So, farewell then to Harrogate and the annual CIPD conference and exhibition being held in the delightful North Yorkshire spa town.
The CIPD has announced it is moving the HR profession's annual flagship event to Manchester from 2009, and also back a couple of months to November.
At first glance this seems like a good move. No more long drives up the A1 for southern-based HR directors (and journalists), not more packed train journeys between York and Harrogate that are more akin to the Indian railways.
The quaint setting of Bettys Tea Rooms and cheesy club Carringtons replaced by the more funky Manchester restaurants, bars and night-life. Better transport links, better accomodation, a more modern venue in Manchester Central.
But hang on a minute. Manchester, in November. I'm thinking cold, wet and miserable. The timings of the conference, from 17-19 November must be at the very extreme of the event calendar. Any later and people would be busy doing their Christmas shopping.
Long term it is probably the right move. But Harrogate afficiados will miss their three days in Yorkshire.
