Nemo members turned out in force to support their supplier partners at this year’s Nemo Refresh ’18 conference, held once again at the Forest Pines Hotel and Golf Course in Lincolnshire.
The weekend saw over an 85 per cent attendance from full members, alongside a good number of the group’s evolve members and exhibitors, including many new vendors being first time exhibitors.
The annual golf tournament started proceedings, followed by a split of afternoon activities, cocktail making and laser tag, which were both sold out.
Friday evening’s festival theme was complete with live entertainment from two cover bands, The Floorfillers and Audio Stars, after a generous buffet.
Saturday morning saw members get expert advice on the opportunities in packaging from Ian Whitcombe of Antalis, and followed by how the sales role will adapt, with an insightful talk from BOSS CEO Philip Lawson.
Members and suppliers were then treated to a keynote by renowned speaker Nigel Risner, who inspired delegates to become zookeepers and recognise different ways of working within each company’s ‘zoo’. Business continued with the exhibition, which boasted 43 stands.
The event finished with the Gala Awards and Dinner on Saturday evening, where guests enjoyed a three-course meal at the black-tie event, whilst entertainment was provided by soul and Drifters cover band, Soul Kinda Wonderful, followed by England test cricketer stalwart, Geoff Miller, who held the room with his dark sense of humour and fascinating exposure to life as a top sporting professional.
Attendees were very generous with their fundraising for Nemo’s chosen charity: Cancer Research UK raising over £1350, with Richardsons Office winning a bid for a signed Joe Roots cricket bat with a generous bid of £400.
Before the awards were announced, there was special recognition for Richard Brown and Tina Russell of Nemo, both celebrating 15 years with the company, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.
The 2018 Gala Awards followed, recognising the achievements throughout the year.
This year’s winners were:
- Best New Product – Treewise Pencils
- Best Stand of Show – Vow
- Vendor of the Year – Dams
- Office Style Award – Zizzoo Stationers
- Merchant of the Year – Antalis
- Dealer Excellence Award – Fairway Office Supplies
Tim Beaumont, Nemo MD congratulated all the winners on the night and thanked all the delegates, Nemo members and staff who helped to make the weekend such an enjoyable, successful and positive one.
For more information on Nemo Conferences and Exhibitions, contact Conference Manager Ann Renwick on annr@nemogroup.co.uk
