The run-up to the 2009 conference was fraught with uncertainty. Quite apart from anxieties about how much support local authorities would provide at a time when funding for professional development was being eroded, SALT and Scottish CILT decided that we should move to online registration in order to simplify the administrative burden. On top of that, SALT also decided that there should be 4 seminar sessions instead of the traditional 3 in order to provide delegates with a wider choice of talks. And, in the background, hovered the threat of a flu pandemicŠ

In the event, none of these fears was realised. Numbers were only slightly down from 2008, the flu situation turned out to be far less serious than anticipated, and online registration proved to be not only workable but very popular. The only real problem turned out to be the withdrawal of three speakers (for perfectly good reasons) when it was too late to locate alternative contributors. This caused major reorganisation to one session of seminars in particular. To those who were disappointed by the alternative arrangements, we can offer the reassurance that the speakers who had to withdraw have all indicated they wish to contribute in 2010. In spite of this hiccough, delegate feedback (50% of those attending) made it clear that they found the conference stimulating, rewarding, informative and well organised. Using SALT's rating scale (1 = highly rated, 5 = poor) the overall average came in at 1.55, and we are grateful to all those speakers who contributed to such a high score.

The main focus of the conference was, not surprisingly, the Curriculum for Excellence. However, there was the usual wide range of other topics to tempt delegates (EAL provision global citizenship, Polish, inclusion, literacy, the baccalaureate, talks in a target language etc. etc.). Many of the feedback forms make it clear that delegates would like more of the same in 2010, so SALT will do its best to oblige.

Catering attracted the usual mixed bag of comments, but the majority view was that the new catering firm had done well. The exhibition was well attended, although the number of exhibitors was slightly down, for a variety of reasons, and movement was somewhat restricted owing to major building work being undertaken in the atrium. Many comments said nice things about the general administration of the conference, and the online registration was judged to be an overwhelming success.

It is with some regret that I now withdraw from the position of conference organiser and pass the baton to John Mackay, SALT's general secretary. I wish him well.

Finally, there are no words to express SALT's gratitude to Mandy at Scottish CILT for her support which goes way beyond the call of duty.

JOHN FERGUSSON
Conference organiser; vice-chair, SALT executive