Message from the President
Prof Nigel Lockett
Dear ISBE Members,
With the freezing winter weather making the successful 33rd ISBE conference in London last month seem a long time ago, I have been considering what makes a good conference?
Well, the obvious answer is … it depends on who it’s for. But, for researchers, teachers, practitioners and policymakers interested in entrepreneurship and small business development this is a matter of some concern. With ever shrinking budgets, the prospect of only attending one professional conference a year is very real. So, what makes a good conference? On my shortlist would be:
1.FOCUS on quality contributions, which are based on rigorous research conducted by leading researchers that help provide real insight.
2.FREQUENT opportunities to network with researchers, practitioners and policymakers in order to build strong professional networks and our community.
3.FIT for purpose venue but not ‘over the top’. Providing value for money is in everyone’s best interests.
So, did the ISBE conference in London deliver?
Well with over 200 presentations selected from over 400 submissions, I’m confident we got the balance between quality and quantity right. This year we designed the networking space to be at the centre of activities – including the food! The venue was impressive but still good value – at least by London standards. Have a look at the conference video.
But, the real acid test is not what I think but the delegates’ feedback! They said:
1.Networking was the main reason for attending and delegates were very satisfied (over 70% fully).
2. Access to the latest research was almost as important and again delegates were happy with the quality and quantity – always a difficult balance to strike (over 70% were fully).
3.The venue delivered!
But would they attend again or recommend it to a colleague? Over 95% said yes to both!
I would particularly like to thank Lorraine Reese and Chris Dillon for the huge amount of effort they both put in whilst always seeming to smile! Thank you also to speakers, panellist and the track review teams. It is the latter who put so much work in behind the scenes to get the balance between quality and quantity right. And finally, thank you to our joint Conference Chairs, Prof Rob Blackburn and Prof David Smallbone.
Best seasonal wishes and looking foreword to seeing you all next year at the ‘Yorkshire and the Humber’ conference hosted in Sheffield.
Nigel
Prof Nigel Lockett FRSA - ISBE President, Professor of Enterprise and Director of the Leeds Enterprise Centre at the University of Leeds
