ABFA Annual Dinner 2013 Review

On the evening of Thursday 16th of May, almost 750 members and affiliates of the ABFA arrived at the Hilton on Park Lane, London for an evening of entertainment and networking at the ABFA Annual Dinner 2013.

This event proved even more popular than last year and saw a return to a venue previously used for the ABFA annual conference back in 2010.

The evening began with a champagne reception and a warm welcome from the ABFA team. Overlooking Park Lane and Hyde Park, it was a perfect way to start the evening, by networking and catching up with friends.

At 7.45pm guests were called to the main ball room with it looking truly splendid bedecked in flowers, lights and tables. The toastmaster called everyone to attention and introduced ABFA Chairman John Onslow. John gave a powerful speech where he talked about the importance of the new Code of Conduct, the need for an Independent Ombudsman and the benefits derived from a Professional Standards Council. He also highlighted the difference between just being good and being a great industry, outlining the steps which the industry needs to take to make it great.

After Wendy Izod said grace the food was served which was delicious and a genuine credit to the venue. With wine flowing and good times being had, the evening’s entertainment, the Bootleg Beatles, certainly helped the party along. At times it was almost like being back in the sixties with the dance floor full listening to the most famous band in the world so good were the Bootleg Beatles – they not only sounded like the real thing, they looked, moved and thrilled like them.

The evening continued into the early hours with more music and dancing with sounds provided by DJ Dean Martin. Not only that, but through a combination of ticket sales and donations the ABFA members and affiliates raised almost £8,000 for the charity Action Against Cancer, whose chairwoman is of course Hilary Craft, director of Regency Factors. Hilary recently received the British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours. Both this and the sum raised deserves great applaud and our special thanks.

All told it was another splendid ABFA evening enjoyed by all.

Further photos of this great night are available here.