoghurt, together with some cooked items will be available.
    In addition, coffee, tea and biscuits will be served at all refreshment breaks.
  
  
• What if I have special dietary requirements?
  • Magdalen College can accommodate most special dietary requirements but is unable to offer Halal or Kosher meals due to the need for specialist kitchens for this. All special dietary requirements should have been sent to registration@accio.org.uk. , prior to 20 June 2008.
  
  
• Are the facilities at Magdalen College accessible to individuals with disabilities?
  • The Auditorium and main meeting room are fitted with induction loops, and the College has three accessible toilets and a wheelchair lift to the Hall, which is on the first floor. One ensuite bedroom is equipped for wheelchair access on the main site, and a further two rooms in nearby Longwall Street. All access requirements for individuals with disabilities should have been sent to registration@accio.org.uk, before 20 June 2008.
  
  
• What computer services are available at the College?
  • All bedrooms at Magdalen College have an Ethernet socket for access to the Internet for personal computers. An Ethernet socket is required and can be supplied by the College. In addition, there are a number of Internet cafes close by the College.
  
  
• Is telephone access available in the College bedrooms?
  • Each bedroom has a telephone which can be used to make internal calls. For outside calls, rooms other than those in Grove Building D have telephones that can be activated by using a card with an individual personal identification number (PIN). Cards can be collected from the Porters Lodge (at the main High Street entrance). This enables a minimum of £5 credit to be placed onto the phone using a bankcard.
  
  
• Is parking available at the College?
  • No. Parking is very limited in Oxford; conference delegates are advised to use public transport.
  
  
• Will conference proceedings be made available?
  • Printed conference proceedings will be distributed when delegates check-in for the conference starting on 25 July 2008.