In praise of the rubber chicken

One of the corporate rituals that fell away in recent times was the corporate eight-to-a-table lunch in a hotel ballroom. I am happy to say that the rubber chicken[1] circuit is back!

I have noticed that many industry associations are filling their calendars with lunches, breakfasts, cocktail events and this is a good thing. As humans we crave connection and as those working for companies, institutions, universities, governments and consultancies, a corporate event meets that need.

It has other benefits too. We have the chance to network and meet new people we would otherwise not see. We get to hear first hand from leaders in their field. We get to share ideas and ask questions. Companies get to raise their brand and profile via sponsorships. At Daymark we also regularly invite our clients to such events, and they are invariably grateful for the chance to make those connections.

Speaking of leaders, on 13 February 2024 one of my clients and I attended an AMCHAM[2] lunch where the Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan was the guest speaker. In the main job since 27 September 2023, the Premier is establishing her own presence distinct from the long-term premiership of her predecessor. We are used to hearing from her about transport infrastructure and the Big Build but today she covered a much broader vista.

The Premier spoke about three key economic growth areas of relevance to the audience of people who do business in the US. She noted Victoria’s key strengths in bio-med and health; defence and aerospace and ag-tech and food.

In the Q+A the Premier also referenced Victoria’s extraordinary major events calendar and expertise and noted that Melbourne is the only city to host both a Grand Slam and a Grand Prix…and that Tay Tay starts her Australian tour here!

For the GR folk in the room, she stressed that she and her ministers wanted feedback but advised to never come with a problem unless you have a potential solution. And she added that her government was always interested in partnerships with business and the broader community.

From my perspective the audience was engaged in what she had to say and were keen to get to know their new-ish Premier in a setting that they have all missed.

[1] For the record the food at the Langham Melbourne was excellent.

[2] The American Chamber of Commerce in Australia.