I agree with Martyn and Stephen. Business wise, this conference exceeded my expectations and was far better than any of the London conferences before it. I felt like I just didn't have enough time in the day to talk to everyone, and I didn't. There were so many new faces. I'm just glad I didn't go alone.
I didn't go to any of the parties either and I agree that the hotel bar is a far better place to be. The crowd there is good and it's easier to talk to people where it is quieter (rather than be at a club with pounding music) and when everyone has relaxed a bit since the professional meetings during the day.
Earl's Court was definitely better than Billingsgate. I will be interested to see how it goes at Excel next year. Shame ICE had to move as being at Earl's Court was pretty convenient.