Taking Part

This year, the Co-operative Party will hold it’s Annual Conference online, via a customised microsite using Facebook Live and YouTube live feeds, and a chat/Q&A function via Zoom. 

With Party membership at a modern high and the Party’s ideas more timely and influential than ever, this Conference promises to be one of our most high-profile in recent times.   

Why? 

Covid-19 has changed the way we work.  Through the crisis, membership of the Party has been steadily growing and we want to as many people as possible to hear and take part on what the Co-operative Party is working on, as well as participate in our policy consultations.   

This give us the opportunity to highlight to members and supporters across the UK and beyond why co-operatives really do provide the workable, scalable and necessary solutions to the many issues that really matter as we face an uncertain future and economic crisis. 

Since the onset of lockdown, with it’s series of Co-operation Live! Zoom calls, the Party has been a thought leader sharing its ongoing work and the work of our partner organisations with Co-op Party members and supporters via the video conferencing facility Zoom.  Between the beginning of April and the end of July we have held over 90 Zoom calls, with 2500 people dialling in to virtual Q&As, meetups and masterclasses to hear how our Co-operative MPs, Peers, MSPs, AMs, Mayors, Councillors and partner organisations are bringing co-operation to decision-making tables across the UK.  The calls are recorded and available to view on the Co-op Party YouTube channel.

Although governance advice on the holding of large conferences may have changed by October, the Party is responsible for safeguarding the health and welfare of its members and staff.  As a result, the Party’s National Executive Committee have taken the decision to hold an online version of our Annual Conference to address this difficult period of uncertainty by continuing as ‘normally’ as we can - discussing policy and current issues as well as combating loneliness and other mental health issues. We hope to also up-skill some of our members in the use of tech too. 

Functionality 

Our inhouse communications team are building a one-off Conference microsite specifically to reflect our particular requirements.  An example of how it will look is here.  

Key aspects of this will be: 

• Live Stream - conference live stream of all Keynote speakers; Policy and Owning the Future debates plus Network and Fringe sessions using Facebook Live and YouTube streaming services.  
• Pre-recorded footage – online training and parliamentary reports.  
• Timetable – detailed daily timetable of speakers and start times, with options to set reminders in your personal calendar. 
• Chat function – monitored chat boxes as part of our YouTube and Facebook Live feeds to ask questions to speakers, take part in debates and network with other co-operators. 

Sponsorship 

Sponsoring one of the key elements of this year’s Conference week - or even the Conference as a whole - provides one of the best opportunities for your organisation to be seen by an online audience of thousands. 

Headline  

The most visible way of being involved in this Year’s Conference is as the headline sponsor, providing a package of advertising, speaking and programming opportunities.  

What is included? 

• Premium Banner advertisement space on Conference livestream throughout the 8-day Conference period. 
• Opportunity to provide a ‘Welcome Address’ to the Conference. 
• Opportunity to hold a sponsored Fringe or Network session (see below). 
• Branding opportunities in all online and printed literature 

Fringes 

A series of live-streamed participatory Fringe workshops relating to our ‘Owning the Future’ report and ongoing campaigns will be take place lunchtime and evenings w/c Monday 13 October. If you are interested in promoting your organisation during these, The Co‑operative Party’s staff team will work with you on logistical support covering our proposed themes, content, as well as securing speakers and host the event on the Conference Live stream.

What is included: 

• An initial consultation on the Party’s proposed topics of interest.
• Development of title, topic and format for the event.
• Identifying and securing relevant speakers and panelists on your behalf.
• Opportunity for your organisation’s support to be highlighted in the chair’s opening remarks.
• Inclusion of your company logo in all pre‑ event Fringe listing and publicity.
• Rolling advertisement banner logo during the session that your Fringe is scheduled.
• Dedicated member of Conference tech team on hand to set‑up, monitor and troubleshoot Live stream and chat box throughout the Fringe session.

Networks 

Our Womens’, BAME, LGBT+, Youth and (Dis)Ability Networks all have livestreamed sessions planned for w/c 13 October– and sponsoring one of these informal events is a great way to show your support. 

What is included: 

• See ‘Fringes’ above.
• The official Network chair and/or co-ordinator will take part in consultations on content, title, speakers and timings.