John has been frantically trying to respond to various FOTB posts, specifically in regard to the last session, but for some reason his computer is not letting him. So he asked me to post this:
I am both pleased and saddened by all the conversation going on about FOTB’s final session. Each year I make huge efforts to get as many heavyweights as possible on the bill. I spend hours deliberating over which speaker speaks in which slot in which theatre. I kinda hope the whole conference looks like it runs smoothly because of its relaxed laid back feel, however, i can tell you that I often feel like a swan – perfectly serene on the surface, but thrashing around wildly underneath!
Trying to get the best speakers along is no easy task. The best are in such high demand that often, they are busy. Ask Keith, I approach him and many of the others months in advance! Once a speaker confirms, I put absolutely no demands on them regarding their content as I am a firm believer in them being happy with their own content and message.
Which leads us to the final session of the conference. I have heard many for, and many against. This is a good thing. It would have been easy to end on a beautiful fluffy thing floating around the screen, we would have all walked away with a fuzzy warm feeling. But actually, a bit of controversy never did any harm! If it stirred enough emotion to debate it endlessly, then I think it was a good thing to end on.
Be in no doubt, I will work my butt off to make FOTBM09 and FOTBB09 even better than previous versions!
Altogether now: Whoa, I’m going to Miami………….
– John Davey
Flash on the Beach