new realities
new solutions.
Dear Colleagues
I am delighted to welcome you to the Association of Colleges’ Annual Conference and Exhibition 2009 website. Registration is now open.
This will be AoC’s 14th Annual Conference, taking place once again at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. Befitting the theme– New Realities: New Solutions – the event will focus on the development of ideas, tangible solutions and best practice strategies in rapidly changing circumstances economically, organisationally and politically.
Collaborative working with other sectors and partners will be a key theme, therefore we are encouraging attendance by local authorities, employers, higher education institutions, and private learning providers. If you would like to invite one of your partners along, click on ‘Email a colleague’ at the right hand side of the website to send them details of the event.
As usual the conference programme will feature keynote speeches and breakout sessions on best practice, policy, problem solving and opportunities for professional development. The exhibition will be bigger than ever with around 100 exhibiting organisations and featuring more student skills showcases. Back by popular demand will be the AoC Awards Ceremony and the Gala Dinner, a regular highlight for over 900 dinner guests.
Once again the conference will enjoy representation from the three main political parties with platform speeches or interviews with Rt Hon Ed Balls MP, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, David Willetts MP, Shadow Minister for Universities and Skills and Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats. We are also hopeful that Lord Mandelson will speak at the Conference, as well as Kevin Brennan MP, the new Minster of State for Further Education.
I hope you will be to join us – whether as a first time delegate or annual visitor - for what I am sure will be an action packed and inspiring three days in Birmingham, preparing you for another year ahead.
Yours faithfully
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