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Behind the scenes at Manchester

In four weeks time the BIALL Conference in Manchester officially starts, so what better time to ask the Chair of the Conference Committee John Furlong a few questions about the work that goes on behind the scenes. Many thanks to John for answering the questions!

BB - The theme for this years Conference is "Locks and Keys" who thinks up the name of the Conferences and is there much discussion about what they should be called?

JF - Over the past number of years we have tried to come up with a witty title which reflects what the Conference is about and also where it is taking place. Hence we have had "Beyond the Pale" (Dublin), "Facing the Front" (Brighton) and this years title is meant to reflect one of the themes of the Conference - security and copyright and also Manchester's association with canals. Incidentally it is the same title as was used the last time we were in Manchester in 1995.

BB -Aside from your "official" visits to Manchester, have you been to Manchester before? if so what would you say are the "must see" sights?

I think Manchester is a great city. It has a great cosmopolitan feel - lots of coffee shops, bars and restaurants. The Museum of Science and Industry is certainly worth a look and I have in
my day been on the grand tour of Old Trafford. The Imperial War Museum North where we will hold the dinner on the Thursday is an exceptional building designed by Daniel Liebskind and on
the night delegates will be able to have a free tour of the exhibition areas within the museum. Off the beaten track I would recommend a visit to Afflecks Palace which is a quirky collection
of market stalls and unusual shops close to the Arndale Centre. I also think that the Royal Exchange building is worth a look to see the amazing glass walled theatre constructed on the floor of the Exchange.

BB - It must be really exciting working on the Conference Committee especially now the Conference is only four weeks away, what gives you the greatest buzz?

JF - I think we all feel great relief when the programme has been put together and we can see that it offers a good selection of sessions and presentations. I am not sure if it is a buzz or high stress during the Conference itself ! You are always worried about something that might
go wrong until the Conference finally closes.

BB - As Chair of the Conference committee are you effectively on duty "all the time"?

JF - I suppose all of the Conference Committee are on call throughout the Conference although maybe we relax our guard back in the hotel bar at the end of the night!!

BB - What's the weirdest question you ever been asked whilst attending a BIALL Conference?

I think I must have blotted them all out or maybe I have become accustomed to strange requests. I promise that if I get anything really strange this year, I will let you know!!

BB - This year is the 40th BIALL Conference can we expect anything special?

JF - Yes, we are planning a birthday celebration for the Conference on the Thursday evening. We are hoping to theme it to the location (Imperial War Museum) with a big band sound. We are also hoping to provide all of the delegates with a small token to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Conference.

BB - Without giving too much away what can we expect in terms of entertainment on the Thursday and Friday nights?

JF - Thursday is as above. Friday will be a Black and White Ball in the wonderful Midland Hotel . This will be a great evening in one of Manchester's most iconic landmarks.

BB - Finally what session are you most looking forward to?

JF - Dave Snowden is a great speaker and gets minds moving. I hope to catch that at least. Often , Committee members are not able to make sessions as there is a need to be elsewhere sorting out something. Needless to say, I will also be looking forward to the bang of the gavel on Saturday afternoon bringing to a close what I hope will be a successful
conference.

Any more questions for JOhn? post a comment on the Blog and we will see what we can do!

Full post as published by The BIALL Blog on May 19, 2009 (boomark / email).