Starting out in a new industry community can feel daunting, especially when many members already know one another. That’s exactly why beam has launched its newest beam Action Group (bAG), the Buddying bAG, designed to ensure every new member feels welcomed, supported and connected from the moment they join.
Led by longstanding beam member Deb Collins from The Belfry, alongside Mark Green from QEII Centre, Laura Orrell from The Grand Birmingham, Stephanie Macfarlane from ACC Liverpool and Ross Millward from Parallel Blue, the initiative is focused on helping members make the most of their beam experience, build meaningful relationships and feel confident attending events and getting involved.
We caught up with Deb’s to learn more about how the Buddying bAG came to life, why it matters and the positive impact it can have across the meetings and events community.
How did the buddy group come about?
We want everyone to feel welcomed and included as soon as they join beam, and wanted the eliminate any barriers for them to join. Likewise, we want to be getting fresh perspectives on the industry by encouraging the next generation to get involved.
The beam Board identified that some newer members weren’t making the most of their membership; they were coming to one event and then we would never see them again.
So, the board has proactively set up this group to focus on building engagement and maximising their membership, with Kylie Stevens as the Membership Group lead and I was recruited as the Buddy Group team lead.
What is the beam Buddy group?
We work hand-in-hand with the Membership group so as soon as a company joins, one of the Buddy group will reach out, introduce themselves, explain the benefits of the association and go through the event calendar. The group is made up of members with both agency and venue backgrounds, so we can assign the most appropriate buddy to the member.
We then reach-out before their first event and arrange to meet them at the ‘Buddy’ group table that we have at every beam event.
How does it help new joiners?
Many of beam’s members have been involved for years, so I can appreciate how intimidating it might be, especially attending your first event. We want to ensure new members are confident as soon as they step into the room and will be assigned a buddy so they have the assurance that they will know someone. At the event, they will have somewhere to head, where we can then introduce them to others.
What advice would you give to something thinking of becoming a beam member?
Do it! By being a member of a fantastic organisation like beam, it really does help the employees grow in confidence and industry knowledge, which can only strengthen the wider business. The investment from the membership goes a long way, as events are open to the whole company, not just an individual, so they can keep up to date on hot topics whatever their function, broaden their supplier/customer network and contribute to reshaping our industry together.
What’s next for the Buddy group?
We will have a ‘buddy’ table at the Annual Forum on 16 – 17 July, so new members can easily find them and introduced to others. Not yet registered? Don’t hesitate – come and see us – register here.
We are also planning to have a table at CHS Manchester on 30 September to highlight the great things we do as an association.
