Annual dinner sells out in record time

There will be 870 guests attending the Airmic annual dinner on December 3 – 95 more than in 2012, which was previously the record turn-out for this event.

It should be a very special occasion, marking as it does the association’s 50th anniversary. Among the guests will be many former association chairs going back decades. It will be a chance to reflect on how much has changed at Airmic over the years, whilst at the same time acknowledging that the essence of risk management remains the same.

The success vindicates the decision to move the dinner in 2011 from its traditional home at the Royal Lancaster Hotel to the Hilton, Park Lane – a switch that was taken with some soul-searching. There will be an additional 215 guests compared to the previous Lancaster House event, an increase of 23%.

“There has never been anything like it in my experience. We could probably have sold literally hundreds more places,” said dinner organiser Susi Ozkurt. “We are naturally disappointed for those members who did not get tickets, but flattered by all the interest that people have shown.” Next year the dinner will move to the Grosvenor House, which has a bigger capacity.

Jo Brand will be the main invited speaker on December 3, whilst the electric quartet Asteria Strings will provide musical entertainment.

The increase in numbers is part of a wider trend. Well over half of Airmic members attend at least one association event every year – an exceptionally high level of participation. 

Annual dinner attendance

Move to Hilton, Park Lane