CBI INTERACTIVE CONFERENCE 2007

This site was built to promote the 2007 CBI Interactive Conference. CBI, a division of UBM Life Sciences, delivers timely and first to market content driven conferences via its proprietary and intensive market research and product feasibility testing methodology. Annually, CBI conferences provide the market with leading edge, actionable information on the most compelling industry mega and micro trends to the benefit of over 5,000 executives. To learn more about CBI go to: www.cbinet.com/.

Even though the specific usefulness of the cbiconference.biz site, as it was intended has ended, this conference was important and I believe its stated goals and information should still be available on the WWW. However, when this site's domain expired, the site disappeared from the web. Recently I discovered that the domain was available, so I bought it with the goal of recreating as much of its original content as possible from archived pages. I did not want someone else to purchase the domain and re-purpose the site for something that had nothing in common with the original website.

I have attended a number of CBI conferences, including this one in 2007. Such conferences are indeed great networking opportunities. At this particular conference I struck up a conversation with another attendee where we ended up discussing the problems that were confronting players on online casinos USA sites. The previous year 2006, the US government had passed the UIGEA laws that limited options for US online casino players and many online casinos closed their doors to US players (including poker, roulette, even previously legal US slots) due to the ambiguity in the laws. It was incredible because even though it wasn't illegal for an individual to gamble, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act created obstacles and limitations for players to deposit money into their online accounts and to get winnings out of their accounts. What a difference ten years has made, but back then, online casino gambling for US based players was a real issue. I still remain in contact with the executive and have seen him at a number of other CBI conferences in Europe.

Consider the information on this site for its historical value.

The conference is the premier business event in the UK, attracting a large audience of senior executives and speakers of the highest calibre. The accompanying exhibition showcases products and services from organisations spanning FTSE 100 companies, growing businesses and the public sector.

2007 WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND?

The CBI Interactive Conference is always one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year. It offers senior executives like you the chance to hear from a diverse assortment of leading Chairmen, CEOs, cabinet ministers and notable public figures.

The mix of keynotes, panel sessions and exhibition creates an exciting environment for knowledge sharing, outstanding opportunities for networking and lively discussion.

Ask the questions you need answered from those people in Government who directly affect the environment in which you run your business.

Benefits of Attending

Hear from the leaders of the world's finest companies as to what’s behind their success.
Learn from speakers and take away practical advice to apply to your own business.
Add your voice to debates about the issues that affect the future of your business
Network with your peers and make valuable new business contacts.
Host clients and potential customers at the fabulous Conference Gala Dinner.
See the latest innovations in products and services right in the heart of the event.

The audience will be comprised of:
60% Chairman, CEO, President, Director-General, Partner
11% Managing Director, Other Director, Head of Department
20%& Senior Manage
4% Other

As a developer on the CBI Interactive Conference 2007 software team, I had quite the eye-opening experience during the lead-up to the event. We were tasked with managing attendee registrations, scheduling, and various other logistical aspects of the conference. Initially, we were using a Microsoft Access database that had been in place for several years. It seemed to work well enough at first, but as we got closer to the conference date, some serious issues started to crop up.

I remember the day it all came to a head. We were trying to integrate the registration data with our new web-based check-in system, and everything just ground to a halt. The Access database simply couldn't handle the volume of concurrent connections we needed, and it was struggling to interface with our more modern web tools.

To make matters worse, when we reached out for support, we discovered that Microsoft had ended mainstream support for the version of Access we were using. We were on our own, trying to patch together workarounds for an increasingly unstable system. It was a real wake-up call. Here we were, organizing a cutting-edge business conference focused on topics like climate change solutions and the future of Europe, yet our backend systems were stuck in the past. The irony wasn't lost on me.

After a particularly stressful day of database crashes and data synchronization failures, I realized we needed a more robust, scalable solution - a Microsoft Access alternative. I started researching modern database management systems that could handle our needs and integrate seamlessly with web technologies.

This experience really drove home the importance of staying current with technology, especially for mission-critical systems. It also highlighted the need for better long-term planning in our IT infrastructure. We couldn't afford to be caught off guard like this again, especially not with high-profile events where we're hosting top business leaders and government officials.

In the end, we managed to pull everything together for the conference, but it was a close call. The silver lining was that this crisis sparked a much-needed overhaul of our systems. Sometimes it takes a near-disaster to drive real change, and in our case, it led to a much more efficient and reliable setup for future events. Lynne Raimon

VISITOR INFORMATION

Following the success of the new layout at last year’s event, we will again be integrating our conference stage into the exhibition area, creating a focal point for delegates and the press. This will allow delegates to circulate around the exhibition stands while never being far from the conference sessions. Can you afford to miss the opportunity to network with some of the UK's leading business people?

Registration opening times (provisional)
Monday 26 November - 08.00am - 16.00pm
Tuesday 27 November - 08.00am - 12.30pm

Access
The BDC has worked closely with disabled action groups and the local authority to ensure that this listed building is as user-friendly as it can possibly be for disabled people. The approach to the building is ramped for wheelchair use. Adjacent to the building is an underground car park with ample reserved spaces for drivers with disabled passes. There is a lift from the car park to ground floor level.

Parking
The BDC has an on-site car park open from 0800 until 2000hrs with 100 spaces, charged at £2.40 per hour. There are also spaces to leave bicycles within the facility. Additional car parking can be found in the nearby shopping centre's multi-storey car park.

Toilets
There are wheelchair accessible toilets on each level, which can be reached by the lift at the front of the building.

Wheelchair hire
The Business Design Centre has a limited amount of manual wheelchairs. Please call 020 7288 6475 in advance to book.

Hearing impairments
An induction loop system is operational in the BDC. Visitors requiring this service should report to the BDC reception desk, opposite the registration area in the main foyer.

Medical facilities
The first aid room is located on the gallery level - stairwell 'E' and will be manned with fully qualified staff during opening times.

Medical emergencies
In the event of a medical emergency please notify a member of security or any member of staff who will be pleased to help you.

EXHIBITION

The CBI Conference delivers Britain’s highest concentration of influential business leaders and will once again be united in a single, dramatic event. Every exhibitor will benefit from direct contact with every delegate.

If you want to make an impact on British business, the CBI Conference is the place to do it.

The CBI Conference always presents the highest concentration of influential business leaders in Britain. There’s no better place to get your company’s message on the national agenda.

2007 Programme

A fascinating programme, featuring top business leaders and senior government ministers. The CBI Interactive Conference is the most influential business event of the year. This year's programme will focus on:

Private equity
The reputation of business
Climate change: business solutions
Sponsorship

Position your brand alongside the most influential business organisation in the UK. View last years event and hear from 2006 sponsors here.

Day One - Monday 26 November, 2007

08.15 Conference venue opens

09.25 Welcome
Martin Broughton, President, CBI and Chairman, British Airways

09.30 Keynote session: Europe
A session of major importance to discuss what the next ten years hold for Europe in business, economic and political terms. This will be a high-level platform for European political leaders.

Chairman:
Martin Broughton

Panellists:
Senior UK Cabinet Minister

11.00 Coffee

11.30 Keynote address: Stephen Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder, Blackstone

11.45 Panel session one - Private equity: the model, the management, the money
Private Equity is now a major force in business. One fifth of the private sector workforce is employed by companies that are private equity backed. What impact does this surge in PE have on the broader economy?

Chairman:
Jeff Randall, Writer and Broadcaster

Panellists:
John Connolly, Chief Executive and Senior Partner, Deloitte
Will Hutton, Chief Executive, The Work Foundation
Tim Parker, former Chief Executive, The AA
Stephen Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder, Blackstone
Kitty Ussher MP, Economic Secretary, HM Treasury
Philip Yea, Chief Executive, 3i Group

13.00 Lunch

14.30 Keynote address

14.45 Panel session two - The reputation of business
With trust in business leaders at an all time low and consumers becoming increasingly ethically aware, how can business enhance the image of corporate Britain?

Chairman:
Patience Wheatcroft, former Editor, Sunday Telegraph

Panellists:
Martin Broughton, Chairman, British Airways
Iain Coucher, Chief Executive, Network Rail
Steve Easterbrook, Chief Executive, McDonald's
Albert Ellis, Chief Executive, Harvey Nash
Gary Hoffman, Group Vice-Chairman, Barclays
16.00 Close

19.00 Conference Gala Dinner
The Brewery, London EC1

After Dinner speaker:
Andrew Marr, Broadcaster and Writer

Day Two - Tuesday 27 November, 2007

08.45 Conference venue opens

09.55 Keynote address: Rt Hon David Cameron MP, Leader of the Conservative Party

10.30 Coffee

11.15 Keynote address: Ben Verwaayen, Chief Executive, BT

11.30 Panel session three - Climate Change: business solutions
What concrete and measurable actions can be taken by business to combat the risks presented by climate change?

Chairman:
To be confirmed

Panellists:
Sir Terry Leahy, Chief Executive, Tesco
Robert Napier, Chairman, The Met Office
Philippe Varin, Chief Executive, Corus
Ben Verwaayen, Chief Executive, BT and Chairman, CBI Climate Change Task Force

12.30 Keynote address: Speaker to be confirmed

13.00 Closing address: Richard Lambert, Director-General, CBI

13.15 Close

*Subject to change.

CONFERENCE GALA DINNER

Monday 26 November 2007
The Brewery, Chiswell Street, EC1

The highlight of the CBI annual conference programme, this superb event allows you to network with fellow delegates and to entertain your most important clients in lavish black tie style.

Speaker: Andrew Marr
Our after dinner speaker this year is Andrew Marr, former BBC political editor and presenter of the BBC's Sunday morning flagship news programme Sunday AM

Join us on Monday 26 November for an entertaining evening and enjoy quality cuisine and fine wines at The Brewery, a stunning venue in the of heart of the City.

Booking and Advice

Priority will be given to Conference delegates. For further information, contact Gemma Fisher on 020 7395 8012 or [email protected].

FAQS

Where is the event being held?

The CBI Conference is taking place at:
Business Design Centre
52 Upper Street, Islington
London N1 0QH.

The Conference Gala Dinner is being held at:

The Brewery
Chiswell Street,
London EC1Y 4SD.

Can I visit the event for free?

No. However, fees start from only £625 per place excluding VAT.

How do I book?

Use the online booking system to book places at the Conference. Gala Dinner places can be booked by downloading a booking form (PDF 216kb) and faxing it to 'CBI Events' on 020 7497 3646. The CBI Events team does not take telephone or provisional bookings.

Can I register on the day?

No. All delegates must pre-register by 10.00am, Thursday 22 November.

What is included in the delegate package?

The delegate package includes attendance at all the relevant sessions booked (either Monday or Tuesday or the entire event); lunch on Monday 26 November (if relevant); tea and coffee throughout; a complimentary delegate bag with souvenir event brochure and the opportunity to visit the Interactive Conference Exhibition. The Conference Gala Dinner is an optional extra for all attendees which must be booked in advance.

Can I get a list of delegate names for 2006?

No. However a breakdown of the range of delegates who typically attend is available on the why attend page and if you attend the event, you will have access to a full delegate and guest list in the Conference Guide, which you will receive in your complimentary delegate bag.

What are the cancellation terms?

If you have booked places at the Conference and/or Conference Dinner and subsequently have to cancel, we ask that you let us know as soon as possible. Cancellations received in writing by the CBI events team by 5pm on Friday 26 October 2007 will incur a cancellation fee of 40% of the total invoiced. We regret that we cannot give refunds for cancellations received after this date, although substitute delegates or dinner guests are very welcome.

What is the Code of Conduct for this event?

The CBI Interactive Conference is a high-level platform for discussion and debate. We request your co-operation in supporting the conference organisers, officials and other delegates in obtaining the best out of the conference. Intimidating and disruptive actions or antisocial behaviour directed at speakers, panellists, officials or delegates are grounds for removal from the site and may lead to disciplinary action.

Why do I need to submit a photograph?

To enhance security, delegates will be issued with photo badges at this event. Delegates must supply a recent passport-style photograph. Email a digital photograph (jpeg) to: [email protected] or post a hard copy to: CBI Events, CBI, Centre Point, 103 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1DU. Failure to supply a photograph will delay registration and may result in you being refused entry to the event.

What if I have accessibility or additional requirements?

Please notify the CBI at least one month before the conference date if you have any additional requirements eg wheelchair access, large print etc.

How can I contact the event organisers?

The contact us link on the left contains all key conference contacts.

More Background On CBIConference.biz

In the fast-evolving landscape of business, politics, and technology, few conferences have managed to embody the synergy between government policy and private enterprise quite like the CBI Interactive Conference 2007. Hosted by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) — one of the most influential business organizations in the UK — the event attracted a distinguished roster of executives, policymakers, and thought leaders. The now-historic website CBIConference.biz served as its official online platform, acting as a gateway for delegates, sponsors, and media outlets to engage with the event.

Although the original site has long since gone offline, a revived version was later reconstructed from archived materials to preserve the intellectual and cultural footprint of this landmark business summit. What emerges is a fascinating snapshot of British business at the dawn of a transformative era — one shaped by globalization, digital disruption, and the growing awareness of corporate social responsibility.

Ownership and Origins of CBIConference.biz

The website CBIConference.biz was originally established by the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) and its event partners, under the operational structure of UBM Life Sciences, a division of United Business Media (UBM). UBM was well known for producing professional trade events and media across sectors, and CBI utilized its CBI Conferences division (CBI/UBM Life Sciences) to execute top-tier, content-driven events aimed at business decision-makers.

A former attendee who later repurchased the expired domain wrote that the intent behind reviving the site was to preserve its original historical content. This gesture highlighted both nostalgia and the recognition that the 2007 conference represented a turning point in the digital documentation of corporate discourse.

CBI’s reputation for convening elite gatherings meant that the Interactive Conference series often served as a bellwether for the nation’s economic and political priorities — merging the insights of corporate giants, ministers, and emerging voices.

The Setting: Business Design Centre, Islington, London

The 2007 CBI Interactive Conference took place at the Business Design Centre (BDC), a Grade II listed building in Islington, North London. Once a Victorian agricultural hall, the BDC had become a premier exhibition and conference venue by the 2000s.

The conference layout was designed to encourage constant interaction between delegates and exhibitors, merging the main conference stage into the exhibition area — a forward-thinking model of integrated networking. This setup allowed visitors to move fluidly between sessions, sponsor booths, and media spaces, maintaining a high level of engagement throughout the event.

The BDC also emphasized accessibility and inclusivity. The organizers worked closely with disability action groups to ensure full wheelchair access, hearing induction loops, and on-site medical support. This detail, while logistical, underscored the CBI’s broader commitment to inclusive business environments.

The Audience: Britain’s Business Leadership in One Room

The attendee demographic of the 2007 conference reflected the upper echelons of British and international commerce:

60%: Chairmen, CEOs, Presidents, Directors-General, and Partners
11%: Managing Directors, Department Heads, and Senior Executives
20%: Senior Managers
4%: Other professionals, including policy analysts and media representatives

This audience composition positioned the event as one of the most influential gatherings of business leaders in Britain, providing unparalleled networking opportunities. Attendees were encouraged to engage directly with policymakers and global executives on issues that affected regulation, reputation, and sustainability.

Program Highlights: Europe, Private Equity, Reputation, and Climate Change

Opening Keynote: Martin Broughton and the European Outlook

The conference began under the stewardship of Martin Broughton, then President of the CBI and Chairman of British Airways. The opening session, titled “Europe: The Next Ten Years,” addressed the political and economic trajectory of the continent — a prescient topic given the subsequent debates over EU integration and Brexit that would dominate UK politics a decade later.

Private Equity Panel

Moderated by Jeff Randall, the high-profile journalist and broadcaster, this panel examined the explosive growth of private equity as a force in business. Among the speakers were:

Stephen Schwarzman, CEO and Co-founder of The Blackstone Group
John Connolly, Senior Partner at Deloitte
Tim Parker, former CEO of The AA
Kitty Ussher MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury
Philip Yea, Chief Executive of 3i Group

This discussion tackled one of the decade’s defining business themes: whether private equity’s efficiency-driven model was enhancing or hollowing out corporate Britain.

Reputation of Business Panel

As consumer trust eroded in the wake of corporate scandals, the session on “The Reputation of Business” sought to address the social contract between companies and the public. Chaired by Patience Wheatcroft, former editor of The Sunday Telegraph, the panel included:

Martin Broughton (British Airways)
Iain Coucher (Network Rail)
Steve Easterbrook (McDonald’s UK, later McDonald’s global CEO)
Albert Ellis (Harvey Nash)
Gary Hoffman (Barclays)

Their debate anticipated many of today’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) conversations, particularly the balance between profit and responsibility.

Climate Change: Business Solutions

Perhaps the most forward-looking session of all was the climate change panel. Moderated by senior CBI figures and featuring voices such as:

Sir Terry Leahy, CEO of Tesco
Robert Napier, Chairman of The Met Office
Philippe Varin, CEO of Corus
Ben Verwaayen, CEO of BT

The discussion called for corporate leadership in tackling environmental challenges, years before sustainability became mainstream boardroom policy. This made the 2007 CBI Interactive Conference a notable milestone in corporate climate dialogue.

The Gala Dinner at The Brewery, Chiswell Street

No CBI event would be complete without its celebrated Gala Dinner, held at The Brewery in London’s EC1 district. The 2007 dinner featured Andrew Marr — then the BBC’s Political Editor — as the after-dinner speaker.

Sponsored by BIE Executive Management and supported by the Greater London Authority, the dinner was an elegant affair, offering senior executives an opportunity to network with Cabinet-level officials in a black-tie setting. It was as much a social event as a strategic one, reinforcing the CBI’s role as a convening power for Britain’s corporate elite.

Behind the Scenes: The Technology Challenge

An insightful personal account from a member of the CBI software development team revealed the logistical complexities of managing such a high-profile event. The team initially relied on a Microsoft Access database for registration and scheduling — a system that soon buckled under the volume of concurrent users.

When the database failed to integrate with their new web-based check-in system, the team faced potential chaos. Lacking vendor support due to Microsoft ending mainstream updates for their version of Access, they were forced to engineer makeshift solutions.

Ultimately, this crisis prompted a transition to more scalable data management systems, serving as an internal case study on technological adaptability — a fitting metaphor for the business agility championed throughout the conference itself.

Press Coverage and Media Engagement

The CBI Interactive Conference 2007 received extensive coverage in major UK business media. Outlets such as The Guardian, Financial Times, and BBC News reported on keynote addresses, particularly those touching on private equity regulation, corporate trust, and climate policy.

The event’s speakers represented the convergence of media power and corporate influence, a hallmark of CBI conferences. Broadcast interviews with figures like Martin Broughton and Stephen Schwarzman often became soundbites for national discussions on Britain’s economic future.

Media presence at the event was also facilitated by the integrated conference-exhibition design, allowing reporters and delegates to mingle freely. The BDC’s architectural openness — glass ceilings and mezzanine galleries — provided an ideal setting for both networking and filming.

Cultural and Social Significance

The 2007 Interactive Conference took place during a transitional moment in British business culture. Globalization, environmental concerns, and the digital revolution were redefining corporate priorities. Within this context, CBIConference.biz functioned as both a digital event hub and a cultural artifact — emblematic of how traditional business institutions began to embrace the Internet as an extension of their influence.

The event’s themes — private equity scrutiny, corporate reputation, and climate action — reflected deep societal anxieties that still resonate today. By convening the nation’s top business minds to address them, the CBI signaled that economic leadership and moral responsibility were no longer separate domains.

Visitor Experience and Accessibility

The conference organizers paid remarkable attention to the visitor experience, addressing everything from parking logistics to accessibility for disabled attendees. Delegates received photo badges for enhanced security, and the on-site amenities included accessible toilets, wheelchair hire, and a first-aid room staffed throughout the event.

This professionalization of the attendee experience contributed to the CBI’s reputation for world-class event management — balancing high-level policy discussions with hospitality and comfort.

The Website: Purpose and Legacy

The original CBIConference.biz served as the digital nucleus of the event, featuring registration portals, schedules, speaker bios, venue maps, and sponsorship details. Its later re-creation by an attendee from archived web data transformed it from a practical conference tool into a historical preservation project — ensuring that the insights and context of the 2007 event remained accessible to future researchers and business historians.

While CBI.org.uk continues to host official conference material, the resurrected CBIConference.biz stands apart as a snapshot of early digital conference infrastructure — simple by modern standards, yet groundbreaking in its reach and interactivity.

Reviews and Reflections from Attendees

Attendees frequently described the 2007 CBI Interactive Conference as one of the most intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding business events of its time. Networking was identified as a standout benefit, with opportunities to interact directly with senior executives and policymakers.

One notable anecdote recounts how a delegate’s chance conversation about U.S. online gambling legislation (UIGEA 2006) sparked ongoing professional relationships that extended far beyond the event. This story highlights the serendipitous connections that conferences like this were known to foster.

Historical Context and Long-Term Impact

The 2007 CBI Interactive Conference took place on the cusp of the global financial crisis. Many of the discussions on private equity, business reputation, and corporate responsibility would take on new urgency as the 2008 recession unfolded.

In hindsight, the conference’s agenda appears prophetic. It underscored the fragility of public trust in business, the importance of regulatory clarity, and the need for sustainable innovation. The emphasis on climate change and ethical governance proved to be ahead of its time — anticipating the themes that would dominate the 2010s and beyond.

The CBI Interactive Conference 2007, as memorialized by CBIConference.biz, represents more than a business event — it’s a time capsule of leadership, ambition, and introspection during a pivotal decade for British and global commerce. The combination of political discourse, corporate insight, and technological experimentation made it a standout in the annals of business conferences.

By reviving and preserving its content, the current maintainers of CBIConference.biz have ensured that the lessons and discussions of that gathering remain accessible to historians, entrepreneurs, and students of business culture. The site stands as both an archive and a reminder: that progress in business is not only about profit, but about dialogue, adaptability, and the willingness to confront change head-on.

CBIConference.biz