Tinkling the ivories at C&IT’s Agency Forum
I wonder how many of the C&IT Agency Forum delegates still have sore throats today after a rousing rendition of Stand By Me around the grand piano at the Millennium Gloucester last night?
It was certainly an inspired decision by the hotel’s general manager Andrew Tan to pull in the pianist after guests returned from a gala evening in Kew Gardens’ Orangery. Mind you, that piano probably saw more action than anyone…good to see everyone letting their hair down after a full day of workshops and meetings.
The forum started on Wednesday with pink and blue Champagne cocktails before we all stepped into the hotel’s palm tree-filled conservatory for dinner. There were a few nervous glances at the panes of glass as Young Guns soprano Olivia Safe hit her high notes but, thankfully, they remained intact.
MCI UK’s managing director Jennifer Jenkins sparked an outpouring of horror stories about the pitch process during her workshop – flaming rows breaking out between clients and audible snoring seem par for the course. DRP Group founder Dale Parmenter proceeded to inspire a holiday mood with his tales of 27 years working with Thomas Cook. Luckily, there were luxury coaches – complete with VIP lounge – on hand to whisk the delegates out into the fresh air and sunshine at Kew Gardens.
The Visit London-hosted evening kicked off with drinks on the terrace, before the 150 glamorous guests enjoyed dinner at tables themed in C&IT’s hot pink and aqua brand colours.
With guests prepared with packs of Red Bull, mints and face packs, there was no excuse for the partying to continue into the night….Prize for the most fresh-faced event planner at this morning’s workshops must go to FAB! director Julie Cooper.
Sleep well all!
Check out the photo evidence here
