Lost in the details? Let us help.

We know events come with a few unknowns – whether it’s what to wear, when things kick off, or how to get there. This page covers the most common stuff people ask us. If you’re still not sure about something, give us a shout - we’re here to help.

We're still finalising the details, but to get the most out of the day we anticipate registration opening from approximately 8.15am, we're opening a little earlier this year to allow people enough time to settle in and get some breakfast before the first session begins. Everyone should be seated by 10.00am ready to start the day.

This is a mandatory business event, that all permanent and fixed term contract colleagues are expected to attend. Please note, consultants, contractors, agency, and offshore colleagues will not be in attendance. 

We like to create new experiences for our colleagues, and give people something to look forward to each year. We also read your feedback and try to act and improve on the events that we create. Will it be the same as last year? NO. Will it be good if not better? YES!

StratFest is an in-person event only.

You work hard, so why not let your hair down and spend a bit of quality time relaxing with your friends and colleagues. We promise there'll be something for everyone to enjoy. However, we appreciate people have commitments outside of working hours. The evening is not mandatory, neither is staying over.

We're in the process of confirming our menu choices, but what we can say is that there will be a choice of hot options available for lunch and dinner in the evening. If you have particular dietary requirements these can be noted on the registration form.

Due to the venue's location close to public transport links, you should use the train, tube or bus to travel to/from the venue. Train tickets can be arranged locally via your PA or via the usual ticket process. Please note all travel costs will be allocated to local cost centres. Please ensure you choose the most cost effective option for your travel by selecting a single journey there and back, as this reduces the overall cost by a significant amount. Did you know, using public transport or sharing transport can reduce road transport emissions by up to 33%. Sustainability is at the forefront of our mind whilst planning this event, so we actively encourage you to take advantage of the transport we are providing.

There will be plenty of food and drink options available throughout the lunch period. We've got a packed agenda for the day so there may not be time for you to go offsite. In addition to this, on entry to the venue you'll need to pass through a security and bag check which could cause delays and queues - we recommend that you stay onsite to ensure you don't miss a thing!

Yes, if you are attending the evening social event, there will be an option to stay in overnight accommodation. Please ensure this is requested at registration as late requests may not be able to be accommodated as we will secure rooms based on the registration form. As with everything, plans change so it will be greatly appreciated if you let us know as soon as possible if your plans change. Late cancellations of accommodation will result in the cost being charged against your local cost centre.

There will not be any requirement to share rooms, however we do have a number of twin rooms. If you would like to share with another colleague, please request this at registration and we will try to accommodate your requests where possible. 

Breakfast at the hotels will be provided free of charge.

No, where possible hotel accommodation will be allocated based on your requirements captured at registration i.e., travel requirements, department etc. 

We're aiming to communicate this to you early August.

Hotels will have no parking available, if you are driving to the venue you need to find parking separately, most of the hotels do offer parking finding facilities nearby. Again, we would recommend the pink or blue parking options at Wembley. Please note this cost will need to be picked up by you. 

Whilst there is parking available at Wembley (we would suggest the pink parking), please note there is a charge, we'd encourage all colleagues to travel by train. Wembley has a tube station on it's doorstep - and if you've never been to Wembley before, seeing the famous Wembley arch for the first time when you step outside of the Tube station is iconic!PS Did you know, using public transport or sharing transport can reduce road transport emissions by up to 33%. Sustainability is at the forefront of our mind whilst planning this event.

No, cars cannot be left overnight at the venue but some parking options do allow for 24 hour parking.

Accessible parking is available at many of the car parks surrounding the stadium. For accessible parking, we'd recommend parking in the Blue car park. If you are a blue badge holder, please let us know and we can register your car with the venue directly. 

There will be dedicated rooms where you can go to pray during the day. To help us understand how many colleagues will need the use of these rooms - please add this under the special requirements section on the registration form.

We will have an area within the conference venue that is quieter for people to step away from the crowds and noise.

There will be seats in every session, and we will reserve a limited number like we did last year. Please ensure you tell us of any special requirements on the registration form.

Yes, food and drink will be provided throughout the day and evening (any dietary requirements will be captured at registration).

The business is investing significantly in the event and will therefore not subsidise after-parties or drinks outside of the paid-for event. Any personal expenses claimed for this purpose will not be paid. If you have a corporate credit card, you are not permitted to use it for the purpose of pre or after-parties.

Within the registration form, there is a question where you can inform us of any special requirements you feel we should be aware of. 

Wembley is a large venue that spans multiple floors. Each floor is accessible by escalator and there are lifts available to use. All rooms will be clearly signposted. If there is anything we need to be made aware of, please inform us via the registration form.

Daytime: Business casual (dress for your day) and don't forget your comfy shoes. Evening: this is not a black-tie event and we'd encourage you to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. If sparkles are your thing, go right on ahead - if you feel happier in jeans and trainers we're down with that too.

Please contact events@comparethemarket.com if any cancellations need to be made. Please be mindful that any cancellations will incur a cost back to the business, so please take this into consideration and let us know as soon as possible if you have any changes. Any cancellations will be tracked and recorded.

The business is, of course, still operating on the Friday. We're all responsible for providing a service to our customers and local teams as required.If there is an emergency or incident on the Friday, the usual crisis management plan would apply as it would over any weekend or out of hours.

If you want to be unavailable for work, then you should book leave in the usual way.

If you have a new starter joining your team between now and September, please make us aware as
soon as possible by emailing events@comparethemarket.com.

No, you will need to pay for any additional items you have personally.

There are many transport links close to Wembley and the hotels, you should include this on your train ticket request.

Please use code INT-16 (offsites).

Yes, from a security perspective everyone will be expected to leave the venue when the day conference ends at approx. 5pm.

No, a light breakfast will be provided at Wembley on arrival, and snacks will be available throughout the day.

Please refer to your contract of employment for treatment of expenses and your base office. Most high hybrid contracts contain provision for expenses for these types of events.

This will apply to a very small number of exceptions and must be agreed with your line manager in advance. All associated costs, including the accommodation will need to be met from local cost codes.

No, we will be providing a light breakfast, lunch and dinner at the party, therefore any costs will need to be paid for personally.

Yes, all hotels are located within a 5-10 minute walk of the venue.