Wednesday

Up bright and early I got to the centre for about 9.  The usual running around checking that everything and everyone was OK, especially given that we had a number of guest sessions on that morning.  A quick catch up with e-mails and it was off to meet some of the panel for the day's plenary session.  Also that morning we were giving out the first set of our hero awards at the start of the session and it was truly humbling to spend some time with them before the session started.  It was also a great pleasure to say a few words about the awards and recipients. 

Once the awards had been handed out there was a quick wiz round the exhibition with Christine Heemskerk to chose the best exhibitor awards before returning for the rest of the plenary debate.  Once the session was over it was a quick thank you to the speakers and Liz Barclay before rushing off to the Holiday Inn for the West Yorkshire lunch, as usual magnificently hosted and sponsored by Status.  Again it was really pleasing to be able to say a few words about the continued support that Status provides the conference.

Unable to stay for the whole meal, I rushed back to catch the last semi-final and final of the Young Consumer of the Year competition.  It was an amazingly tight contest and the knowledge on display certainly put this old trading standards officer to shame!  Unfortunately I was not able to stay for the presentation but many congratulations to Abbey Grange Academy in Leeds.  I had to quickly go to the main auditorium for the OFT session "New landscape – new leaders" that saw a number of us set out our vision for the Consumer Protection Partnership.

Once that session had finished I had to do a quick audio interview before one last quick run round the centre.  Finding myself with an hour spare I had a quick walk along the seafront that, despite the issues with rubbish, was lovely.  Back for a quick shower before meeting others for the Trainee dinner that is supported by our friends at the British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA).  It was a lovely meal and it's great to mix with future of our profession.  The meal also gave the BTHA a chance to pay tribute to my predecessor Ron in a very personal way.  Once the dinner was over it was quickly over to the party night to say hello to a few people before deciding that I'd done all my dad dancing the night and turning in with the party still in full swing.