Newington's Joshua Lindsey offers his top tips ahead of the annual party conference season.
Party conference season is just around the corner. For many looking to build their profile or engage with political stakeholders, now is the time to start putting together a conference plan.
Whilst Conservative Party Conference has been an important event in the political calender for the last seven years, Labour Party Conference has taken on a new importance after the closer-than-expected General Election result. With cabinet infighting, a shaky Tory majority and an ever emboldened opposition, it is increasingly important to engage with both major political parties.
Party conferences run from late September to October: The Liberal Democrats begin the season in Bournemouth on 16-19 September; Labour Party Conference runs from 24-27 September in Brighton and the Conservative Party conclude conference season in Manchester from 1-4 October.
Whilst keynote speakers, party leaders and policy announcements will always draw the headlines, there are a wealth of fringe events, exhibition spaces, receptions and dinners to attend which provide an opportunity like no other for informal networking. Newington can provide advice on the best events to attend.
Where to stay? Gone are the days when cheap accommodation in seaside resorts would be in abundance after the summer, conference accommodation fills up fast so book early to avoid disappointment.
Like accommodation, the costs of conference pass increases exponentially as the conferences approach. Commercial guest passes for Conservative Party Conference jump from £825 to £925 on 1 August and reach £1,475 in the week ahead of the conference.
Savings can be made throughout the season though, for instance rather than attending the whole of Labour Party Conference a one day pass costs £165 and for those in London and the South East, Brighton is only an hour or so away by train, easily a one day trip.
It’s not all about the national conferences though. Both major political parties hold Local Government Conferences in February to March and all local parties come together once a year at the Local Government Association Conference which, like national conferences, is awash with informal opportunities to network.
Newington consultants will be at all major political conferences and we provide tailored support meet your business’s needs. If you would like further information, contact Pavitar Mann at [email protected].
