The 2016 JCI UK National Conference took place on the 25th - 27th November, in Manchester city centre. Organised by JCI Manchester's amazing Conference Organising Committee, the weekend's theme was, 'The Mancunian Way.' What exactly is, "The Mancunian Way," you ask? If this conference is any indication, we'd say it's a mixture of innovation, motivation, and fantastic nights out!

Here are a few of our highlights from the weekend:

Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) - Awards Lunch

As the name suggests, The TOYP Awards recognise individuals who have excelled in their field, made an impact in their community, and are an inspiration to others.

On Friday 25th November, JCI UK celebrated the achievements of the 2016 TOYP honourees - including an 18-year-old entrepreneur, the youngest recipient of the 2016 New Year's Honours list, and a Senior Researcher of dementia. We listened as the honourees humbly recounted their achievements, and explained how they'd overcome potentially life-changing challenges. The TOYP Awards Lunch was an inspirational kick-off to the National Conference.

[The 2016 TOYP Honourees with JCI UK'S National President 2016, Sarah Beckwith (above right)]

Learn more about our 2016 honourees, and tips on nominating your own outstanding young person here.

Friday Night Social - Mancurian Icons

A suffragette, Alan Turing and 8 Noel Gallaghers walk into a bar. No punch line; just a snapshot of our Friday night social! Our theme was, 'Mancunian Icons.' Fortunately, Manchester has produced many talented folk throughout the decades, so we were spoilt for costume choice. Congratulations to Lesley Young, who won the fancy dress competition for her pun-tastic Wonderwall/Wonder Woman get-up.

Lock 91 was the perfect venue for pizza and expertly-crafted cocktails. And, fortunately for us, they don't enforce a smart dress code...

An Interview with David Weir

On Saturday morning, we were fortunate to attend Prof. Vikas Shah's interview with David Weir. Born without the use of his legs, David defied his limitations to become a great wheelchair racer and national hero. As a 6-time Paralympic gold medal winner and 6-time London Marathon winner, his achievements are truly exceptional.

[David Weir (above left) interviewed by Prof. Vikas Shah (above right)]

In 2013, David founded The Weir Archer Academy, to coach and inspire the next generation of disabled athletes. Read about the Academy here.

The National Debating Competition

The War of the Roses unfolded (bloomed? blossomed?) on Saturday afternoon, as JCI Manchester competed against JCI Sheffield for the national debating trophy. The comebacks were cutting, the arguments were engaging, and the audience members were in stiches. The final topic? "Christmas should be banned until the 1st December." Although both teams were fantastic, the judges agreed with Sheffield's proposal that festive marketing campaigns are too persistent (bah humbug!), and the South Yorkshire chamber were named the victors.

[Debating Captain, Mark Smith (above left), Neal Stirk (top right) and Ryan Pilkington (bottom right)]

Congratulations to Team Sheffield: Mark Smith (JCI UK's Finance Director), Neal Stirk (JCI Sheffield's Deputy President) and Ryan Pilkington (JCI UK's Marketing Director).

Gala Dinner & National Awards

The JCI UK Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony is a definite highlight of our calendar. Catching up with old friends, quaffing prosecco, rigorous Irish dancing - how could you top such a fantastic event?

By winning a National Award, that's how!

We're delighted to announce that JCI Leeds scooped the 'Most Outstanding Social Project' Award, for The Alternative Quiz of the Year (in Support of Yorkshire Air Ambulance). The event would not have been possible without DWF Leeds Young Professionals, so we emphatically thank them for coordinating and promoting the quiz. The (award-winning!) social rose over £900 for our 2016 Charity of the Year, Yorkshire Air Ambulance. But fear not - we won't be resting on our laurels; our 2017 events calendar is shaping up to be just as impressive.

[Sarah Beckwith (above centre) presents JCI Leeds' Emma Eastwood (above left) and Hannah Woodcock (above right) with the award for 'Most Outstanding Social Project']

Save the date: The next JCI UK National Conference will take place in Southampton on the 24th - 26th November, 2017. The programme will be released in the near future, but trust us - it's going to be epic.