The ACT has shifted its attention eastwards in the past couple of weeks to our sold out ACT Asia conference. The fourth leg of our flagship series after UK, Europe and the Middle East, we have found a natural home in this vibrant and business obsessed city.
Hong Kong has greeted us with very warm,very humid weather and the last of the summer sales! At least one of the ACT party has been taking full advantage so far but if time allows the rest may follow suit. Between shopping and eating, it is remarkable there's time for business at all! The shops, the metro and the harbour are as busy as ever and there is something reassuring and enviable about the energy in this city.
We are thrilled that more than 300 people have registered to attend the conference - including an increase in the numbers coming from the mainland - and if last year is anything to go by we should see 240+ coming through the door although hopefully not all at 8am as last year!
That meant a rush for the exhibitors and a big order for coffee early doors. We've started a sweepstake (there aren't any prizes - well maybe a drink, possibly), although by the time you read this bets are off! All guesses to dcoulson@treasurers.org
More than just the event however, it marks the start of the ACT's effort to launch professional treasury in mainland China. In Mandarin. And we have a member of the team who reads and speaks it to boot! But no, it's not me! Interestingly, it seems that in Mandarin as well as Arabic there's no word or phrase for corporate treasurer, so it looks like we are going to have to invent the whole science longhand!
There's no doubt the audience is receptive and the ACT's credibility as a global professional body goes a long way with corporates, financial institutions and regulators alike.
We will be posting pictures of Hong Kong and the conference on our various twitter accounts, so keep an eye on @actupdate #acthk
