| Summary: |
We are pleased to announce the dates for the 2009 LGA culture, tourism
and sport conference and exhibition, which will take place at the
Thistle Hotel, Brighton from Tuesday 17 to Wednesday 18 March 2009.
As Brighton is a high profile tourist destination, and also host
to a vibrant and diverse arts and cultural scene, this is an ideal
place to be inspired by the power of culture, with a programme of
plenary sessions, discussion sessions and study tours which will
reflect the broad spectrum of services and activities that come
under the culture, tourism and sport umbrella.
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.
Against the backdrop of the run-up to the 2012 Games, a new direction
for Government sport policy, the anticipated new national strategy
for museums, and a clearer destination management role for councils,
this timely conference will shape debate and challenge the key players.
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. |
