Sponsorship for ruralnet|2004 conference delegate places confirmed

Small community groups and charities often find it difficult to justify the expense of attending conferences and events such as ruralnet|2004. This is why ruralnet|uk are pleased to confirm that they have now obtained sponsorship for such groups to attend at greatly subsidised rates or even free of charge.

Support in this way has been offered by the following sponsors:

Co-operative Groups – South East Region – have agreed to fund four places for organisations based in the South East of England. This will include delegate fee, dinner and accommodation for the middle night of the event.

The Ramada Jarvis Hotel (conference venue) – have agreed to fund two places including conference fee, dinner and overnight accommodation for the middle night of the event.

The standard delegate fee is £275 including dinner and accommodation, so this sponsorship is extremely valuable to the voluntary sector. Based on the theme, 'Rethinking the Future for the Delivery of Rural Services', and to be held near Maidstone in Kent, the event, which has grown substantially for ruralnet||uk since they hosted their first one four years ago, will be of particular appeal to this group.
While retaining its face-to-face nature, the additional presence of 'multi-mobile' vehicles, ministerial speeches, a lively exhibition arena, plus a conference dinner for the first time means that there is more reason for people affected by such issues to be present.

ruralnet|uk company secretary, David Head said of this achievement,

"The Co-operative Group, Defra and The Ramada Jarvis Hotel have provided through subsidised conference places. This means that it is exactly the people that it would benefit to attend, the rural grassroots workers, that will now have the opportunity to do so".

Notes to editors
1) Further ruralnet|2004 programme and sponsor & exhibitor information can be found at www.ruralnetuk.org/conference.
2) To apply for the sponsored places, email conference@ruralnetuk.org or call 0845 1300 411 to discuss any individual requirements. Please note that these places are intended to allow non-profit making smaller organisations the opportunity to attend the event and these groups will be given preference.