Convention 2011, Holiday Inn, Leicester
Our 11th convention was held at the Holiday Inn, Leicester on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th November 2011. This was only our second venue outside the M25 (we went to Gloucester in 2007 and 2008) but this was our first venue that is just a short walk to a city centre.
The Saturday activities were held in two rooms of the Leicestershire suite and were opened by our Chairperson, Angie Holmes who welcomed forty delegates to the meeting. As well as several first time attendees including our youngest ever delegate; 11 year old Cristina Burns and her mother Raluca, we had several members from outside the UK: three US, two German, two Dutch and two surprise visitors from Belgium.
We then had an exciting innovation – a live video address from the IPBA President, Susan Arthur from her home in New Jersey where it was 7am. The Skype connection was made instantly and members heard Susan describe arrangements for the 2012 convention in Jacksonville Florida and Las Vegas in 2013. Susan also announced that the 2014 convention is to be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After a discussion with Chris Hipkiss, once again our Master of Ceremonies throughout the weekend, a short chat with Cristina and an introduction to our guest speaker Eric Knowles, Susan signed off with a wave from delegates around the room.
Eric Knowles, Antiquarian, “Antiques Roadshow” expert and TV presenter, gave an interesting and entertaining talk about Rene Lalique which is the subject of his latest book.
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After the lunch break, Eric stayed to hear our guest from the US, current membership secretary Peggy Tichenor who gave her fascinating talk about Julien Viard that she had previously delivered to the IPBA convention in Chicago earlier in the year.
Following their success last year with a slide show about the Harrods Perfume Diaries, Leah and Paul Lefevre presented two new films, one about “Perfumes of Italy” and the other their visit to Milan and to a private perfume museum. Both films were set to some wonderful music and members were enthralled by them.
To round off the afternoon, delegates discussed the format of our conventions. While we are supported by broadly the same loyal members each year, we do not attract the majority of our members. A comparison was made with the one-day BCCS convention held recently in Peterborough. The one day format had attracted almost half their membership and the cost to individuals was much less than our convention, since overnight stays were unnecessary. The pros and cons of each format are to be explained in the next newsletter and the views of members, especially the ones who do not normally attend, are to be sought.
(to be continued)
