Last week I found myself rubbing shoulders with the movers and shakers of the hospitality industry at the British Hospitality Association's Summit.
Some people might find events like this a bit on the dull side, and to be fair they are unlikely to offer an opportunity for portfolio-shots, but ever open to learning, I find listening to experts in any area quite interesting.
There were many impressive speakers including Ufi Ibrahim, the BHA chair, and Peter Gowers, Chief Executive of Travelodge UK - he spoke a lot of sense.
Some of it jarred a little, such as the 'need' for another runway, somewhere in the Capital. Hmm. Some current problems within tourism were divulged , such as how to entice more Chinese visitors to the UK. There seems to be a strategy for everything!
Bigging up the UK, and stealing the show was Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. Love him or loathe him, he draws in a crowd.
Ufi Ibrahim
Chief Executive, British Hospitality Association
Boris Johnson
Mayor of London
Apprentices to the industry with Thomas Dubaere, MD UK & Ireland, Accor Hotels
ITN Productions were there filming the event. I managed to get into the interview room, and annoy one of the camera-men for firing a couple of shots: sometimes you just have to do it!
Two Army reservists along with Boris Johnson. Their regiment is the only catering corps in the Army reserves.