WAPI News
2003 Annual Banquet
On Saturday evening September 13, 2003 more than 90 guests arrived at London's Edwardian Radisson Marlboro Hotel and congregated in the ‘Solutions Bar’ where champagne and cocktails were enjoyed, whilst background piano music maintained a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.
Everyone filed through to the Banquet Hall, and after a few formal notices from WAPI General Secretary Jim Tozer, I as the WAPI Chairman welcomed the assembled guests to this first WAPI Annual Banquet. After grace, led by Peter Heims, dinner was served; four most enjoyable courses with a selection of wines and soft drinks.
The formal part of the evening was completed prior to eating, and as everyone started on the dessert, I introduced the first speaker, Robert Townsend CLI, the National Director of the USA's National Association of Legal Investigators. He expounded the current status of the Privacy Laws in the USA and demonstrated how a strong PI Lobby had actually prevented new restrictions on Data Access! In answer to a question from Peter Heims, Robert indicated that over a million dollars had been invested by the various Associations into the lobbying efforts!
A surprise Presentation was announced by Keith Walker - Ex Governing Council Member and Head of the Academy of Professional Investigations. Peter Heims, who is in his 70's, was publicly informed that he had achieved his Level 4 NVQ in Investigations! A magnificent achievement, demonstarting by example that all Competent PI's who put some effort and time into the assessment process could earn an NVQ!
Well done Peter - an example to us all!
The main guest speaker was Jimmie Mesis, owner of PI Magazine and owner of one of New Jersey's largest surveillance agencies. He gave a short and lighthearted expose of the US way of doing things! It certainly illustrated the differences between the work of the PI in these two diverse cultures.
John Edwards, WAPI Vice Chairman, thanked our speakers for their informative talks.
John later supervised the raffle. The Door Prize was won by Steve Akal who won a weekend trip for two to the romantic City of Paris. Many thanks to the raffle prize sponsors and of course to all who purchased the tickets.
The Guest Band “The Fugitives” were a “runaway” success! - really outstanding in every respect. It was hard to find space on the dance floor!!
The Evening slowly wound down around 1.30am, with groups still sipping the lemonade in the Reception well into the morning!!
The very brave few turned up for the trip to Covent Garden on Sunday morning! Another wonderful experience for those visiting London - the live music and street entertainers plus the shops and stalls were all interesting and entertaining, and the glasses of vintage port at Davy's Wine Bar did wonders for the sore heads!!
Complimentary messages have poured in. On behalf of the WAPI Governing Coucil, I would like to thank all of you who bought the tickets, sponsored the “extras” and the raffle prizes. You all made this an Evening to Remember!
Next year. Yes, WAPI will hold the second WAPI Annual Banquet, hopefully to coincide with the planned European Congress; a 2/3 day event being organised for October 2004.
I look forward to welcoming you all there.
Ian D. Withers
Chairman
World Association of Professional Investigators.
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