Lord Prescott was supplied by speaker agency Performing Artistes. In his talk – Behind the scenes of government – he spoke about the important role conferences play in the democratic process, because "they allow people to find a consensus and tackle global problems".
He talked about the conference theme in government this week, referencing how all the major political parties have reached an agreement on accountability of the press.
He said centres like Excel are "critical" for international debates, adding that he "dug the first sod" for the building with the Malaysian Prime Minister. He said that at the time he tried to sell him the then-Millennium Dome, but he "wasn’t having any of it".
Talking about the things he didn’t miss about being in government, Lord Prescott mentioned Prime Ministers questions; his role in the Royal Charter; trying to get Tony Blair and Gordon Brown to agree; and his security, which he claims he only got after the egg-throwing incident in 2001.
Other highlights from day one at Confex included the launch of the Save sustainability initiative, which has been co-developed by Eco Events director Sam Wilson and DRP Group.
Plus, five new acts performed in the Live Experience Lounge to win a spot in the semi-final of industry talent competition The Next Big Thing. Pop band Instinct got the audience vote, while Balkan band Paprika won over the judges, who included Adam Sternberg of Sternberg Clarke; Andrew Birnie, events director at Café de Paris; and Event magazine’s associate editor Rachel Bull.
If you’re at the show visit our Event magazine on stand X741, and follow us @eventmagazine to stay tuned with what we’re up to over the next two days.