The COG Conference held over 29th June – 1st July was both a financial and critical success for COG. Overall numbers were slightly lower because we had a smaller exhibition but the gala dinner and attendees for the Conference sessions were comparable with the event held in 2007 (also in Cambridge). We are very pleased with this outcome considering the economic climate and member budget constraints. Financially the result was equivalent to the 2007 event.
Member feedback has been very positive about the event and the venue. The Conference Group have held a post event process review to look at areas for improvement for 2011. We would to thank our main sponsor CMCA (UK) Ltd without whom the event and the social programme could not have been undertaken. Rob Crawford from CMCA said ”We very much enjoyed the event and confirm the event was a great benefit in promoting our business- we hope to work with COG again on future events”. For those who did not manage to join us here are a few pictures of the event for you.
Member feedback has shown that the best paper was given by the keynote speaker Nigel Bairsto. Nigel is employed by Selex Galileo as VP Capability & Business Improvement and was formerly an Air Vice Marshal in the RAF. His presentation can be seen from the link below.
At the Gala Dinner two important presentations were made to individuals whose contribution has been key to the development of COG. The first was the Lifetime Achievement award presented by Tim Elliott to Charles Battersby for his contribution as a COG member, for media opportunities, for working group activities and his role as a COG Director. This is a Steering Group initiative and further awards will be made in future.
The second was a special award given to Mike Trenchard by Ian Blackman to mark his retirement from the COG Community - we would not be where we are today without him. The COG office will continue and build on the development of COG undertaken by Mike as Chief Executive over the last 12 years.
