News

Media release: Monday, April 14, 2008

Conference is bridge to success during uncertain times for leaders and managers in Wales

Top management and leadership bodies in Wales are rejoining forces to explore ways to lead and manage in uncertain times.

Organisations, each at the leading edge of developments in leadership and management in Wales, are once more pooling their expertise by coming together to stage the unique Lead On Conference 2008.

The fourth annual one day conference is being held in Newport this year following the inaugural event at Cardiff’s Millennium Centre in 2005, Chepstow Racecourse in 2006 and at The Liberty Stadium, Swansea, last year.

Lead On 2008 will move the agenda forward again by invigorating the programme still further. This time attention is focused on the problem of how leaders and managers can operate best in what are described by leading contemporary economists as ‘uncertain times’.

The Chartered Management Institute, the Institute of Directors, the Chartered Institute of Marketing, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the Institute of Leadership and Management and Wales Management Council, are joining again forces to deliver the conference.

Lead On 2008 will be held at the University of Wales, Caerleon Campus, Newport, on Thursday, November 13. The landmark location continues the aim of the partners to use iconic venues for the conference.

The Lead On 2008 bridge theme reflects the Newport location, the city of rejuvenation, with its wealth of new and established crossings over the tidal River Usk, a metaphor for how the influential conference will assist professionals span the gap of uncertainty to reach success.

Lead On 2008 spokesman, Wales Management Council Chief Executive Christopher Ward, said: “Lead On continues to evolve year after year in exciting ways in the face of new and ever changing challenges encountered by leaders and managers in every type of organisation.

“This time the partners are building on the solid success of the previous three events by retaining the elements that make Lead On unusual and different but also by invigorating the programme with a host of fresh, challenging, practical and creative ideas.

“The conference will once more have renowned and engaging key note speakers, a range of thought-provoking and innovative leadership master classes, plenty of valuable networking time and an array of exhibitors.

“The speakers and the leadership master classes will challenge and encourage delegates as well as provide creative and practical solutions to assist them to achieve the very best results from their leadership and management and be better prepared to face the challenges created by these uncertain times.”

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) learning hours can be accredited for attendance at Lead On 2008.

 

Some comments from delegates at Lead On 2007:

“An excellent event, the first I have been to, I hope to attend future events”

“Really enjoyed the day, feel part of the ‘leadership movement’ in Wales!”

“This was an excellent workshop – full of ideas, passion and energy.  Contained some very practical ideas”

“Very visionary and moving.  Enjoyed section of entrepreneurship”

“Picked up some really good tips about bid management – good for business development ideas.  Scase – just a really good summary overview of global businesses and how Wales can respond with leading international development”

“I would also like to take this opportunity to give my full congratulations on a very exciting and well organised day”

“Generally very well organised and a good mix of speakers.  The electronic voting system brought novelty to the event.  The length of the sessions was also just about right and kept things moving throughout the day”

“Excellent, very much enjoyed all of it”

“I like how all classes and discussions linked common themes that reinforce the messages”

“David Magliano was very good and provided some great food for thought in terms of connecting with the customer at the emotional/passion level.  The two case study speakers in Masterclass 5 brought the SME/private sector perspective to the session”