Ieuan Wyn Jones now leads Plaid

In the first Assembly elections in 1999, Plaid won 17 of the 60 seats, including some spectacular gains in Labour's south Wales Valleys heartlands.

It made Plaid the largest opposition party in the Assembly and raised hopes that it might be able to capture a majority in a future Assembly election.

This transition from being also-rans to holding power is unlikely to be completely smooth and some of the conference sessions may highlight tensions within the party.

Independence debate

On Sunday, there will be a closed session to discuss 'If not Independence - what?'. Plaid Cymru has struggled to escape the spectre of independence.

This session displays a recognition that if the party, as it claims, is clear about its constitutional goal of full self-government for Wales, then the electorate needs persuading.

The Welsh language is another area where tensions have emerged within the party as it attempts to expand its support base amongst the Welsh electorate.

Some members have expressed concern that the party is distancing itself too much from its traditional support for the language.

European issue

In a fringe meeting of the party's youth wing, Plaid Cymru Assembly Members are likely to be criticised for not using Welsh consistently during Assembly debates.

In view of the recent resignation of one of its constituency Chairs over the issue, the debate on the Euro will attract significant interest.

Guto Bebb: tensions over Euro

Guto Bebb, chair of the Arfon constituency claimed that pressure had been put on him to resign due to his association with the cross-party Business for Sterling group.

Some will consider what lessons this episode holds for the party. Is it big enough to be comfortable with a divergence of opinion?

In many ways this conference is one of transition for Plaid Cymru.

Ieuan Wyn Jones's first major challenge will be to keep any tensions in check and emerge from the conference the leader of an united party.