Terms explained

Here is an explanation of terms used on the NHS Confederation annual conference and exhibition 2008 pages.

Book online - In order to register on to the event you will need to complete an online booking form. You will receive confirmation of your booking via email within 10 working days. You can go back into your booking at any time to make amendments to any sessions you have booked. Sessions are free with your booking of a conference and exhibition place.

Cancellation charge - All cancellations must be made in writing. If you cancel your booking less than ten weeks prior to the event you will be charged 50 per cent of the delegate fee. If you cancel less than six weeks prior to the event you will be charged the full delegate fee. This also applies to group discount bookings. This charge covers the cost that we incur on your behalf.

Delegate - Name given to person/s attending the conference.

Delegate substitution - A representative of a company nominated to take the place of a booked delegate at a conference or exhibition. For the NHS Confederation 2008 conference and exhibition, substitutions must be made four weeks in advance of the start of the conference, and in writing.

Exhibition - A collection of organisations presenting their products and services on their individual stands.

Exhibitor - Representative of a company presenting and displaying their products and services.

Keynote/Plenary speaker - A speaker who puts forward key topics of the day in an address aimed at all delegates at the event.

Networking activities - Time that is allocated in advance for the purpose of networking with colleagues in a social setting.

Panel discussion - A structured discussion involving numerous speakers which is then usually opened up to delegates to contribute to.

Plenary sessions - Sessions held in the main auditorium to which all delegates can attend.

Pod-cast - An audio programme in a compresses digital format, delivered over the Internet and designed for playback on computers or portable digital audio players.

Strand - A number of sessions at the conference and exhibition which centre on a particular theme, area of work or policy.

Strand session - a session run as part of the main programme of the event, but only available for a limited amount of delegates. These sessions deal with targeted topics within the theme of the conference or exhibition.

Sponsor - A promoter at a conference or exhibition.

Theme - The conference is given a theme for purpose and clarity. The theme of the NHS Confederation annual conference and exhibition 2008 is 'Delivering the future today'.

Workshop - Working in a group or individually on creative or experimental projects.