8 fantastic events at Conservative Party Conference
Conservative Party Conference is a fantastic event every year. However, when there are so many events taking place, it can be overwhelming for new attendees.
So we’ve put together this guide to some of the great fringe events going on during Conservative Party Conference 2019. If you’re stuck for something to do, check out this list below and see what event you can attend.
But First: Download the Conservative Party Conference App!
We have developed a wonderful app this year to help you decide which events to attend at Conservative Party Conference, as well as keep track of your favourites and the map of the Conference Hall.
If you’re attending Conference, download the app today on the Apple Store to keep on top of what is going on and work out which events to attend (iOS only).
1. The Newcomers events
If it’s your first time at Conference, then don’t fret! Every conference we hold a newcomers event – one for all Party members, and one for Party members under 23 – to introduce you to the event and tell you what is going on.
These are a great way to get your bearings of what happens at Party Conference, as well as to meet other new attendees.
The receptions are held at Manchester Central Charter 3 and 4. The receptions are for Party members only.
2. The Regional events
Throughout Conference, each region across the United Kingdom will hold a reception for Party members from their region.
These are a wonderful opportunity to meet with people from your region in neighbouring associations as well as your own, and talk about what issues face your local community – as well as talk to the MPs who often attend each reception.
Some regions require registration though many do not, so you should check with your local association if you are not sure whether you can attend.
3. The CWO events
The Conservative Women’s Organisation, or CWO, are a vital part of the Conservative Party. They also organise a number of incredible events at Conference, from the thought-provoking and incisive to the fun and exciting.
The CWO are hosting a number of events and workshops throughout Conference. Just two wonderful events of note: Ask Her To Stand: How To Engage Young Women will discuss how Conservatives can encourage more young women to engage in politics and stand for election. And on Tuesday, Wise Up: Women in STEM will talk about the gender gap in STEM employment and what can be done to narrow the distance.
4. The Cabinet Ministers’ speeches
Throughout Conference, Cabinet Ministers will be making interesting and incisive speeches about their policy area and what they are doing to tackle the problem Britain faces today.
It is vital to get Brexit done so we can focus on the people’s priorities around our NHS, schools, and policing. So each Cabinet Minister will set out how they are preparing for Brexit, what they’re going to do after we leave the European Union on October 31st, and what challenges they are overcoming.
These events take place in the main Conference auditorium each day. You can find out more in the Conservative Party Conference brochure.
The exhibition hall at Manchester Central will be host to a number of Young Conservatives events throughout Party conference.
5. The Conservative Academy events
Every year at Conference, we host a number of training sessions for Conservative activists to hone your campaigning abilities and hypercharge your skills.
Run by some of the most successful campaigners in Britain, on behalf of the campaign machine that has come out on top in the last three General Elections, we reveal (to members only!) the best ways to maximise your campaigning efforts on the doorstep, on digital, and more.
We run dozens of these kinds of events throughout Conference. Many of the events take place either in the Conservative Academy: Training Theatre, or at Manchester Central: Exchange 1. Take a look at the brochure to find out more.
6. The Fringe Stalls
Not only do we arrange a large number of fringe events, but we also have over a hundred Exhibitors’ stalls set up in the main conference room.
Ranging from life changing charities to leading British businesses to incisive think tanks to unions, the fringe stalls contain a wide range of people each wishing to talk about what they can do to help Conservative party members. Many campaign on political issues that we have recently made policy announcements on, such as animal rights in the UK or Conservative NHS policy.
If you have a spare hour during Conservative Party Conference, make sure to take a look around the fringe stalls to speak to some of those who have set up. You’re sure to learn something new and amazing from everyone there!
7. Young Conservatives events
Many are focused on how as a young Conservative you can get involved in party politics; others are receptions to meet and network with other young Conservatives; and other still are partnered events to discuss different policy areas close to people’s heart. Some – like Blue Beyond’s Housing Debate and Climate Change Debate – allow members to present a policy recommendation, where the most popular ones will form the basis of the next policy paper to be submitted to the CCHQ policy team.
With over a dozen events, each run by Young Conservatives staff, they are a great chance to meet your Young Conservatives regional heads, the YC at Conservative headquarters, and other like-minded members who are looking to campaign.
8. The Prime Minister’s Closing speech
Perhaps the most special event of conference, and certainly one of the most anticipated, on Wednesday evening the Prime Minister will make his speech outlining his political vision for the future and our Party’s priorities moving forward to get Brexit done so we can focus on our NHS, schools, and policing.
The Prime Minister will speak on Wednesday at 11:40am.