The Chart and Nautical Instrument Trade Association (CNITA) celebrated its 100th anniversary on 13th June 2018, at the Royal Station Hotel in Newcastle, back where it all began in 1918. CNITA Members marked the milestone with a dinner on the 13th June followed by a Meet the Buyer event the following day.
The celebration dinner was much enjoyed by all. In addition to existing CNITA members, the dinner was attended by honorary CNITA members and guests. Diners were especially pleased to welcome Rory Anderson, a past Secretary who served CNITA for over thirty years. Rory’s firm, Glasgow Solicitors, Biggart Bailie, were the original secretaries when the association was formed in 1918.
A special commemorative centenary gift of a magnifying glass on an engraved plinth was presented and gratefully received by each of the member companies that attended, reminding them of the associations roots.
The success of the dinner was followed by a full day of meetings scheduled between 15 supplier companies and 14 buyer (member) companies. Feedback on the day cited a well organised and incredibly useful event from both a buyer and supplier perspective. The Meet the Buyer “speed dating” format was an opportunity for many members to meet with suppliers face to face for the first time despite dealing with them with for many years. Meetings reinforced and enhanced their continued working relationships as well as identifying with some potential new suppliers.
The CNITA intends to host another Meet the Buyer Event in 2021. To express an interest in attending the next event email info@cnita.org.uk.