The contents of the MU’s 2019 Conference Report have been edited and laid out in the eye-catching new format, which significantly benefits from supporting graphics, illustrations and photos. This contains reports from the senior officials on the Union’s work over the last two years, plus the proposed motions and rule changes, which conference will debate on 23rd July in Brighton.
I was responsible in partnership with Isabelle Gutierrez – MU Head of Comms & Government Relations – for the production of the 140 page document and I have worked closely with the publishing team at Future Fusion to complete the project. My thanks to consultant editors Steve Faragher, Neil Crossley and designer Chris Stenner for their unstinting commitment and attention to detail in recent weeks.
The book was signed-off today and printed editions will be arriving at MU HQ on 2 July, when they will be distributed to conference delegates across the UK, along with an event information leaflet and the first report of the Standing Orders Committee.
Preparations are also underway for the staging at the Conference venue. The main backdrop, lecterns, seating, tables and audio / visual equipment will be installed on Monday 22 July, ready for the biennial event. The backdrop artwork will be changed overnight on the 23 July in advance of the inaugural Members’ Conference the following day.
Conference merchandise has been ordered and is scheduled for delivery in July. USBs loaded with the Conference Report file, the Accounts 2018, the Members’ Handbook, the Standing Orders’ report and Delegate Claims Form, along with rucksacks, colour-coded lanyards and our much-admired biodegradable pens, will be issued to delegates at registration.
Photography and reporting of the event for publication in The Musician and online has been arranged with Joanna Dudderidge and Andrew Stewart in keeping with previous practice. For the first time a video team will also be in attendance to capture vox pops with delegates and Officials.