So, what’s been Thursday’s story? Full on is the answer!
I am writing at the end of the work day but before the evening ‘Eat, Drink, Connect’ networking event.
A wise move you might say – although I am moderating a Track session at 9am on Friday morning and there’s a talkingtreasury at 8am to get us started! Hopefully there won’t be a fire alarm going off in my hotel tonight – a 1.30am wake up call which some people enjoyed will not make me happy!
We’ve had a sideways, comedic look at how business works. We’ve heard from the Chair of RBS talking about enormous change in his bank and banking generally and his aim to restore trust and target customer service. Two sets of track sessions covering strategy, fx risk, regulation, M&A and more besides and a repeat set of workshops, roundtables and master classes. Phew!
But you know what? Our delegates were by turns challenged, entertained, given pause for thought and kept on coming! And what did we and they learn? Well, that emerging market fx risks come in all shapes and sizes but aren’t always easy to spot; that treasurers are as concerned about the impacts of regulation as never before (in fact the session was so good more people were worried on the way out than the way in!); that to become a CFO doesn’t happen by accident (you have seize opportunities, use your common sense, adhere to KISS and demonstrate your professionalism!).
There’s plenty more for Friday morning too so keep ‘em peeled!
A word too about the SECC and its staff. Jolly, nothing too much trouble and well drilled and managed. And if you didn’t notice them then that tells you what a good job they have done!