First timer or regular, regional conference has something for everyone - lively policy debate, invaluable training, fantastic networking opportunities and much more.
Autumn 2018
Our 2018 Autumn conference will be in Lancaster at the University of Cumbria, Bowerham Road, Lancaster LA1 3JD.
It will be held on Saturday 13th October 2018 and run from 10am - 4.30pm.
Booking
Online / early bird booking for Autumn 2018
- select registration type and enter your Local Party, then press Add To Cart to continue:
After clicking "Add to Cart" you will be taken to the next stage in the booking process which lets you add more tickets if required, and takes name and address details as part of the Paypal payment process - or adds them automatically if you have a Paypal account are already stored as part of it. If you are booking for more than one person we will be in touch for the details of second & further registrations, which the paypal process alas can't handle.
- Alternatively you can print off & post your registration with cheques / postal orders.
Booking form as a printable PDF here. - You can also register for conference on the day at the conference reception desk.Conference reception opens at 9.30am on Saturday and conference runs from 10am to 4.30pm.
Note online/advance booking will close prior to the conference to allow name badges, registration lists etc to be prepared in time. Postal bookings need to be posted in time to be processed ahead of the event so we recommend at the latest a posting date of 1st October for first class mail.
Agenda, Motions & Speakers
Our speakers include Baroness Jenny Randerson, Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson, and Tim Farron MP, former Liberal Democrat Party Leader.
More will be announced nearer the time.
See below for policy motions and amendments deadlines.
Getting There
The address is University of Cumbria, Bowerham Road, Lancaster LA1 3JD. We will be in the Sentamu building, which is near to the Gateway building which we used for recent conferences.
Here are a set of maps showing how to get to the new conference centre as PDF and here is a jpeg campus map of the site, showing both the conference building and nearby building with cafe for lunch.
The postcode for satnav devices is LA1 3JD. The nearest motorway interchange is Junction 34 of the M6 - alternatively you can leave at J33 or J35 and follow the A6.
Conference runs 10am - 430pm, with the registration desk opening at 9.30am.
Policy Debates
Conference photos are here on our flickr stream
The Autumn policy motions deadline is 1st September.
The Policy Motion Amendments deadline is 8th September
Motions should be submitted by by post to Liberal Democrats North West, 23 New Mount St, Manchester M4 4DE, or by email to the regional policy team on policy@northwestlibdems.org.uk
Here is a (2017) paper with advice & information on submitting policy motions. (pdf)
If you need further help or advice on how best to structure a motion to conference please do get in touch beforehand.
Training Programme
Our training programme will be announced nearer the time.
We anticipate around 8 training sessions to include campaigning skills and getting more people involved in your local party.
Exhibitors Information
A traditional part of conference is the exhibition area, where you can showcase your organisation to Lib Dem party members. We will have space for a limited number of stalls, and as at previous North West conferences, there is also the option to have inserts in the attendees' welcome pack. Details on rates are in the booking form below.
Stall bookings are open - download a stall booking form here.
Viv Bingham Memorial Lecture
The October 2018 conference will include the fifth Viv Bingham Memorial Lecture.
Details will follow nearer the time.
President's Awards
Each Autumn Conference we recognise the work of Lib Dem volunteers with the North West Liberal Democrats President's Awards.
Nominations are now open and the nomination paperwork can be downloaded here.
This has also been sent to all Local Parties in the North West.
Executive 2019
The Autumn Conference includes the AGM and election of the 2019 Regional Executive.
2018 Executive & English Council representatives nomination forms will be downloadable in summer 2018.
Note: nominations close at close of Conference.