I thought the meeting went well from nearly all aspects. Certainly the
scientific program was well prepared and the speakers all enlightened us with
their latest work/research. Darryl and his team did a great job with that part
of the process. We can only thank all of them for their efforts.
The venue and organisation worked very well. The value of having the
Conference Organiser was that I managed to keep my grey hair for a little
longer. Laura Virgo of ‘Conference Online’ kept my nose to the grindstone.
The scars are beginning to heal now. For the first time people were able to book
online. Not sure how you all feel about it but it sure made our job a lot
easier. With the help of such conference services I believe that even the
smallest unit could put together an annual meeting. I would even put my hand up
again if I could use them…but not yet! We didn’t make a great deal of profit
from the meeting (I was told I didn’t have to) preferring instead to spend the
money on upgrading a few things.
I need to thank my immediate colleagues for their help and support. They
allowed me to run here there and everywhere, sit at the computer and telephone
uninterrupted, made suggestions and more importantly did all the routine work
whilst I didn’t. Thanks team.
The only real weak point, in my view, was the Sunday excursion. This was
billed as a Lord of the Rings film sites tour. The idea was to let people see
Wellington from different perspectives. I felt that it was a bit parochial and
weak. Of course I had no way of knowing in advance it would turn out like that.
Apologies to all who attended.
Overall though, I was pleased with the attendance, attitude and enthusiasm of
all who joined us here in Wellington. I hope it spurs you to visit our beautiful
city and setting again some time.