“It was such a pleasure collaborating with you and then making everything come to life at the event. You were so helpful and pleasant to work with… a worldly, polished master facilitator who seamlessly helped participants connect the dots throughout the program.” Professional Conference Managers Association, Nashville, USA
“A massive thank you for all your help – I cannot tell you how reassuring it has been, among all the uncertainty and chaos, to know that you were there and would pull it all together on the stage. Once again you did a fantastic job. Thank you.”
“As always you were brilliant, you bring such insight and steer the debates so well. I particularly enjoyed your links and the way you wove the theme throughout, you give a clarity of thought and flow that the other moderators don’t.” World Travel & Tourism Councilglobal summit, Buenos Aires, Argentina
“A personal thank you from me, for being so kind, so professional and so easy to work with in delivering what is being billed as ‘the best Summit yet’. Thank you for making my job easy. Your preparation and contribution throughout the process was incredible and your challenge helped us shape the programme in the final iteration that we played out on stage. I do hope you enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed watching and working with you.” Anne Spaven, Project director, international conference, Bangkok
“You have been absolutely great at this event and one of the enduring reasons it has been so successful. I have always found you a pleasure to work with and very insightful, considerate and professional. Everyone always said to me that they were amazed at how quickly you picked up on what the real issue was on areas that were quite technical in many respects. Thank you very much.” Ernst & Young global finance conference, London, UK
“I wanted to add my thanks to those of many others for your contributions to the Symposium. I have been told that you moderated the whole event ‘brilliantly’ and that you ‘led the discussions perfectly – getting opinions out of very senior Japanese academics, government officials and journalists’. So now you are suitably embarrassed by the great comment from those who saw you in action this week in Japan, let me again add my thanks!” Senior government official
“You were amazing!!! a truly phenomenal moderation experience. And you are the most flexible and ‘human’ (down to earth, uncomplicated and reasonable) of celebrities that I have ever worked with.” Chairman of conference committee
“You were amazing!!! You were not just the consummate professional that we might have expected, you also transcended our expectations in so many ways. Your in-depth analysis and grasp of the subject, combined with your personal style and your political and personal sensitivity, result in a truly phenomenal moderation experience. It is not many people who can surprise, or intelligently challenge, such a wide range of people. Your approach to confrontation and challenge is so positive and considered that it almost makes you a subject matter expert in your own right – not just a ‘mere’ media personality. One member of the audience at the end of one session said to one of us – ‘I wish he was my Chief Executive!!’ Thank you for your professionalism, commitment and engagement. These were all really appreciated, and have given us fantastic value – including in ways that money cannot buy. (P.S. – you’re a really nice guy too!!)” Chairman of congress committee, London
“Wow, what can I say… you were an absolute star. You brought a level of professionalism to the Summit that has not always been apparent in the past. I absolutely love working with you. You really are the best conference host I have ever worked with. The way you do your research and really get to the hub of matters is fab.” Conference organiser, Tokyo
“I really hope I get to work with you again really very soon. Our ‘boss’ [the global CEO] said that this was absolutely the best external facilitator we ever had.” Conference organiser
“A virtuoso performance. You had quite a tricky audience to deal with but you managed it with your normal aplomb and succeeded in impressing everyone there.” Senior director
“I really enjoyed working with you… we got this event spot on.” Strategy director
“I wanted to thank you personally for… your knowledge and able chairmanship [and] your usual superb job.” CEO
“It is always an absolute pleasure to work with Nick – he is such a charming, intelligent, professional and lovely chap. I wish I could take him to all my shows!” Conference producer
“One of the best conferences I have been to – well done. I was also particularly impressed, as were all around me, with Nick Ross. He had a stunning grasp of the issues and a superb style in the Q&A with the presenters. I would have liked an opportunity to congratulate him.” Unsolicited delegate email
“I’ve already said it repeatedly but you were brilliant. You really kept it together, kept things moving forward and helped gell everything perfectly. Can’t tell you how grateful I am.” Media client
“Our high expectations were more than exceeded. We had some great feedback! You topped off the first conference day with your fantastic performance – asking the right, sometimes difficult questions about our business and the challenges we face. It was a great pleasure for me to meet you and work with you.” CEO German utility co
“Your boundless energy, pertinent questions and ability to keep everything on schedule was nothing short of masterful.” Communications consultant
“You continue to impress me with your incredible attention to detail and your extraordinary ability to soak up very complex and quite often personal details and then succinctly bring those key points out when it matters most. You have almost become part of the team and I am not only delighted, but proud that we were able to have your help again. The conference was a magnificent success and much of that was due to you.” CEO, Global outsourcing company
“Its not often that the crew unanimously sing the praises of the presenter/reporter/turn!! So thank you again.” Exec Producer
“I just wanted to express my total admiration I have for you in hosting the conference to perfection.” Strategic Adviser
“He is such a nice man. You are lucky to work with him.” PA to senior producer
“Thank you for your superb management of our conference, and for your support and advice behind the scenes as well. It really was greatly appreciated by all of us. Your help in drawing out the key questions and crystallising the important themes was absolutely fantastic… Your contribution will have a lasting impact on our business.” CEO, utility company
“The client was absolutely thrilled. Thank you for your contribution which was fundamental to its success. Your knowledge and interest is especially key and I know that [the client] is keen to meet up with you to discuss working together on this project in the future. She feels that a continued relationship would be beneficial.” Account Director
“You were a veritable kingpin for our conference last week and we are all extremely grateful. Your professional uptake on the many and various feeds, coupled with an inexhaustible intelligent curiosity enable you to both link and probe with outstanding results. Feedback has been excellent. Thank you for being the consummate professional.” Director General, PR association
“I am not sure what I can say in a letter that captures how much of an impact you made on our confer. You made a very significant contribution to this being the most successful conference in our history. Clearly you put a tremendous amount of work in beforehand and many of the delegates genuineley believed you worked for us. It is a relatively straightforward task to facilitate a conference, but to lead it and provide that challenging edge during questions and debates takes a special skill. It is easy to see why you came so highly recommended to us.” Chief Executive, international service company
“Your chairmanship and very active participation made it a roaring success and allowed [us] to make a huge leap forward. Your role.. was outstanding. It has been hailed as putting almost all similar gatherings in the shade.” Chief Executive, professional society
“It was a great pleasure to have you present and playing such an effective role at our second management conference in Barcelona. Your thoughtful interventions at the right time were absolutely appropriate and helped to maintain the debate the high energy levels that prevailed throughout the two-and-a-half days. All in all it was a great success, far exceeding my high expectations, and I would like to express my appreciation for your major contribution.” Chief Executive, global mining company
“I just wanted to write to say how very much I enjoyed working with you. I cannot tell you how much easier you made my life knowing that you were ‘down the front’ keeping the speakers ‘in line’. Their confidence and trust in you showed through in the way they handled both their speeches and question sessions. In fact, a number of the crew remarked that it was the best set of corporate presentations they have ever seen, and I would agree. I am sure you will have had similar positive feedback from [the client], but I wanted to add my thanks as well. It was a pleasure working with you and I hope we will meet again on some conference stage or other…..” Producer, global corporate event
“I have been through the feedback sheets from the conference in which your role as the chairman was rightly acknowledged as superb. You were absolutely outstanding and I am not surprised that [the CEO] has sought to book you for next year’s conference.” Chairman, Management consultants
“Nick was superb and a dream to work with. Will he consider us for next year?” Conference organiser, Manufacturing company
“You were fantastic.” MD Event production company
“Your endless patience and good humour, combined with your professional guidance and encouragement, made the day a very enjoyable experience – especially for those who started off with some fear and trepidation!” Local government official (after a video shoot)
“Nick, How can I thank you enough for the amazing tour de force last week – and over all the preparation time. Your patience with people who were so nervous about the way ahead, and your skill in pulling together so many conflicting aspirations into a cohesive whole was inspired!” International Research Company
“I never cease to be impressed by your complete professionalism on stage and the empathy you create with both presenters and audience alike – a great skill. Your imput prior to the event in shaping the proceedings was very valuable and my thanks also for the time and care you take to understand the company ensuring you become an integral part of the conference.” Director, Retail bank
“Thank you once again for making such a fantastic effort that enabled us to deliver what people are saying has been the most successful and impactful conference in our history. It was a real pleasure working with you.” Global service company
“Thanks again for your superb contribution. The professionalism and commitment you bring is a major contribution in (our) success and in addition I think your insights and suggestions go far beyond what one might reasonably expect from someone from outside the industry.” Insurance company
“I just wanted to thank you for a fantastic job. The feedback continues to come in and I am pleased to say that it is all positive.” Publishing company
“You had done your usual excellent job of preparation and probed issues in a way that the audience likes so much. Equally you were ready to respond to our requests for the occasional shift of gear or mood. I really meant it when I said you are the ultimate professional. Apart from that you are a thoroughly nice person with whom to work, and we will hope for another opportunity.” Director UK retail bank
“Quite simply the whole conference idea would have been less well executed in every way without your considerable communication skills, not to speak of your wholesale rewriting! There is no way we could have made the impact without you. Many, many thanks!” MD of major retailer
“…a pleasure to do business with a true professional who was obviously well prepared for the event and had a natural understanding of our business arena.” International telecommunications company
“They were all tremendously impressed with the relevance and effectiveness of your questions. .. They were even more impressed with your knowledge of the issues faced by the audience in your forays with the microphone.” Major IS corporation
“Your contribution to the meeting was remarkable. Bringing a new format of communication into a scientific gathering was courageous… your ability to grasp the essence in a completely different field was truly admirable and your ability to communicate competence and warmth at the same time is wonderful.” Specialist international medical / pharmaceutical conference
“Another superb and sterling performance… Your participation… has helped move the business forward.” Cable TV/phone company
“I know one should take professionalism for granted in people of your stature but I, and many others, were impressed by the application, research and commitment which you displayed.” Bank
“What can I say – you were absolutely wonderful. I have never worked with anyone as professional and enthusiastic as you before. The way you get your head around so much content and depth of knowledge you obtain is phenomenal.” Conference production company
“Thank you SO much for all your help. The client is just thrilled to bits? nothing but praise for you!” MD event management company
“Do thank and congratulate him for me. [I had never worked with Nick before but] the feedback was very complimentary, and I personally was very impressed.” Booking agency
“You have prodigious talent. You made my job of directing the commercial very easy indeed. It was a pleasure working with you, thank you.” Commercials director
“Many thanks… Your experience and expertise shone through. My clients were highly delighted and I look forward to working with you again.” Booking agency
“The [senior executive] at one point whispered in my ear ‘Nick Ross is very good isn’t he’ – which is a compliment indeed from one whose normal level of feedback is ‘this is total crap’. Thank you for holding it all together so well.” Conference organiser
“It is always an absolute pleasure to work with Nick ? he is such a charming, intelligent, professional and lovely chap ? I wish I could take him to all my shows!” Conference producer
“You have been absolutely great at this event over the 9 years of your involvement and you have been for sure one of the enduring reasons it has been as successful as it has over the years. I always found you a pleasure to work with and very insightful, considerate and professional. Everyone always said to me that they were amazed at how quickly you picked up on what the real issue was on areas that were quite technical in many respects. You also gracefully put up with me over the years which is not always easy! Thank you very much.” International accountancy partner and conference organiser
“The award ceremony is part of a special day. Your presentation of the event was superb and everyone told me how excellently they thought you had hosted the event. Many thanks, you were brilliant.” Sponsor
“A big thank you for your input, inspiration and effort. The survey results are testament not only to your own personality but also the way in which you handled the issues like an industry pro. It was a pleasure working with you and I hope we have the opportunity to work together again.” Creative Director
“It is always a pleasure to work with you.” Conference production company
“After each booking we always send out a questionnaire to our clients which besides asking questions about our service, also asks for their overall comments about the Artist’s performance. I thought you might be interested in reading their remarks about yourself: ‘Nick Ross was incredibly professional as we would have expected. What we didn’t expect was for him to be so helpful, understanding and so unpretentious! It was a pleasure working with him – he wanted to take a great interest in the business to ensure he felt he was giving his most for the video. Thank you.’ Thank you as well from all of us here for making our clients so happy.”
“You are simply the best.” Scriptwriter
“You are absolutely fantastic! The feedback from the event has been so really positive. ‘The best ever…’ ‘Nick Ross added so much…’ We could not have pulled it off without you. Thank you.” Account Director
“It all went extremely well… It was a great pleasure working with Nick who is a total energy pack! He was on the ball throughout and made a major contribution to creating a solid basis for future networks. Please pass on my thanks.” Director of events company
Yesterday went brilliantly and the comments received so far have been hugely positive, you did a fantastic job.” Events Manager
“Just to say thanks so much for everything both yesterday and for the work that you put in beforehand. The client are absolutely chuffed to bits (as are we) and feel that everybody had an extremely productive day. This is, in no small part, down to your professionalism and enthusiasm and I think it would have been a very different conference without you! I hope you have a great Christmas – [we] would love to buy you a drink in the New Year to say thankyou.” Account Director
“We have done quite a lot of work with Nick Ross and he is a brilliant facilitator which is always beneficial when we are wanting to show off the system to its full potential.” Unsolicited, to 3rd party, conference technical company
“Thank you for your brilliant facilitating. You are without a doubt the true master of conference Q&A and an expert host. Despite the fact that we had constantly asked the speakers to give us their input in advance, the majority came in on that morning and I thought you handled the ever-changing scenario with consummate ease. I always like the way you go into the audience to encourage responses and interaction. No-one else in this field gets anywhere close to your standard… It was a great pleasure working with you.” Production company CEO
“THANK YOU! The conference was a resounding success. My client has been innundated with compliments from delegates saying the event was the best one they have ever attended. In the feedback received so far from the delegates, your name is mentioned time after time for your professional approach and your ability to be the “voice of the audience”. [The client] was absolutely delighted and I know she has an extremely high regard for your abilities. She was particularly pleased that you were able to make her and all the members of her Leadership Team feel so comfortable in from of what to them is a rather daunting sight – all 2,000 of their management team! I must also mention how impressed I was at the rehearsals a week before the event – your ability to maintain concentration for over seven hours as we went through each presentation one by one and without a single break was breathtaking! I know we had breaks scheduled but it just didn’t happen that way! Nick, it was a huge pleasure to work with you once again and I will have absolutely no hesitation recommending you for future events. Good luck, and I look forward to the next time.” Director
“One word sums up your contribution to the conference. I have taken it from the Concise Oxford Dictionary and appears on page 761. Here, to save you looking it up, is the word in its full meaning! Perf?’ction n. completion; making perfect; full development; faultless (to ~, exactly, completely); comparative excellence; perfect person or thing; highest pitch, extreme, perfect specimen or manifestation, (of quality etc.); an accomplishment. Many thanks Nick. Here’s to the next time!” Head of Production company
“What can I say – you were absolutely wonderful. I have never worked with anyone as professional and enthusiastic as you before. The way you get your head around so much content and depth of knowledge you obtain is phenomenal.” Producer
“Many thanks for your major contribution. I was really impressed with the way you put across a set of subtle – and not so subtle – themes to deliver the exact message we wanted. It was a pleasure working with you and I hope we can do so again soon.” Managing Director, communications company
“Nick, It is always a pleasure to work with you.” Producer
“Many, many thanks for your support and superb performances last week. I don’t think I have worked with anyone in your profession who has such a complete grasp of the client issues. The initial feedback both from my clients and the delegates has been superb. Once again, Thank you for being such a pleasure to work with, I look forward to the next time.” Chairman conference company
“A most sincere thank you for all your time, dedicated effort and wonderful delivery that went together to make the launch event such a success. The evening was very well received and would not have been half the success without your valued input as to the style and content of the event. I hope you enjoyed yourself at the time as well. Our thanks also for embarking upon the project at such an eleventh hour, almost midnight really! We all greatly enjoyed working with you and look forward to the next time. I hope very much that will be in the near future and we will provide ample warning and preparation time!” Many thanks.” Producer
“We’ve had such a fantastic feedback. I know [the clients] were deeply grateful to you for your commitment and enthusiasm. I totally concur. You were such fun to work with too, which to mean means loads. Until next time.” Producer
“Thanks again for your contribution to a brilliant conference, the clients are (naturally) delighted and as usual it was a pleasure to work with you.” Producer
“I must say it was an absolute delight to work with you again. Thank you so much for your contribution to the success of the meeting. As I mingled without fail your involvement was praised without exception. Again, than you.” Director, conference production company
“Many thanks… Your experience and expertise shone through. My clients were highly delighted and I look forward to working with you again.” Booking agency
“A pleasure as always and a very good day for (us). …such quality and professionalism. Your contribution was superb. Many thanks until the next time.” Conference Organiser
“I very much enjoyed working with you. I was particularly impressed with your involvement in the editorial side and your commitment. I very much have a chance to work together again in the near future.” Scriptwriter
“How can I thank you enough for the amazing tour de force last week – and over all the preparation time. Your patience with people who were so nervous about the way ahead, and your skill in pulling together so many conflicting aspirations into a cohesive whole was inspired – well done!” Organiser of pre-privatisation conference of senior managers
“We were all most impressed at the superbly professional way in which you managed the whole proceedings, at your interest and commitment to the subject matter; and your general enthusiasm. I very much hope we can work together again in the future and we are all deeply grateful for your help.” Organiser of a series of debates
“Many thanks for all your work on Friday. We thought [the event] went particularly well and we appreciate your suggestions. [The client was] more than pleased and have asked us to pass on their thanks. We hope to work with you again soon. Many thanks.” Chairman, conference company
“A brief line to say: you were fantastic. Thank you.” MD Production company
“You are simply the best.” Scriptwriter
“I just wanted to write ‘off-line’ to say a huge word of thanks for running such a great conference. Through the diligence of our briefings and your own self-preparation [and] armed with the knowledge that I would have your enthusiasm and in-depth commitment on the day, it has made the responsibility of organising the annual conferences somewhat less onerous, and I would like to thank you for that bonus too.” Chief executive
“Nick, just a short note to say that I thought you were outstanding yesterday. Many people commented to me that your contribution was excellent. It was clearly the best event yet on that kind that we have put on. I will be sure to be in contact with you for next year!!” Partner, international accountancy firm
“Thank you for your support… The event was a great success and I have received very positive feedback, in no small part due to your excellent facilitation.” Chairman, Big 4 audit company
“I have been through the feedback sheets from the conference in which your role as the chairman was rightly acknowledged as superb. You were absolutely outstanding.” Chairman, Business turnaround professionals
“I am pleased to enclose our cheque in settlement of your extremely well-deserved fees and expenses. Your involvement undoubtedly lifted the conferenmce onto another plane.” Training Director
“Just a few lines to thank you on behalf of myself and [the company] for the huge contribution you made to the success of our event. There is one thing that eveyone is 100% agreed upon… and that is the value you brought to the proceedings. I’d be delighted to share our feeback with you and thank you once again – I hope you enjoyed it and will consider helping us again.” Communications Director, insurance wholesale
“Thank you most sincerely for your huge contribution to the undoubted success of our Management Conference in [the US]. I personally appreciated both your efforts to understand the issues facing [us] and your personal support throughout.” Chairman
“Since our conference ended I have been delighted with the number of unsolicited plaudits which have been received. Clearly our managers were entertained and left motivated to face the challenges ahead. Many of our delegates have passed comments on the excellent way you handled the events, getting to the heart of the issues and pulling all the threads together. I would also like to record my admiration for the thoroughly professional way you dealt with the delegates and speakers alike. Your talent for becoming part of the audience, but not alienating the presenters is a special one and ensures full value can be gained from the interactive sessions. In addition I am grateful for the guidance and support you provided in putting our conferences together. I am in no doubt that your involvement was instrumental in ensuring our objectives were achieved. …I can pay no greater compliment than to ask you to work with us again. Many thanks again for your massive contribution to the success of our conferences. Warm regards.” Sales Director
“Your chairmanship and very active participation made it a roaring success and allowed [us] to make a huge leap forward in terms of engaging members and delegates in contributing to the quality of this most important event of the business year. It will not come as a surprise to you to hear that your role as the very au fait chairman has been hailed as putting almost all similar gatherings in the shade. Thank you very much for the way you ran the conference – it was outstanding.” Chief Executive, alliance of business rescue professionals
“Enormous thanks from me and the Executive for a simply surperb job. It is such a pleasure to work with you and I was enormously grateful for your help, advice, and support. You are truly one of the highlights of the conference.” Partner and conference organiser Big Four auditor
“Nick Ross is a natural at settling the audience and before long everyone is laughing and relaxed.” In-house bank magazine
“You had done your usual excellent job of preparation and probed issues in a way that the audience likes so much. Equally you were ready to respond to our requests for the occasional shift of gear or mood. I really meant it when I said you are the ultimate professional. Apart from that you are a thoroughly nice person with whom to work, and we will hope for another opportunity.” Director UK retail bank
”While [my section] was only a token part of [the] conference last week, it does not preclude my writing to say how much I admired the tremendous skills which you consistently applied throughout the four days. For me, your greatest gift was so neatly fitting personal concerns and operational detail into the wider strategic context and pursuing (with great tenacity!) what you felt to be gaps in the logic flow. Many thanks for the opportunity for me to learn from the experience – I have had an inspiration top-up!” Group Director
“I know one should take professionalism for granted in people of your stature but I, and many others, were impressed by the application, research and commitment which you displayed.” Senior executive UK retail bank
“I would like to thank you for the outstanding job you did as moderator of our Global Roundtable. You played a key role in the success of this event. I was especially impressed with your keen appreciation of all the issues, as well as with your deft handling of the discussion session involving both our live and satellite audience. It would be a pleasure for us to work with you in the future. And should your travels take you to San Francisco we would be delighted to have you visit.” President & CEO
“This is just a brief note to thank you most sincerely for the highly professional way in which you facilitated our conference. Every delegate that I spoke to was deeply impressed by the extent of your knowledge of our company and your open approach to discussing issues and concerns. I am personally most grateful for the amount of time and energy that you spent to ensure that the whole conference proceeded smoothly and met its objectives.” CEO
“Thank you for the very successful part you played in our conference. We achieved our objective by raising the whole event to a different level. …I really enjoyed working with you and admire the speed with which you grasped our business and the particular issues and dynamics at this stage in our growth. I look forward to getting in touch with you to pick up with you other potential opportunities… Thanks again.” Managing Partner
“Thanks again for your superb contribution. The professionalism and commitment you bring to Question Time is a major factor in its success and in addition I think your insight and suggestions go far beyond what one might reasonably expect from someone outside the industry.Thanks again.” Chief Executive
“I know one should take professionalism for granted in people of your stature but I, and many others, were impressed by the application, research and commitment which you displayed.” Chairman
“Many thanks for all you did on the day – I have no doubt that you were a key factor in making the conference a success. We’ve had extremely positive feedback including many compliments about your good self. I was impressed by how easy it all seemed to you and how you put those on stage at ease.” Communications Director, Business Banking Division
“I just wanted to add my thanks for the wonderful job did for us. Your help and guidance before the event were invaluable and the professional way you handled the live event was truly outstanding. I have received many unprompted comments from delegates and presenters alike concerning the astounding knowledge you have developed…” Communications manager
“The feedback has been fantastic, everyone seems to be really pleased, including the delegates who have gone back… feeling very much more motivated. [The client] was really delighted – I chatted with him through dinner on Friday. I’m afraid I had to give him your phone number. I hope you don’t mind but you are his new, best friend. There will be a de-brief [and] if anything interesting comes out of this I will let you know… It was great to work with you again… thank you for all the effort you put into the conferences last week. I don’t think [the client] will be able to do an event without you!” Event producer
“You were brilliant. One always hopes you’ll ask the questions that people in the audience want to ask; not only did you do that but you drew together all the strands effortlessly and held the conference together. You were absolutely brilliant.” Deputy Prime Minister
“You were just fantastic, we were amazed at your handling of all of those interview sessions – you always seemed to be more knowledgeable than the experts – don’t know how you do it.” Producer, HM Government international conference
“I just wanted to express my total admiration I have for you in hosting the conference to perfection…. Everyone was extremely impressed by the way you moved it along and ensured that the debate was fresh and relevant…. As a direct result of the conference we have firm talks with [seven potential partners] all at a high level. This is exactly the output I hoped for, so many thanks.” Strategic Adviser
“You did a fantastic job – just the right balance between putting people on the spot and not undermining them. It was a really good event and that was down to your skill and professional approach. Thank you.”- UK Government Change Director, January 2004 “Thank you for your excellent contribution to the success of our conference. It was always going to be a challenging environment but I was pleased with the way it went – and in particular with the way you once again moved proceedings along and kept us focused on the main issues. I look forward to seeing you again [at our next events].” Permanent Secretary, HM Government Department
“My thanks for the truly excellent job you did for us. We have had an overwhelming amount of positive feedback. Your contribution was undoubtedly key with many delegates commenting directly on the very high standard of your performance. Particularly impressive was your grasp of the issues… The discussion was always measured, constructive and thought-provoking… All staff involved with the event also send their best wishes and thanks for a job well done.” Chief Executive, government agency, November 2003
“We have never had a conference like it. You gave it a real air of excitement and the take-up has been terrific. We must try and work with you again.” HM Government
“You did a superb job as Chairman, for which we are most grateful. Generally ratings (0-10) were high, with consistent praise for the skill with which it was chaired by Nick Ross: Chairmanship of the conference 9.5 (Range 7/10: only 3 marks lower than 9)
“Delegate feedback about Nick was superb: ‘Excellent, especially in difficult circumstances’; ‘Fair to both government and NGO contributions’; ‘Made it work!’ ” UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office
“It was a real success. Everyone here from the Secretary of State downwards was impressed; 70% of delegates rated it 8 or above (on a scale of 1 to 10); 90% told us they were more likely to [act as a result]. The event had a unique credibility. Your role was central. You made difficult issues understandable, without over-simplifying. You drew out of the panellists their real experiences, rather than the dry theory. And you spoke with genuine authority; what looked effortless was, I know, the product of a lot of detailed work. Thank you again.” HM Government
“You brought not just professionalism but a passion… a thoughtful and incisive input and I know that delegates were impressed by the way you challenged the speakers without being aggressive and encouraged particiaption from the audience. I had a lot of feedback from delegates to say how much they enjoyed your contribution. I would be really grateful if you were able to chair the event again for us (next year).” UK Dept of Health
“I would like to express my appreciation for your excellent handling of the Athens conference last week. The feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive. Once again our sincere thanks for your contribution to the conference and your invaluable help in planning the event. I hope we may work together again in the near future!” UK Department of Trade & Industry
“Thank you for your lead role in making this event such a success. Your approach meant that it was more open, more productive and more focused than any we have had in the past. Early feedback has been excellent – some saying that it was the best event they had been to!” HM Government Department
“Your boundless energy, pertinent questions and ability to keep everything on schedule was nothing short of masterful.” Government communications adviser
“Many thanks for your contribution (which) led to a lively and frank exchange. There was a similar session (or at least they planned it that way) at a meeting arranged by the Commission in October but it turned out to be stilted and lacking in any audience participation. If we have a similar event in the future I hope you would be prepared to help us again.” European Commission
“Thank you for helping us make the conference such a success. Our special thanks are due for your excellent chairmanship of the Round Table Discussion which was much livelier and more exciting than is usually the case at events of this type. I look forward to working with you on similar events in the future.” HM Government
“I’m just so impressed. There’s a magician in you that brings out the best in everybody.” Healthcare Chief Executive
“Your contribution to the meeting was remarkable. Bringing a new format of communication into a scientific gathering was courageous… your ability to grasp the essence in a completely different field was truly admirable and your ability to communicate competence and warmth at the same time is wonderful.” US endocrinologists’ meeting
“I must confess some here took a lot of convincing that a layman could chair a scientific meeting. But nobody has had anything but praise for the conference, and for you in particular. ‘How did he know so much?’, ‘He really understood the issues’, ‘He raised matters that we doctors might not have thought of’, were some of the comments…. To take on a technical meeting like this with such thoughtfulness, and injecting such pace and humour, was a big remove from anything we have done before, and exactly what I had hoped for. Many thanks and I hope we have a chance to work together again.” Global rheumatology conference
“Your professionalism was absolutely outstanding, as was your attention to ensuring that every individual there felt their contribution was noted and valued, and your ability to challenge on key issues. We are extremely grateful to you for making both days so successful and memorable. We would be very keen to work with you again.” Director of Communications, UK clinical education organisation
“I just wanted to say a huge thank you for your involvement. We have received the feedback for the event… with 96% of people scoring your session either good or excellent. It was a pleasure working with you.” NHS
“Another excellent seminar. We have received much positive feedback. Everyone has been particularly impressed by the way you led the discussions. The chairman and my departmental head have also asked me to pass on their immense thanks to you.” British Medical Association
“Thank you so much for helping to make the… conference such a success. I have no doubt it was your style, opinion and knowledge of the subject that created an open and receptive attitude… I will be contacting your office very soon with another conference… where again I think your participation would be hugely valuable.” HM Government Department of Health
“Nick was so superb at our last conference we are keen to use him again. Could you let me know his availability…” HM Government Department of Health
“We have had an excellent feedback – in fact everyone has commented on how well-informed you were… I went home very happy. From my side your contribution was key in adding professionalism to the meeting (this sometimes is lacking in medical meetings)… Our ability to differentiate the meeting is key, so a success again on that point. I hope that we are able to work together at some point in the future! Kind regards.” UK medical meeting + satellite to remote locations
“All the early feedback has been extremely positive and I know [the Chief Executive] was particulalrly pleased about the conference and your own participation. The more we work together the more I understand and appreciate your style of working and I hope we will soon have the opportunity to work together again.” Head of Corporate Events, UK healthcare
“I really enjoyed the session, and the way you handled it up to the final goal. The achievement on Sunday was very good. Feedback from participants, and also from the Steering Committee, was very positive. The momentum is ongoing, I’ll keep you posted on the progress of this consensus. It would be nice to have other opportunities to work with you, and to have other opportunities to learn from your example. Once again, thank you for your support and management of the meeting.” Multiple sclerosis consensus conference, Paris
“Nick, As always you did a brilliant job and without you this format would be difficult to implement. Everyone preferred this format, including our voters from the pharmaceutical industry. I am proud that we covered the real issues extensively. This time it was not easy and you really had to push… Thanks!!!!!!!!” Satellite symposium, international physicians’ meeting, Prague
“I just wanted to say thank you very much for your input and enthusiasm in all of the issues discussed at the conference and across the whole three days. I have had so much positive feedback from both speakers and delegates and all have spoken very highly of you and the way you facilitated the conference.” NHS departmental head
“Thank you for your contribution at yesterday’s launch event. We were all very impressed with your knowledge of the platform and also your management of press and customer questions. I hope that you enjoyed the session and found the panel to be a stimulating group of experts. From our perspective we have had some terrific coverage in the press today including the Guardian, FT, Independent and New Media Age. I look forward to the possibility of your working with us again in the future.” Head of Marketing, global telco
“Just to say a huge thank you for Friday and Saturday – to say you were great absolutely understates your contribution. You made all the difference… The feedback has… unanimously been positive and especially about you. So thanks again from everyone [in the company] and especially from me!” Internet facilities provider for ISPs and telcos
“They were all tremendously impressed with the relevance and effectiveness of your questions. .. They were even more impressed with your knowledge of the issues faced by the audience in your forays with the microphone.” Major IT corporation
“Thank you for your superb management of our conference, and for your support and advice behind the scenes as well. It really was greatly appreciated by all of us. Your help in drawing out the key questions and crystallising the important themes was absolutely fantastic… Your contribution will have a lasting impact on our business.” CEO, utility company
“Thank you for doing a brilliant job… your facilitation was key. The senior leadership team got a lot out of working with you [and] the conference has really helped us on our journey.” HR Director, defence contractor
“Now the dust has settled, just a quick note to say thanks so much for all your efforts in making this year’s management conference such a resounding success. I really appreciated all your thoughts and insights during the planning stages and I have heard nothing but praise for the way in which you facilitated the conference for us. You really did help to make it meaningful for everyone. I’ll look forward to working with you next year if you haven’t yet had enough of [us]!” Head of change management, PPI infrastructure company
“Thank you for the magnificent job you did. It was a really successful day, interesting and stimulating [and] your masterful management of the event was a lesson to us all.” Head of Unit, public transport sector
Thank you for taking such a lead role in making our management conference such a success. The contribution you made has been invaluable, not only through your professionalism but also the empathy you were able to create. All have been terribly impressed by the effectiveness of your questions. The feedback… is extremely positive and very encouraging for the future of [our company].” Chief Executive, engineering contractor
“It was a great pleasure to have you present and playing such an effective role at our second management conference in Barcelona. Your thoughtful interventions at the right time were absolutely appropriate and helped to maintain the debate the high energy levels that prevailed throughout the two-and-a-half days. All in all it was a great success, far exceeding my high expectations, and I would like to express my appreciation for your major contribution.” Chief Executive, global mining company
“Just to say again how much we appreciated your fantastic input. Your genial interventions but well researched questions kept the audience well focused and you contributed enormously to the successful outcome. I particularly appreciate the time you put in beforehand to prepare yourself and the research you did which brought you to the conference extremely well prepared. My colleagues echo my view in expressing my appreciation to you.” Chief Executive, global natural resources and mining company
“Nick Ross demonstrated as exceptional grasp of the issues we were discussing and I thought he really brought the conference to life – he demonstrated a singular ability to keep the discussion rolling, bringing the best out of speakers and delegates and expertly summarising the salient points that arose. Everyone I have spoken to has praised the way he hosted and moderated the conference.” Director, internatonal infrastructure company
“Thank you for your brilliant facilitating. You are without doubt the true master of conference Q&A and an expert host. You handled the ever-changing scenario with professional ease. It was with total confidence I slotted in the [whole extra] section, knowing somehow you’d sort it. No-one else in the field gets anywhere close to your standard.” Construction consortium
“As always, a superior performance on your part which not only held the event together but also added an innovative dimension for which you are now infamous here! The post-event survey confirms a wonderful response from the audience as well as some very complimentary remarks about you. Thanks again and I look forward to our next encounter.” Group Managing Director, defence contractor
“I want to thank you for your care and, above all, for the enthusiasm and professionalism that characterised your work that has been one of the elements that [contributed to] the success of [our] management convention. I hope we have a chance to work together again.” Vice President, pan-European aerospace and defence company
“Thank you for your usual immense contribution to the success of the show [a large-scale live satellite TV communication exercise with 400 studio guests and 30 remote locations]. You have now worked with us on three occasions and every time we have achieved great success with our audience. I believe this is because they very much relate to you as an honest broker between them and ourselves and in this context your credibility is so important. Thank you Nick for you role in restructuring the show. I believe it worked better as a result of your intervention. Over the years we have built a great concept from which everybody… can gain and I look forward to the next show when we can rejoice as the strongest national network in the country. It has been great working with you.” MD automotive manufacturing & distribution company
“Just a short note of thanks for facilitating last Thursday’s event in such a professional manner.The immense effort you made to understand the issues and the context in which the event was taking place was recognised and much appreciated by all of the participants. Thanks also for recognising the importance of keeping up the pace of the event and of providing a variety of ways in which the audience’s attention was maintained. As I told you, it was the first event of its kind – all credit for ensuring the likelihood of a repeat performance! I am sure our paths will cross again.”
“You did an outstanding job. Perhaps I might buy you lunch.” Chief Executive, major research company
“The feedback I have had has been tremendous with [your] live interviews and debate sessions as one of the highlights of the event.” Commercial Director, international building systems company
“I want to thank you for moderating our conference in Marrakech. You brought us just the right mix of business experience and commerical realism that the event required. Our delegates greatly enjoyed your style and that has been clearly demonstrated in the early feedback.” President, travel industry convention
“Apologies for the rather casual form of communication [a postcard from Florida “..Just Another Perfect Day”] but I did not want to wait until I returned from holiday to thank you personally for your wonderful contribution to our symposium last week. The event undoubtedly achieved its objectives, significantly helped by your always excellent controlling influence” Director, aerospace company
“Your contribution was brilliant, injecting a bit of drama into our discussion. We had very enthusiastic feedback about ‘Question Time’, and your coup for us in publicly making the Minister an offer she couldn’t refuse! We were very happy with the whole day. I appreciate enormously your contribution.”
“Dear Mr Ross, The advisory group comprising of representatives of all the partners involved in this initiative met today and were unanimous in asking me to write to you. On behalf of all of us I would like to offer you our sincere thanks for making the launch of this initiative so successful. All of those involved said that you had helped to make the event truly memorable and a number have commented very positively on the empathy that you showed for the range of issues involved. I am very sorry indeed that the issue of your fee became a subject of press comment. [A local newspaper had queried whether public service organisations should pay for a professional presenter.] If it is of any consolation the view of the advisory group was that your contribution was worth every penny!” Local government partnership
“Thank you again for your enthusiasm and hard work. We were all honoured to have you on board and you greatly contributed to the energy and excitement generated at this event. The feedback has been extremely favourable and we were all impressed by your knowledge and quick understanding. We enjoyed working with you and thank you once again for all your hard work.” Private contractor to the public sector
“Your endless patience and good humour, combined with your professional guidance and encouragement, made the day a very enjoyable experience – especially for those who started off with some fear and trepidation!” Senior local government official (after a video shoot)
“We have had a lot of positive feedback. My colleagues who are industry partnership managers are already reaping the benefits of the event. It was your suggestion to be so honest with the audience and ask them for their frank opinions – that honesty and openness in prticular has been well received. We really couldn’t have asked for more.” Communications Manager, LANTRA
“Thank you for your considerable contribution. We have had an excellent response and there is now a genuine feeling that together we can make a difference. I have received a wealth of positive feedback not only about the way you handled the audience but also demonstrated your knowledge of the subject without taking over the debate. It was a pleasure working with you.” Community Regeneration Manager, housing association
“Basically it was a stormer. The feedback I received on Tuesday was really overwhelming. I am particularly grateful for your constant help during the planning and I know your input contributed to making the event truly different from a typical conference – we balanced the agenda perfectly and delivered real inspiration. Thanks again.” International retailer
“It was, as I hope you could tell, a huge success. The feedback so far is that it was the highlight of the conference, and everyone was particularly impressed by how well you understood the issues and the way you engaged the audience. As one [member of staff] said to me, “Companies tend to talk down to their employees, but I felt we were being treated like adults.” I personally could not hope for more as that fully reflects our values. Just as importantly, you helped us draw out the key themes for the future on a critical topic. I offer you my profound thanks on behalf of the whole company.” MD UK pharmacy chain
“Please would you pass on our thanks to Nick Ross for Friday. He was extremely helpful, beyond the call of duty, and made the whole day go fantastically well – I think he has made what would have been a good presentation something completely fantastic!” UK retailer’s agency after a one-off video shoot
“We are delighted with Nick’s work [on a public service commercial] and look forward to working with him again in the future.” TV commercials production company
“You were excellent. We couldn’t have had anyone better.” Chief executive, media company
“Thank you for your contribution at yesterday’s launch event. We were all very impressed with your knowledge of the platform and also your management of press and customer questions. From our perspective we have had some terrific coverage in the press today including the Guardian, FT, Independent and New Media Age. I look forward to your working with us again in the future.” Marketing Director, BT Division
“Thanks and thanks again. These business events are really important to us. The fact that you are able to speak from personal experience, with passion and integrity and also be challenging and balanced, is immensely powerful. You made a significant contribution to the debate today. Thank you!” Chief Executive, broadband provider
“Many thanks for your major contribution to the conference. I was really impressed with the way you put across a set of subtle – and not so subtle – themes to deliver the exact message we wanted. It was a pleasure working with you and I hope we can do so again soon.” MD Mobile phone airtime provider
“Thank you for the excellent contribution you made to my conference a couple of weeks ago. As always your research and preparation really paid off. Everybody was amazed at the depth of understanding you had of the issues. The feedback I have received has been overwhelming.” MD large telco
“98% said they had a clear understanding of policy; 96% felt confident they could cascade their messages to their people.” Feedback report
“Nick Ross was superb. I couldn’t believe his depth of knowledge about [our business] and the issues that interest the audience. He was also exceedingly sharp and pertinent.” “Can we ask Nick Ross to become a non-executive director?” Verbatim feedback
“Another superb and sterling performance… Your participation has helped move the business forward.”
“The feedback has been very positive and some notable quotes: ‘Liked the Nick Ross chat show’ ‘Nick was very professional and enhanced what may have been boring.’ ‘Nick was well briefed and entertaining.’ Overall the conference has been the most successful to date and this can be attributed to your professionalism and style. On a personal note it was a pleasure to work with you and the team can’t wait until we do the same again.” Feedback questionnaire
“…a pleasure to do business with a true professional who was obviously well prepared for the event and had a natural understanding of our business arena.”
“My sincere thanks for your support at the Forum [which] helped again to ensure the event was dynamic and thought-provoking. As you were aware, one of the challenges we faced was in getting the audience involved in the event, and we are particularly appreciative of your efforts in this respect… You will be pleased to hear that we received… very positive feedback. This was in no small part as a result of the part you played.” MD Emergency services communications provider
“Thank you so much for your efforts – there has been a great deal of positive feedback highlighting your professionalism, knowledge, attention to detail and above all your charisma which made the day a memorable one… Here’s to the next one.” Chief executive, publishing company
