Conference Agenda Spring 2026 /fileadmin/groups/512/Documents/Spring_Conference_2026/Spring_2026_Conference_Guide_for_website.pdf

Conference Agenda

The Conference Agenda brings together all the key elements of Conference — from the motions selected for debate and keynote speeches in the Conference Hall, to training sessions, fringe events, the exhibition, and dedicated time to meet and socialise with fellow members.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

 

Everyone is welcome to attend the Conference and your registration will give you access to debates in the conference hall, fringes and the exhibition. While only members of the Welsh Liberal Democrats are able to vote on motions, all members of the Liberal Democrats and Observers with relevant expertise can participate in debates. Party members and staff (party and Parliamentary) are also be able to attend training sessions.

Please register ahead of Conference. Conference Badges can be collected from the Registration Desk on the ground floor of the venue from 9:00 on Saturday and 9:45 on Sunday.

THE FINAL AGENDA

Friday, 6th March 2026

 

Party members attending the Conference Kick-off Social, should arrive from 19:00. The anthems ahead of the Ireland v Wales 6 Nations match are expected at 20:00. There are still tickets (without food) available. They can be purchased when registering for Conference or via our dedicated booking page.

Saturday, 7th March 2026

The Registration Desk will be open from 9:00

It can be found on the ground floor of the venue.

Saturday features a full and varied programme of debates and speeches, giving members the chance to engage with ideas, contribute to discussion, and help shape our future direction.

Alongside the main programme, the exhibition will be open throughout the day, with fringe events scheduled over lunch, mid-afternoon, and at the end of the day. Campaign training sessions will also run alongside debates, providing further opportunities to learn, connect, and get involved.

Saturday Morning

9:30 - 12:00

9:30

Opening of Conference

9:45

Policy Motions

10:55

Debate: How can we make tackling poverty a priority?

In partnership with the Bevan Foundation

Ahead of a landmark Senedd election, it is more important than ever that poverty is high on the political agenda. Join us for a discussion about what poverty really looks like across Wales and the practical steps that the next Welsh Government could take to tackle it.

A midday lunch break will include Fringe Events

Saturday Early Afternoon

13:00 - 15:00

13:00

Policy Motions

14:25

Leader's Speech

Jane Dodds MS
Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats

Fringe Events will take place during the mid-afternoon tea and coffee break.

Saturday Late Afternoon

16:00 - 17:00

16:00

Debate: Charities and Volunteers' Vital Role in Community Cohesion

In partnership with WCVA

With increasing threats to community cohesion, a deepening climate emergency, and pressures on public services, the role of charities, community groups and volunteers has never been more crucial. The next Welsh Government can introduce legislation to help us tackle these challenges together. This event will explore how voluntary organisations strengthen communities and how the Welsh Liberal Democrats can work with the voluntary sector towards a fairer and more prosperous Wales.

A final Fringe Event will take place at the end of the day's proceedings.

Those attending the Conference Dinner, with guest speaker Josh Babarinde MP, are asked to arrive from 19:00, to be seated by 19:30.

Tickets for the Conference Dinner have now sold out. Anyone wishing to be added to the waiting list should contact conference@libdems.wales.

Sunday, 8th March 2026

The Registration Desk will be open from 9:45

Conference business continues on Sunday when members can expect a range of debates and speeches until mid-afternoon.

Beyond the Conference Hall, the exhibition will be open throughout the day, while fringe meetings will take place during the lunch break. Campaign training will also be running at the same time as debates, giving members a choice of ways to take part and make the most of the day.

The first Fringe Event of the day will take before the main proceedings begin.

Sunday Morning

10:00 - 12:00

10:00

Policy Motions

10:35

Debate: Towards the Final Manifesto

A member-led discussion to shape the priorities and ideas in our Senedd election manifesto.

11:35

Deputy Leader's Speech

David Chadwick MP
Deputy Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats

There will be a lunch break at midday with Fringe Events.

SUBMITTING EMERGENCY MOTIONS AND AMENDMENTS TO TOPICAL MOTIONS

Submitting Emergency Motions

Emergency Motions are a way of raising urgent issues at Conference.

Emergency Motions may be either policy or business motions, but they must address an issue that has arisen or an event that has occurred since 25th February 2026. They should be concise, with a maximum length of 250 words.

Emergency Motions may be submitted by:

  • Local Parties.
  • The Welsh Party Board or Welsh Party Committees.
  • 10 members of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.

Submission Deadlines:

  • For motions relating to issues that arose before Conference: 9:30 on Saturday, 7th March.
  • For motions relating to issues that arise during Conference: 10:00 on Sunday, 8th March.

Motions should be emailed to conference@libdems.wales, including:

  • The name of the submitting local party, committee, or members.
  • The names of the proposer and summator who will speak to the amendment at Conference.

Amendments to Topical Motions

Deadline: 9:30, Saturday 7th March

Amendments to motions may be submitted by:

  • Local Parties.
  • The Welsh Party Board or Welsh Party Committees.
  • 10 members of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.

Amendments should be emailed to conference@libdems.wales, including:

  • The name of the submitting local party, committee, or members.
  • The names of the proposer and summator who will speak to the amendment at Conference.
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