Still he got close enough to shake his hand: "I only wanted to give him a free paper so I could get rid of them and go home early," said the employee, "but he grabbed my hand and asked me how I was doing."
Tomorrow's seminar begins at 2.30pm, tickets from £120 to £175 - bargain.
This journalist has tried to gain access only to be refused, as with the Labour Conference, there is a two-week security check and no last minute entrants.
But anyone hoping to greet or get a photo-opp of Bill, forget it. The press office explained because of security he will be brought in through underground tunnels and will not be allowed above ground, apart from once inside the RAH.