As I finished writing yesterday's entry about the Body & Soul event at which Libera Coaching were to be exhibiting, a thought crossed my mind that I hadn't heard from the event organisers to say what time exhibitors could set up their stands. I was arranging floral displays for my stand with Firenza Floral Design and wanted to know if I could deliver the flowers early as I myself was to collect them on Friday.

I called the organisers and was shocked to discover that they'd made the decision to postpone the event until Spring 2010. Not only because Libera Coaching have invested in marketing materials for our stand but mainly because none of this had been communicated to me. It turns out that they had mis spelt Libera in the email address they'd sent this notification to so it had never reached me. Whilst the organiser is extremely apologetic that this has happened and are prepared to compensate me for their mistake, it's made me reflect on the importance of not relying solely on emails to communicate vital information.

If the message your communicating is urgent, vital or highly sensitive, picking up the telephone is the only way to ensure that information is received and in the manner in which you intend.

I will now personally call all the people who I know were planning on attending Sunday's event to visit the Libera Coaching stand to ensure nobody turns up and is disappointed!