As the train eased into Manchester Piccadilly station on a bright, sunny Friday morning, walking towards the exit I was immediately reminded as to why I adore this City. Hearing the familiar Mancunian drawl of the people around me, being transported back to summer days in the 90’s where a certain band was the soundtrack to my misspent teenage years reading tarot and feeling that you're free to be whatever you want to be.
The ease in which I found the hotel is truly astounding, I have zero sense of direction and if I can find it then I promise you can too. Walking the incredibly short distance from the station to the hotel I was struck by just how lucky I am to do what I do for a living.
The components of a Conference
For me, there are three main components of a conference that have to be right for it to be a success. The Venue, the food and of course the people.
The Venue was the 4 Star Holiday Inn, Manchester. From the moment I dropped my luggage off way before check-in time the energy, service and general atmosphere of the hotel was wonderful. Nothing was too much trouble, the staff were fantastic. My room was comfortable, well appointed with lots of space. I was able to relax and unwind after my journey and prepare for the weekend ahead.
Special shout out to the bar staff on Friday and Saturday night! They were great fun and I even ended up giving one of them a mini reading.
The actual conference space was ingenious. It was completely separate from the rest of the hotel guests, So none of those awkward looks or stares from “the muggles” that you sometimes get at other venues. Everything was self contained including the lovely outdoor space on the canal. Being able to take the lift from your floor directly into the conference area was a triumph, no chance of getting lost in this hotel!
The conference room itself was wonderful, light and airy. With floor to ceiling windows letting natural light into the space as well as views of the canal so you could see the odd boat passing by. This in my opinion added to the magic of the event.
Let's talk about the food…
Often this is what can let a conference down, and I have learned from experience to have a few snacks in my room because invariably there is very little on the menu that I find appealing. This was absolutely not the case here. I was sent the menu a few days before the event and I was genuinely excited for the meals.
The food was delicious, beautifully presented and plentiful, again the excellent service of the hotel staff has to be acknowledged. Everything was on time, you were never left waiting and most importantly warm food was actually warm.
The People
This was only my second time attending a TABI conference and my first time presenting here. Every conference I have attended has a certain essence, a personality if you will. One lady I was talking to summed it up perfectly “TABI is the friendly conference”, and that is the best way to describe it.
I was made to feel so welcome and valued which is always very much appreciated. Presenting to a room full of people who are engaged and eager to hear what you have to say is incredibly special.
Everyone on the TABI organising committee played an absolute blinder! Everything went amazingly well, there is so much love and dedication put into this event and taking the risk of making it a two day event was absolutely 100% a success! The choice of presenters was inspired, there was something for everyone and for every level of understanding. I know I learned so much and saw things in different and unexpected ways.
In conclusion…
The shopping opportunities were wonderful with several creators and authors there with their amazing offerings! And, while we are on the subject, the goody bag!! It was brilliant! 4 decks! Plus jam! Which I can confirm is delicious!
I must say a special thanks to the woman of the conference, TABI Chair Janine Worthington. Janine is one of the kindest, warm hearted people I know, she has done a fantastic job and really made the weekend what it was.
I would urge you to make plans to attend next year, start saving now, you are one train stop away from the airport. I promise you won’t regret it. It is certainly in my diary!
Thank you to all at TABI for inviting me to be part of your summer 2024 conference, here is to next year!
It was indeed a great Conference! I am very glad you came :) You were splendiferous :)