We are all looking forward to the first physical Autumn Conference since 2019. ALDC has a full programme of training and fringes over the weekend – as well as the return of Lib Dem Disco!
Lib Dem Disco
Saturday 23 September, 10pm to late, Marriott Highcliffe Hotel
Burn up the dance floor with your fellow Lib Dems! Brought to you by Cambridge Liberal Democrats and ALDC, Lib Dem Disco returns to Autumn Conference. There will be special guests and surprise DJ sets. Tickets are just £15 and can be bought now using the link below:
ALDC AGM
Saturday 23 September, 8.15pm to 9.30pm, Dorchester North, Marriott Highcliffe Hotel
ALDC’s AGM will be held at Autumn Conference – our first in person AGM since 2019.
All ALDC members are welcome and encouraged to attend. This is your organisation so come along help set our future direction. Our 2023 Local Campaigner awards will also take place the AGM.
ALDC Training
ALDC has over 20 separate training sessions at conference. We have themed sessions on community campaigning, being a councillor and standing for election for the Lib Dems plus much more.
You can find the full programme here with dates and times:
ALDC & LGA Lib Dem Fringes
We will be holding a number of fringes at conference alongside LGA Lib Dems – the full lit is below:
Saturday 23 September
TURNING AROUND CHILDREN’S SERVICES
Hear how the Torbay Lib Dem team helped turn round the council’s Children’s Services with Cllrs Steve Darling, Cordelia Law and Lord Mike Storey.
Chair: Cllr Lucy Nethsingha
13.00-14.00 Branksome Suite, Bournemouth Conference Centre
Sunday 24 September
SUPPORTING GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL
The Fair Game organisation join ALDC for a fringe looking at how football funding reform can benefit local communities, and how we can support grassroots football clubs in our roles as councillors and campaigners. With Jamie Stone MP (Lib Dem spokesperson for Sport and Culture), Cllr Darryl Smalley (York) and other special guests.
13.00-14.00 Sherborne Suite, Marriott Highcliffe Hotel
REGNERATING OUR TOWN CENTRES AND HIGH STREETS
A panel of speakers share best practice on how to breathe new life into our town centres with Nic Durston, Chair of British BIDs, CEO of South Bank Employers’ Group and South Bank BID; Cllr Stephen Holt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council. Chair: Cllr Bridget Smith
13.00-14.00 Meyrick Suite, Bournemouth International Centre
GETTING MORE WOMEN ELECTED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Elect Her join ALDC to look at how we can support more female candidates to stand (and win!) in council elections. With Cllr Stephen Robinson (leader of Chelmsford Council), Cllr Lisa Smart (Stockport and PPC for Hazel Grove), Cllr Hannah Perkin (leader of Swale Liberal Democrats) and other special guests.
18.15-17.15 Westbourne Suite, Bournemouth International Centre
Monday 25 September
LONDON’S DEVOLUTION CHALLENGE
Cllr Gareth Roberts, Vice Chair of London Councils and Leader of the London Borough of Richmond and Caroline Pidgeon, Assembly Member, London Assembly as panellists, as well as Akash Paun from the Institute for Government and Sonika Sidhu from the Local Government Association.
11:30-12:30 Bayview Suite 2, Bournemouth International Centre
COUNCIL HOUSING REVIVAL
Come and hear good practice examples on how Liberal Democrat Councils are investing in new council and Housing Association houses. Speakers include Helen Morgan MP, Cllr Darren Sanders and Cllr Emily Davey, Kingston Council. Chair: Cllr Heather Kidd
13.00-14.00 Meyrick Suite, Bournemouth International Centre