To go to this dinner even if I'm not invited?

[Primafacie]

I just found out that one of my colleagues (let's call him Jason) has organised a big business dinner this week for one of my clients. He has invited 8 other colleagues but seemingly forgotten to invite me, even though I am the client manager. I don't want to be too specific but I have devoted a lot of time building the relationship from scratch and it represents a substantial six-figure annual income for our business and is very profitable.

Two of the colleagues who are invited pointed out to Jason that I should be attending. I also emailed Jason to say I wanted to attend. Jason's reply was non-committal - he basically said I might be able to come if other people cancel as he's got too many acceptances at the moment.

WIBU to reply to Jason that I intend to attend, even if it means bumping another colleague off?

Jason is a shit face

Write this in the men's toilets.

be interesting to see if he comes back after your email, primafacie

I agree, Jason IS a shit

I'm more concerned by your group head's response to this tbh and agree it would worry me too

Yes, the lack of visible support from elsewhere is worrying...

I would be very fucking worried and would be updating my CV. I suspect that you may be being deliberately sidelined and edged out.

Power struggles come with the territory in my line of work. The fact that Jason is trying it on, if true, does not mean he is a jerk - he is just approaching my client from a different angle and is probably not aware of how much work has gone into building the relationship with the client.

I never thought I'd come on here to defend Jason against a universal YANBU! :o

I will post an update when Jason replies to my email.

Why is anyone except you organising a dinner for your client?

Because Jason heads another part of our business that has a different type of potential synergy with that client. I'm all in favour of expanding the relationship - but I don't want to be taken out of the loop.

Update - three of my colleagues, including my group head, have offered to give up their seat at the dinner.

Well done. Make sure you find something useful for Jason to do, while you was client liaison.

When is the dinner? Did you go?

you must go (and come back and update)

haha 1-0 to primafacie.

jason is snake in grass. keep an eye on him.

Update please!

Dinner was last night and was excellent. Made lots of business development and met new contacts. Jason was very quiet the whole night, but that is his personality I think, rather than anything suspicious.

Thanks for all the moral support!

He's being very blatant about trying to side line you. He has no shame.

Well done. Probably plotting his next move! Keep an eye!