The Background
The National Race Officials Conference will be held at Wyboston Lakes Conference Centre on the 7th and 8th February 2015. National Conferences for all Race Officials are generally held every other year, alternating with the Regional Conferences. They are organised by the RYA. Attendance at a Conference (or Seminar), once every four years, is a requirement for re-appointment of Regional and National qualifications.
This event is held every two years and is part of the CPD for RYA officials. They usually host around 220 attendees. As there are many forms of specialism within the organisation, the event has to have a flexible programme and allow attendees to select from a wide range of options. Over the two days officials will attend six sessions, during these sessions they will discuss items of common interest. The programme then has over 40 different workshop sessions, from which the officials choose 5.
The type of guests that are invited to the event are RYA qualified race officials and representatives from other foreign yachting associations. So far this year the conference will be attended by 23 race officials from 13 overseas countries.
The Challenge
RYA was conscious that the variety of activities involved in the event; stand-alone displays and activities, demanded a venue which would give flexibility with space but tight control and security,
The Solution
It is a CPD event and so RYA were looking to enhance member's skill base and knowledge in specific areas. Therefore the extensive choice in offering a variety of workshops and discussions over the weekend allowed all attendees to gain a greater knowledge of the organisations and a chance to re-appoint regional and national qualifications.