How do I get to Liberation Conference?

The venue's address is: Winter Gardens Blackpool, Conference and Exhibition Centre - Leopold Grove Entrance, Leopold Grove, Blackpool FY1 1HU. You can find advice on reaching the venue on their website here.

How do I register when I get there?

We will email you a QR code the day before Liberation Conference begins. We will scan your QR code to register you. This email will come from [email protected] - please email this address if you have not received a QR code.

Please come to the Leopold Grove entrance to the venue. Registration will take place in the main entrance, and will run between 9:30am and 11am on Day 1 of Liberation Conference.

If you arrive later than 11am on Day 1, there will still be NUS staff members ready to welcome you and register you at the Information Point, which will also be in the main entrance.

What's on the Agenda?

Agenda to follow.

Is there a dress code for Liberation Conference?

Not at all. Wear whatever you are comfortable in!

How would you recommend I prepare to get the most out of Liberation Conference?

• Get familiar with our Liberation Hub, where all of the policies that will be debated will be published.
• Take a look at the Agenda (TBC) where details of workshops will be available.
• Once policies are published, try and read through as many as you can, especially those that you're most interested in. If you are coming with more than one delegate, you may wish to split your delegates between as many policy topic areas as possible so your delegation gets to have a say on as much as possible.
• Have a look at the positions that are being elected this year, and consider if you'd like to nominate yourself for any of them using this form. Nominations close at 6pm on Day 1 of Liberation Conference.
• Read up on the Manifesto For Our Future campaign ahead of the General election
• Make sure you eat regularly and keep hydrated.

Remember to not expect too much from yourself - there's a lot of people at Conference and it's a packed two days, so remind yourself you don't have to do and go to everything! Prioritise the stuff you want to make sure you get to and leave yourself some room to change your mind and go and hang out with a new friend if you want to, as well. Conference is meant to be fun!

How interactive is Liberation Conference?

We want to provide as many opportunities for delegates to actively engage with Liberation Conference as possible. You will have the chance to have your say on the three policy proposals that will be submitted to Conference, first via Policy Workshops on Day 1 and then in Live Debates on Day 2. Our workshops will also contain chances for you to have your say and bring your own perspective to the conversation.

There are lots of different wants to participate though - not everyone has to do the same things. There will be post-it notes and opportunities for small-ground conversations, as well as large-group feedback and discussion, so prioritise participating in the ways that feel comfortable to you!

Will I be able to vote on policies?

Yes - if you are registered as a voting delegate. After policies have been workshopped and debated, you will get the chance to vote on whether NUS should take them forward and on any amendments. Voting opens at the close of Liberation Conference and will be open until ???? 12 noon. When it's time to vote, you will receive an email from [email protected] with the subject 'This is your chance to vote'.

Will I be able to vote in the elections?

Yes - if you are registered as a voting delegate. At this Conference we are holding elections for NUS Full Time officers. Voting opens at the close of Liberation Conference and will be open until ???? at 12 noon. When it's time to vote, you will receive an email from [email protected] with the subject 'This is your chance to vote'. You can read more about elections, including how to nominate yourself, here.

How does accountability work?

There will be an accountability session for NUS VP Liberation and Equality at the end of Day 1 of Liberation Conference. Pre-submitted questions will be used to enable steering committee to have oversight of the process, and to facilitate well considered responses to your questions. Submit your questions here before the end of lunch (2pm) on Day 1. If timings allow there will be an opportunity for follow up questions in the session. If you submit a question after the deadline, you will receive a written answer in due course after Conference.

Is there accessibility information about the venue?

Liberation Conference is taking place at Winter Gardens Blackpool, which has two levels. 

The foyer is all flat floor consisting of the main venue entrance where registration will take place. The Multifaith Room and two breakout spaces will also be on this level, along with lifts and escalators up to the second level (Circle Level).

The Circle Level is directly above and will consist of the Main Conference Room and two more breakout spaces. There will be a dedicated well-being / quiet space on the Circle Level as well.

You can read more about access at Winter Gardens Blackpool here.

Is accommodation provided?

Accommodation is not provided as part of this event. Please ensure your Students' Union has booked your accommodation before you travel to Blackpool.

Will the event be catered?

No catering will be provided by NUS as part of National Conference. Blackpool Winter Gardens is in a central location in Blackpool and has a number of food outlets within a short distance. Water coolers are installed around the venue so make sure to bring a reusable bottle.

Will there be a quiet space?

We are providing a dedicated Well-being Space on the Circle Level of the venue. 

Will there be a prayer room?

We are providing a Multifaith Room which will be on the ground floor level of the venue. There will be tables and chairs, and space on the floor for prayer mats.

Will there be an Information Point?

An Information Point will be staffed during Conference hours and will be located in the main entrance of the venue.

Are there evening activities planned?

???

I'm a Vote Only Delegate - how do I engage?

In order to safeguard delegates and maintain Liberation Conference as a safe space, this event will not be livestreamed. Vote Only delegates will be able to vote on policies and elections taking place at Liberation Conference. All voting will take place online, and you will receive an email from [email protected] with the subject line 'This is your chance to vote'. Voting opens at the close of Liberation Conference and will be open until ???? at 12 noon.

What's the hashtag?

If you want to engage with Liberation Conference on social media, the hashtag is #NUSLC24. We'd love to see what you're up to at Liberation Conference, so don't forget to tag us @nus_uk on Instagram, @nationalunionofstudents on TikTok, @nusuk on Twitter and @nationalunionofstudents on Facebook.