Tel: +44(0)20 7317 3737
The curtain falls on BCSC 2010
Written on: 04 November 2010
That’s all folks, the BCSC conference is over for 2010...
We're back from Manchester and back to our more desk-bound
dealings. One of the great things about the conference is that you
are on the move all the time, looking for that next meeting, that
person who you've been trying to get hold of for ages. New contacts
made, old contacts re-acquainted, certainly the Showcase seemed
full and more vibrant than last year.
Great to see the retailers there, I certainly enjoyed my chats at
the Morrisons, Waitrose, Wilkinsons and Poundland stands with
individuals keen to know where there may be expansion
opportunities. I still don't really get the shiny big Landlord
stands which just seem to be oversized meeting rooms, some didn't
even bother with the dignity of partitioning, I am sure I saw a
tumbleweed blowing through a couple. Top spot for the busiest stand
had to be Westfield Stratford, mobbed every time I went past with
lots of heads locked together. Morrisons wins for me for
being the most vibrant, those guys are working hard on their image.
Mind you, I am loving my new Wilkinsons truck and will certainly
enjoy spending their generous voucher.
The actual conference sessions seemed to be poorly attended, there
wasn't even a true celebrity thrown in to draw people in on the
Wednesday, as always BCSC is all about the networking and having
those meetings that for some reason seem to be easier to arrange in
Manchester. Certainly the Starbucks on Peter Street must have
thought Christmas had come early as they were overwhelmed by agents
meeting over their fourth cappuccino before 11.
Of course the social side is always a highlight, and thank you to
all that joined us at Cloud 23 for our Absolute drinks in the busy
6-8 timeslot on Tuesday night. Not even the torrential rain managed
to dampen spirits as we enjoyed the twinkly views of Manchester
from our high vantage point.
So, now the hard work begins, chasing up on those contacts and
promises, seeing what actual deals can be done in the wake of the
frantic 3 days of hustling. BCSC time was rounded off nicely for
one of the Plus Shops gang as Emma's boyfriend freshly arrived from
the warzone of Afghanistan met her off the train at Euston. It was
a terribly romantic moment, a soldier meeting his girl after 4
months of separation and back for some well earned R&R. OK, us
poor surveyors may be feeling a little jaded from the rigours
of socialising and late nights, but we have it cushty really when
its put into perspective. See you in 10 months for the next
round.