The day started at 5.45am for me, with the piercing sound of the alarm clock and an over enthusiastic dog. A quick shower and breakfast before heading out to brave the A34 on a cold January morning. Myself and the morning commuters on autopilot, making our way into busy Oxford city centre.
I met the team in the reception of the Malmaison Hotel just before 7.30am and we got to work. The room was set up well by Sara Dinning and her team, in a theatre style layout with a lecturn for the speakers. The friendly team at the Malmaison had the teas, coffees and breakfast ready and out on tables on time. We put our final touches together - put up the banners and placed intro cards on each chair. Then we just had to wait...
Yesterday I had called most of those who had reserved a place to confirm and I'm pleased to say we had 56 confirmed. Of course there are always a few drop outs on the day but that still gave us great numbers.
Our guests started to arrive from 8.20, enjoying a coffee and croissant before doing a bit of networking. This time we had many new faces so we are pleased the attendance was so high.
Carrie Pearson and Mark Emery from Withy King were busy setting up while we enjoyed a bacon roll with the guests. At just after 9am we were ready to start. Carrie and Mark ploughed ahead with introductions, explained what they'd be going through during the morning and ending with some break out groups to discuss case studies.
Afterwards a few guests stayed behind for coffees, to ask more pertinent questions of Carrie & Mark and to catch up with the Career Boutique team.
Our next seminar will be held on the 25th April and will already have a high attendance list based on todays numbers...we were all very pleased.
Lucy Hawkins
http://thecareerboutique.wordpress.com/