Hot on the heels of similar awards events in the Middle East and Asia, Euromoney invited the best of the best in investment banking to join us at a brand new venue – The Bridge, located under the arches of London Bridge station – and threw in a few surprises compared with the usual bank awards dinner.
Guests arrived through a white tunnel filled with dry ice, into the cocktail reception area, where they could choose between chilled Veuve Clicquot or a range of cocktails, while watching the “live statues” perform in the middle of the room.
The awards presentation was hosted by John Humphrys, one of the UK’s leading broadcasters and the scourge of the UK political system.
Introducing him, Clive Horwood, Euromoney‘s editor, wondered what Humphrys – whose latest book, Lost for words, is an all-out attack on those who mangle and manipulate the English language – would make of the garbled syntax prevalent in the investment banking industry. Phrases such as “extending our footprint” or “expanding in the derivatives space” spring to mind.
But it was only following the presentation of the global awards, many of which are pictured on the following pages, that the party really began. Guests were able to enter two new rooms – a games room, complete with eight-lane Scalextric track, Star Wars pod racers and assorted computer games for those inclined; or a full cocktail bar, vodka luge and chocolate and fruit fountains for those of a more sedate nature.
The real action, though, got under way in the Moroccan-themed nightclub area, hosted by Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills, where the party animals were able to dance the night away until 4am – with a 2am breakfast refreshment of bacon sandwiches and fresh orange juice provided for those who needed a little energy to get them through the night.
No wonder the Financial Times’ Mudlark diary called it “the party to end all parties”. Preparation is already under way for next year’s party. Watch this space.