Feedback from attendees at the Human Resource Summit 2009, Barcelona

Delegate comments

"It’s just a first class opportunity to reflect, plan ahead and have direct contact with people and organisations with a wealth of relevant experience and expertise to help you move your agenda forward."
Kevin Hull, Group Human Resource Director, Marshalls Plc  

"Thought there would be more hard-sell, but there was really none! Good contacts, good ideas, good company and a wonderful location."
Tim Barnett, Learning Manager, Santander Group

"The HR Summit has produced more tangible and really useful contacts than I could have imagined."
Nigel Pierce, Director of Personnel, PCS

"The Summit was absolutely excellent.  I met/was reintroduced to about 6 suppliers that I will be following up with. The strategy sessions I attended were fascinating, challenging and thought provoking and the social events great fun. The plenary session by Suresh (Banarse of YO! Sushi) was the most refreshing, high energy send off you could possibly hope for! Thank you very much for organising such an excellent event."
Gareth Williams, HR Director, Taylor & Francis, Informa Plc

"The organisation of this event is outstanding.  The environment is professional but relaxed and flexible and the standard of supplier contact is excellent."
Sandra Snow, HR & Development Director, Baker Tilly

"An excellent way of stepping off the treadmill to look at what others are doing, what we could be doing....and being inspired to Do It!"
Brian Newman, Head of Human Resources, Live Nation

"An invaluable event for gaining insight into suppliers and networking and learning from your peer group"
Philomena Gray, Group HR Director UK & Nordics, Publicis Ltd

"Such a worthwhile event - the one HR gathering, above all the others, that really is worth making some space in your diary for."
Kate Naylor, Head of HR NERL Engineering & Commercial Services, NATS (National Air Traffic Services)

"This was my first experience and I was worried about a ‘hard sell’ from suppliers, but that didn’t happen.  I met some very nice people and hopefully will continue to remain in contact."
Linda Litherland, Head of Development and Resourcing, NATS

"You'll be shocked at how much you can achieve in two days at the HR Summit without been rushed."
Liam Slattery, Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

“A thoroughly enjoyable event, with very time efficient opportunities to meet a range of interesting suppliers...the event more than fulfilled my expectations”
Jill Tombs, Director of Human Resources and Governance, Royal Mencap Society

"A well organised event which facilitates an opportunity to network with colleagues, meet new suppliers and invites looking at people issues from a different perspective in the strategy group sessions. A must for every HR Director, especially in these difficult economic times.”
Susan Webster, UK HR Director, Kanter Media

"Excellent use of time in professional and relaxed environment."
 Jacolyn Ferguson, HR Director, The Priory Group

"The Summit gave me the opportunity to meet with high quality suppliers that I would have had difficulty in sourcing myself."
David Coutts, Group Head of HR Projects, First Group

“Not only well organised but the structure of pre-qualification beforehand meant very focused meetings. Additionally the networking mealtimes facilitated the opportunity to explore with additional suppliers."
Barbara Puddephatt, Space Recruitment and Resourcing Director, Serco European Agency

Supplier comments

"We have had a particularly good return for 2009 HR Summit and have covered all our costs."
Catherine Bennett, Business Development Manager, EML Ltd 

"We have been attending the Human Resources Summit for over 10 years. The organisers are highly professional, extremely helpful and will always go the extra mile in ensuring providers get the best value from their delegate meetings. However, there is one reason above all others that makes us keep coming back. There is not one year that I can recall when we have not had an excellent return on our investment. Greg Dyke, the former Director General of the BBC was the keynote speaker at the Copenhagen HR Summit a few years ago. A phrase he uses often at meetings he told us, is “Cut the crap!” And that is exactly what I think the Summit does.  It gets you to the decision-makers of major companies without fuss and has consistently given us great value for money. For HSF, it is without doubt the most cost effective way of generating new business."
Stephen Duff, Sales & Marketing Director, Deputy Chief Executive, HSF health plan (8 months post event)

“I attend the Summits because of the quality of the attendees and the decision makers. The fact that the Summit team has integrity and I trust them to deliver on what they promise...they do!  It’s great for keeping in contact with pipeline and existing clients. And it’s always good for your general brand awareness.  It‘s also very time effective. Where else could you get 15 – 20 quality meetings squeezed into 2 days? Summit is unique and one step ahead of their competitors who profess to having a comparable offering.”
Royston Guest, CEO, Pti Worldwide  (8 months post event) 

"It's remarkable how even after 15 years of attending this event, the Summit team keeps the programme so fresh and rewarding. This year was no exception. The quality of the delegates was superb and there were some encouraging signs that companies are beginning to consider investing again. We have booked again for 2010."
Peter Gannon, Director, invigor8 LLP

“I have attended both the People Development and HR Summits annually since 2006, 10 in total.  They’re well organised and well worth the time and money - we have certainly achieved a ROI”
Kevin McAlpin, Managing Director, Performance Coaching International

"Money and time well spent on making new contacts and refreshing old ones.  The event was managed excellently from start to finish with exactly the right degree of formality/informality The Summit was about the same as I expected but I expected a lot! The reasons why?  Good quality, great logistics, well managed; approachable and responsive event team; conscientious and committed people who get the balance right between Suppliers and ‘guests’"
Kevin Lawrence, Managing Director, The Odyssey Group

The pre-selection conducted by Summit Events is excellent which means neither delegate or supplier waste each others time - and in this day and age and especially at the event itself, this is of major importance. Whilst delegates are always positive, there was definitely a more buoyant feel to this year's Summit. More initial follow-up meetings have been agreed than 12 months ago. This is our 9th consecutive year of attending the Summit and once again we have the opportunity of meeting with many new potential clients. The '2 year' attendance rule for delegates is excellent and ensures a fresh and dynamic feel to each event."
Graham Da Costa, Director, Shine

"Good atmosphere and general level of returned optimism...People more positive, cheque books out, smooth running of the event provides a backdrop for this to happen."
Angus Jones, Managing Director, clarity

"Thanks for a great couple of days. It was exceptionally well organised and your team were fantastic."
Finn Lynch, Director, Blackbridge Communications

"The HR Summit was a great success.  I felt that both the organisation and delivery made the event a very productive opportunity for us to develop new business contacts… I would have no hesitation in recommending Summit Events in the future."
James Kelly, New Business Manager, Projectlink Motivation

"Great event, well done!"
Richard Steele, Business Development Director, Henley Business School

"Very well organised and good quality delegates...A positive, collective approach to doing business with a good atmosphere, some very useful and honest discussions with like-minded people."
Paul Deville, Business Development Manager, HSF Health Plan

"It was very well organised, delegate were there to network and the range of delegates was good. The Summit provided a warm and friendly networking opportunity."
Nicholas Whitlock, Corporate Development Manager, The Open University

"A big thank you from all of us at 3gHR for your flexibility, willingness to help us maximize the Summit...You are all hard working and  committed to making our experience a positive one for business. Keep up the good work!"
Antony Brentnall, Sales & Marketing Director 3gHR

“Another year of Summit excellence! Great venue; outstanding speakers and a first-class mix of delegates and suppliers.”
Bob Arnold, Managing Partner, Spange Hawe Consulting