Briefing:Annual Conference 2018 – Delegate Registration From: Karen Wilkie For attention of: Labour & Co-operative Councillors, Party Council Secretaries Published: 5th April 2018 Last updated: 26th July 2018 Printed: 23rd April 2024 Other formats: Print Registration is now open for Annual Conference in Bristol on 13-14 October. Here's everything you need to know about organising your local party's delegation and registering them as delegates I’m delighted to announce this year’s Conference will take place at the Bristol Grand Hotel on 13-14 October. Registration for delegates is now open using the booking form here. This means you can reserve delegate places and hotel rooms now, at the early bird discount rates but still have longer to select delegates. If you have any questions about booking your delegation or if you feel your Party Council will struggle to send the recommended delegation level, please contact Shane Brogan (s.brogan@party.coop or 020 7367 4151). You can also find out more information about the Conference venue, transport and nearby accommodation options below. Why attend Conference? Last year’s Annual Conference was the biggest gathering of our members for decades, with over 500 of us coming together to celebrate the centenary and help set the Party’s plans for our next hundred years. We are aiming to build on this enthusiasm and energy throughout 2018, with big plans to develop the commitment to double the size of the UK co-operative sector and champion our vision for a more co-operative model of ownership. The 2018 Policy Process is now underway, with members and local parties helping to determine the Party’s response to Brexit and how we build an economy that works for everyone. Policy Process 2018: Information for Officers16th January 2018 Annual Conference is the Party’s most important event each year, and with a growing membership we want to make sure that we have delegates from right across the country, representing the diverse views and experiences of our members. How much does it cost to send a delegate? We have worked hard to keep the delegate fees as low as possible. This year’s fees include lunch on Saturday and the Conference Party on Saturday evening: Standard passes £145 (£195 after 1 July) Youth (30 or Under) passes £95 (£145 after 1 July) When is Conference taking place? Friday 12 October: Conference Registration & Welcome Reception (evening only) Saturday 13 October: Registration, Conference Day 1 and Party (NB: doesn’t include dinner) Sunday 14 October: Conference Day 2 (concludes around 1pm) Where is Conference being held? Both days of Co-operative Party Annual Conference will be held in the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel, Broad Street, Bristol BS1 2EL (click here for map). How do I book accommodation? You can again book accommodation for your delegation through the Co-operative Party. Please note these rooms are very limited and will be awarded on a first come first served basis. Rooms can be cancelled for free up to 1 August 2018. Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel, Broad Street, Bristol BS1 2EL (Conference Venue): Rooms cost £119 on Friday and £129 on Saturday Mercure Brigstow Hotel, 5-7 Welsh Back, Bristol BS1 4SP (5 minutes from Venue) Rooms cost £119 on Friday and £129 on Saturday There are also a variety of other accommodation options near the Conference Venue, which can be found through websites such as booking.com Where is the nearest station? The main station is Bristol Temple Meads which is a 20 minute walk, 10 minutes by bus or 5 minutes by taxi to the Conference Venue (click here for map). Travelling by public transport is the most cost effective way to attend Conference and reduces our environmental impact. If travelling with Great Western Railway, get a special discount – click here to find out more. Action Points Book your Party Council's DelegationComplete the booking form (More) Return itSend to and send to Shane Brogan (More) For more information Have questions about Conference Delegates or Accommodation? Shane Brogan Membership Manager