Reframing the message: local campaigning conference
Event description
Date and time: Saturday 14 November 2026, 10:00–17:00. Arrive from 09:30 for tea and coffee, we’ll get started at 10:00.
Location: Reading Civic Centre, Bridge St, Reading, RG1 2LU.
Travel: 10-minute walk from Reading train station. Bike parking available at the front of the building and other areas nearby. Closest car park is Holy Brook Car Park on Bridge St (this can get busy on Saturdays).
Cost: free to attend; voluntary contributions to help cover costs are much appreciated.
About the conference
Culture wars. Divisive debates. Rapid political changes. If it feels difficult to make a positive case for cycling at the moment, you’re not alone.
How do you approach local politicians who seem to have fundamentally different views to you?
How do you convince sceptical neighbours that making streets better for cycling and walking will improve their lives?
What’s the most effective messaging for talking about cycling in a positive, inspiring way?
This is your opportunity to find out.
Cycling UK and Reading Cycle Campaign invite you to join us on Saturday 14 November. Come together in person and connect with others who are trying to make cycling better where they live.
Through expert speakers and interactive workshops, you’ll come away with the skills to communicate with confidence.
Spaces are free but limited because of room capacity, so sign up today to grab your spot.
Full Programme
9.30 Registration with tea & coffee
10.00 Welcome by Reading Cycling Campaign and Cycling UK, followed by Keynote speech.
10.30 Introduction to framing and why it matters - multiple workshops
11.40 Tea and coffee break.
12.00 Main room – feedback from workshop facilitators and opportunity for questions.
12.15 Panel session – How to have better conversations
1.05 Lunch
2.00 Winning hearts and minds - local campaign groups and panel share their framing tips and learnings
3.15 Tea and coffee break.
3.35 Breakout sessions
- How to engage with the media.
- Communicating effectively with your council.
- What are you or could you be doing differently – adapting to change and devolution
4.25 5 min break
4.30 Wrap up, reflections and next steps
5.00 Close