In her first Presidential update, Michala Medcalf reflects on the Lighting Live Annual Conference, this summer’s Board strategic ‘awayday’ and what is set to be a hugely busy, but enthralling, autumn of regional CPD.
By Michala Medcalf
Welcome to my first ‘Medcalf’s Memo’ to you as ILP President. Like James Duffin and Perry Hazell before, I will aim through my year as President to be providing you with regular updates on all that has been happening during what I know – and expect – will be a whirlwind 12 months.
Looking back, first, at the Lighting Live Annual Conference in Birmingham in June, it was amazing how you get caught up in the speed of events as they unfold. I took a short break in Wales afterwards and, while we there, I reflected on the build-up to the event and my address to members. I said to my husband Alan, ‘I almost can’t believe I’ll never utter those words again, but I was so proud to have presented that speech’.
I wanted to make my Presidential address personal but also very member focused, and I think it did hit those talking points. I’ve obviously been to many ILP conferences before but being presented with that chain of office – the weight of that office, quite literally – it was an amazing experience.
My speech, too, provided an opportunity to share with members my aspirations for the Institution, acknowledge the achievements of those who have gone before me, and reinforce the importance of the collective effort that will shape our future.
Generally, the feedback I’ve had from members about this year’s Lighting Live has been very positive; I was pleased we had such a wide demographic of members represented at conference.
I was also pleased we were successful in attracting many local authorities, as we know many local authority members do struggle to get out of the office for CPD events. The support from all our event partners, sponsors and exhibitors blew me away as well. Without them, of course, we cannot deliver the success of our event So, again, my deepest thanks to all of them.
One massive highlight for me was the Gala Dinner and the awarding of only our second Centenary Medal to Elizabeth Thomas. I was of course on ‘Nosecco’ for the dinner because I knew I needed to have a clear head and mind to keep check of my emotions and be sure I would get through the citation without breaking up!
Her face when she realised was a picture; I wanted to make sure I kept people in suspense, right up until the point where I had to reveal who it was. When I said, ‘this person then became our first female President’, I turned round and spoke directly to Elizabeth.
She was just in complete shock. It was a moment I will always cherish and remember; it was a genuine privilege to recognise such a deserving recipient whose dedication and contribution to our profession exemplifies the very best of the Institution. It will remain with me as an enduring memory of my presidency.
STRATEGIC ‘AWAYDAY’
During the summer period, the pace of the Institution naturally becomes a little quieter as many members, volunteers and staff take the opportunity for a well-earned break. However, experience tells me that this is merely a pause before an exceptionally busy and exciting period ahead, especially as all the regional events kick into gear from this month onwards.
Probably the most important event of the summer – as it has been for the past few years – is the annual strategic ‘awayday’ for the Board, which took place in July. This enabled us to reflect on the success of the five-year Strategy 2026 and then, importantly, generated an in-depth discussion around what comes next, what needs to be the next chapter for the Institution through to 2030.
I touched on some of the themes that will be important to me in my speech in Birmingham – so membership, sustainability, innovation, STEM, and inclusion – but the awayday was very much about us sitting down as a group, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere, to map out our future direction and priorities as an Institution.
The challenges facing our profession continue to evolve, but so too do the opportunities. I am confident that, by working together, we can build on the strong foundations already in place and ensure that the Institution remains relevant, influential and forward-looking for the benefit of our members and the wider lighting profession.
BUSY AUTUMN CALENDAR
Looking to this autumn, I’m planning to get to the much-anticipated How To Be Brilliant with Florence Lam on September 22.
I’m hoping, too, to get to the Irish Region’s Technical Seminar in October, the Scottish Region’s technical seminar that same month, plus the Midlands Region’s CPD Day with the WLP and YLP at the National Memorial Arboretum.
So, I’ll be getting some considerable miles under my belt and will bring you more from my travels in my next ‘memo’.
Ultimately, my first weeks as President have totally reinforced what I already knew: this Institution is powered by the commitment, expertise and generosity of its people. It is an honour to serve as your President, and I am hugely looking forward to the months ahead as we continue this journey together.
Michala Medcalf CEng MILP is President of the ILP as well as street lighting manager at Derby City Council
This is an abridged version of the article that appears in the September edition of Lighting Journal. To read the full article, simply click on the page-turner to your right.
