From 29th September to 2nd October 2016, we were hosted by our friends at Triay & Triay in Gibraltar. We had chosen the location after visiting for their Review back in April and had seen the potential for a great event – we were not disappointed!
Delegates stayed in The Sunborn Hotel, a magnificent five-star yacht hotel moored in an idyllic marina on Western Europe’s southernmost tip. Due to its size, conference facilities and fine restaurants we were able to ensure that most of the activities took place on board.
On Thursday 29th September we were welcomed by Melo Triay for Welcome Drinks at La Sala Restaurant on the Sunborn followed by a delicious dinner.
The AGM commenced at 9:30am on Friday 30th September with welcomes from Robert Vasquez and Jeff Gillbanks followed by the presenting of the accounts by Mike Scott, a review of the next Training Seminar by Björn Paulsen and Philippe Francois, an update provided by Ben Smith from the Junior Board and an introduction to a practice management system by Peter Lakatos.
This year we decided to have one speaker whom did not necessarily speak of the law but rather different topics that we could then look at how they could affect the law profession. Ray Hammond who is Europe’s most experienced futurologist with a proven track record for forecasting accuracy. Who for 35 years has been studying the major trends that will shape the future and is now living in the period that he first described three decades ago. Ray joined us and gave a most interesting and insightful look into the future and where he believes things are headed.
We had our usual break out sessions which included the topics:
We hope that all delegates found Ray’s presentation as interesting as we did. Please do send any ideas for future topics of our AGMs to Helen Cooper.
Whilst the AGM was going on the spouses in attendance were indulged with a complete Rock Tour inclusing lunch at La Mamela Catalan Bay. Sights included the Lighthouse, Pillars of Hercules, St Michael’s Cave, Ape’s Den and the Great Siege Tunnels.
That evening, after braving cable cars up to the top, we were treated to a wonderful Gala Dinner at “The Top of the Rock”, at the Mons Calpe Suite. A delicious three course dinner with fine wine as an accompaniment.
The less formal part of the programme on Saturday 1st October 2016 included a day trip to Bodega Tio Pepe in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain were delegates were given a complete guided tour of the winery and enjoyed a glass of Apostoles Palo Cortado with Iberian Ham, a glass of extraordinarily-aged Solera Gran Reserva Brandy and Manchego Cheese. A great dinner at The Landings Restaurant completed a truly great event.
We are very grateful to those at Triay & Triay for a brilliantly organised and successful event.