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We continue to monitor the national & global situation and to follow guidance issued by the relevant health authorities. Based on the advice to date, we believe the Annual Meeting re-scheduled for 9 to 11 November 2020 can proceed as planned, whilst virtual attendance will also be available.


What happens if BAUS 2020 cannot physically take place?

The current situation is highly fluid, and there is a possibility that we may have to postpone the meeting or even change the format to a fully virtual meeting, if a physical meeting at the ICC Birmingham cannot take place. Please be assured that, in this event, we will endeavour to give as much notice as possible to all relevant parties via the BAUS website and BAUS social media channels.


What is the cancellation policy?

In the event of cancellation of BAUS 2020, we will refund any registration fees. We will also refund registration fees for those who are unable to travel from an area affected by the COVID-19 virus outbreak, or where there are travel restrictions imposed by their governments and/or the UK government. Documentary evidence to support this may be required. BAUS, however, cannot accept responsibility for any travel or other costs that may have been incurred.


Social Distancing

BAUS will be guided by social distancing measures imposed by the UK Government and relevant health authorities. We will follow social distancing measures and hygiene regulations imposed by ICC Birmingham. Additionally, we will introduce our own measures where we see fit, and will fully update all parties, when regulations are known, via the BAUS website, BAUS social media channels and by direct communication.


When will registration open?

We are currently finalising arrangements for both physical & virtual registration. Further information will be available shortly.


Can I claim back my travel expenses?

BAUS is not responsible for any travel or other costs that may have been incurred. If you are a speaker with entitlements for complimentary travel and accommodation, we politely ask that you do not commit to any travel expenditure until closer to the meeting.


What happens if I am presenting an ePoster?

All ePoster presenters have been emailed with updates. MULTILEARNING, who will be running the ePosters at BAUS 2020, have been in contact with all presenters since 16 June 2020 with instructions on how to submit an ePoster and to provide further information on the audio narration feature that authors can embed into their presentation.


When will abstract submission open for the BAUS 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting?

Abstract submission for BAUS 2021 will open in November, as usual. 


Are you accepting new abstracts for the BAUS 2020 meeting?

No. Abstract submissions for BAUS 2020 closed in January and we are not accepting any more abstracts for this event.

However, the BAUS Section of Oncology is now inviting abstracts for their Section meeting which will take place during BAUS 2020. If you wish to submit an abstract for the BAUS Section of Endourology meeting, please email the Events Team first.

Submit an abstract for the BAUS Section of Oncology meeting

Please read the Submission Guidelines before you submit your abstract(s). The deadline for Oncology abstract submissions is 23:59hr on Thursday 13 August 2020


Are the Teaching & Skills Courses going ahead?

The current plan is for all Teaching and Skills Courses to take place as planned at BAUS 2020. This may change, depending on whether the National & Global situation changes closer to the meeting. Social distancing requirements and limited capacities may reduce the number of delegates we can accept on to the courses.


What are the ICC Birmingham plans for re-opening?

BAUS will be guided by social distancing measures imposed by the UK Government and relevant health authorities. BAUS will follow social distancing measures and hygiene regulations imposed by ICC Birmingham. Additionally, BAUS could introduce its own measures where fit, so we will fully update all parties when regulations are known. A link to the ICC Birmingham’s plan for reopening, providing more details given below:

The ICC Birmingham has developed its "Venue Protect 4-Step Approach", designed with everyone's safety and wellbeing in mind. A short video of the steps that the ICC is taking to create a safe and controlled environment can be found here. The approach is based on four key principles:

  1. Supporting, testing and tracing - using data & technology to help ensure audiences are "known" (where possible) and free from symptoms. As the host of an organised event with ticketing & registration already in place, this means that contact tracing, if needed,  is usually possible. The process is aided by pre-registration for all events, temperature screening and on-site support;
  2. Social distancing measures - providing space for safe movement of people around the venue. Advice on social distancing will on prominent display in all areas, asking that visitors maintain a safe distance from others, and  signposting will be provided where meaasures are needed to ensure adherence to social distancing;
  3. Enhanced venue sanitation - increased cleaning of "high-contact" areas within the venue. Public areas will be cleaned regularly throughout the day, with particular focus on frequent contact surfaces, and reminders for visitors to wash or sanitise their hands often. This will include extensive event space cleaning, focus on "high touch point areas", hand sanitiser stations, washroom attendants & sanitised AV equipment;
  4. Communication - clear and helpful guidelines & updates, to ensure safe compliance with these principles. The safety and well-being of our staff and customers is our number one priority, and our communications will reflect this. When visiting the ICC, you can expect dedicated teams to support you, PPE measures in place, touch-free customer journeys & adapted F&B offering.

What about travel to the ICC Birmingham?

Our understanding is that customer journeys will be adapted using, the latest technology, to ensure touch-free journeys from car parks and train stations into venues, with designated walking routes marked by visible social distancing signage and messaging: alternative, sanitised, door-push opening products will also be put in place.