Conference

I will be stepping down from Committee this June, having served my allotted time. Doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun?

It really has been a very enjoyable experience; can’t believe it is 4 years since I sat in Durham contemplating whether or not I should even put my name forward, let alone join such an illustrious group!  Although I haven’t ‘held office’, as such, I have led the planning for three of the last four conferences and, with me gone, the committee will be looking for another mug  contributor. So I thought I’d use this blog to outline the main duties, in case there is anyone out there just bursting with ideas and energy to carry through the next conference.

When anyone asks what I do, the reply, “well, I organise Interlend”. Sounds simple, doesn't it? Well, I have to say right now that I couldn’t do it without a lot of help from my fellow committee members. I sometimes feel I just form the first small snowball, then push it down the hill…..

The venue (location and accommodation) is usually a joint decision of the Executive Committee, based on feedback from members. Once that is decided, the conference organising falls to a sub-group, led by me.  Mainly, it’s all about co-ordinating, making sure that things are done in a relatively logical order, and that key target dates are met. We need to get sponsors, whose contributions fund the conference packs and goody bags, as well as provide useful information for you all. I usually approach the keynote speakers, to see if they are willing to contribute, and then coordinate their attendance.

You’ll all have seen the call for speakers recently and I hope some of you will be thinking of presenting. Once the committee has vetted the submissions, and agreed which to accept, the fun of building the programme begins! Starting with two blank sheets of paper can be a challenge. Which speakers are available when?  Where to fit in activities (visits etc)? How to strike a balance between sectors? Should  each day have a theme? And don’t forget the important refreshment breaks! Once we have the draft, it’s the mechanics of producing the programme - collating speaker biographies, including sponsor’s logos. But once it is all in place, all we can do is hope and pray that you enjoy it. The more you contribute, the more you will. Honestly J.

So if you have any good ideas and could help plan ahead for Interlend 2016, please think about joining the Committee in June. They’re a good bunch. And I will miss being a part of it all.

Su