LISBON 2001 PHOTO ALBUM

Lisbon was a new venue for us this year, and the general consensus was very favorable. An average temperature during the week of over 20C plus a great hotel certainly helped. Venues can make quite a difference, and Al Keene, President of IMI and organiser of conferences since the mid-'70's rated the Sheraton as one of the most hospitable hotels he had ever visited.

A key feature of IMI conferences is the networking opportunities. Each evening a reception with local delicacies, wines, beers and of course port ran until the audience had dwindled.

IMI reception
Of course most delegates have the conference content as their highest priority, but noticeably the Belgium contingent were concerned from the outset as to the quality of the food. They were relieved to find the food edible and well above most European standards, and even the wine was 'drinkable'. For the rest of us brought up on the lower standards of cuisine outside of Belgium the food and drink was outstanding.

Buffet lunch in the Panorama restaurant

 Lunches were served in the Panorama restaurant of the Sheraton, with a quite amazing view of daytime Lisbon There is simply no better vantage point to enjoy the sights of Lisbon. Unfortunately for some of the speakers jetting in and out this was the most they saw of this most beautiful capital city.

"What do you mean, only three desserts?" Conference Co-Chair for Ink Jet Dr Ross Mills questions the eating rule imposed by Sally-Ann of IMI Europe.

Just two of the dozen or so exhibits at this year's event, a key feature of IMI Conferences.

OK, so there actually was a great conference programme as well as the merry-making. And most of the audience is even listening!

Some happy delegates enjoying the reception food


The debate over whether Mark Hanley set a new world record of 37 minutes on just one slide during the Ink Jet Conference - unsure he attempted the record a second time during the Industrial Printing Conference.