Behind the scenes at Party Conferences…
Party conferences are funny things. It was my job to make them look polished from the outside—stage lights, eye-catching branding, big speeches, media buzz. They are live media shows, at the same time as being policy development events.
But behind the scenes?
• People stealing leftover sandwiches from fringe events (no judgement—I’ve done it)
• Candidates / politicians being chased into the exhibition hall, fringe meetings, or (gasp!) the main hall
• Conference staff who haven’t slept more than 4 hours, yet made it to the morning briefing (in body at least)
• Me, sitting behind the main stage as soon as the Leader walks on, eating the AV crew’s buffet because I’ve already heard the Leader’s Speech six times and haven’t eaten all day
I’ve spent years working behind the scenes—advising ministers, prepping spokespeople, managing conference strategy and stakeholder moments you don’t see in the headlines.
And if your organisation is wondering whether it’s worth showing up this year, especially with 2026 looming… here’s what I want you to know:
1. You don’t need a big presence to make a big impact
Some of the best outcomes I’ve seen happened:
• In a lift
• In a queue for a fringe
• Over a breakfast plate with three people and one very tired policy officer
• In small fringes full of people who couldn’t get into the big-budget fringe with free wine
It’s not about being everywhere. It’s about being in the right place with a purpose.
2. Say less, but say it clearly
A good policy ask doesn’t need a banner.
It needs to land in 30 seconds and make someone nod because it just makes sense.
It’s not about being loud—it’s about being remembered.
3. Most importantly—you absolutely belong in the room
Small charities and local campaigners sometimes feel out of place at conferences.
But the truth is: your story, your voice, your community impact—it’s exactly what many decision-makers want to hear. They just don’t always know how to find you.
If you’re planning to attend—don’t just show up. Plan your presence like a campaign:
• Who are you there to meet?
• What do you want them to understand?
• What happens next?
And if you want help getting there—I’ve got a plate of AV crew sandwiches (sorry, not sorry) and 20 years of conference strategy experience ready to go.
Let’s make it count.