By Gavin McCarthy, Sales Director, Britannia Movers International

Budapest in Hungary was an unexpected choice for this year’s Britannia Conference, so everyone was wondering what to expect. A quick jump online shows you that goulash, the Rubik’s Cube, thermal baths and the river Danube tend to be what most people think of when you say ‘Hungary’. It’s also known for having been in an almost permanent state of occupation since Roman times, whether Byzantines, Ottomans or more recently the Soviets who only left Hungary in June 1991.

Whether the locals saw the Britannia Conference delegates as an occupying force as they swept into town on Friday, 1 May is another thing. Whether they did or not, they were a phenomenally hospitable and patient bunch, thankfully!

With a beautiful hotel arranged right in the main city centre and perfectly poised on the banks of the river Danube, things couldn’t be better. And so the conference began on the Friday with a welcome evening sponsored by Basil Fry on a cruise boat that took delegates up and down the river past some of the most famous landmarks in Budapest.

After a well-earned rest revellers were up early on Saturday and straight into the serious business of the conference with a full day of presentations, debates and awards. The subject matter on display ranged from developments within the international shipping market, Britannia’s progress within the removals industry over the previous year as well as stimulating and thought-provoking talks on innovative marketing methods and added-value sales opportunities.

With a free evening on Saturday and excursions to major local points of interest on the Sunday morning and afternoon, there was a more leisurely feel to the following day. It also allowed everyone time to get ready and don their dinner jackets and evening dresses for the main event of the Gala Dinner sponsored by Reason Global.

With a fabulous Ice Kingdom theme to reflect the announcement of next year’s 2016 conference (to be held in Reykjavik in Iceland), delegates sat at beautifully decorated tables for a three course meal and were serenaded by some original musical entertainment from a famous Hungarian classical group. Finally delegates called it a night as the Britannia Conference came to an end for another year. After three days of what most seemed to feel was the most successful and enjoyable Britannia Conference yet, talk switched to next year as we all look forward to another great Britannia event in Reykjavik.



Photos: Top: Mark Tresler, Britannia MD, opening the business session.  Middle: Budapest, Hungary.  Bottom left: Gala dinner with snow and ice theme to celebrate the announcement of next year's conference in Icleand.  Bottom right: Gavin McCarthy, Britannia Sales Director, presenting Chris Ryan of Britannia Ryans of North London with the Natopnal Quality Award.