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CoopParty

Building a Fairer Future

Co-operative Party Annual Conference

Glasgow, 11-13 October 2019

Already got your ticket? Find the agenda and your document pack at our Conference Hub.

Annual Conference 2019

Conference brings together hundreds of members and supporters from across the UK to debate policy, hear from speakers in the co-operative and labour movements, and help shape our work and campaigns in the year ahead.

This year's theme is Building a Fairer Future and we will be focusing on some of the big challenges our economy and communities face.  There will be a particular spotlight on climate change and community power, as well as showcasing co-operative solutions that can be expanded and supported to build the fairer future we so desperately need.

Keynote speakers include:

  • On Saturday: Keir Starmer KCB QC MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union and Richard Leonard MSP, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party.
  • On Sunday: Christina McAnea, Assistant General Secretary UNISON.

Registration for Conference is now open and costs just £30.

Highlights

  • Meet a new generation of co-operators
  • Learn practical skills and share your experiences in interactive workshops
  • Share your ideas about what a fairer future looks like
  • Policy debates on climate change and community power
The Co-operative Party Policy Process allows our members to discuss and shape our Party Policy, ahead of the formal debates at Conference in October.  This year's topics are:

The policy consultation documents are available online only and can be downloaded at the Conference Hub. No printed copies will be provided.

Why attend conference?

Annual Conference is the highlight of the Co‑operative Party’s calendar, bringing together party members and representatives of the wider co‑operative movement from across the country.

For those new to the Party, Conference is a great introduction to the work of the Party and that of the wider co‑operative movement. For long-standing members, it’s a chance to shape the Party’s work and policy direction, catch up with old friends and develop new skills.

Shape party policy

We’ll be discussing submissions made by members and local parties to this year’s policy consultation on "Climate Change, Energy and the Environment" and "Community, Place and Power".

Learn more about the Party’s work

Hear more about the work of our elected representatives across the UK, with an elected representatives (MPs, MSPs and AMs) Q&A and reports from Scotland, Westminster and Wales.

Socialise and network

Meet and network with like-minded co-operators at Conference’s Friday night Welcome Reception and Saturday night Party and Awards ceremony (with special guest speaker and live band). Get involved in the Party’s diversity networks (Women, LGBT+, BAME and Disability) who are also holding workshops and socials.

Link up with the co-operative movement

The Conference marketplace will bring together organisations from across the co‑operative movement, from local community co‑ops to national bodies.

Venue, Travel & Accommodation

This year's Conference takes place at  the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central, Cambridge Street, Glasgow G2 3HN.

The Conference venue is situated right in the centre of Glasgow, and a ten minute walk from Glasgow Central Station.

Delegates and attendees are encouraged to use public transport where possible

Accommodation

If you are attending Conference as a delegate from a co-operative party council, co-operative society or trade union, then your accommodation will have been booked by your organisation.

If you are attending as a visitor, accommodation is available at the DoubleTree and there are a variety of other options nearby to suits all budgets.

Directions

From Glasgow Central train station:  There is regular service bus service between the hotel and the station.  Take buses no: 3 or 4 and get off at the Sausiehall St stop.  The hotel is a 5 minute walk.

From Glasgow Airport:  Take the 'Glasgow Airport Express' which leaves from directly outside the airport terminal.  This takes approximately 30 minutes.  A return ticket is £14.  Get off at city centre stop 5, Buchanan Street Bus station.  The hotel is a 5-minute walk.

Parking: there is a Glasgow City Council car parking adjacent to the hotel.  Standard rates apply.

Agenda

We're just finalising the list of sessions, speakers, fringes and social events for Conference, but you can find the timelines below.   Please note all conference literature will be published online only.  No printed material will be provided.  Those attending Conference will receive an email link to the Conference Hub shortly.

Friday 11 October

  • Conference Registration in hotel reception from 5pm
  • Delegation meet ups:
    • 3pm: Yorkshire, North East, North West, East Midlands, West Midlands
    • 4pm: Scotland & Northern Ireland, East, South West
    • 5pm: London, South East, Subscribing Societies, Wales
  • Welcome Reception in association with Social Enterprise UK (7:30pm)
  • Youth Network social (8:30pm)

Saturday 12 October

  • Register and visit our representative marketplace
  • Conference Day 1, sessions from 9am
  • Keynote speeches from the Rt. Hon. Sir Keir Starmer KCB QC MP and Richard Leonard MSP
  • Policy debate: A Co-operative Green New Deal
  • Series of fringes events
  • Fairer future information workshops
  • LGBT+ network social from 7pm
  • Conference Party in association with Scotmid: including an awards ceremony, speeches and live band (8.30pm until late) NB: doesn’t include dinner

Sunday 13 October

  • BAME network breakfast (from 8.30am)
  • Conference Day 2 (concludes around 1pm)
  • Keynote speech from Christina McAnea
  • Policy debate: Community, place and power
  • Topical discussion on mental health and modern slavery.
  • Co-operative Party Ltd Annual General Meeting
  • Women’s network lunch (from 1.30-3pm)

Networks

Recognition Awards
Click here to nominate a member to receive an award to recognise their contribution to the Co-operative Party.

Information for Officers
Click here to read the latest briefing for Party Officers, including information about delegates, CAC nominations and organisational motions.

Get in touch
If you have any other questions about Conference or don't want to buy your ticket online, please email events@party.coop or phone 020 7367 4150.

Sponsors, Exhibitors & Partners