ASPA's 2025 Conference

Association Scottish Public Affairs (ASPA)

The leading annual event for public affairs professionals in Scotland.

Dynamic Earth

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 &amp; Sunday Times. Tickets:Early bird discount tickets are available now until the end of January. The conference is open to all with a role in public affairs and communications in Scotland but we're proud to offer ASPA members a 50% discount whenever you book.If you’re not yet a member of ASPA, now’s the chance to fix that, by applying to join (or re-subscribe) <a href="https://aspa.scot/membership-application/" title="https://aspa.scot/membership-application/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">here</a> first to benefit from this offer!Early bird tickets for ASPA members are available for £50 pp and for non-members at £100 pp. From February, tickets are £100 pp for ASPA members and £200 pp for non-ASPA members.It's quick &amp; easy to renew or apply for ASPA membership. Visit the <a href="https://aspa.scot/application-form/" title="https://aspa.scot/application-form/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">ASPA website</a>, follow us on X using @ASPA_network or email: secretary@aspa.scot for more information. 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.

Agenda

With thanks to our lead sponsor: News Scotland

Registration, coffee & networking

Rona Dougall, Broadcast journalist and TV presenter will be our host for the morning sessions. Peter Duncan is ASPA's very own Conference Convener & former Convener

Welcome & introductions

Hosted by Chris Musson, Associate Editor (Politics) of the Scottish Sun, Professor Sir John Curtice will take us through the latest polls.

Behind the polling - what's happening?

Break & refreshments

Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute & Isabel Hardman, Assistant Editor of The Spectator

What does a new UK Industrial Strategy mean for Scotland?

Donald Anderson is the former leader of the City of Edinburgh Council. 
Cllr Euan Jardine – Leader Scottish Borders Council
Cllr Adam Nols-McVey, former leader, City of Edinburgh Council 

Choose your session. Option 1: The future for... local authorities

Jodi Hedley is the Co-Chair of Women in Public Affairs (WiPA). Kiera Hodge is Talent Consultant at Denholm Associates. Dr Elisabeth Loose is Research and External Engagement Officer at the John Smith Centre.

Choose your session. Option 2: Building your career & finding talent

Networking lunch

We're delighted to be joined by the FM, John Swinney MSP. Rona Dougall will lead the conversation and ensure there is time for questions from the audience.

In Conversation With... First Minister John Swinney MSP

Sustainability in Action - are we doing enough?

Refreshment break

Hosted by Editor-in-Chief, Gill Smith  of the Scottish Sun, we'll have a panel of journalists and columnists share their perspectives to close the conference, before we wrap-up with a final drinks reception.

View from the Press Gallery

Networking drinks - thanks to Charlotte Street Partners

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ASPA's 2025 Conference

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