Annual Conference 2024
General Information
Here you will find useful information about how Conference works and what to expect. Click ‘what to expect’ for information on the constitutional elements of Conference.
Our Conference FAQs are a collection of the most common queries we receive from our guests, visiting in a range of capacities.
Annual Conference is one of the largest political gatherings in Europe, with last years Conference having over 17,000 attendees.
Annual Conference is a voting Conference, attended by delegates from constituencies, trade unions, and socialist societies voting on policies put forward at the National Policy Forums, as well as a number of motions put forward by constituencies. In addition to voting taking place in the main hall, there also keynote speeches from all areas of the party, culminating in Leader’s Speech on the Tuesday afternoon of Conference. Main hall seats the delegates, but there are also seats for members to take a seat to watch the action.
There is a large and varied fringe program of meetings to attend, taking place in venues around the city, covering topics on all policy areas. Fringe events take place throughout the day, and run late into the evening following main hall closing.
The Labour Party is committed to ensuring our Conferences are accessible to all visitors and delegates. Visitors who indicate accessibilitiy requirements on their application form will be sent an accessibility questionnaire to complete in the run up to this event.
Conference Zone
Entrances and exits to the Conference Zone are fully accessible for those with mobility issues.
Accessibility Stewards are stationed at the Party Stand, in the Conference Hall, and in the Exhibition to assist attendees with accessibility issues during the hours Conference is in session. Please note this is not a one-to-one service.
Anyone attending Annual Conference is welcome to bring their own enabler should they require this service. Anyone accompanying you into the Conference Zone must apply for a conference pass and we are happy to offer these passes free of charge. please contact the Conference Team on 0345 092 3311 or [email protected]
Mobility aids will be provided by our partners free of charge during Annual Conference, including electric scooters, manual wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs. Mobility aids must be ordered in advance – please use the Accessibiltity Requirements section on your application form to let us know your requirements.
Conference Hall
Conference Hall has an induction loop service for the hard of hearing. If you wear a hearing aid you can set it to the theatre option to hear the speeches. We also offer a speech-to-text service accessible from your mobile phone or tablet, which provides live subtitling of the main hall.
Sign language interpreters are on screen during all the plenary sessions in the main hall providing a translation of the speeches. This translation will also appear on the TV feeds throughout the Conference Zone.
RNIB
RNIB also provide a transcription service for those that require Braille documents or recorded versions of conference documents prior to the event, and Braille transcription is available on site – please use the Accessibility Requirements section on your application form to let us know your requirements. For visitors with a guide dog there is a dog exercise area located inside the Conference Zone.
For more information about accessibility provision at Conference, please contact the Conference Team on 0345 092 3311 or [email protected]
Conference Arrangements Committee reports
Annual Conference 2024 in Liverpool is a fantastic opportunity to take part in deciding the future direction of the Labour Party. There are lots of events, exhibitions and fringe events to take part in. Whilst at conference all members should ensure that their behavior meets the standards set out in the Safeguarding Code of Conduct at all times.
Below is some information you may want to take a look at, to help you join in and enjoy the event, along with details for a number of organisations if, for any reason, you wanted to make contact with them to seek support.
Self-care
Many people already reading this will be familiar with their own coping-strategies, and below are some ideas which may be of use:
• Find quiet places to rest and recharge when necessary
• Use the breaks. Join in with as much as you want, but also use the breaks to refresh, get some fresh air or spend time doing something you find relaxing – Conference events can be exciting, engaging and stimulating, but they can also be tiring, so make sure you keep your own energy levels checked
• Take a pause – if you find aspects of Conference overwhelming then take time out and re-join when you feel ready
• We can’t always predict the different topics that any debate might cover, so if at any time, topics or subjects are discussed that you find upsetting, then remember to take a break, join a different debate and / or reach out for support from one of the organisations included in this leaflet
• If you have come to Conference in a group, stay in touch with them and check in on each other regularly
• If you are feeling anxious, down or overwhelmed then we have a team of Mental Health First Aiders on site between 9:30am – 4:30pm Sunday, Monday and Tuesday located adjacent to Organisers Offices Hall C in the conference centre.
The quiet space and faith room can be found within the Organisers Offices Hall C. The quiet space can be used by anyone who wants some quiet time out from Conference.
Stewards & Safeguarding
Stewards will be working in each section of the venue and their role is to ensure the smooth running of Conference. As part of their role stewards have received safeguarding training. Their role is not to resolve or manage any safeguarding issues themselves, but to escalate any safeguarding concerns directly to the Labour Party Safeguarding Unit during Conference.
We want everyone to be and feel safe at Conference, the Labour Party Safeguarding Unit can be contacted between 9:30am and 6:30pm on 07885 472 101. Outside of these times, or in an emergency, you should contact 101 or dial 999.
Useful organisations for welfare support
Each of the organisations below are free for anyone to access.
• MIND – The Mental Health Charity – lines are open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays). Call 0300 123 3393 email [email protected] or text: 86463 MIND also offer an online tool to support anyone experiencing mental health crisis https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/
• Samaritans – offer a safe place for anyone to talk any time they like, in their own way – about whatever’s getting to them. Telephone 116 123
• Citizens Advice – provide free, confidential and impartial advice. Their goal is to help everyone find a way forward, whatever problem they face. People go to the Citizens Advice Bureau with all sorts of issues. They may have money, benefit, housing or employment problems. They may be facing a crisis, or just considering their options. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
• Victim Support – If you’ve been affected by crime, Victim Support can give you the support they need to move forward. Services are free, confidential and available to anyone in England and Wales, regardless of whether the crime has been reported to the Police or how long ago it happened. Supportline: 0808 168 9111
• The Survivors Trust – Rape and sexual abuse can happen to anyone regardless of their age, gender, race, religion, culture or social status. Living with the consequences of rape and sexual abuse can be devastating. The Survivors Trust believe that all survivors are entitled to receive the best possible response to their needs whether or not they choose to report. Helpline: 0808 801 0818
• Refuge: Refuge supports women and children who experience all forms of violence and abuse, including domestic violence, sexual violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called ‘honour’-based violence, and human trafficking and modern slavery. Freephone 24-Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 https://www.refuge.org.uk/
• Tell Mama: report and seek advice and support in response to Anti-Muslim Hate or Islamophobia tellmamauk.org
• Disability Rights UK: provide online advice and information about equality, accessibility and the rights of disabled people in the UK https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/
• Women’s Aid: a national charity working to support women and children impacted by domestic abuse, working to ensure women are believed, know that abuse is not their fault, and to ensure their experiences are understood. Their website holds a range of practical advice and information https://www.womensaid.org.uk/
• Stonewall: advice and support for individuals identifying at LGBTQ, online information and helpline details can be find at Help & Advice | Stonewall
We provide a full service crèche facility free of charge for all members attending Conference with their children.
The crèche can take children from 4 months to 14 years old.
Visitors wishing to make use of crèche facilities must indicate this requirement on either your or your child’s application form.
A crèche questionnaire will then be sent to the relevant contact.
Your child/children must have a valid pass if they will enter the Conference Zone with you at any time. You will be able to apply for a pass for your child here, once applications open.
We will make sure your child/children have the same access within the Conference Zone as their parent or guardian.
For more information about the crèche facilities at Conference, please contact the Conference Team on 0345 092 3311 or [email protected]
When and where is the next Labour Party Annual Conference?
The 2024 Annual Conference will take place in Liverpool from Sunday 22 September to Wednesday 25 September. The Annual Conference venues are the ACC, ECL and the Pullman Hotel.
How can I apply to attend Conference?
The quickest and easiest way to apply for Conference is online. Please ensure you choose the correct pass when applying as we are unable to downgrade your pass once the application has been completed. Applications for Annual Conference will open in early 2024 and, depending on which capacity you’re attending in, you can find the forms on the relevant section of the website.
Please click here to apply for your pass
I have been to Conference before, do I need to apply again?
Anyone wishing to attend Annual Conference, whether or not they have been before, must apply. This ensures that we have the most up to date information for you and should help with the application process. Please see ‘How can I apply to attend Conference’ above.
Do you really need a passport photograph for my registration?
All applications must include an up to date passport style photograph of yourself – the guidelines for photographs are outlined on the application forms. This is a security requirement.
Can I fax my application form to you?
We do not accept faxed versions of application forms as we require an original colour passport photograph of you for your conference pass.
Can I be invoiced for my application?
We do not offer an invoicing service for any applications. You can either pay by debit/credit card or by cheque. Please make cheques payable to ‘The Labour Party’ and post to Conference Services, The Labour Party, Labour Central, Kings Manor, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6PA. Please ensure you clearly mark on the back of the cheque the full name and membership number (if relevant) of the applicant the cheque relates to.
I have completed my application form for Conference, what happens next?
Your application will go through a series of security checks.
If your application is successful, we will inform you by email that your credential will be dispatched via post. Credentials are dispatched from the beginning of September. If your application is late, your credential may have to be collected from the conference team on site. We will inform you if this is the case.
If we have any queries with your application, we will contact you directly.
Will I receive a receipt for my application payment?
If you require a receipt for your application, please contact the Conference Team on 0345 092 3311 or [email protected]
Can I upgrade my pass or add additional days?
In most cases, you can upgrade your pass at any time prior to your pass being dispatched. Please contact the Conference Team on 0345 092 3311 or email [email protected] and we will be able to advise you further.
If you receive your pass in the post before you upgrade, you will need to visit the conference team on site and details of this will be available in the Annual Conference Magazine which you will receive with your credential. We are unable to downgrade any passes; please ensure you choose the correct pass when applying.
My application arrived after the deadline, can the late fee be waived?
Deadlines are in place to give us adequate time to process your application.
All deadlines and price increases are strictly adhered to and cannot be waived.
I have submitted my application and have now changed some of my details, who do I contact?
You must contact the Conference Team as soon as possible on 0345 092 3311 or [email protected] and we will update your contact details.
You may need to collect a replacement pass from the Conference Team onsite if your pass has already been printed and dispatched.
I am speaking/working at a fringe event – how do I get access to the event?
Anyone speaking at a fringe event inside the conference zone must have a valid credential.
Please contact the organisation holding the fringe event and they will advise you on how to apply.
Please also see ‘How can I apply to attend conference’ above. If the fringe event you are attending is outside the conference zone no credential is required.
Who can apply as a third sector visitor?
Third sector visitor passes are only available to registered charities and not-for-profit organisations.
How do I book a fringe event?
You can request a fringe event by visiting our Fringe Hub. Applications will open in early 2023.
Take me to the Fringe Hub
Can I see what’s on at Annual Conference?
In late August we publish the Annual Conference timetable online. This allows you to see what fringe events and plenary sessions are taking place.
You can also download the free Conference App, which allows you to save a diary of speeches and events you wish to attend, as well as get information about the exhibition.
What to Bring?
Whether you’re coming for one day, or for the full week, here are a few things you’ll want to bring to Annual Conference:
Your pass – Your pass is required to allow you to access Annual Conference. You won’t be able to access the secure site without it. This will be posted to you prior to Annual Conference, and it is essential you bring it with you. If you do lose or forget your pass, you can pick up a replacement from the conference team for a fee.
The guide – With your pass, you’ll receive a copy of the Annual Conference guide. It’ll give you information on all the events taking place at Annual Conference for members, as well as the main hall timetable, fringe event listings, and the exhibitor information.
The app – Available for Android and iPhone, the free conference app allows you to ‘favourite’ events and get important notifications, so you can build your own schedule for conference. It also lets you keep up with events in the main hall via the Labour Party YouTube channel.
Comfortable shoes – If you’re exploring the city, or just navigating the events, you’ll be surprised how many steps you’ll do over the week.
A small bag – You might want to pick up some merchandise from the Labour Party shop, or pick up some goodies from the exhibition. You aren’t
able to take large luggage or suitcases into the conference site but a backpack or a satchel is fine.
Notepad and pen – You might want to take notes in main hall or at a fringe event, or even write a list of events to attend. You won’t want to be caught without one!
For full information on what to expect at Labour Party Annual Conference, please see our important security information page.