February saw the JCI UK Marketing Academy. Around 25 delegates from across the country gathered in Birmingham for a weekend of training and practical marketing sessions. The aim was to assist local chambers improve the way JCI is advertised. A well-structured programme covered subjects as diverse as branding, marketing mix, website, social media, public relations, photography, video and how to measure success in marketing.

Sessions were interactive and allowed delegates to put theory into practice, focussing on their own chamber's specific requirements. Breakout activities enabled us to get to know colleagues from across the country, to develop stronger bonds and share our own success tips.  On Saturday evening, we had a chance to relax with dinner and great night out in Brindley Place - the heart of the city and close to our training venue.

Sunday saw the culmination of training and the presentation of our group projects. My team was set the task of planning the launch of a new chamber in a big city. We examined marketing strategies and put together a six-month plan to advertise the new chamber, build a management team and press contacts, plan events and prepare the official launch of 'JCI Big City' chamber.  A fantastic way to review and put into practice all the material we'd covered in training.

I'd like to say a huge Thank You to Phil and his team for running this amazing event. Like everyone else, I took away so much from the sessions and I think we're all energised and ready to boost JCI's image on a local level.