Looking forward to Lib Dem Conference in Bournemouth

Our annual conference - my first as leader - is due to start in Bournemouth in less than three days' time. I want to tell you about some of the exciting things that are going to take place.

Conference is a fantastic chance for us to connect with people and to get our message across to voters. We will be debating our important statement of aims and values - Make It Happen - as well as key policy debates on crime, transport, security and Europe.

I'm also going to be launching my 'One Million Door Challenge' to the party. My challenge is for party members to knock on one million doors across the country between the end of conference and June next year - very likely polling day for the local and European elections. This is a great chance to promote the message of Make It Happen - that we are the real change this country needs.

It is a tough challenge, but one which I am confident that we are more than capable of meeting. I'm determined that under my leadership we will be the party that communicates with people. By talking, listening, and learning.

That is why since I became Leader I've been holding Town Hall meetings in constituencies across the country. And it's why I'm so enthusiastic about this new campaign.

If you want to do you your part to help meet my challenge and you are coming to conference then go to the special campaign briefing on Saturday. It's at 8pm in the Bryanston Suite of the Marriott Highcliff Hotel. You will also be find out about how to get involved in the challenge in your area on Flock Together and there is an event on Facebook for Saturday's launch.

Other important things to note about conference are that Conference Committee and Policy Committee officers have now selected the two topics for the 'urgent issue' discussions at conference:

Sunday 14th, 09.15 - 09.45: Polar Ice Caps: Accelerating Climate Change

Monday 15th, 17.20 - 18.00: Recession and Rising Energy and Food Prices: Impacts on Poverty

Other last-minute additions to the agenda, including the selection of amendments and emergency motions, will be made by Conference Committee on Friday.

Any party member can come to conference. If you just want to pop down for the day, you can register as a day visitor on the door - remember to bring your party membership card. The cost is £30 per day (£15 unwaged rate). We start on Saturday morning and finish, with my speech, on Wednesday lunchtime.

I look forward to seeing you in Bournemouth!