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What is MU Delegate Conference?

Conference is an exciting event that gives members the chance to produce new MU policy, guide the future work of the MU, engage in debate on the issues that matter to them most and ensure that the MU is working for all members, all of the time.

Past conferences have seen members set the agenda on issues such as: streaming, better representation of marginalised musicians, lobbying for arts funding, protecting BBC Introducing, advocating for instrumental music tuition, and informing members about photo ID for voting purposes. Conference is your chance to support the MU in creating a fairer, more equitable industry and trade union for all musicians.

At conference you will hear all about the work the MU has undertaken over the past two years and hear from industry speakers and MPs. You’ll also have plenty of time to network and connect with other members.

Catch up on what happened at the last Delegate Conference in 2023

MU Delegate Conference 2025

The MU’s next biennial Delegate Conference will be held at the Hilton Hotel, City Centre Liverpool, on Tuesday 22 July and Wednesday 23 July 2025. Find out how to attend, how to submit a motion, what to expect, and more below. 

Delegate Conference 2025 

How does MU Delegate Conference work

What do delegates talk about?

Each of the MU’s six regions have an elected Regional Committee, and they send motions (proposals for action by the MU) for Conference delegates to consider. The Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee can also send one motion. The delegates at Conference then discuss the motions, and vote as to whether they support them or not. 

What happens to motions afterwards? 

Motions that pass are implemented. So if it’s a policy issue, it becomes MU policy. If it is something practical, we do it. 

What are Standing Orders?

Standing Orders are the rules that govern how Conference is run – how many people need to be there, and rules for speaking and passing motions. An elected Standing Orders Committee made up of MU members checks that all the motions comply with the MU’s rules and include a call to action. 

Every member gets a say

That’s a core trade union value. Delegates are MU members, nominated and democratically elected by other MU members. You can stand for election too, as long as you’ve been an MU member for at least a year. 

Who chooses delegates? 

MU members do. Delegates are nominated and democratically elected. Members can stand for election, as long as they've been MU members for at least a year. Why not stand as a delegate next time? Watch out for the latest news about the Conference for more information. 

Can’t wait with a great idea? 

Delegate Conference takes place every two years. Last Conference took place July 2023, and the next in July 2025. However, you may consider sending a motion to your Regional Committee in the mean time. Get in touch with your Regional Office to find out how.

Conference news

Latest updates on the MU Delegate Conference and Motions

Be a changemaker and get your voice heard

Make a change in your local area or within your music sector, or to be part of the governing body of the union. Get involved with the Musicians' Union's work.

Members can get involved and shape the future of music through the MU's democratic structures.

There are many ways to get involved 

and much more.

Shape MU policy

Be a changemaker and get your voice heard