As APIC 2011 in Fukuoka, Japan draws to a close, the Blog gives a round-up of impressions ...
Best thing about conference hotel: Huge glass arched window and roof over the split level restaurant and bar area, giving it an airy informal atmosphere.
Worst thing about conference hotel: The queues for the lifts. At 11.00 on Friday, there is an orderly line of about 40 men waiting for the lifts (elevators), and this is apparently a feature on the hour every hour as delegates move between their hourly meetings.
Most wacky business dinner: One contact told the Blog he had been out at a formal restaurant with a Japanese company, had a full meal, then they had moved on to another restaurant for a second dinner.
Most uncomfortable feature of conference: In one trader suite in the Hilton, they held their meetings sitting cross-legged or kneeling on the floor around a low table, and after a while it was very tiring on the thighs. On further questioning, the source confirmed that none of the guests had been wearing skirts.
Best party: The Shell reception, quite low-key on the 5th floor of the Hilton, with abundant Japanese and western food.
Least attended party: One company's event held in a burger bar which understandably, in the land of sushi and noodles, attracted a very small crowd, we hear.
Most interesting new food: Yuzu-kosyo, a spicy green paste flavoured with orange, served at Shell event, perfect on tempura.
Most annoying thing omitted in packing: a working phone. Only 3G phones work in Japan. Now I know.
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