The 2022 ILDA Conference in London has concluded. Here are the Conference attendees on a November 5 tour of Hever Castle, home of Anne Boleyn.
Just after the Awards Presentation ended, showing ILDA Conference attendees onstage.
Top photo courtesy Nick Squire, bottom photo courtesy ER Productions. Click on either photo for a larger version. (Depending on your browser, once the photo has loaded to the browser width, you may be able to click on the photo to see it even larger, at full 100% size.)
The material below has been left in its pre-Conference state, so you can see the events, registration, hotel, etc. for the 2022 Conference.
2022 ILDA Conference
The 2022 ILDA Conference will be in Dartford, a town 18 miles southeast of London. It is hosted by ER Productions. They will have a tour of their headquarters, as well as all official ILDA events taking place in the facility.
The main Conference dates are Thursday 3 November through Saturday 5 November, 2022. On Wednesday 2 Nov. and Thursday 3 Nov. are laser safety classes. There is an optional post-Conference bus tour of London on Sunday 6 Nov.
On 5 Nov. we will be taking a tour of Hever Castle, home of Anne Boleyn, one of Henry VIII's wives, and a filming location for "The Princess Bride". We will also have lunch there. (This location was changed in late September 2022 from Leeds Castle since they will be closed on 5 Nov. for a special event.)
Below is an invitation video below from ER, with a very special personal welcome filmed last year.
2022 Conference dates
2022 Conference schedule
Note: The Conference schedule changed slightly on 26 Sept and again on 30 October. Please make sure you are referencing the most recent version which is above.
To be held at ER Productions' worldwide headquarters
See what a Conference is like
The videos below give you a quick overview of what an ILDA Conference is like. The first one, from Christopher Short, shows lasers during the 2018 Lase-Off in Montréal, hosted by LaserTech Canada.
The second video shows meetings and seminars in the day, and the Lase-Off and the ILDA Awards in the evenings. The informal discussions in halls and bars, can be just as fun and important to your business as the official events. Thanks to KVANT, host of the 2017 ILDA Conference, for producing the video.
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Register for the 2022 ILDA Conference
Below is information about Conference-related events. To register for any of these events click the blue button below. It will take you to the Event Registration page at the ILDA Member & Event Management website. From there, you can find the Conference events you can sign up for.
Full Conference and Spouse/Guest registration
For ILDA Members, and interested non-members
• Full Conference registration includes all ILDA meals, Welcome Dinner, Lase-Off, Awards, business meetings, seminars and workshops, the Hever Castle tour and lunch, and bus transportation to/from the hotel.
• Spouse/Guest registration includes all ILDA meals, Welcome Dinner, Lase-Off, Awards, the Hever Castle tour and lunch, and bus transportation to/from the hotel. It does NOT include any business meetings, seminars or workshops. A Spouse/Guest is defined as a person related to a Full Conference registrant. The relationship must be that the spouse/guest is married, is a significant other, is a family member, or is a personal friend who is not employed in a lasershow-related business.
Full Conference and Spouse/Guest registrations do NOT include any Laser Safety Education classes, which are separate Conference events.
Full Conference and Spouse/Guest registrations do NOT include hotel room reservations. Make these separately with the hotel (click the green button farther down on this page).
Conference Registration
ILDA Conference Full Registration, staying at Royal Sonesta hotel
Event
Reg. date
ILDA Member
Non-memberFull Conf. - earlyJun 1 - Aug 31$565$815Full Conf. - regularSept 1 - Oct 25$765$1015Full Conf. - lateOct 26 - Nov 3$965$1215Spouse - earlyJun 1 - Aug 31$350$450Spouse - reg/lateSept 1 - Nov 3$425$525Laser Safety Course Registration
Course
Reg. date
ILDA Member
Non-memberOperator Safety - earlyJun 1 - Aug 31$295$420Operator Safety. - reg/lateSept 1 - Nov 3$395$520Aud. Scanning - earlyJun 1 - Aug 31$295$420Aud. Scanning - reg/lateSept 1 - Nov 3$395$520LSO - earlyJun 1 - Aug 31$525$650LSO - reg/lateSept 1 - Nov 3$675$800Refund policy: 100% refund on registration if you notify ILDA via email on or before August 31; 50% refund if you notify Sept. 1 - Sept. 30, 25% refund if you notify Oct. 1 - Oct. 25.
COVID outbreak policy: As of mid-July 2022 we do not envision any serious problems with COVID or similar widespread diseases. We suggest, but do not require masks. However, ILDA reserves the right to require mask wearing and/or testing at the Conference if conditions should warrant, in ILDA's sole opinion.
If governmental health policies such as new lockdowns make it impossible to hold the Conference, we will refund the unspent portion of your registration fee (e.g., after deducting for costs ILDA and the host have already incurred at time of lockdown notice). Similarly, if your government institutes policies such as travel bans which make it impossible for you to attend the Conference, we will refund the unspent portion of your registration fee.
ILDA General Business Meeting
For Members not attending the Full Conference
If you are an ILDA Member who is NOT registering for the Full Conference, you still can attend the General Business Meeting for free. This event is where votes are taken for ILDA Board Members and for ILDA President, and where association business is discussed and voted on.
To attend, you must register in advance for the General Business Meeting at the Event Registration page. This event will be visible only to current ILDA Members (it will not appear on the list of events for non-members).
Individual conference event tickets
For anyone not attending the Full Conference
We have tickets available for persons who want to attend just one or both of these events, and who don’t have a Full Conference or Spouse/Guest registration:
• Lase-Off/Laser Jockey dinner and event only, Saturday Friday 4 November, USD $150
• Awards Banquet and Presentation only, Saturday 5 November, USD $150
Laser Safety Courses
Held before the Conference; open to Members and non-members
The Laser Safety Courses are not included in the Full Conference. These are separate registration events.
Anyone may attend the Laser Safety Courses. You do not have to be an ILDA Member, and you do not have to register for the Full Conference.
• Optional Laser Operator Safety, Wednesday 2 November, 9 am - 1 pm. Basic lightshow safety, for persons working around lasers or who are operating lasers for lightshows and displays. Registration is USD $395 for ILDA Members, and $520 for non-members.
• Optional Audience Scanning Safety, Wednesday 2 November, 2 pm - 6 pm. How to do safe, legal and effective audience scanning at laser lightshows. For both operators and show designers. Prior laser safety experience or courses are recommended. Registration pricing is $395 for ILDA Members, and $520 for non-members.
• Optional Laser Safety Officer for Lightshows, Thursday 3 November, 9 am - 6 pm, with a break for lunch. This covers laser shows only -- no medical, industrial or other non-lightshow laser usage. While European and international regulations are discussed, the majority of the regulatory discussion is on U.S. laser and aviation rules. To take this class, you must have prior laser show experience, or have taken ILDA's Laser Operator Safety course. If you have questions whether you are ready for this class, contact ILDA. More info is at the LSO course page. Registration pricing is $675 for ILDA Members, and $800 for non-members.
Post-Conference
The day after the Conference
On Sunday 6 November, you are invited to join an optional post-Conference cultural tour of London. This includes coach transport from the hotel to London, a hop-on-hop-off bus tour with free entry to over 80 attractions, and a pub lunch (venue TBA). This is a great way to experience London with your ILDA friends and colleagues. The cost for this is USD $90 per person. Both ILDA Conference attendees and their spouses/guests may join the tour.
Above is information about Conference-related events. To register for any of these events, click the blue button below. It will take you to the Event Registration page at the ILDA Member & Event Management website.
Hotel reservation reminder
Don't forget to make your reservations directly with the Conference hotel. For the ILDA discount rate, book early. There are limited rooms at the ILDA rate. Use the green button with the ILDA hotel group reservation link, located farther down on this web page.
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Make a hotel room reservation
DoubleTree by Hilton Dartford Bridge
The Conference hotel is near ER Productions' headquarters in Dartford, England. It is a commuter town about 18 miles southeast of central London.
The hotel is just south of the Dartford Crossing (Queen Elizabeth II Bridge) over and under the River Thames. Shopping at Bluewater and Lakeside is within 15 minutes. There is an on-site restaurant, indoor pool, fitness center, sauna and steam room, and afternoon tea. WiFi is free.Rates
ILDA Conference registration does NOT include your hotel room at the DoubleTree by Hilton Dartford Bridge. The hotel is giving a special ILDA room rate which includes bed, breakfast and parking.
Room rates when reserved using ILDA's booking code
Standard rooms at £125 single or £145 double occupancy. (Approximately USD $153/$178 as of June 20 2022.)
Deluxe rooms at £145 single or £165 double occupancy. (Approximately USD $178/$202.)
Payable by the guests to the hotel, at time of booking.
All rates in British pounds (£) inclusive of Value-Added Tax.Limited rooms. Book early!
Hotel room availability (at ILDA rates):
1 and 2 November: 10 standard rooms
3, 4 and 5 November: 30 standard rooms and 15 deluxe rooms
6 November: 15 standard rooms and 10 deluxe rooms
Above rates and rooms are available up to and including 31 August, subject to availability. After 1 September any un-reserved rooms in ILDA's block will be returned to general availability at the hotel's standard room rates.
Rooms booked prior to August 31 may be cancelled up to and including August 31 free of charge.
Typical rooms shown (not guaranteed to be this size or configuration). Deluxe rooms may be larger, may be corner rooms, and will have a small refrigerator, bathrobe and slippers.Make a reservation
Online: The Group code for Hilton's online booking is GSILDA. To use this code, click the blue "Special Rates" button on the first reservation page ("Step 1 of 3: Select a Room"). Then enter GSILDA in the Group code box. You should see a blue banner with the words "We're showing Ilda Conference 2022 rates".
Phone direct: Alternatively, you can call the hotel directly at +44 1322 284444 to make a reservation. Be sure to get the ILDA rate. They may also be able to give you a room with double beds instead of a single, if you need this arrangement.
Helpful information
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Getting to the hotel and ER Productions
Train strike planned for Nov. 5, 7 and 9
Apparently there will be a train strike in the U.K. on Saturday Nov. 5, Monday Nov. 7 and Wednesday Nov. 9. Also, "There is likely to be some disruption in the early morning of the day after each strike on Sunday, November 6; Tuesday, November 8 and Thursday, November 10, as workers return to duties."
Here is an Oct. 28 article about the train strike and its effects.
You should keep updated via the Internet in case the strike dates change, or -- hopefully -- the strike is cancelled. Thanks to Michael Meyer for keeping ILDA informed about this.Getting to the location
Driving: The hotel is off the A282, just south of the Dartford Crossing (QE II Bridge). There is a covered parking lot. Parking at the hotel is free if you book using the ILDA rate. There are in-and-out privileges.
Rail: The closest rail station is Stone Crossing, which is about 1 mile from the hotel (a 21 minute walk). Train travel time to London Bridge Station is about 40-45 minutes; to Charing Cross is about 7-8 minutes further.
Flying: There is no airport shuttle. London City Airport is 20 miles away. Driving time is about 33-40 minutes. Rail and bus time to Stone Crossing station is about 30 minutes, plus an 11-21 minute walk from the station or bus stop. Gatwick Airport is 35 miles away. Driving time is about 40-50 minutes. Rail and bus time to Stone Crossing station is about 1 hr 30 minutes, plus an 11-21 minute walk from the station or bus stop. Heathrow Airport is 60 miles away. Driving time is about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Rail and bus time to Stone Crossing station is about 1.5 to 2 hours, plus an 11-21 minute walk from the station or bus stop.
Additional information from Brian Gonzalez: "From Gatwick Airport, the Thameslink network will get you to the Stone Crossing station, with only a single transfer at London Bridge station (map here). This trip takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. Tickets can only be purchased a couple of months in advance; as of June 22, furthest available now is Sept. If you are coming through Heathrow Airport or going into London proper, you can take the Elizabeth Line and connect to the Thameslink network trains in Farringdon or Abbey Wood. These are the two most direct 'non-car' ways I was able to find to and from either airport."
Taxi from the airports: ER Productions has arranged for a 10% discount for iLDA Members wanting to use them in going to and from the airports. You will need to book and pay directly to the taxi company; mention ER Productions and ILDA when booking. DA1 Cars - +44 1322 800123 or email cab@da1cars.co.ukNotes from Patrick and Brian, after having arrived
Patrick, on taking the ER-recommended taxi: "The DA1 Cars taxi worked well. I emailed the company a day in advance to set up the trip. (I do not know if you need to do this or if they can still come relatively soon if you call after you arrive at the airport.) They emailed back with the price, about £77 from Heathrow. I did not have to pay in advance."
"About 30 minutes after I landed at Heathrow, the taxi company called me on WhatsApp to coordinate pickup. If you don't use WhatsApp they can also call your cellphone but of course that incurs international calling charges for them. I exited the terminal and went to the taxi area. However since they are picking up, they went to a side street, called me, and waved to get my attention. I walked across the street and got in. A pleasant drive of over an hour later, I was dropped at the hotel. They prefer to be paid in cash so get some UK pounds before you travel or at the airport currency stands. Apparently tipping is as per in the US — the driver said they appreciate tips!"
Brian on taking the train: "Now having actually executed the plan LHR —> To Abbey Way via Elizabeth Line —> Abbey Way to Stone Crossing via Thameslink and made the walk to the hotel from there, I have some comments."
"Yes. This works; if you are trying to be cheap. However, I think it is important to tell people that Stone Crossing is an uncovered station with NO amenities. Which means if it is raining or dark and or cold like it is now; this will be an unpleasant surprise, since it it is still a solid 30 minute walk (assuming you don’t get lost and stick to the main road)"
"The map is deceiving because the main road is lower in elevation than the Stone Crossing platform. You can either cut through the bushes or walk down the “switchback” by the Burger King on the corner." (Photo 1 below, the station is where the blue train symbol is, the Burger King is at the orange burger+cola symbol.)
"Follow the main road west until you get to the first roundabout and make a left toward Costa Coffee. (There’s a lot of construction in this industrial area.) At the second roundabout make a right. You will see the DoubleTree on the left at the third roundabout." (Photo 2 and map below; the hotel is the blue dot on the left.)
Brian on a better train option: "The better option for most people taking a train will be to Uber to the hotel directly from Abbey Wood station. I’ve been looking into costs and it’s nearly £130 to Uber all the way from Heathrow Airport to the hotel. From Abbey Wood it is about £20. For reference, I paid about £16 from Heathrow to Abbey Wood on the Elizabeth Line (off-peak) and another £5 to get me to Stone Crossing station."
Getting around once you are there
Conference transport: During the ILDA Conference, ER Productions will be proving shuttle bus type transportation between the hotel and ER's headquarters building which is about 5 minutes by car or 25 minutes walking.Getting to the location
Driving: The hotel is off the A282, just south of the Dartford Crossing (QE II Bridge). There is a covered parking lot. Parking at the hotel is free if you book using the ILDA rate. There are in-and-out privileges.
Rail: The closest rail station is Stone Crossing, which is about 1 mile from the hotel (a 21 minute walk). Train travel time to London Bridge Station is about 40-45 minutes; to Charing Cross is about 7-8 minutes further.
Flying: There is no airport shuttle. London City Airport is 20 miles away. Driving time is about 33-40 minutes. Rail and bus time to Stone Crossing station is about 30 minutes, plus an 11-21 minute walk from the station or bus stop. Gatwick Airport is 35 miles away. Driving time is about 40-50 minutes. Rail and bus time to Stone Crossing station is about 1 hr 30 minutes, plus an 11-21 minute walk from the station or bus stop. Heathrow Airport is 60 miles away. Driving time is about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Rail and bus time to Stone Crossing station is about 1.5 to 2 hours, plus an 11-21 minute walk from the station or bus stop.
Additional information from Brian Gonzalez: "From Gatwick Airport, the Thameslink network will get you to the Stone Crossing station, with only a single transfer at London Bridge station (map here). This trip takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. Tickets can only be purchased a couple of months in advance; as of June 22, furthest available now is Sept. If you are coming through Heathrow Airport or going into London proper, you can take the Elizabeth Line and connect to the Thameslink network trains in Farringdon or Abbey Wood. These are the two most direct 'non-car' ways I was able to find to and from either airport."
Taxi from the airports: ER Productions has arranged for a 10% discount for iLDA Members wanting to use them in going to and from the airports. You will need to book and pay directly to the taxi company; mention ER Productions and ILDA when booking. DA1 Cars - +44 1322 800123 or email cab@da1cars.co.ukNotes from Patrick and Brian, after having arrived
Patrick, on taking the ER-recommended taxi: "The DA1 Cars taxi worked well. I emailed the company a day in advance to set up the trip. (I do not know if you need to do this or if they can still come relatively soon if you call after you arrive at the airport.) They emailed back with the price, about £77 from Heathrow. I did not have to pay in advance."
"About 30 minutes after I landed at Heathrow, the taxi company called me on WhatsApp to coordinate pickup. If you don't use WhatsApp they can also call your cellphone but of course that incurs international calling charges for them. I exited the terminal and went to the taxi area. However since they are picking up, they went to a side street, called me, and waved to get my attention. I walked across the street and got in. A pleasant drive of over an hour later, I was dropped at the hotel. They prefer to be paid in cash so get some UK pounds before you travel or at the airport currency stands. Apparently tipping is as per in the US — the driver said they appreciate tips!"
Brian on taking the train: "Now having actually executed the plan LHR —> To Abbey Way via Elizabeth Line —> Abbey Way to Stone Crossing via Thameslink and made the walk to the hotel from there, I have some comments.
Yes. This works; if you are trying to be cheap. However, I think it is important to tell people that Stone Crossing is an uncovered station with NO amenities. Which means if it is raining or dark and or cold like it is now; this will be an unpleasant surprise, since it it is still a solid 30 minute walk (assuming you don’t get lost and stick to the main road)
The map is deceiving because the main road is lower in elevation than the Stone Crossing platform. You can either cut through the bushes or walk down the “switchback” by the Burger King on the corner."Getting around once you are there
Conference transport: During the ILDA Conference, ER Productions will be proving shuttle bus type transportation between the hotel and ER's headquarters building which is about 5 minutes by car or 25 minutes walking.
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ABBA Voyage with lasers in London
Michael Sollinger, from ILDA Member LaserAnimation SOLLINGER, points out the ABBA Voyage experience in London.
He writes: "This is something really unique! LaserAnimation supplied all laser projectors, Tarm Showlaser did the installation and programming of one piece, LAS was responsible for a special effect. This is not too far from ER even with public transportation it’s only about 45 min. I thought it would be a good idea to mention this on the conference website as a London highlight."
From the ABBA Voyage website: "Blending cutting-edge technology, spectacular lighting, and some of the most beloved songs ever written, ABBA take to the stage in a whole new way. In a stunning, purpose-built arena, one of the most popular groups in history appear as digital avatars in a ‘ground-breaking’ (Metro) concert that really ‘needs to be seen to be believed’ (BBC)."
The website notes (on July 26) "The best availability for all concert dates and times is currently from October." Performances around the ILDA Conference November dates are: 19:45 Thu. 3rd., Fri. 4th, Sat. 5th, and Mon. 7th; 15:00 Sat. 5th; 13:00 and 17:00 Sun 6th. The best dates/times for non-interference with primary ILDA events are marked in bold. There are no performances Tue-Wed 1-2 Nov and Tue-Wed 8-9 Nov.
The custom-built ABBA Arena is in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The easiest way to get there is by rail on public transport. The nearest rail stations are Pudding Mill Lane (directly across from the Arena) and Stratford, a 25-minute walk through the Park.
For more information, visit our other ILDA websites:
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