Highlights from the Fairtrade Universities and Colleges Conference 2008

Derby University hosted the Fairtrade Universities and Colleges Conference on Tuesday 22nd April, attended by over 90 delegates. With an exhibition area showcasing Fairtrade products, interactive workshops and a range of guest speakers, there was ample opportunity for delegates to delve into Fairtrade for their institutions.

Share ideas and talk to others about how to take Fairtrade foward within your institution, by joining the interactive Fairtrade Universities and Colleges discussions forum.

Delegate sampling a Fairtrade juice The conference provided a very good opportunity to network, gain ideas and see what suppliers can offer
Becca Carter, Birmingham City University

Very useful for exchanging ideas on how other higher education institutions are doing things
Barbara Gwinnett, University of Wolverhampton
The morning plenary session included speeches by:

  • Harriet Lamb, Executive Director, Fairtrade Foundation (speech)
  • Karen Bowman, Director of Procurement, the University of Edinburgh (speech)
  • Jenny Stevens, Chief Executive Officer, SNUPI
  • Carmen Barreda, Executive Board Member, Nicaraguan Solidarity Campaign
This was then followed by a Q and A session.
Fairtrade exhibition area
Procurement workshop discussion Two afternoon workshops focused on campaigning and  procurement. Breakout sessions allowed delegates to share experiences and helped them form ideas on where to take their campaign or procurement practices next.

Several companies and suppliers exhibited at the conference. Delegates had the opportunity to sample Fairtrade products and meet key contacts from each company.  Fairtrade wine tasting © The co-operative membership