Having been to two National Conventions previously, I knew I could expect another fantastic weekend this year. Leeds was the host city for 2013 in the luxurious Oulton Hall.

On arrival from Birmingham, we went straight to the stunning champagne bar for some lunch. Then we went to register for the conference in time for the first Keynote speaker, CEO of Asda, Andy Clarke. This was followed by watching the public speaking competition and an interesting workshop of ‘how to walk in high heels’. A quick change of attire and then the rest of the evening was spent in the bar, catching up with JCI friends from across the country.

Up bright and early for breakfast before heading to the last National Council of the year. All local Presidents and Deputies, and National Board members attend these meetings to discuss relative business matters.
 
Following a nice lunch I then went to see the other Keynote speaker of the weekend, Futurist, Mike Ryan, who was presenting on ‘Life in 2030’. This was a really interesting talk on what we could expect life to be like in 17 years’ time!

After a bit of chilling time in my comfy hotel room, it was time to get ready for the evening. Pre-drinks and networking were enjoyed before heading into the main room for the Gala dinner. Following dinner, the awards were announced, with JCI Southampton and JCI Cambridge scooping up the majority, for their well-deserved hard work over the year. A bit of a dance and some more drinks later, I then headed with fellow Birmingham members to the champagne bar to enjoy a special champagne cocktail.

Next morning I was up early again as I had the Deputies training. All a little tired from the late night before, Kate Senter, JCI National President 2014, soon had us awake, shouting and cheering about our exciting plans for next year and how we could ‘Play our part’. Still being relatively new to JCI and throwing myself into being local President of the Birmingham Chamber next year, it is great to know that I have a network of fellow local Presidents who will be there to support me.

For me, it was then time to head home. I have come away from the weekend feeling even more enthusiastic and excited about what I want to achieve for the Chamber next year. It was great to have a number of Birmingham members attend the convention and I’m sure they will all say that it was a great experience; meeting new people and learning more about what JCI does on a National level. So if you like what you read, then please get in touch as we would love to hear from you and tell you more! JCI is all about exposing yourself to new experiences and taking yourself outside of your comfort zone, and I can assure you it’s definitely done that, and more, for me so far and I’m looking forward to seeing how much more is possible through next year’s journey of being local President!