JCI UK National Conference 2009 Leeds www.britishsenate.org.uk

The first British Junior Chamber of Commerce National Conference to be held in the City of Leeds and organised by Leeds Junior Chamber, took place in September 1961. Gavin and Jeane Macpherson were there! There was no Senate Programme – because Leeds had no Senators!

Since 1961, at least two more National Conferences have been held in Leeds – and each has lived up to the high expectations of members of the National Organisation. The first British JC National Conference ever to have a Senate Programme was in Leeds in 1981. The Programme was organised by Gavin & Jeane Macpherson !

Now in 2009, the National Conference returns to Leeds once again. The JCI Leeds National Conference Steering Committee under the chairmanship, of JCI Leeds Deputy President, Claire Dempster, has been hard at work for many weeks to make sure that the long tradition of excellence in Leeds is maintained.

The venue for the National Conference will be the sparkling new Alea Casino in the chic and vibrant Clarence Dock waterfront area of the City. Opened in September 2008 following a £3,000,000 investment, Alea will be the starting point for JCI Senators.

On the Friday night JCI Leeds will host their ‘Casino Royale’ welcome party held in a private room in Alea with our own bar and gaming tables where guests can learn to play (it would be rude not to in a Casino!!). It will be a chance to catch up with friends and meet some new faces, have some nice food and a few drinks…and a bit of ‘Bond’ thrown in!

Carrying on the ‘Bond’ theme on the Saturday evening, guests will be invited to attend the ‘From Leeds with Love’ gala dinner, with special guests! This will be the grand finale to the weekend’s activities and for those of you familiar with this year’s JCI Leeds team, you know it’s going to be a good night filled with friendship, great fun and lots of drinking...!

In addition, JCI Senators are warmly invited to participate in the weekend with a special Senate Programme, organised by (you guessed it) Gavin and Jeane Macpherson!!!

Claire Dempster, Conference Director said: ‘It is really important to JCI Leeds that members have the opportunity to meet JCI Senators, learn and share experiences and the traditions of the organisation.’

‘It would be great to have a good turn-out of Senators, particularly at the gala dinner - we very much hope to see you there!’

The morning is free for general sightseeing, shopping and general chilling out. Or you could join the JCI UK members on their activities. Then, after lunch, the Senate action begins!

At 14.30 (prompt departure so don’t be late!) we meet at the Clarence Dock Waterfront for a cruise aboard the spacious and wide-beam cruise boat “Black Prince” – moving gently through a backdrop of images on the magnificent Leeds City Waterway. With a fully stocked bar, our craft will pass beneath Victorian Bridges and historic buildings in the City Centre through to peaceful scenic countryside and majestic locks.

On our return, all the other attractions of Clarence Dock are available. The award winning Royal Armouries, shops, bars – and of course the gaming tables of Alea Casino.

At 18.30, prior to the Conference Banquet and Ball, all JCI Senators and their partners are invited by the JCI UK National President to join her at the National VIP Reception at Alea. Dress: Black Tie. At 19.30 we join the JCI UK members for a Conference Banquet and Ball again at Alea Casino.

On Sunday morning we have a traditional Senate Champagne Reception and Senate Steak and Champagne Breakfast at the Fig Restaurant, Alea Casino with unlimited champagne and free all day parking in the adjoining multi-story car park!

A block reservation has been made at the Holiday Inn Express, Clarence Dock, Leeds. The hotel adjoins the Alea Casino where the conference is to be held. A room rate of £50.00 for Friday 4th September and £60.00 for Saturday 5th September has been negotiated, including breakfast & free parking in the adjoining multi- story car park. To book, please call the hotel on 0870-8900-455 and quote Reference Number 52550 for this special rate for JCI delegates.

JCI UK Members who are also Senators can book the Senate Programme using the JCI UK booking form. Other Senators should use the Senate booking form attached. Senators are welcome to attend the Friday Welcome Party!

4th-6th September - JCI UK National Conference 2009 Leeds