This annual conference looked at how cultural and leisure services can respond to and deliver new policy developments, and explored how the service can raise its profile by creating maximum impacts on local outcomes and performance. Speakers included Rt Hon James Purnell MP Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. The event brought together leaders from the culture and leisure sector from local, regional and national government, along with key stakeholders and national bodies. This year’s event looked at how to promote the strategic role that cultural services bring to place shaping and economic development. Speakers demonstrated how to align strong leadership behind culture’s contribution to shaping strong, prosperous and cohesive communities. Delegates also explored emerging policy on the new performance framework, and heard the latest thinking on evaluating impact and local area agreements.