from 29 September to 2 October, would usually attract corporate attendees willing to pay tens of thousands of pounds to get close to MPs with influence over policy.means this year’s event is on track to be the least popular in living memory, according to several public affairs firms and business leaders.
Several large agencies are understood to have cancelled dinners they were due to host at the event or scaled back the number of people they are sending. Another leading public relations executive, who asked not to be named, said they had spoken to two corporate clients about their possible attendance. “One said they had no interest, the other is going but said it’s going to be ‘like a wake’,” the adviser said.One leading figure in the tourism and hospitality sector, who asked not to be named, said: “There isn’t much to be gained from corporates being there,” adding that the resulting loss of income would hurt the party.
The party charges fees for events and exhibition stands, with prices set out in a brochure that includes a foreword from Richard Holden, who was party chairman when it was written but has since resigned that post after nearly losing his seat at the election. “I think people are looking at their plans and thinking about whether to send fewer people. Given that these things are priced quite far in advance, I’m not sure refunds are likely to happen.”
A Tory party spokesperson said they were not concerned about attendance levels at this year’s event. “The Conservative party conference will be returning in full force this year, including its business day,” they said.