Penny Black’s Social Diary: Russell Scanlan’s retirement; CII’s cookies
Penny Black is back, sharing the tittle-tattle she overheard at insurance industry events, reviewing the quality of buffets at conferences and giving a thumbs up – or down – to the sector’s social media posts.
Botanist bash
If you weren’t already longing for the ease of retirement, Russell Scanlan’s celebration of former manging director Bryan Banbury’s 40-year career might just send you over the edge.
In Banbury’s career retrospective, I was fascinated to hear he weathered the collapse of the Independent Insurance Company and 9/11 in the early 2000s.
He was sent off to a life of golf, travel and time with his family in style – an evening event at The Botanist in West Bridgford, with food and refreshments.
In true columnist style, I decided to be a bit nosy and look up The Botanist, just to get an accurate picture of what the festivities entailed. I can confirm, after going through the Google Maps review images, attendees were well fed.
Penny’s Lunch Box
How do you charm a chronic sweet tooth? Lay out double chocolate chip cookies in the morning at a full day conference.
The Chartered Insurance Institute were well aware of this cheat code and ensured I would be satiated while sitting through the sessions of the day. Five stars.
Out of context
“If you want to be within the camera shot, you’ll have to do a stage dive or something like that.”
Chris Shadforth, director of communications at the Chartered Insurance Institute, explains the professional body’s conference is being recorded but if you aren’t on the stage, you won’t appear in the on-demand recording.
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