Dylan Matthews, former chief executive officer of The Celtic Manor Resort, gave the inside track on what it was really like behind the scenes at the Nato conference.

Mr Matthews was guest speaker at the recent City of Newport Business Club event, held at the Holiday Inn, The Coldra, Newport.

In his own laid-back style, and using images to add emphasis, Dylan talked guests through the bidding process, the logistics, the organisation (how do you provide 15,000 meals to 4,000 people over a two-day period) and the international press coverage.

He spoke about the BBC Wales series Hotel 24/7 which featured the resort and went on to talk about the plans for the new Wales International Convention Centre, which is being built at the resort.

Finally, he highlighted the work of The Alacrity Foundation which takes 16 talented young people each year and seeks to provide them with the skills, knowledge and acumen to succeed in business, before actually setting them up with viable businesses of their own.

The next event is on Thursday December 4 2014 when the club is holding its first Christmas dinner. Robbie Howells and his Newport City Church Choir will be providing the entertainment.

To find out more information about the event, www.newportbusinessclub.co.uk.