Councils can showcase their innovative practice at the LGA’s annual conference
I am delighted that the LGA’s Innovation Zone will be up and running again in 2023 and applications are now open for councils to showcase their innovative and exciting ideas!
The Innovation Zone offers a vibrant, creative space and programme within the LGA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition, which will take place from 4-6 July in Bournemouth.
The programme will feature wide-ranging presentations, offering new learning and inspirational ideas for all those attending, as part of the wider LGA conference.
Last year’s Innovation Zone was the beating heart of the LGA’s annual conference in Harrogate, and once again demonstrated the importance and value that councils place on learning from each other.
More than 30 sessions took place, giving delegates the chance to engage, learn and think about how they might do things differently within their councils.
Previous successful applications have included ideas focused on preventing male suicide, new approaches to social housing, a tool for reporting on prejudice-related incidents in education, and ‘smart tech’ solutions to supporting vulnerable people and joining up places.
A full list of examples from last July’s conference can be found on our website.
This year’s theme for the Innovation Zone will be ‘Challenge and change’.
We all know councils have managed significant challenges in recent years and, casting an eye to the future, this theme will look at how councils can, and have, continued to improve services and deliver positive outcomes for their communities.
Applications for 2023 are now open to all councils, as well as organisations working with councils. I would really encourage applications from all regions as well as internationally, ensuring a diverse range of exciting presentations to engage our audiences.
While all applications are welcome and encouraged, this year there is particular interest in projects or ideas that span one or more of the following categories:
- responses to the cost-of-living crisis
- digital and technology solutions
- innovation in people services, including adult and children’s social care
- approaches to resettlement
- responses to climate change, net zero and promoting sustainability
- ideas on developing and/or upskilling workforce
- economic growth and supporting communities
- solutions to managing housing pressures.
If you are interested in applying, but unsure if your idea is relevant or applicable, please email [email protected] and LGA colleagues would be happy to provide further guidance.
Successful applicants will need to present in person and presentations should be as interactive as possible to ensure stories are told creatively and in an engaging manner. Sessions will be approximately 30-45 minutes in length, including time for audience questions.