The LGA/CLOA annual culture, tourism and sport conference and exhibition 2009 will take place at the Thistle Hotel, Brighton from Tuesday 17 to Wednesday 18 March 2009.

This year's annual culture, tourism and sport conference will explore how councils can work with partners to increase participation in culture, sports, the arts and tourism.  A thriving local cultural, sporting, artistic, and tourist sector makes a valuable contribution towards healthier and stronger communities, as well as being important in its own right. Yet barriers - real and perceived - are still stopping our communities from fulfilling their potential.  Local Authorities have a critical role to play in unlocking talent and boosting participation across all abilities, from fun to excellence.

Confirmed speakers include: Professor Germaine Greer, Writer and Academic, Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport; Jeremy Hunt MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport; Don Foster MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport; Kate Hoey MP, The Mayor of London's Commissioner for Sport; Paul Deighton, Chief Executive, LOCOG; and Peter Barron, Head of Communications & Public Affairs, Google.

There will be a panel session with Jonathan Stephens, Permanent Secretary DCMS, and representatives from all the NDPBs - Alan Davey, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, Jennie Price, Sport England, Roy Clare, Chief Executive, MLA, and Deborah Lamb, Director of Policy & Communications, English Heritage.

We are very pleased that Penelope Viscountess Cobham, is able to address the conference prior to her taking up her new appointment as Chairman of VisitEngland (from April 1st) on tourism issues.

 

For more information click here to visit the LGA conference page.