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UK Conference report

With 101 delegates from 14 different countries, this was undoubtedly our biggest and best conference to date. We had 20 different speakers across the main conference and the tracks, and an after-dinner speaker for the first time.

Feedback was generally very positive and delegates recognised that the primary purpose of the conference was to give the membership a valuable reason for attending so that they have lots of opportunities to network with other members, with hopefully the added benefits of learning a few new ideas from the various speakers.

The venue was recognised as being well-located for our international guests and relatively easy for everyone to get to from around the UK and Ireland. As we all appreciated, by avoiding a five-star city centre location, we were able to keep the price very low to encourage wider participation from firms, and the general feedback was that the rooms, food and accommodation were very good, and overall provided a good-value package.

Probably the only disappointment was that two or three of the speakers chose to deviate significantly from their presentation topic, with the result that any speaker on a pure selling mission was not well-received and noted as someone delegates would be unlikely to do business with in future.

Looking to 2011, we want to ensure that we have at least the same high level of participation from UK and Ireland members whilst offering a valuable opportunity for MGI delegates from around the world to participate. Based on the feedback received, the timing from Thursday afternoon to Saturday lunchtime appears popular and delegates understand that by having the conference near Heathrow, we have a far better chance of attracting international delegates.

I am sure that we will continue to run some tracks in 2011, but we will look to have fewer presentations on IT, as delegate participation levels showed this area to be less popular.

With regard to sponsorship, we need to continue to have sponsors to make the event as financially successful as it has been. One idea I am considering is to ask all UK and Ireland member firms to suggest a few businesses they deal with who could become potential sponsors of the quality and status we expect.

I will also be looking to encourage firms to participate in the conference more actively, and to market their skills and expertise. The suggestion that the conference includes a ‘Best of Breed’ event could well be incorporated in 2011.

Whilst I have been canvassing feedback from all firms, if anyone has any specific thoughts on what they would like to see in future, please fell free to contact me directly.

Paul Winder