JCI Scotland National Conference 2008

JCI Edinburgh had the privilege of hosting the 2008 Scottish National Conference over the weekend of 18th to 20th April.

The weekend started with the annual Golf competion, which this year, maybe with some doubt over the Scottish weather in April, was played in the new indoor golfing venue, the Clubhouse.

On the Friday night we kicked off with national Public Speaking and Debating competitions; Edinburgh was represented by Erin Savage in the Public Speaking competing who gave us a fantastic insight into Social Networking - and her Granny's knees! This was followed by three lively debates, with some witty banter coming from the Edinburgh team of Stuart Ullathorne, Stuart Marsden and Erin Savage.

From here we moved onto the Welcome Party in the gorgeous Lulu where we danced well into the wee hours! We were joined later in the evening by JCI World President Graham Hanlon, who arrived via Terminal 5, less his luggage!

Saturday's training sessions on Insights and Situational Leadership were led by one of our favourite trainers, Rune from Norway. Following this we were hosted by the City of Edinburgh and Lord Provost, George Grubb for a Civic Lunch in the stunning surroundings of the Lothian Chambers.

Saturday afternoon saw Findlay and Simone led us on a tour of the Old Town taking in the sights and providing us with some fantastic snippets of history that even though I've lived in Edinburgh for 15 years were new to me!

After a quick change into some much more glamorous outfits, we descended on the George Hotel for the 60th Anniversary JCI Scotland Black Tie and Diamonds Gala.

Before dinner, the National Awards ceremony took place, hosted by Deputy National President, Julie Diver with the awards presented by National President Mel Harris and World President Graham Hanlon. Edinburgh came home with the awards for Best Chamber, Inter Chamber Co-operation and Best Programme for Stuart Ullathorne's excellent Training and Development programme in 2007, and Findlay Paul won Best New Member. Congratulations to all of you for contributing to a successful 2007!

During dinner, we were raising money for the JCI and UN Nothing But Nets campaign which is helping the fight against malaria in Africa via the provision of Insecticide Treated Bed Nets - we were overwhelmed by the generosity of our members as we raised close to £600 allowing us to donate 115 Bed Nets.

Some sore heads braved the farewell lunch in TigerLily on Sunday, allowing everyone to say cheerio to old friends and new and a promise to meet up again at European Conference in Turku.

All in all, it was a brilliant weekend and I have to put a huge thanks out to Conference Director, Lesley Fowler and her team for putting together a fantastic programme of events.