German Weddings

Some 30 years ago when I first started to mix regularly with some very busy German colleagues, I noticed how often they cited a phrase about ‘not dancing at weddings.’  They were nice people and all that, and no doubt popular - and definitely up for a beer and a song - but they did seem to be constantly declining to dance at other people’s nuptials.  Or so I thought.

Intrigued, I eventually sought clarification from my friend and learned it – or rather they - as there were several variations, were German idioms.  Very roughly translated, they meant you ‘can’t be in two places at once’ / ‘can’t lead every activity.’ 

It’s a phrase I’ve adopted and used over the years, and quite a lot lately, for there has - post-Covid - been a tremendous surge in activity when it comes to events and exhibitions.

BVAA for example has just come off the back of a run of successful events, including the best sector-show I’ve been to in ages, namely CHEMUK, closely followed by one of the best Conferences BVAA has ever organised.  Then of course we barrelled straight into future leaders’ sessions, technical meetings, desktop and other exhibitions, training, members visits, the AGM preparations, etc. - it seems never ending!

Having just filled in my wall planner for 2024, I was excited to see next year is equally as busy, if not more so!  At one point we had three major events that we’d normally attend slated for the same two days, only one of which we had any control over.  Going forward, diary management is clearly going to be a daily challenge.

The good news in all this is that BVAA members have such an appetite for the diverse range of activities and events we and others have to offer.  Long may it continue.

Published: 31st May 2023