As far as I could tell, the only difference between what we saw on the morning of the conference and a proper tropical typhoon was the absence of the typhoon winds!
Rain so heavy you could have measured it on a speak-your-weight machine, crashed around the fragrant harbour (which is what Hong Kong means) drenching cats, dogs and anything else on the street!
Exhibitors had been setting up since 7am and (most) of the ACT team had been on parade from 6.30! Weary-eyed though, as the night's storm had woken everyone! Did it dissuade our audience? Not a bit of it as what is now our habitual queue started again at 8am when we opened!
Highlights of the day were many, not least the catering! I know it's disputed if Wellington did actually say that the British army, 'marches on its stomach' , but the ACT always honours the tradition. In truth, the network breaks were necessary for delegates to catch their breath between some excellent, even intense working sessions and presentations.
Tremendous contributions were made by working treasurers, experts from the financial services industry, policy makers and the HKMA ( Hong Kong's central bank) and by the HKACT , HKIACCT and the ACT. All though with one aim: sharing knowledge and experience for mutual benefit.
So, what did we talk about? How about these for starters: the state and State of China, south-south trade, treasury competency, the role of the debt markets and how Asia can avoid the regulatory mess as it has affected corporate treasury in Europe and the USA. Throw in some fascinating views on the why's or nots of regional treasury centres, where to invest surplus cash and fx risk and you're getting close to some of the day.
In short, packed, full-on and inclusive.
In particular we were thrilled to have attracted treasurers from all across the region especially from mainland China. This bodes well for our education initiatives there. And in my view the gender balance for this event has a much greater tilt in favour of women than most other ACT events. Who knows where both of those will take us?
