# Fundraising conference season’s end?

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2006/12/07/season039s-end/
- Published: 2006-12-07T17:21:42+00:00
- Author: Kevin Kibble

**So, we have finally come to the end of the fundraising conference season, do any
of us tot up how many hours we spend at these things? **

All in all I’ve enjoyed the events I’ve attended this Autumn, obviously the **Institute
of Fundraising (IoF) London Region** gets a mention because I’m on the committee,
but I attended two residential conferences this year that I think stand out.

First, the **IoF North West conference in Grange over Sands, Cumbria**, and not 
just for the beautiful setting and hotel. I think this was one of the friendliest
events I’ve attended in a long time where everyone went out of their way to make
newcomers welcome.

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A well-balanced programme, good selection of speakers, comfortable surroundings 
and a fine dinner all contributed to the experience. I’m sure the organisers would
like to attract more delegates, but in not being too big, there was a buzz about
the place with delegates eagerly exchanging bits of information they had had picked
up and there seemed to be a real desire to share. Keep up the good work folks.

Secondly, the **IoF Scotland conference** was a big step up for them in size of 
event. Having outgrown their Dunblane home of the last few years, the move to Glasgow
and the modern waterfront hotel was a big gamble.

The organisers obviously worked hard at attracting big name speakers to the event
and it could probably have done with some sessions being repeated to allow delegates
to hear more of some of the circuit stars. The evening entertainments was of the
high level we have all come to expect from this event, but the delegates I spoke
to did miss the sit-down lunches – in actual fact, the food in the hotel was awful.
If the IoF can attract another 50-75 delegates to this new location then I think
the atmosphere we all used to enjoy in Dunblane (despite the hotel falling to bits)
will return.

So have I counted up the hours I’ve spent at conferences this year? Not b***** likely!