The PI's Diary

2008 WAPI Annual Banquet on October 25th 2008

The World Association of Professional Investigators, WAPI, is a professional body, formed by professionals, for professionals. It covers all areas of investigation, public sector and private sector, companies and individuals, corporate and domestic.

WAPI meets the need for a worldwide organisation, which can provide a focal point for investigators. It promotes the profession internationally and provides networking opportunities through which members can exchange ideas, knowledge, methods, advice, education and working assignments.

The WAPI Governing Council have elected to host the 2008 WAPI Annual Banquet on October 25th 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Central Birmingham a favourite Venue due to its central location, ease of access from around the UK and for our Overseas Guests alike!

The event will be receiving Deputy Lord Mayor & Lady Mayoress Councillor Randal Brew OBE & Sandra Brew.

Guest Speaker (No 1)

Steve Jackson FinstLM, FCMI, MCGI. Chartered MCIPD

By way of background – Steve has significant experience of After Dinner speaking both in the military (where he was frequently the main speaker) and elsewhere. He has lectured at, amongst others, the Royal Geographical Society, the Alpine Club and the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM) to packed houses on more than one occasion. Steve was invited to give a presentation at the RSM in February 2008 entitled ‘Mountains, Mariners and Management’ at which he recounted his mountaineering experiences over the past 30 years and outlined some of the ground breaking science on the ‘effect on man of ascent to extreme high altitude’ that has taken place on some of his expeditions - as well addressing how such ventures can help in terms of personal development. Last month Steve gave a series of talks at the International Surgical Congress of the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI) in Bournemouth entitled ‘Everything you need to know about leadership’ and took part in a Seminar entitled ‘Leadership Save Lives’ along with Mr Jim O’Connell (Director of Leadership, Department of Health) and other eminent speakers (Professor Nick Gair - ASGBI, Professor Graeme Currie - Nottingham Business School and Professor Carlton Cooke - Leeds Metropolitan University).

Guest Speaker (NO 2)

Leroy Cook – ION – USA
To receive WAPI 4^th Honorary Membership

NOMINATION FOR HONORARY MEMBERSHIP OF WAPI - 2007/2008 TERM
ION Founder and President: Leroy E. Cook, Former CPP, CLI, CII, CFE & CLI
Leroy COOK aided by his Wife Margaret founded ION Incorporated
in 1987 based in Arizona

Our Chairman has known Leroy and ION from the late 80's, when his Agency undertook some assignments for clients introduced through ION. Since that time, ION has not only grown, but achieved a well deserved reputation for assisting both clients and PI's and monitoring work quality, in many cases building and enhancing the reputation of the PI and the Profession in general.

Without fear of contradiction, Leroy has benefited the PI Profession both in the US and internationally, and continues to do so. An ideal Honorary Member along with our existing Honorary Members.

Awards

International “Barry Trigwell Award” – Paolo Sfriso – Venice
UK “Patrick Flynn Award” – John Hughes – Intec, Flintshire
Newcomer “Frank Battis Award” – Maria Cooper – Warwickshire Investigation Agency

Stuart Withers is running the Awards Ceremony, “The Girls” are attending to present and the Deputy Lord Mayor of Birmingham will announce.

The lead in music is “Shaft” instrumental only

The award music is:

Paolo Sfriso – The godfather
John Hughes – A James Bond theme?? Still not sure
Maria Cooper – Charlie’s Angles (Re mix version – Destiny’s Child)

For your information only, the awards are named in remembrance of Investigators of recent years that were known to the GC and considered worthy! The daughters of PF & BT present the awards ( BT was murdered 1995 in Birmingham )

WAPI International Investigator of the Year 2008
Nominees must have demonstrated a wideinternational profile in theirProfessional life& have represented WAPI and the Sector in a positive light on an international basis, and/or achieved a significant success in a high profile investigation generating a positive image of the Sector

Investigator of the Year 2008

Nominees must have demonstrated a wide national profile in their Professional life & have represented WAPI and the Sector in a positive light on a national basis, and/or achieved a significant success in a high profile investigation generating a positive image of the Sector.

Best Newcomer of the Year 2008

Nominees must have demonstrated both professional ability and compliance in their day to day activities over the initial stages of their career or newly formed Agency, and/or achieved a significant success in a high profile investigation generating a positive image of the Sector

The evening will be rounded off with Nu Soul Generation. www.nusoulgeneration.co.uk A Birmingham based high energy Live 8 piece soul band.

World Association of Professional Investigators
212 Piccadilly
London
W1J 9HG
Contact: John F. Hope. press@wapi.com
Local telephone details: 0121 356 6899