Notes from a small island

Well what a rollercoaster of a few days we have had; the privilege of being able to share our passion for the joined up brand, the giggliest client dinner probably of our careers and the chance to rub shoulders, share ideas and talk about our business with some really rather influential people.

What inspired us:

The knowledge that standing up on stage and presenting a masterclass is not only not scary, but a fantastic, exhilarating experience. Our audience were really buying into our message and we had tons of positive feedback. We felt especially proud that we could draw on all our examples of what we do at Woodreed to practise what we preach. Bring on the next one.

The presentation style of Leo Johnson (the far less daft, better looking version of Boris and, yes, I did tell him that!) plus his obvious passion and knowledge on the issue of sustainability.

The warmth and hospitality, sense of humour and general all round gorgeousness of our ABTA clients.

The chance to sit in summer clothes for one final day of 2010 while England begins to wrap up in coats and gloves (we’ll be feeling your pain tomorrow!)

Being thanked by Virgin Atlantic who came to our masterclass to tell us to tell us how delighted they were we had featured their brand.

Managing not to have a hangover before our presentation, despite enjoying a 4 course 4 hour dinner the night before (alas, so grown up)

A sense of zeitgeist in our proposition, evidenced by learning that in the travel industry building brand cultures internally is becoming increasingly important, as service becomes the only differentiator.

What we thought was dire:

That gender is STILL an issue in business as evidenced by a panel discussion ironically based on 'Loose Women' comprising 5 men and one token female and the female MD not given the chance to discuss anything much except for what it’s like to be a woman in business. But that's it really, everything else rocked.