One of the best things about weekends is brunch and one of the best things about brunch is that elixir to the Gods…Mimosas.  So what better way to start out a conference day than mimosas in the exhibit hall?

I didn't notice anybody going crazy (this is technically day one after all) and the crowd soon filed into the split-level ballroom taking a few final bites from their morning muffins.

Following a frequently jaw-dropping performance by Mind Under Matter, Cherie Booth addressed the conference about Work-Life Balance and workplace equality.  We learned that Mrs. Blair was inspired by her grandmother, who was a great admirer of Rose Heilbron, one of the U.K.’s first female Queen’s Counsel.  On the day Blair was honored with the same title in 1995, she happened to be at Windsor Castle and spoke to Elizabeth II about the designation.

After insisting that she gets along quite well with the Queen, Mrs. Blair shared her belief that work-life balance issues must not be ghetto-ized as a female problem.  Indeed, Blair was pleased to explain that her then-Prime Minister husband took advantage of the U.K.’s paternity leave law when their last child was born.

Mrs. Blair asserted that businesses only interested in the bottom line should value work-life balance.  After all, “balanced” employees exhibit higher morale, stimulate recruitment and bring to the table a wide array of skills and social networks.

In short, Mrs. Blair spoke with authority and passion on issues of keen importance to her, LMA members and the world around us.  Her appreciation for and knowledge of our work did not go unnoticed.

Click here for photos from Thursday morning.