Northwest Conversation Conference

The Regional Conversation, the North West Regional Conference 2009, will be held at Manchester Central (formerly MICC next to GMEX) on the morning of Friday, 10 July 2009. The Regional Conversation will focus on the preparation of a Single Regional Strategy following the completion of an extensive three months consultation on the Principles and Issues which underpin the development of the Strategy. It will be a unique opportunity to discuss contentious issues which have arisen so far, and to highlight and discuss some of the trade offs and difficult decisions which will need to be taken by 4NW and the NWDA in the preparation of the first draft of the integrated Strategy. This Conference therefore comes at a pivotal point and it gives the region, and you as a senior regional figure, an opportunity to influence strategy development at this crucial stage. The Regional Minister, Beverley Hughes, is a confirmed speaker of the event and will set out the Government’s challenge to the North West in preparing a radical and innovative regional strategy – the first to be prepared nationally. A panel of national experts will also participate with an audience of no more than 200 in getting examining key issues in detail. Because this event is part of a formal process leading to the development of a single strategy, it is important that the audience at this event is balanced and therefore the event will be ticketed and by invitation only. To request a place contact Michelle Stoddart on 01942 737905, or email: michelle.stoddart@4nw.org.uk