Organisers of this year's National School of Government conference have heralded the 'groundbreaking' use of new technology and multiple venues as a complete success.
In a move likely to raise some eyebrows within the corporate conferencing industry, the one-day event was, as usual, held at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, adjacent to Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.
However, in an unprecedented move, this was also complemented by two simultaneous conferences held in Nottingham and Plymouth, with delegates at all three venues linked through remote communications technologies.
This allowed those unable to travel to the capital to still benefit from the networking advantages of a major conference, with interaction ensured through PCs and digital tablets working in real time.
Commenting on the use of technology, Eleanor Goodison, deputy director of professions development at the National School of Government, stated: "This conference broke new ground for the National School and we were delighted at the success of the event.
"Apparently the group in Nottingham enjoyed it so much they carried on even after everyone in London had left!"