It's hard to summarise a full weekend in a few words, fun, eye-opening, enlightening, entertaining are just a few words that come to mind. Let's give it a go in a little more detail.

This weekend, we held the JCI UK national conference, here in Manchester. Oranised by three superb women (all ex-JCI Manchester presidents) it was iinevitably going to be good. Chaired by 2015 president Kim Holden, the JCI UK team and chambers were invited to Manchester for an action packed weekend. 

The weekend included training sessions, discussions, celebrations and expert speakers. It was a weekend to celebrate all the hard work from across the UK in 2016 and a weekend to learn more about how JCI can progress and continue to grow.

Friday kicked off with public speaking, debating, TOPY awards and a Friday 'Manchester' themed social! Huge congratulations to everyone who took part, everyone looked fab. The winner was 'Wonderwall Woman' Lesley Young!

Saturday kicked off with our morning panel session of Rich Jones, Nicky Lidbetter and Sam Jones who shared their candid and thought provoking stories on mental health along with Jen Smith and Ilona Alcock. A discussion we will continue into 2017 and onward, the importance of which is only ever increasing. 

Whilst the senators took a brewery tour and explored Manchester we continued with Marc Yaffe who each chaired a Q&As with Quinton Fortune. Who provided a superb insight into his live and passion. As you can imagine, we loved some of the stories from OT from Quinton and his optimistic view of life and humility.

In the afternoon we hosted David Weir as he was questioned on everything from his favourite medal to his dream of leaving a true legacy in sport for the future generation. David is a shining example of how you can pave the way for future generations by setting a superb example, something we hugely support here at JCI Manchester and nationally with JCI UK. 

The hotly anticipated debating competition rounded off the afternoon with a JCI Sheffield Vs JCI Manchester final - huge congratulations to winners Sheffield! It's the first time we have entered in Manchester and we could not be prouder of our ladies getting to the final! 

Following an action packed day we attended the JCI UK gala dinner in celebration of the huge success of all chambers in 2016, and guess what?!? WE WON! Yes, JCI Manchester won six national awards on Saturday.

We are thrilled and were up against some tough competition from across the UK after a brilliant year. Our awards included recognition for the MYTAs, charity work (inc 3 peaks), marketing activity and personal development programmes. Special well done to Paul for recognition as 'Best Local President' and member Rachael Shah who was named 'Best Speaker' in the debating final! 

Congratulation especially to JCI London who scooped eight awards! Eight! Paul struggled with our five! We are truly thrilled, and our awards go to everyone in the last 67 years of JCI Manchester. Without you, espcieally the teams from the last 7 years, we wouldn't be able to build on your work. It's through continued focus on the example you set that JCI MCR continues to grow and thrive!  (Full list of winners and photos to follow). 

Sarurday was rounded off with a superb speech from 2016 national president Sarah Beckwith who then welcomed Michael Steel as incoming 2017 president. We can't wait to see what the 2017 team has in store for the UK chambers and look forward to the National Convention in Southampton in 2017. 

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the weekend and to Kim, Caroline & Jen for organising a great event, we hoped you enjoyed it as much as we did!  

JCI offers so much in terms of personal development, meeting new people and having a bit of fun along the way. Having personally gained so much from being on the board in 2015 and 2016 I look forward to seeing what the new team in 2017 have to offer. I cannot encourage you enough to get involved. There's plenty of scope on the board to get involved (see previous blog) and Simon will do a wonderful job in 2017!

Thanks for reading, sharing and engaging with my rambles for the last two years! Let's bring 2016 to an end with a great event @ London Road Fire station! 

Best wishes, 

Beth x

Marketing Director, JCI Manchester 

*More images from the JCIUK NC will follow on our facebook page.*