How to make the most of party conference season

This is an updated version of our blog from 2018.

Amidst the political shenanigans dominating the landscape, one could be forgiven for forgetting that the political party conference season is almost upon us.

Those few weeks where sleep is in short supply, political conjecture is in overdrive, and you realise after two days that the only thing powering your body is the gallon of Travelodge coffee you just necked at your free breakfast. For the best part of September (as it currently stands – watch this space), the main political parties will be hosting their annual conferences.

As well as a nice trip to the seaside, this a chance to see party democracy in action and get a real flavour of the issues that party members and activists really care about in their communities, and around the world. It’s also a chance for you to advocate for the issues your organisations care about. Plan it right and you can get them in front of key party decision-makers in Labour, Conservatives, LIb Dems and the SNP.

Party conferences can be a little daunting. Here are a few handy pointers to get you through what are a pretty hectic few weeks

How to make the most if it

• Conference is full of varied and interesting events. Make sure you scour that agenda and get to as many fringes as possible.
• There are parliamentarians EVERYWHERE. If you don’t manage to chat to them at a fringe, it’s more than likely you will run into them in the hotel lobby, or the bar, or the coffee shop. Be prepared to give your spiel at a moment’s notice.
• Haven’t been able to badger that minister or shadow secretary of state for a meeting? Head to a fringe where they are talking and ask your questions. You can also try speak to them after their fringe speech, but it’s a bit like the Hunger Games so make sure you get to the front early before the inevitable swarm.
• You’ve gotta network to get work. Chat to others in fringes – you never know what useful connections you will make.
• Most fringes have free food and drinks – make the most of it.
• In previous years, I’ve met more MPs at the bars than official meetings. Whether to drink or not is your prerogative, but it’s definitely worth staying up late to visit the main conference bars – you’ll absolutely run into politicians there.
• Go visit the stalls in the conference hall. Not only will you get to see the incredible work of some amazing charities in the UK, the guide dogs are always there if you need to chill out for a second (you can even pat them).
• It’s a marathon not a sprint. More often than not it’s an early start and late finish – make sure you look after yourself.
• Attend the Bond drinks receptions at the Labour and Conservative Conferences. For Labour, hear from Labour figures on how the Sustainable Development Goals, supported by a strong and robust civil society, will help us respond the global challenges we face as a society.
• Join us for the Conservative drinks reception to hear from speakers discussing how conservatism can lead the way in ending ongoing global poverty and tackling climate change. This will feature a speech for secretary of state of international development Alok Sharma
• Make sure you also attend the fringe events hosted by other Bond members and allies.
• Loads of vitamin C – oranges help!

Find out more about fringe events this party conference season.