Networking opportunities boosted by StudyWorld London's new parties

As part of an ongoing commitment to keep the event fresh and meet the needs of attendees, the StudyWorld team completely replaced the previous social programme with three new receptions, plus time for educators to entertain agents.

In place of the formal dinner on the first night and a short reception away from the meeting halls on the second night came a special party for newcomers, followed by a Welcome Reception which went on till late on the Monday.

A ballroom at the London Hilton Metropole Hotel was transformed with golden drapery, minimalist white satin seating groups, a fantastic bar and beautiful lighting for the Welcome Reception. Guests were served bowl food and entertained with music and roving magicians. There was also a roving photographer, and you can see the pictures on our Facebook page.

The following night delegates were served drinks and canapes as they left the meeting halls, enjoying a very lively party on the stairs and landings, before moving on to private functions. Many agents had been invited to showcase evenings specially organised by educators, a trend the StudyWorld team is encouraging.

Siobhan Baccas, English UK's international manager who organises StudyWorld, said: "We wanted to do something with the wow factor on the first evening, and I think our Welcome Reception really did that. People were just astonished by the way in which the room was transformed, and really enjoyed that opportunity to mingle with friends old and new in a relaxed atmosphere."

Cristina Navarro, director of International House Espanole Valencia, was socialising with a group at the Welcome Reception. She said: "I like the party. I come to StudyWorld to meet agents and because it's one of the best places to do business."

Sergei Neterenko of International House DNK in Ukraine was also enjoying the Welcome Reception. "I like that it's not a sit-down reception," he said.

Raechel Haddock, account manager for Endsleigh Insurance, said: "I really enjoyed the Welcome Reception. It was quite relaxed and informal and allowed you to mingle a little bit more than a sit-down dinner."

Lawrence Morello of All About Languages was also happy. "It was a little more social than the dinner. A lot of times people already knew other people in the industry and it was hard to break into groups. This time there was more mingling."

The newcomers' reception took place just before the Welcome Reception to help ensure guests had met others in a smaller occasion before finding themselves in a very large party.

Lela Shekiladze of Study World Wide said: "It's a brilliant idea to have this party. I've heard about StudyWorld from colleagues who really enjoy it and I've got lots of appointments."

Anna France, marketing manager of Langports in Australia, was also enjoying the newcomers' reception. She said: "I've already met some new people."

As always, the StudyWorld team will be looking to tweak the social events next year to make them even better and provide even more surprises.