The Memorial Hall, home of the Albert Square Chop House, was one of Victorian Manchester’s most important civic meeting places, a place that catered for progressive thinkers and housed distinguished organisations. Fitting, therefore, that it should be the location of the latest SSF UK Leaders’ meeting & 2019 Summer Social, which took place on the evening of the 26th of June. The popular event drew leaders from across the industry and host, David Herd, SSF UK Board Director, brought his own distinctive wit and humour to the occasion as he introduced an evening of good food, networking, thought leadership and magic.
Sam Fitton, an award-winning magician and key-note speaker, has had an interesting career trajectory. A degree in evolutionary biology led to a stint in the police, before he embraced magic full time. A down to earth, warm and entertaining speaker, he shared his tips on engaging and connecting with your audience through showmanship, listening, intelligence, communication, enthusiasm and direction (or SPLICED for short). His skills in magic were plain to see as he later circulated around tables and wowed leaders and invited guests alike with his card trickery. “Brilliantly entertaining”, “amazing”, “still trying to work out how he did it” were just a few of the positive comments received.
After a spell as quizmaster, testing those present on their knowledge of local Manchester greats, David later retook the floor and was joined by fellow Board Director Lisa Hooley to introduce SSF UK’s 2019 Annual Conference theme: Tomorrow Now. Explaining the thought process behind the theme, David invited leaders to share their own one-word interpretations, prompting an interesting debate. ‘Talent’, ‘change’, ‘renewable’,’ pioneer’, ‘technology’ and ‘adaptability’ were just a few of the words that provoked a lively discussion, all of which will help to drive and inform the planning for our flagship event, which this year takes place at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, on the 20th and 21st of November.
Our next leaders’ event takes place on the 18th of September at Hotel Football, Old Trafford in Manchester. Do join us and your fellow Shared Services leaders for what will be another fantastic event.
