Wow! What an amazing weekend at the JCI UK National Convention 2018. A huge well done to Katie and the COC team from JCI Doncaster for a fantastic convention. It was wonderful to once again be recognised on a national stage for the fantastic year we’ve had as a chamber and the dedication and enthusiasm of our members. It was fantastic to have members represented in all three national competitions with participants involved in the public speaking and extempore completions. A huge well done to our magnificent debaters who won Best Debating team and Best Debater (Sophie Delaporte). National Convention first timer Michael Rothon said "I thoroughly enjoyed my first national convention. Firstly, It was great to have a chance to challenge myself in the public speaking competitions and meet other like minded people from across the country. As well as hearing about the inspiring work that young people like me are doing around the country.  I soon realised that although people join JCI for different reasons, they stay for the same reason. The fantastic JCI community." We were pleased to win seven national awards in total including for several of our projects and programmes this year. Winning Best Local Personal Skills Development Programme for our #BeBetter training series; which focused on providing young people in Southampton with skills development opportunities; to become more confident, more active and more organised. The chamber’s ‘Who do UNO?’ networking project was also awarded Most Outstanding Social Project. The project’s aim has been to encourage young people in the city, who may find traditional networking intimidating, by creating an informal forum, with a twist, to make connections. JCI Southampton was also recognised for the individual achievement of several of its members, winning:

• Most Outstanding New Member (Jess Hoban)
• Most Outstanding Member (Ed Palmer)
• Most Outstanding Local President (Andrew Steel)
• Xertificate of merit for Most Outstanding Preparation by a Deputy (Fee Francis).

JCI Southampton 2018 President Andrew Steel commented “Leading JCI Southampton this year as local president was something I hadn’t planned for but when the opportunity presented itself, I went for it. I have had the best council team who have been so supportive and been there for me when I needed them. I wanted this year to be an opportunity for myself and the members to #BeBetter I am absolutely blown away with JCI Southampton winning 7 awards and a certificate of merit. To win Most Outstanding Local President is an achievement that means the absolute world to me. I am SO proud of my home chamber and everyone who made this year a wonderful one.”