The LGA’s first in-person conference in three years, held in Harrogate in late June, attracted more than 1,900 delegates, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors.
Participants were welcomed to Harrogate by Cllr Graham Swift, Deputy Leader of Harrogate Borough Council, with Mayor Cllr Victoria Oldham hosting a drinks reception on the first day.
The programme included keynote speeches, workshops, and fringe meetings on everything from the cost-of-living crisis to adult social care, supporting Ukrainian families, tackling violence against women and girls, climate change, and equalities.
The conference’s Innovation Zone showcased council innovation and good practice, with standing room only at some sessions.
The zone also brought together Torbay Leader Cllr Steve Darling’s guide dog Jennie and robot dog Eric, controlled by Nottinghamshire County Council’s Ceren Clulow Eric helps monitor and assess the health and condition of Sherwood Forest, as part of the world’s first ‘5G forest’, led by the council in partnership with Birmingham City University and local technology businesses.
The LGA’s political groups all hosted their own group sessions and conference dinners, and there were closed sessions too. A dinner for chief executives was also held, and the grand surroundings of Harrogate’s Royal Hall was the backdrop for the LGA LGBTQ+ conference disco, featuring DJ Chris Naylor.
We look forward to seeing you again in Bournemouth, from 4-6 July 2023!