Join us on 26th February for ASPA Conference, the leading annual event for public affairs professionals in Scotland.
Held once more at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, this is the one day not to be missed for those working with policymakers across Scotland’s Government, Parliament and public sector.
We’ll be joined by a diverse range of contributors, who will provide insights into the fast-changing political and public policy landscape in Scotland and across the UK, and there will be plenty of opportunities for networking with fellow industry professionals throughout the day.
This year’s headline sponsor is News Scotland, the publisher of the Scottish Sun, the Times & Sunday Times.
Programme
09.30 Registration
10.00 Welcome and introduction: Principal host – Rona Dougall
10.05 In conversation with First Minister, John Swinney MSP: Host, Rona Dougall
10.45 Tea/coffee break
11.00 What does a new UK industrial strategy mean for Scotland?
- Host, Rona Dougall
- Mairi Spowage, Fraser of Allander Institute
- Isabel Hardman, Assistant Editor, The Spectator
12.00 – choice – session 1 : The future for …. Local Authorities
- Host, Rona Dougall
- Donald Anderson – former Leader, City of Edinburgh Council
- Euan Jardine – Leader Scottish Borders Council
1200 – choice – session 2 : Building your career and finding talent in public affairs
- Host, Peter Duncan
- Jodie Hedley, Co-Chair, Women in Public Affairs Scotland
- Keira Hodge, Talent Consultant, Denholm Associates
12.45 Networking lunch
13.45 Behind the opinion polling – what’s happening?
- Host, Chris Musson, Associate Editor, Scottish Sun
- Sir John Curtice
1430 Sustainability in Action – are we doing enough?
- Host, Sepi Golzari-Munro, Energy & Climate commentator
- Claire Mack – CEO Scottish Renewables
- Sandy MacDonald – Director of Impact, Scottish National Investment Bank
15.30 Tea/coffee break
15.40 “View from the Press Gallery”
- Host, Gill Smith, Editor in Chief, Scottish Sun
- Gina Davidson, LBC Scotland Correspondent
- Kenny Farquarson, Times columnist
- Tom Harris, Telegraph columnist, former Labour MP
16.30 - 18.00 Networking Drinks
Sponsors:
With thanks to our conference sponsors who help make the event a success.
Lead sponsor: News Scotland.
Sponsor of the drinks reception: Charlotte Street Partners.
Sponsor of ten student places at the event, to support the development of the next generation of talent: Aspect: The Strategic Communications Experts.