Section: Conferences & Exhibitions

CIH Conference Criticised

Writing in Northern Housing magazine, Francis Turton - Joint Managing Director of the Vinden Partnership - described CIH Harrogate 2007 as 'very poor' and had particularly harsh words for its organiser, Ocean Media Group. Mr Turton was especially angered by the criticism directed at Connaught over its decision to give away £75,000 to three community initiatives at the exhibition instead of spending it on an elaborate stand.

He wrote:

"Is it me or did anyone else think that Harrogate this year was very poor compared with previous years? I think that Ocean Media Group Ltd have forgotten who they are!

"Who are they to criticise Connaught's stand in the exhibition? Are they worried that others will jump on the bandwagon and donate their stand budgets to good causes, spelling the end of the exhibition?

"I doubt that others in the future will do the same, as to copy what Connaught have done would now be 'old hat'. Ocean Media Group should be reminded that all the exhibitors had paid to be there. The exhibitors are their customers and should perhaps be shown a little more respect!

"After 20 years of organising the event I think is it time for a change?"

Mr Turton also criticised the general running of the exhibition, claiming it was 'inevitable' that the event would 'fizzle out' after the CIH decided to conclude proceedings on the Thursday afternoon rather than on Friday as in previous years.

He said:

"The feeble attempts to retain the exhibitors in place late on Thursday afternoon were unprofessional and rude. I made my feelings known to the organisers and the security staff who thought they were someone important.

"The Vinden Partnership are unlikely to exhibit again and I urge others to do the same.

"The purpose of the exhibition is to publicise social housing services and providers. Exactly where does all the money go from the exhibition, either to Ocean Media Group or the CIH. Why don't we collate the monies which we all pay to exhibit and the cost of the stands and follow Connaught's lead.

"Rather than fragment the money donating on an ad-hoc basis let's combine the money into one considerable sum and make a substantial statement. Connaught's donation this year, £75,000, is enough to build a house! Together we could create something really worthwhile."

Mr Turton finished by recommending the CIH take a year off to think about what the exhibition is for.

allpay.net, another major exhibitor at this year's CIH Harrogate, later echoed Mr Turton's comments.

A spokesman for the social housing bill payment specialist, said:

"We were hugely disappointed with the CIH exhibition this year. So much so that we have greatly reduced the size of our stand for 2008.

"It is such a shame that a conference that used to benefit people at all levels of the housing sector has turned into such a commercial venture for Ocean Media.

"As a company, allpay.net would be very interested in looking into what other options could be available."

October Diary Dates

Note: The Forthcoming Events section of our website provides a comprehensive list of dates for conferences, seminars and many training events.

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Reporting on August 2007

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