Institute of Internal Communication

Paul Brasington, CiB national chairman, opened the 2009 conference by saying that we are at a turning point. The economy is down, hopefully engagement is up,” Paul said. “And we are entering a period of change, both politically and commercially.

“But change can be a double-edged sword,” he said. “Politically we are seeing a move towards more openness – an ideal that we would like to see filter through to our own industry as well.”

Paul said the conference was an opportunity for delegates to take time out of their day jobs and reflect on where we are heading.

“This recession, harsher than any in recent memory, has exposed how much work needs to be done to ensure that senior managers understand the importance of internal communication, and what it involves,” he said.

He added that the conference had a rich programme, with many thought-provoking presentations and workshops.

Paul said that it was a period of change for CiB too as later this year there will be an EGM with a proposal to change the name of the association to the Institute of Internal Communication.

This will also be the last year that CiB's conference and awards will be held together – next year they will be split, allowing conference to be more focused, he said.

With CiB celebrating its 60th anniversary Paul said that Thursday evening's annual dinner would also be a time for great celebration.