Hello, I\'m an Internal Comms Manager based in Brussels. At the moment we\'re currently working on our Internal comms plan for next year. On our list of hot topics is \'What is the real purpose of Internal communications?\' Our senior manager wants us to make a real difference to the company, rather than being seen as just a pipeline for passing on messages and distributing information. We have made a lot of progress in this direction over the last couple of years, but, in tough times, our job also gets tougher and it gets harder for us to be able to convince some senior managers of our worth, while proving that we \'really make a difference\' also remains elusive. i wonder if anyone has any views on this topic?

FEIEA Grand Prix entrants do not have long to wait before the pan-European jury chooses this year\'s winners. The final judging rounds take place in Brussels during 11-13 September. It\'s going to be tense!

Our colleagues in Portugal have shown themselves to be adept at organising events on contemporary topics in interesting venues. This week\'s seminar on social media took place in Lisbon\'s electricity museum, a former power station on the banks of the River Tagus, thanks to a productive event partnership with Portuguese energy company EDP. With around 100 delegates and some very insightful presentations, the event demonstrated that APCE is one of the most healthy and vigorous associations in the FEIEA federation.

Grand Prix Finals Day 3 - The judges entered the judging room at 9 this morning like zombies, worn out after a highly \' judgmental\' weekend. However, by 1.20pm, the job was done, this year\'s winners chosen. Results will be on the website in a few days. We\'re all heading back to the airport shortly. Thanks to Marie-Eve, Benedicte, Poul Erik, Paula, Doris, Carola and Sonia. You all gave up your weekends for FEIEA and for the cause of internal communication. Merci! See you all next year. Over and out.

The Grand Prix judging weekend moves into its second day. Magazines, newspapers, e-newsletters, intranets, communication strategies and more have all passed under the judges\' magnifying glass. On one magazine cover, a seat with the lid open in a toilet cubicle provoked much discussion. Danish judge Poul Erik Larsen explained that the scene was an employee\'s work-place. Inside, the cleaner says that if people are bothered about the nature of her work, that\'s their problem. \"Perhaps the lid being open symbolises that people need to be open-minded!\" suggested Poul Erik. Laughter among the judges, then on to the next entry. Outside, it\'s sunny. Inside, we plough on. A deadline looms - we must finish by tomorrow lunch-time and there\'s plenty more to do.