Conventions help shape party platforms by providing a venue for members to discuss and formalize policy positions. They allow political parties to consolidate their ideologies, establish priorities, and nominate candidates. Through workshops, speeches, and formal voting processes, conventions facilitate the exchange of ideas and ensure that various factions within the party have a voice. The endorsement of a platform at a convention can unify party members and articulate a clear vision to voters, which is crucial in electoral campaigns and achieving electoral success.