HIT Hot Topics Conference

Archive

Each year at HIT we hold the Hot Topics conference. This event brings together world class speakers and a community of activists, advocates, drugs workers, and others involved in drugs and drug policy.

Hot Topics 2022

On the 18th of November 2022, the tenth annual HIT Hot Topics Conference was held at Lutyen’s Crypt in Liverpool. Speakers talked of dilemmas, frustrations and being on the wrong side of the law. But what shone from their talks was the bravery, resilience, determination and clear purpose in making life (a lot) better for their peers.

Speakers: Phoenix AKA Mohawk, Jesse Bernard, Haven Wheelock, Colleen Daniels, Karin Silenzi de Stagni, Lee Hertel, Peter Furlong, Tracey Kemp, Danny Ahmed, Mackayla Forde, Magdalena Harris, and Transform

Conference Website

Hot Topics 2019

On the 8th of November 2019, the ninth annual HIT Hot Topics Conference was held again at the Lutyens Crypt in Liverpool. Attendees saw international speakers on drug policy and practice covering topics including international drug policy, psychedelic sitting, naloxone, drug user activism, and cannabis.

Speakers: Sanho Tree, Katy MacLeod, Pavel Bém, Rui Coimbra Morais, Biz Bliss, Nadia Hutten, Peter Blanken, Megan Jones, Prun Bijral, Amira Guirguis, Mick Webb and Lizzie McCulloch

Conference Website

Hot Topics 2018

On the 9th of November 2018, the eigth annual HIT Hot Topics Conference was held again at the Lutyens Crypt in Liverpool. Attendees saw international speakers on drug policy and practice covering topics including racial justice, chemsex, naloxone, and drug consumption spaces.

Speakers: Andrew M Bennett, Julian Buchanan, Niamh Eastwood, Fiona Gilbertson, Josh Haddow, Steff Kerr, Neil Woods, Leon Knoops, Jay Levy, Sjef Pelsser, Imani Robinson, Alissa Sadler, Gillian Shorter, and Jason Wallace

Conference Website

Hot Topics 2017

On the 10th of November 2017, the seventh annual HIT Hot Topics Conference was held at the Lutyens Crypt in Liverpool. Attendees saw international speakers on drug policy and practice covering topics including homelessness, community activism and vaping.

Speakers: Nanna W. Gotfredsen, Suzanne MacGregor, Emma Roberts, Harry Shapiro, Patriic Gayle, Sue McCutcheon, Stephen Malloy, Craig Reinarman, Naomi Burke-Shyne, Delon Human, Joe Kean and Jennifer Randall

Conference Website

Event Sponsorship

We have a number of sponsorship options for the next HIT Hot Topics Conference ranging from simple ‘supporter’ all the way to being the main conference sponsor. If you or your company are interested in supporting the conference (or any other event we run at HIT) please check our sponsorship options page.

Event sponsorship

Hot Topics 2016

On the 25th of November 2016, the sixth annual HIT Hot Topics Conference was held at the Maritime Museum in Liverpool. Attendees saw international speakers on drug policy and practice covering topics ranging from drug consumption rooms to race inequality.

Speakers: Keith Sabin, Mat Southwell, Magdalena Harris, Faye Macrory, Aaron Goodman, Suzi Gage, Fiona Measham, Deborah Small, Michael Shiner, Fabrice Olivet, Maria Phelan, Kirsten Horsburgh, Jim McVeigh and Carl Hart

Conference page

Hot Topics 2015

On the 27th of November 2015, the fifth annual HIT Hot Topics Conference was held at Lutyens Crypt in the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. 200 attendees came to see a range of international speakers on drug policy and practice.

Speakers: Ethan Nadelmann, Carl Hart, Josie Smith, Bengt Kayser, Alex Stevens, Niamh Eastwood, Jamie Bridge, Nigel Brunsdon, Chris Rintoul and Harry Sumnall

Conference page

Hot Topics 2014

On the 14th of November 2014, the Fourth Annual HIT Hot Topics Conference was held at FACT in Liverpool. It was a wonderful day with almost 200 attendees and, as always, a great range and quality of speakers.

Speakers: Dr. Carl Hart, Anne-Marie Cockburn, David Stuart, Prof. Gerry Stimson, Dr. Magdalena Harris, Katy MacLeod, Sara McGrail, and Russell Newcombe

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Hot Topics 2013

On the 15th of November 2013, the Third Annual HIT Hot Topics Conference was held at FACT in Liverpool. It was a wonderful day with a great group of speakers.

Speakers: Greg Scott, Mat Southwell, Kirsten Horsburg, Max Daly, Shelly Stoops, Kirsty Douse, Kareznza Moore, Russell Newcombe, Mike Power, and Gill Bradbury

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Hot Topics 2012

On Thursday 20th September, HIT hosted their second “Hot Topics” conference in Liverpool. This national harm reduction event attracted 140 delegates from across the country and beyond, and was a great success.

Speakers: Sara McGrail, Dr Adam Winstock, Mat Southwell, Stephen Heller-Murphy, Nigel Brunsdon, John Cambell, Dean Linzey, Matt Gleeson, Martin Chandler, Chris Rintoul, Buff Cameron, Joanne Branigan, Kirsten Forseth and Russell Newcombe

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Hot Topics 2011

In May 2011, HIT, in association with Simpson House, held the first Hot Topics conference in Liverpool. It was a great day with some amazing speakers.

Speakers: Nigel Brunsdon, Paul Dillon, Naimh Eastwood, Jim McVeigh, Sally Woods, Steve Rolles, Alistair Sinclair, Mat Southwell, Prof John Davies, Alan Matthews, Prof Tom Cannon, Annette Dale-Perera, Gary Rickwood, Erin O’Mara, Damon Barrett, Suzy Dean and Rodger Phillips

Conference page