Dear Liz

Christmas Lunch - and what a party it was! Congratulations to everyone on making this annual event "the" place to be, to kick-start the festive season.

In a room packed to capacity, AWTE raised £8,711 for Childline. This allowed the charity to handle an extra 2,071 calls from children desperate for help and support. Thank you, too, for your generosity in helping replenish the AWTE Benevolent Fund which has been actively assisting members who have experienced illness, bereavement or redundancy throughout 2009.

TV presenter, author and explorer, Benedict Allen, captured our attention when speaking about his tales and adventures whilst trekking in remote hostile environments. TravelMole provided the after-lunch party with bars and dance floor still busy at 10.00pm! The lunch really was a return to the good old days and next year's challenge will be how to accommodate those we turned away due to a sell-out event. Thank you to our sponsors NCL, Teletext Holidays, Jebsens Travel, Pinpoint Communications and Travel Weekly for their contribution.

Click here for photos!

Industry Market Briefing - 28 January 2010
The first event in 2010 will be our Industry Market Briefing, delivered by AWTE award-winner, Sarah Smalley. GfK Ascent-MI is the official industry collator of statistics, and this presentation of performance to date will give us an indication on how we move forward with our 2010 strategies. This event is free for members only, and runs from 6.30-8.30pm; please register your attendance by emailing chair@awte.org.uk.

Boardroom Ready
Finance and risk were the topics covered in last month's Boardroom Ready session, sponsored by Innovation Norway. Emma Loisel and Francesca Cornelli explained that following business finance is like running the household - with grave consequences if you do not keep on top of the P&L and cashflow! We have two more sessions planned for early next year, and I will advise of the dates as soon as possible.

Shine Awards 2010
This is the last chance to nominate your colleagues who deserve success. Shine Awards nominations close on 3 January - do make the effort to visit www.shineawards.com and complete the nomination forms.

Finally...
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire membership for the support in 2009 that has helped us deliver one of the best AWTE years to date. I hope 2010 is equally successful - and judging by this month it will be!
Merry Christmas to you all, and here's to a prosperous New Year.

Tricia Handley
Chair, AWTE

*Experienced redundancy or know of a sick colleague? Please contact the Benevolent Fund as support is there for all members. Call Bella Rangel Callan on 020 7828 9422 or email benevolent@awte.org.uk.

Key Contacts:

Tricia Handley, Chair
Karen Ramirez, Vice Chair
Membership: membership@awte.org.uk
Website: www.awte.org.uk

Send to a colleague

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AWTE Forthcoming Events

Thursday 28 January
Industry Market Briefing
Venue tba
Members only
Free of charge
Click here to register