On Thursday 9th October the City of Newport Business Club welcomed Dylan Matthews from the Celtic Manor Resort to give the inside track on what it was really like behind the scenes at the NATO conference.
In his own laid back style, and using images to add emphasis, Dylan talked the gathered business people through the bidding process, the logistics, the organisation (how do you provide 15000 meals to 4000 people over a 2 day period!) and the international press coverage.
He also spoke about the BBC Wales series Hotel 24/7 featuring The Celtic Manor Resort and then went on to describe and show the exciting plans he has for the new Wales International Convention Centre bordering the M4. The Convention Centre in particular drew lots of questions and interest from the audience.
Finally, he highlighted the work of The Alacrity Foundation which takes 16 talented young people each year and seeks to provide them with the skills, knowledge and acumen to succeed in business, before actually setting them up with viable businesses of their own.
It was an informative and interesting evening, which comprised the usual good food and convivial atmosphere the City of Newport Business Club always provides.
Janine Dance, Chairman of The City of Newport Business Club said: “It was a really fascinating evening with great insights in to NATO and Hotel 24/7, plus all the good work The Alacrity Foundation is doing to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs. The plans for the Wales International Convention Centre are stunning and drew a lot of excitement and interest from the audience”