The Annual Conference aims to bring together economists from government, industry, higher education, the financial sector, and journalism. The conference is open to all those interested in analytical economics and policy problems; members of the Society are able to attend at reduced rates. The conference takes place near the Easter break and lasts three days. A selection of the papers presented at the conference forms the May issue of The Economic Journal in the following year. In addition, there are a number of special lectures during the conference as well as sessions devoted entirely to policy issues and special sessions for young economists to present the results of their research and exchange ideas with their peers. In recent years, displays of computer equipment and software have also been introduced.