Biba 2006 got off to a flying start with a stirring speech by Lord Coe.
The former Olympic champion told the packed conference hall how he managed the London 2012 Olympic bid to its successful conclusion.
After thanking the insurance industry for its support of British sport down the years, Coe was self-deprecating about his short-lived time in politics, emphasising that his departure from the political scene in 1997 wasn't exactly voluntary.
He also recalled a nerve-wracking occasion when he spoke at a Labour Party conference — a brave move from a former Conservative MP — and quipped that he was the first Tory to address Labour delegates since Tony Blair gave his maiden speech.
The assembled brokers were also predictably delighted by Coe's joke about accountancy not being the most interesting of professions.
But Coe had a serious message for Biba 2006, which is all about Making the Difference. His Olympic bid worked by countering negativity and pessimism, and presenting a positive image of London.
While brokers are feeling the squeeze on all sides — regulation, pricing and direct selling — they would do well to emulate his determination, passion and will to win.
Coe's barnstorming speech kicked the conference off in style and there were more than a few misty eyes among the hard-bitten brokers leaving the hall afterwards.
