ISSDP 2025: Manchester Expert Shares Success Story of Hosting Global Drug Policy Community

The International Society for the Study of Drug Policy (ISSDP) Conference, a leading global gathering of drug policy scholars, recently convened its 18th edition in Manchester. This highly successful event was spearheaded by Dr. Rebecca Askew, a Reader in Criminology and Director of Drugs, Policy and Social Change (DPSC) at Manchester Metropolitan University. Her leadership, combined with the comprehensive support offered by the Manchester Convention Bureau, provides a compelling case study of how local expertise can bring world-class events to our vibrant city. Read our Q&A with Dr. Askew, and find out more about the success story below.

The ISSDP Conference: Fostering Global Dialogue on Drug Policy

ISSDP stands as the largest global network of drug policy scholars, celebrated for its interdisciplinary approach and rigorous research. The 18th conference, themed around social justice, delved into critical issues such as equitable access to treatment, drug policy reform, and socioeconomic impact. A key objective was to encourage participation from underrepresented countries, achieving notable representation from Latin America, and to provide a vital platform for early career researchers. The event successfully fostered knowledge exchange beyond academia, connecting with practitioners, policymakers, and journalists.

"We're thrilled with the feedback from the conference; delegates truly felt the 'Mancunian welcome' we aimed for," Dr. Askew shared. "As the 18th edition of the ISSDP conference, it was wonderful for it to 'come of age' in our city."

Dr Rebecca Askew, Reader in Criminology, Manchester Met

Why Manchester? A City Aligned with Vision

For Dr. Askew, Manchester was the natural and compelling choice. "Our city is a particularly exciting place to be at the moment. There is huge investment and celebration of its rich cultural history and diversity," she explained. The conference's theme of social justice resonated deeply with Manchester's profound legacy of resistance movements, from the Suffragettes to Peterloo and the fight for workers' rights. Furthermore, Manchester's enduring spirit of innovation perfectly aligned with the conference's vision of shaping future drug policies through collaborative methodologies.

The conference not only allowed Dr. Askew to showcase Manchester's vibrant academic community but also to highlight its unique character and welcoming spirit. "Delegates felt like the city was full of pride and warmth, which I like to think is pretty accurate," she noted, reflecting on the overwhelmingly positive feedback about Manchester's atmosphere. Memorable social events, facilitated by Marketing Manchester, included a reception at Cloud 23 offering panoramic city views and a dinner at the iconic Manchester Art Gallery, contributing to a "first-class experience for our delegates."

The Crucial Role of Mbassador-Led Support

The resounding success of the ISSDP Conference powerfully demonstrates the indispensable value of the Manchester Convention Bureau's Mbassador Programme. Dr. Askew, as a dedicated Conference Mbassador, collaborated closely with the Bureau from the earliest stages, transforming a promising opportunity into an acclaimed reality.

"I have wanted to host the ISSDP conference for a few years, but I was hesitant due to the amount of work it would take alongside my already busy schedule," Dr. Askew candidly admitted. "But, when Anthony from the Manchester Convention Bureau got in touch with me and told me about the support that we would get from the Manchester Convention Bureau and its partners, that finally gave me the push to go for it."

Dr Rebecca Askew, Reader in Criminology, Manchester Met

Comprehensive Support for a Seamless Event

The Manchester Convention Bureau's involvement commenced with initial research to identify Dr. Askew as a key local expert and the potential for a successful bid. This was followed by expert assistance in crafting compelling bid documentation and the crucial presentation of Manchester's proposal in Montreal. This comprehensive support provided Dr. Askew with the confidence and resources she needed to secure the event for Greater Manchester.

"We had excellent support from Marketing Manchester and the university which enabled us to run a seamless and high-quality event. Both teams provided excellent support that was invaluable to us and saved us so much time. This means I could focus on the content, programme creation, working on panels and key notes – which is the fun creative aspect side of conference organising. Previous conference hosts were really impressed with the support we received, and we felt lucky to have it."

Dr Rebecca Askew, Reader in Criminology, Manchester Met

The Bureau, working in tandem with Manchester Met's Conference and Events team, provided comprehensive, wrap-around support. This crucial assistance allowed Dr. Askew and her team to focus predominantly on the academic content, programme creation, and ensuring an exceptional delegate experience. The Manchester Convention Bureau offered an Accommodation Booking Service, which proved invaluable for managing delegate stays. Dr. Askew noted, "Laura and Olivia from the Manchester Convention Bureau organised an Accommodation Booking Service platform for delegates, which made my job booking keynote speakers much simpler as we had preferential rates in the city and a range of budgets." Furthermore, the Bureau's Venue Location Service was crucial in selecting the perfect settings for social gatherings. Dr. Askew highlighted this by stating, "We also had their support to help decide where to have the welcome drinks and conference dinner which allowed us to secure two of the best venues in the city." Beyond these, the

Logistical Support from Manchester Met's Conference and Events covered all major operational aspects, with Dr. Askew confirming, "Manchester Met's Conference and Events team expertly managed all large-scale logistical elements, including operating the conference venue, booking meeting spaces, organising catering, and providing essential IT support, ensuring the smooth running of all conference activities." This integrated support allowed Dr. Askew and her team to focus on the core academic content, confident that all practical arrangements were expertly handled.

Lasting Impact and Future Collaborations

Hosting the ISSDP Conference brought significant and far-reaching benefits, extending well beyond the event itself. "The conference has put DPSC, Man Met and the city on the map for a global network of drug policy scholars," Dr. Askew proudly stated. It created invaluable opportunities to showcase Manchester Metropolitan University's cutting-edge research, forge new connections, and inspire future collaborations, aligning perfectly with the university's commitment to impactful research.

Crucially, the conference also enabled local practitioners and individuals with lived and living experience to participate in vital knowledge exchange, reinforcing Manchester's commitment to community engagement and real-world impact. The profound success has inspired Dr. Askew, who now passionately advocates for the value in hosting such events.

"If you are looking to raise your profile, and you want to facilitate knowledge exchange and networking, then I think a conference is a great way to achieve that. I am already hearing about new connections, collaborations and possibilities emerging from the event which is fantastic. Yes, it is hard graft. Yes, it takes your attention away from other things in the run up. Yes, it is a challenge, but all successful things usually are a combination of all those things. And with all the positive feedback from delegates and the exhilaration of the success afterwards, it was definitely worthwhile."

Dr Rebecca Askew, Reader in Criminology, Manchester Met

Be a Manchester Mbassador: Elevate Your Event in Our City

Dr. Rebecca Askew's experience with the ISSDP Conference perfectly illustrates the transformative potential of collaborating with the Manchester Convention Bureau. By harnessing local expertise and providing comprehensive, bespoke support, we empower our Mbassadors to bring world-leading events to Manchester, enhancing the city's global reputation and fostering lasting legacies. If you're considering hosting an event in Manchester, we invite you to join our Mbassador Programme. Let us help you achieve your event and organisation's objectives and elevate your gathering to new heights in our dynamic city.