THE ULSTER Unionist Party is insisting delegates and guests at next month's annual conference are double vaccinated.
Exceptions will be made only for those who have proof of a negative Covid test.
The conference on October 8 and 9 at the Crown Plaza hotel in south Belfast is the UUP's first since October 2018, when Health Minister Robin Swann was party leader.
Last month, The Irish News reported that the SDLP was exploring the potential for its conference in Derry in mid-to-late October – its first since April 2018.
However, Colum Eastwood's party confirmed last week that it has decided against going ahead with the event.
Sinn Féin plans to hold its ard fheis in Dublin on October 30, with numbers limited to 300, while the DUP looks unlikely to hold a conference before spring of next year.
A DUP spokesperson said: "We intend to hold a conference in the coming months, but continue to review plans in light of ongoing events."
The Ulster Unionists' conference will be its first under new leader Doug Beattie, who succeeded Steve Aiken in May.
The party's stringent conference entry requirements include pre-registration online for all delegates and guests, with details checked on arrival.
Numbers at the two-day conference will be limited and based on the latest Covid-19 regulations and guidance, and an event risk assessment.
Attendees will be expected to provide proof of a double dose vaccination, with the second jab administered at least 14 days beforehand.
Those without proof of full vaccination, will need to demonstrate a negative Covid test.
Face coverings will be mandatory at the conference as per the latest public health advice and the UUP is also asking all attendees to take a lateral flow test two days after the conference and report the result.
