2009 brings a big change for me and for FutureGov. From today FutureGov will be expanding from me to three, as I’ve now asked Michelle Lyons and Justin Kerr-Stevens to join me as two new directors.

To celebrate, the three of us thought we’d run a competition to send a public servant from central or local government to the 2009 Politics Online conference in Washington D.C.

The competition

The 2009 Politics Online conference (NOTE: now changed to April 20-21 2009) brings together Politicos, techies, organisers and advocates to analyse what  happened in the last US election and apply successful campaign strategies in commercial, non-profit, and government contexts.

We will be giving one lucky winner the opportunity to network and learn from the worlds best, reporting back on new ideas that can be applied in the public sector back in Blighty.

As with all these things competitive and government related, there are a few rules you’ll need to abide by which are available below.

While it’s  going to be a lot of fun, it’s not (just) a holiday. In return for your prize, we’ll be asking you to write the odd blog post here on futuregovconsultancy.com, capture video, interview speakers/attendees wherever you get the chance and generally network like there is no tomorrow! When you get back, we’ll organise a little event where you can share what you’ve learnt and tell your story to colleagues.

The prize will include:

• flights
• entrance to the conference
• accommodation
• a contribution to your spending money

All you need to do is have the time available, comply with US visa regulations and have a passport for travel. And then away you go!

How to enter

All you have to do to enter is tell us in 140 characters or less:

Why should you attend the Politics Online conference?

It’s that easy! Email us or leave a comment below, it’s up to you.

And one last thing - good luck!

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Dominic, Justin and Michelle

FutureGov Consultancy

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Terms and Conditions

1. The FutureGov Politics Online competition (the “Competition”) is open to public sector employees that are residents of the UK aged 18 and over.
2. The Competition is not open to employees or agencies of FutureGov Consultancy Limited (”FGL”), their family members or anyone else connected to the Competition.
3. Entry into the Competition is acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
4. To enter the Competition, respond in 140 characters or less on why you should attend the Politics Online conference in 2009. You can respond via the blog post or email to dominic [dot] campbell [at] futuregovconsultancy [dot] com.
5. Entries on behalf of another person will not be accepted and joint submissions are not allowed.
6. No responsibility is taken for entries that are lost, delayed, misdirected or incomplete or cannot be delivered or entered for any technical or other reason. Proof of delivery of the entry is not proof of receipt.
7. The Competition closes at 23:59 on Thursday 19 February.
8. The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges. The judges’ decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
9. The winner will receive a trip for one to Washington DC  including return economy flights with an airline of FutureGov’s choosing. The prize also includes five nights accomodation in a hotel in Washington D.C or the surrounding area. All additional room costs, expenses, meals, insurance and incidentals to be settled by the prize winner. Travel costs, transfers, travel insurance, passport costs, visas, meals, living expenses and any other costs not specifically included within the prize and referred to in this paragraph are the responsibility of the winner. Flights and accommodation are subject to availability.
10. The prize must be taken before 30/04/09.
11. The winner will be notified by FGC by phone or email by February 24 2009.
12. Details of the winners can be obtained on this website.
13. The prize is non-exchangeable, non-transferable, and is not redeemable for cash or other prizes. FutureGov Consultancy accepts no responsibility for any costs associated with the prize and not specifically included in the prize, including, without limitation, meals, living expenses, insurance, visas and transfers.
14. FutureGov Consultancy retains the right to substitute the prize with another prize of similar value in the event the original prize offered is not available due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control.
15. The winner may be required for promotional activity.
16. No purchase necessary.
17. FutureGov Consultancy accepts no responsibility for any damage, loss, liabilities, injury or disappointment incurred or suffered by you as a result of entering the Competition or accepting the prize. FutureGov Consultancy further disclaims liability for any injury or damage to your or any other person’s computer relating to or resulting from participation in or downloading any materials in connection with the Competition. Nothing shall exclude the liability of FutureGov Consultancy for death or personal injury as a result of its negligence.
18. FutureGov Consultancy reserves the right at any time and from time to time to modify or discontinue, temporarily or permanently, this Competition with or without prior notice due to reasons outside its control.
19. The competition will be governed by English law. Promoter: FutureGov Consultancy