The Good Stuff
- Regular meetings and informal discussions with a small group of people involved in the organising team - there was always interesting stuff going on at other Universities worth talking about and sharing
- Putting together a theme and a programme - we got better at that and the last one seemed pretty effective
- Looking after the guest speakers. It's been fun and also quite stressful at times hosting some of our "celebrity" speakers such as Ruby Wax, Eliza Manningham-Buller, John Humphreys, John Sargeant and James Cracknell. I am still in occasional touch with Larry Hincker from Virginia Tech and hope one day to take up his invitation to visit - I think that was the most memorable presentation of all.
- Raising and exceeding the target for charity fundraising (£10k over three years) with special thanks to Trudy and Richard. Wow!
- The invitation to Oxford for the UCISA "away day" which was always a treat.
- Having a chance to meet up with lots of delegates and exhibitors once a year and hopefully (usually) getting some good and constructive feedback.
- Getting a nice room in the conference hotel!
The Not So Good stuff
- Opening the event and having to make a brief and uninspiring speech including all the housekeeping.
- Last minute speaker changes - usually unplanned
- Managing speakers who aren't prepared and cannot find time to be briefed
- The last weeks before the event - lots of preparation
- Trying to fit everything in as well as the "day job"
The added extras
- Visits to University locations around the country - a chance to visit learning spaces, student unions and libraries along the way and usually meet up with the people runing some of the services.
- The good fun with the organising team and the UCISA Exec.
- Hopefully making a bit of a difference and in particular helping us to share our knowledge and experience.
- Working with Sue and colleagues in the UCISA admin - they have been great.
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