And just like that, we are concluding our '2023 at the BDC' series! Let's have a final chat before we wrap up the year....
Before we conclude 2023, hear from me in our Marketing Department and Charlotte, Elena and Sam from our Conference and Sales teams on their year at the venue…
Yasmin Ansari, Marketing Coordinator
If you could describe this year in one word, what would it be and why?
Prosperity. It was great to develop stronger relationships with new and existing BDC residents to support them within the venue, while supporting our events on branding activities and beyond. Joining the DEI and sustainability working groups has also been an insightful experience.
What has your favourite moment been this year for the BDC and why?
Seeing the BDC host the Podcast Show for another year. This is my favourite show and it is always exciting to see the lots of famous faces at the venue!
A specific achievement that you’re proud of?
Being shortlisted for the Marketing Exec of the Year for the AEO People’s Awards for January 2024. It is an honour to be amongst many other talented individuals in the event marketing space.
What are you looking forward to next year for the BDC and why?
I am looking forward to working further with our DEI group to see what we can do to celebrate diversity throughout the year. I’m also excited to work even closer with our residents, and develop existing relationships with the likes of Zumtobel and Villeroy & Boch.
Charlotte Barker, Venue Sales Manager
If you could describe this year in one word, what would it be and why?
It would have to be ‘Growth’ – within my role this year especially, I have been focusing on growing the conference side of the business with the aim of getting back to pre-pandemic levels. This does also relate to how they conference team have developed and grown over the past 12 months.
What has your favourite moment been this year for the BDC and why?
I think it has to be when I contracted and hosted the Tyson Fury weigh in towards the end of 2022. This provided a great atmosphere within the venue and it got me thinking outside the box, with it not being your typical conference or exhibition! It was also great to see the BDC crop up in the Tyson Fury documentary on Netflix.
What are you looking forward to next year for the BDC and why?
I am looking forward to us welcoming new clients to the venue and providing the support they need on a successful show. We will no doubt have external challenges to face but this is all part of the fun!
Elena Hornsby-Hallett, Conference Executive
If you could describe this year in one word, what would it be and why?
Varied – this year has been full of a wide range of different projects, from large to smaller scale events, getting involved in the BDC’s sustainability initiatives and supporting new team members.
What has your favourite moment been this year for the BDC and why?
My favourite moment at the BDC has been the Venue Sales goals day out which is an opportunity for the team to all to come together to share our personal and professional goals for the year. This allows us to reflect, improve and celebrate key moments throughout the year – it is a great way to get together, and appreciate and spend quality time as a team.
A specific achievement that you’re proud of?
This year, I have been pleased to create a Sustainability Guide which features key sections of the BDC sustainability initiatives, and also have been working to promote this to visitors and organisers. Producing the guide has been great personally to understand and contribute towards efforts and participate towards just one of the many important BDC values.
What are you looking forward to next year for the BDC and why?
I have recently joined the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Group and this has been a really positive experience, working with all different departments in the BDC to provide the opportunity to collaborate with the local community and beyond. Within this, I took part in a six-week programme with London Village Network, volunteering in a local school in Islington to support young adults on their future paths. I am really excited to be involved in future projects and make a difference.
Samantha Corker, Conference Executive
If you could describe this year in one word, what would it be and why?
Excitement – With events being back-to-back again there is a great atmosphere in the venue and the events are getting busier each year. Looking forward to seeing what next year brings.
What has your favourite moment been this year for the BDC and why?
My favourite moment this year was project managing The Brain Tumour Charity Art Exhibition in April 2023. Not only was this for a great charity, it allowed to me step outside of my comfort zone from running conference to now an Art Exhibition. With elements of a preview night and auction it was a great event to be part of and one to remember.
A specific personal achievement that you’re proud of?
A personal achievement that I am proud of would be contracting my biggest contract to date, from just working on conferences when I started at the BDC to now working on sales, I feel this has helped me develop my role at the BDC. Also, working on a sale from start to finish was a great moment and learning experience for me that I wish to continue.
What are you looking forward to next year for the BDC and why?
I am looking for forward to working on my returning events and seeing how these events grow, along with new shows that come to the venue. I am also looking forward to seeing how my sales role develops over the next year.
And that’s that. From the BDC team, thank you for an amazing year at the venue and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2024, when we’ll do it all again!
