The 2009 BICM Conference on leadership in clubs was described by most attendees as

 "....one of the most valuable events I have attended". 

According to our feedback, operators seemed to have found the Conference informative and the opportunity to network invaluable.       For business partners who attended, it proved the most cost effective use of stretched budgets. 

Before the specialist and leading speakers delegates were treated to an inspirational keynote speech from Chris Lewis of the award winning Lewis Partnership, who shared his experiences of providing first class service in the hospitality business. 

For the first time at our Conference an Open Forum session was held where delegates explained their own reactions and solutions in key areas of club operations. This was a particularly helpful addition to the Education Programme. 

The Hough End Centre proved an excellent venue where the experienced staff demonstrated their expertise and attention to detail in providing leading events such as Conference and we thank Darren Butterfield and all his team. 

A successful Conference depends on quality facilities, an interesting and contemporary Education Programme and satisfied customers, so once again I feel BICM achieved its objectives. 

I hope we will have even more delegates attending in future to help them be better informed, more up to date and fitter for the challenges ahead. 

Thanks to all the Conference Team for a job well done.

 Yours in Leisure and Recreation,

 Rob Gerrard

Conference Director.