The Institute of Travel and Meetings – until yesterday known as the Institute of Travel Management – has selected the premiership facilities of Chelsea Football Club to host its annual conference in April next year.
While the decision cannot be criticised owing to the Club’s state-of-the-art product, it will leave the organisation’s incoming chairman reeling.
Arsenal and Chelsea fans are likely to clash at next year's ITM conference
Jamie Hindhaugh – who takes up the reigns from Caroline Strachan on January 1 – is an avid Arsenal fan.
Rumours are already circulating that the BBC’s head of sourcing will dawn the red and white of his beloved ’gooners’ during his opening adress to delegates.
If you do, Jamie, let me know in advance and I’ll be there sporting the green and white hoops of the mighty Celtic Football Club in a show of solidarity!
Whatever happens at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge next year the ITM have a lot of work and research to do if it is to top this year’s entertainment.
Strictly ITM – which saw six leading members of the UK travel industry take to the dance floor in front of 500 contemporaries – was an undoubted success.
Jason Geall – a feisty young amateur boxer who also just happens to work for a travel technology company – took first prize with ITM’s chairman Caroline Strachan in second place.
But BA’s Richard Tams, ITM boss Paul Tilstone, Zibrant’s sexy boss Fay Sharpe and BP’s gorgeous Kerrie Henshaw Cox all put in admirable performances.
