Anyone who’s ever organised an event knows the fear of no one turning up. Apparently, even U2 still worry about ticket sales. Fingernails were bitten short, then, on the day of the Funds Europe Awards 2022. It was the first time in three years that we’d hosted the awards in person at our traditional venue, the Tower of London.

We strove to make our ‘comeback’ awards the best yet. Afternoon tea was provided, a free tour of the Crown Jewels was offered, and, for the first time, we had a professional host – Samira Ahmed, the BBC TV and radio presenter.

In the end, attendance was affected – but only slightly. It was thanks to a strike at London Underground that our at-capacity event was slightly under capacity.

Another concern when it comes to events is whether those who do turn up will stick around afterwards. Leaving at the first reasonably polite opportunity… well, it’s not a great sign, is it? With much pleasure, then, I looked about the room some 30 minutes after our ceremony had finished and saw a full house of funds people enjoying themselves.

So, our first in-person Funds Europe Awards for three years… It went alright on the night.

Nick Fitzpatrick, Group Editor, Funds Europe

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