The party, being the largest in Northern Ireland, has been unable to participate in the governing executive due to its collapse and the Democratic Unionist Party's (DUP) withdrawal over post-Brexit trade rules.
Sinn Féin's popularity has been increasing in the Republic of Ireland, and the party is preparing for its first potential role in the government there. They are gearing up for the next general election, expected late next year or early in 2025, and also aiming for success in the local and European elections in the Republic of Ireland next summer.
In Northern Ireland, Sinn Féin is seeking a return to government, especially after their historic wins in recent elections. Michelle O'Neill, the party's vice-president, is poised to become the first nationalist first minister of Northern Ireland if power-sharing resumes. However, this is contingent on the DUP agreeing to end its boycott of the Stormont institutions.
O'Neill, in her speech, expressed frustration with the DUP's ongoing concerns regarding the Brexit Protocol and called for an end to the boycott of the assembly, citing public impatience. The conference will also involve voting on 190 motions covering domestic issues in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, as well as foreign policy, to determine the party's stance.