The Value of Conferences
Page 37
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
AT this time of the year the thoughts of many turn to the various conferences with their venues in different parts of the country, mostly either in salubrious cities or within easy reach of places of beauty and interest. Transport operators appear to have a particular liking for these affairs, whilst many municipalities regard them with such favour that contributions are made to cover the expenses of certain officials who participate.
I In our opinion, they are valuable from several points of view. First, naturally, comes the various papers written by experts on the different subjects under review and discussed by all and sundry. The interchange of ideas and experiences thus afforded is of the greatest value, not only to the associations immediately concerned in the conferences, but to the industry as a whole, because the views expressed are widely reproduced both in the daily Press and technical journals.
Secondly, visits are usually paid to works, transport depots, etc., where different phases of manufacture and operation can be studied and benefited by, whilst formalities are usually at a discount, and questions are asked and answered which would be almost taboo to the ordinary visitor.
Thirdly, there is the social aspect. Nothing promotes efficiency and good business better than the cordial spirit which prevails at these gatherings. In the past, the business side has, unfortunately, been slightly overdone in certain instances, but the associations have themselves taken this matter in hand, and the members, municipal or otherwise, do not expect to be taken out and feted by the representatives of concerns which, often, can ill afford to enter into competition in this manner.
Conferences also introduce a mild but useful element of rivalry. For example, a municipal authority may be particularly proud of the organization of its transport and be anxious to display its merits to visitors from other parts of the country. At the same time, it may be proud of the advantages of the district in other directions, and the influx of critical visitors may constitiffe excellent publicity which will be carried to all quarters, whilst the visitors will themselves endeavour to persuade their own authorities to emulate the good example thus set, so that the benefit derived becomes mutual.