I am pleased to announce that registration for Spring Conference 2012 is now open.

For the first time, conference will be hosted by NewcastleGateshead. The Liberal Democrats have a proud history in the North-East. We control Northumberland County Council and Ian Swales MP, Sir Alan Beith MP and Fiona Hall MEP represent the Region in London and Brussels respectively.

Fiona said, “Conference is going to be a great boost for the area ahead of vital local elections in May. The region is gearing up to make it a fantastic weekend for everyone. I hope representatives also take the opportunity to visit some of the tourist sites throughout the North East. Wherever you go, the welcome is guaranteed to be warm, even if we can’t promise the same about the weather”.

Nick Clegg added, “The North-East has a well deserved reputation as a welcoming region, and I am looking forward to holding conference there”.

We are unique in having a truly democratic conference. We want to see motions on all topics from tax to the green agenda, civil liberties to crime, and from young people to the economy. This is our chance to influence government policy and our next manifesto; we should grasp it with both hands. Motions must be submitted by 13.00, 11 January 2012 to [email protected], or, if you want drafting advice, by 13.00, 3 January 2012. Standard motions forms are available to download here and for more information about submitting a motion, visit our Democracy in Action pages. The Federal Conference Committee use this guidance in selecting motions, so please read and use it!

We will be continuing the popular ministerial surgeries where members can raise issues directly with our ministers. There will also be the usual varied fringe and training sessions, exhibition and opportunities to meet other Liberal Democrats. This year all events, including training, official fringe and even Glee Club, will be taking place under one roof at The Sage Gateshead.

Online registration is now open at www.libdems.org.uk/conference. There are some major early bird discounts if you register before the end of the year, so move quickly! We have also changed the way joint registration works in 2012. Rather than pay the total rate upfront for both conferences, we are going to take the fees in two instalments. To register jointly, register for spring as normal (but before 31 December 2012) and pay the single registration fee of just £52. Anyone who then registers for autumn conference within the first three weeks of registration opening next April (reminders will be sent) will pay just £39, making the total amount payable for both conferences just £91 – the same savings you would have made under the old system, just in two installments.

We hope to see you in NewcastleGateshead.

Andrew Wiseman is Chair of the Liberal Democrats’ Federal Conference Committee.