On the day before the Awards ceremony, it has become tradition for past winners to get together for a reunion. It’s a day for catching up with friends, making new friends and forging connections for current and potential projects. The day also involves reviewing the Philip Lawrence Awards, allowing the young people to lead with their ideas on future development. Should the judging be different? Does the ceremony need changing? What about the other elements leading up to the awards day?

The reunion is very much an interactive day. There are hands-on sessions which allow the past winners to learn new skills and get involved in areas such as contributing to the PLA website and e-newsletters, and writing press releases. And, providing a break from the more ideas-based sessions, other popular sessions have included DJ training and drum workshops.