Thing 7

Probably, University of Glamorgan is like many institutions currently in that the training budget is being reduced and all applications for training are very carefully considered. Therefore, the esssence of it is - think "free".
I do belong to the organising committee for the USTLG group and we have arranged meetings of huge value and in inspirational venues, including ther Bodlean Libary and Clare College, Cambridge. Though each meeting has a theme, for example Data Management, Information Literacy, the opportunity for face to face networking as also invaluable. Though the meetings are free and lunch often provided by a sponsor, accomodation and travel still needs to be provided and so I usually hold my breath whilst my application is being considered by my manager.
JISC has been offering free updating sessions for Web of Science around the UK and I have been able to attend a local venue and meet with colleagues from other institutions to consider the developments of WoS and share experiences. Of course, "free" being the operative word.
Several of the databses within my subject area provide regular training/updating opporrtunities, though rarely do they venture to Wales. Travelling to London (which is often the location) is prohibitive and so I have taken advantage of Webinars. I would always prefer to face to face hands on training and dicsussion, but that can't always be the case in the current climate.
However, belonging to the JIBS IHS Focus Group does mean that I do travel to London (twice yearly) to meet with colleagues from IHS and other academic institutions. Travel expenses and an excellent "working lunch" are provided by IHS and so the only outlay for Glamorgan for me to poarticipate in these valuable events is my time.