On Tuesday evening, RICS HQ was transformed as DRS celebrated its 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner to thank the people who over the years have contributed so much to making DRS the success it has become. The event brought together past and present members, colleagues, and supporters of DRS for an evening of celebration, reflection, and gratitude.
The beautifully dressed dining room, live string quartet, and carefully curated programme created an atmosphere worthy of the milestone being marked.
The event was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, many of whom expressed their admiration for both the celebration and the legacy it honoured:
"It was a truly exceptional event - beautifully organised, with a wonderful atmosphere throughout - and a fitting celebration of 50 years of the RICS Dispute Resolution Service."
A highlight of the evening was the speech delivered by Martin Burns - DRS Head of ADR Research & Development and longest serving member of RICS staff - whose reflections on DRS’s evolution resonated deeply with the audience. As another guest shared:
"It was a wonderful evening, and Martin's speech was fascinating. It brought back a lot of happy memories of life in an office in the 1990's. It's incredible how technology has developed and changed our lives and the way we interact with each other, over such a short period of time."
The combination of heartfelt speeches, excellent food and wine, and the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues made the evening truly special. Several guests praised the exceptional organisation behind the event, with one writing:
"The whole thing was a triumph, and you and your colleagues should be rightly proud."
Another guest captured the sentiment many shared:
"From start to finish, it was absolutely perfect. The welcome drinks, the string quartet, the food, the wine, the speeches, the waiting staff… all brilliant."
The evening closed with a sense of pride and momentum, as DRS looks ahead to the next 50 years continuing to promote alternative dispute resolution and upholding the highest standards of professional practice.
