Your Party Conference Survival Guide: Madano’s Top Tips

The UK’s annual party conference season is upon us and taking place during another turbulent time with cost-of-living concerns remaining high, an uncertain future on the Net Zero consensus and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Here are the key conference dates:

• The Conservative Party Conference will be held in Manchester from Sunday 1st October to Wednesday 4th October.
• The Labour Party Conference will occur in Liverpool from Sunday 8th October to Wednesday 11th October.
• The SNP Conference in Aberdeen will take place between Sunday 15th October to Tuesday 17th October.
• The Liberal Democrat Conference in Bournemouth is scheduled between Saturday 23rd September and Tuesday 26th September.

Those attending conferences and looking to better understand the political landscape over the coming year should pay special attention to the following three discussions:

• 2024 General Election: With the much-anticipated general election drawing ever nearer, both the Conservative and Labour parties will be laser-focused on vote-winning policies and successful electoral strategies in key swing constituencies. While Labour has remained in a strong position since 2022, the recent reshuffle suggests a Blairite swing to the centre ground to consolidate their lead. As the Conservatives try to recover from the turmoil they were facing this time last year, they may try to politicise certain issues, to provide a wedge between themselves and Labour. While a precise date has not been set for the upcoming election, we know it will take place in 8-12 months, likely next autumn. A lot can change in this time, as evidenced by the SNP's recent fall from grace, which has diminished any prospect for a second independence referendum soon.

• Status of Net Zero: A year and a half after the invasion of Ukraine, and following a tough winter in 2022-2023, which saw the price of energy and just about everything else rise, has political will to carry out Net Zero policies taken a hit? Questions like these are sure to take centre stage at conferences, especially following the recent focus around the failed expansion of London's ULEZ scheme and the potential politicisation of climate initiatives. Could this be a signal that more of this is to come as we approach 2024? Could Labour further weaken its stance in return for political gain? The recent appointment of Claire Coutinho as Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is another signal of the Government's potential shifting approach to Net Zero.

• International Competition: A year after the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act in the United States, how are the Conservative and Labour parties, as well as the private sector planning to tackle the economic challenges, dis-incentivising foreign investment in key areas like hydrogen, renewables and nuclear? The two main parties will have different outlooks on what needs to be done, but they both need to avoid getting caught in the middle of a green subsidy war between the EU and USA.

To have a successful Conference, attendees should ensure some logistical arrangements are in order. We recommend the following:

• Book in advance: With rail strikes becoming a regular occurrence, make sure to book your travel now. Train strikes have been announced for some days of the Conservative Party Conference, and more could be announced as we get closer.
• Plan your schedule carefully: Party Conferences are the best time of year to put your ear to the ground and make sure you are up to date on thinking across the political spectrum. Make sure to plan your conference schedules carefully to ensure you make the most of your time and gain valuable insights.
• Come well prepared: Party conference days are long and full of walking and standing. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring business cards and your networking A-game.

If you follow these simple tips, you will be set up for success at whichever party conference you and your organisation attend. If you would like to connect with a Madano team member at Labour or Conservative Party Conferences, please drop us a line at [email protected].