The theme of this year’s conference (working smarter) is absolutely spot on for the times we are living in.

Over the last month or so it has become clear that whatever the guidelines are, the right thing to do would be to make the conference and awards completely virtual.

However, with the event building in energy over the past few years, I could only see a 100% virtual conference as a step backwards, reducing the impact for the dealers and quite simply not offering the sponsors the value they deserve.

So, we have very reluctantly decided, like so many other events this year, to sidestep this particular delivery as opposed to swinging the bat at it.

The great news is that in preparing for this years’ conference in such conditions, we have come up with the most amazing theme and programme as well as developing the hybrid approach, enabling us next year to offer you some of the conference content free of charge through broadcast. So, as Boris would say, it is oven ready . . .

I finally would like to thank the sponsors that stuck with us as we planned and re-planned the event. Your support and enthusiasm for the event is heart-warming and I look forward to buying you all a drink next year.