February Review
Another busy month kicked off with The Executive Board holding it’s monthly meeting. The meeting was attended by Jo Harding of Harding Consult who presented her business case for improving the ILP’s communication and marketing requirements both internal and external. As an ongoing process of the board engaging with the YLP, Fiona Horgan YLP Chair was also present in an observer capacity.
Unfortunately I was unable to attend Lightschool however other members of the HQ team were present, Jess provided the comments below:-
What Happened at Lightschool, part of the Surface Design Show
Our experience at Lightschool reflects the progress that the ILP has made in the last few years in becoming the home for all lighting professionals. We had a top name designer declaring ‘I’ve been wanting to join – thank you for making it so easy’ and another told us ‘in the last two years the ILP has changed massively for the better’.
The speakers at Light School were described as ‘a who’s who of lighting design’ and every single seminar was packed out with students standing at the back, lots of questions and speakers staying to talk afterwards.
We were one of the top five twitter accounts for the show, as verified by Seen Feed. This means we reached a lot of people who weren’t even present at the show, a very efficient way of reaching new people. We had heaps of interest in the launch of the Lighting Landscapes book and the new How To Be Brilliant series.
Since the show we’ve been in touch with over thirty new contacts, whose projects, enquiries and interest include architectural practice, university studies, LED, art, lighting for older people, Phd information, seasonal decorative lighting… the list goes on. We’re keeping everyone informed and already seeing membership applications coming through too as a result of our activities at the show.
Massive thanks to Jo W, Jo H and Mark R who all did a sterling job on the ILP stand – much appreciated.
A very busy and successful three days
On 14th February I made my way to Scotland and attended the Scottish Regional dinner dance held at Airth Castle. I would like to thank the Region and it’s Chairman Daryl Bullock for inviting me to the event. The weather was a touch inclement !!!! and the flight a little lumpy on the way up but the event itself was organised well and the venue was fantastic. An enjoyable night was had by all with great food, excellent company and one of the best live bands I’ve been entertained by in sometime. Having to be at the airport for my 10am flight was a challenge but nevertheless I made it
The build up to ECO BUILD is now underway, coupled to that is the eagerly awaited launch of the latest ILP publication “Lighting Landscape, A Guide to Implementing Successful Lighting Within the Public Realm” Jo Harding (Harding Consult) our communications and marketing consultant has commented as follows
“We have now launched the You tube videos on the ILP website and this will be announced in the latest newsletter, we have also launched the guide with images on Pinterest which should encourage the landscape architects and clients to view the fantastic images and pin the ones they like-all hopefully driving interest to the guide and launch”.
As the month draws to a close the Exec Board met with the VP’s. The meeting comprised of a general review and workshop for the VP’s to interact with each other and understand some common areas requiring assistance. Jo Harding was part of the meeting to assist with any communication and marketing requirements and indeed to assist in form some strategies with regards to new events and forthcoming PLG launches. During the workshops individual VP’s were invited to meet with the SVP President and CEO to review their business plans for the past year and to forecast their aims and targets for 2014 . Look out for amendments to their web-pages to reflect their new target and KPI’s over the next few weeks.
My thanks must go to my employer Skanska (IS) for supporting me with the time required to fulfil the duties as your President. Without this full support it would be extremely difficult.
You can also now follow me @mjrugby1968Until next time
Mark
