Attending the Colloquium FAQs

• If I'm not presenting a poster, can I still come along to the colloquium?
• I'm thinking of staying overnight in Cardiff. Where can I find accommodation?
• Is there a specific dress code for the colloquium?
• Will car parking be available on the day?
• Which is the closest train station to the venue?

Poster Competition FAQs

• What should go into an abstract?
• HELP – I can’t think of a topic!
• Can we submit a group entry to the poster competition?
• "What if I'm not sure I can present my poster on the day?

What should go into an abstract?

Abstracts for the poster competition should no longer than 250 words so doesn’t need to be overly detailed, and it shouldn’t take too long to produce.

As a guide, abstracts should include an overview of why the topic is interesting, both to you and the potential viewers of your poster. You should say what you intend to cover in your poster, and follow with the conclusions you can draw or the results of your project (if relevant). You might also include a short sentence or two on what could happen in the future.

You may also wish to include a few references to used sources in your abstract, such as web sites or academic papers. However this isn’t mandatory.

HELP – I can’t think of a topic!

You can’t think of a topic but would like to submit an abstract? Well, there are plenty of things you could write about. Here are some ideas …

If you’re working on a project, such as a final year project, why not write about that.

Do you have an interest in a topical issue related to IT? Or do you have an IT-related hobby? You can base your entry on something you’re interested in outside of your academic studies.

Do you have work experience in the IT field, maybe part time work or a placement? You may want to base your entry on something you worked on.

If you can’t think of anything though why not drop us a line at bcswomen@cs.cardiff.ac.uk for a chat. Between us we can come up with an idea!

Can we submit a group entry to the poster competition?

The poster competition is primarily focused on individual work. We therefore recommend you submit separately, even if a few of you base your work on a similar topic.

However, group submissions won’t be ignored, will go through the same review process as individual entries, and if accepted you would be invited to present your group poster at the Colloquium.

Beware though – if your poster won one of the categories you’d have to share the prize!

What if I'm not sure I can present my poster on the day?

If your abstract is successful and are invited to present a poster at the Colloquium you are expected to attend to present your poster in person. Sometimes though events happen than mean you might be unable to attend in person. If you have any questions or concerns about attendance just contact us at bcswomen@cs.cardiff.ac.uk for a chat.

If I'm not presenting a poster, can I still come along to the colloquium?

Of course you can! As well as the poster competition there will be a number of talks throughout the day from women in both industry and academia. There’ll also be opportunities to find out about potential careers in IT, opportunities for networking with women from across the country, and plenty of other activities throughout the day. You can book your FREE place online via the BCS booking system. Details of the programme for the day will be available on the programme page as they are confirmed, so Watch This Space!

I'm thinking of staying overnight in Cardiff. Where can I find accommodation?

We aren't recommending any specific hotels, but there are plenty in and around the centre of Cardiff. We have a deal with The Big Sleep, and Premier Inn is close to the venue - for details of both see the Location page.

If you want to look around we recommend you check out www.VisitCardiff.com. You can also get some great deals through TravellersPoint, LastMinute.com and LateRooms.com.

Is there a specific dress code for the colloquium?

No dress code is stated. We recommend smart-casual, but the most important thing is that you just come along on the day!

Will car parking be avaiable on the day?

Yes. A limited number of parking spaces will be available at Cranbrook Car Park. Just send us an email before the day to reserve your space.

Which is the closest train station to the venue?

Cardiff Queen Street station is the closest train station, being just a few minutes walk from the venue (and a short train ride from Cardiff Central). To get from the station to the colloquium check the online map or follow these directions …

1. Turn right outside the front of Queen Street station and walk to the main road, with a large traffic-lighted junction.
2. Turn right and walk under the railway bridge (along Newport Road), towards the cross-road and traffic light junction.
3. Just before the junction you’ll pass O’Briens Coffee Shop on your right – cross the road to your left here.
4. At the other side of the road you need to go right then immediately turn left along “West Grove”
5. A little way along “West Grove” you’ll find “The Parade” turning to your left. … Cardiff University and Trevithick Building (the venue for the colloquium) is at the end, by the barrier.