What is a party conference?
Party conferences are held annually by most major UK political parties, usually in the early Autumn. These are large events – with around 20,000 delegates attending Labour party conferences in recent years.
Why should researchers attend party conferences?
There are several potential benefits:
- They provide an opportunity for researchers to hear the latest policy developments in their field
- They can help researchers understand how policy is developed
- They are an opportunity to meet people interested in research, including policymakers who may benefit from your research, and organisations you may want to partner with
- They can help researchers appreciate how their research might be applied in policy
- They can provide opportunities to promote researchers as ‘go to’ experts in their field
How should researchers get involved in party conferences?
Even without a conference pass, there are many opportunities to attend conference. Many fringe events are accessible without a pass, and free to enter. Listening to other researchers discuss their work with policymakers to develop an understanding of how academics can work effectively to influence policy.
Researchers are also sought after to speak at conference. These opportunities are usually the result of partnerships with organisations such as think tanks, charities and businesses who arrange panel events. Identify the organisations working in your policy area, attend their events and have a chat with fellow attendees – most people are more than happy to talk.
Follow up your conference attendance by emailing people you’ve met who you’re interested in working with. Consider writing a blog on your conference experience for your departmental website. And prepare for next year – can you apply for funding for a conference pass? Is there a fringe event you could help to organise?
Stories from the conference floor
The session also featured contributions from Simeon Yates (Professor of Digital Culture at the University of Liverpool) and Sian Penny (Head of Policy and Government Relations at the University of Liverpool).
Simeon, an experienced panellist at several party conferences, recommended that researchers should:
- Avoid academic jargon and focus on policy outcomes when presenting or networking at conferences
- Aim to build long-term partnerships with organisations who are interested in your research
- Be constructive when engaging with politicians – the aim is to influence policy so maintaining relationships is critical
Sian, a former political party staffer, suggested researchers attending conferences should:
- Plan ahead and don’t try to pack too many events in – search the conference listings and focus on what you’re interested in
- Allow time for conversations and meeting new people
- Be curious – party conferences are a great opportunity to hear about policy developments
Top tips
Researchers considering whether to attend a party conference should:
- Go to some free fringe events – you won’t need a pass and this is where some of the most interesting policy conversations take place.
- Use your time wisely to attend events relevant to your research.
- Follow up on your party conference experience by contacting people you’ve met and consider whether you want to help organise an event or get more involved in party conferences next year.
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