The world of UK politics and public affairs have started booking their train tickets and packing their overnight bags for conferences all across the country. For public affairs professionals, this is often the most important part of their year; it is the best chance to engage with policymakers, strengthen relationships and get to grips with the current and upcoming political landscape.
Our team at DeHavilland have clocked up hundreds of hours at conferences over the years, so we have put our heads together and shared our own top tips for getting the most out of the next few weeks.
Before you go, prep like a pro
Preparation will help you make the most of every session, meeting, and chance encounter.
- Coordinate with colleagues. Collaborate with your team and take advantage of the conference setting to connect with other attendees and build strong rapport.
– Apostolos K., Group Account Manager - Do your homework. Check out LinkedIn or stakeholder pages for events and sector-specific events in advance (e.g. Labour Digital or Women in Public Affairs) they tend to book up quickly so getting a ticket early is usually necessary, but these are often the best place to network with your target demographic.
– Georgie Cottell, Policy Analyst - Download the party’s conference app. The app is often more up to date than the big Argos-style programmes, easier to carry round on your phone and usually includes maps of the venue which make finding your way around lots easier.
– Hattie Ireland, UK Policy and Service Manager - Know yourself, not just your targets. Learn your elevator pitch, you never know when you’ll bump into just the right person you need to tell it to.
– Jake O’Neill, Group Head of Marketing - Modernise your resources. If you want to be seen as cool and ahead with tech, download a QR code business card that people can scan on their phone – makes them save details instantly and shows you care about the trees.
– Rachael Lorraine, Customer Success Manager
Good packing and good tracking
Once you arrive, the pace of conference can be intense. These tips will help you stay in control.
- Pack for every scenario. Pack an extra shirt, socks, and a change of clothes. When you get a break from the conference area, freshen up, change, and head back into the pit.
– Apostolos K., Group Account Manager - Prepare for British weather. Always bring an umbrella or coat – particularly to Liverpool, it rains more than you’d think!
– Georgie Cottell, Policy Analyst - Stay connected. A portable phone charger is essential when you’re using your device for maps, messages, and photos all day.
– Jack Talbot, Group Account Manager - Keep track of your schedule. Plan ahead! There’s lots of activities and events, and not enough hours in the day. Make sure you know where you want to go and when.
– Jake O’Neill, Group Head of Marketing - Early birds get the fringe event worms. Try to get to fringe events 5-10 minutes before they start (up to 20-30 if a top minister/SoS is set to attend) often spaces are tight in some of the rooms and you don’t want to get turned away.
– Hattie Ireland, UK Policy and Service Manager
Networking that works
Conferences are all about connections – and a strategic approach makes all the difference.
- Be disciplined at receptions. Go easy on the wine while others don’t – you’ll gather far more valuable information by staying sharp.
– James Nation, Managing Director UK Politics, Forefront Advisers - Don’t be afraid to talk to random people. Everyone is there to network and most will be glad to chat. Some of the most interesting political conversations I’ve had have been with random people at party conferences.
– Joseph Gellman, Senior Policy Analyst - Make yourself memorable. Follow up quickly after meeting someone to build on the connection.
– Michael Cameron, Lead Policy Analyst - Limit your chatting time. Don’t speak to anyone for longer than 7 minutes. If it’s someone you know or like, you’ll see them again before you go home.
– Jack Talbot, Group Account Manager
Looking after yourself
Conference season is a marathon, not a sprint. Take care of yourself so you can make the most of every opportunity.
- Comfort first. Wear comfortable shoes – there’s LOTS of walking.
– Jake O’Neill, Group Head of Marketing - Build in quiet moments. Even five minutes away from the bustle can help you recharge before your next meeting or session.
– Joseph Gellman, Senior Policy Analyst - Plan for long days. Take snacks and eat whenever you can – you never know when you’ll get stuck into a fringe event or coffee catch up, so always use a spare five minutes to fuel up!
– Hattie Ireland, UK Policy and Service Manager
Final thoughts
Party conference season can be hectic, but with the right preparation, and maybe a spare pair of socks, you will reach the other end with sharper insights, stronger relationships, and a clearer view of the upcoming political landscape.
Want a helping hand?
The best way to stay on top of developments over these fast-moving 7 weeks is to get DeHavilland’s free updates delivered straight to your inbox.
We are providing complimentary updates, including:
- Daily despatches – first thing in the morning, to address the day’s agenda
- Daily debriefs – EOD wrap-ups of the day’s developments
- End of conference briefings – full guides to what happened and what was learned at the conference
- Sector-specific briefings – exclusively at the Labour conference, insights broken down by industry
Simply sign up here to receive our free conference coverage.
More from our 2025 conference series
For more party conference resources from DeHavilland, visit our blog or click the links below to read:
- DeHavilland’s Coverage of Party Conference Season
- 11 Expert Tips on Preparing for Party Conference Season
- Mini-guide: Running a Fringe Event
- Video: Preparing for party conference season
To find out the difference having the right political monitoring can make, unlock your free trial of DeHavilland’s platform in time for party conference season.
