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Linda Best on Strategy, Collaboration & Showcasing the West Midlands
32 Plays1 month ago
In our latest episode, guest presenter Sammy Connell joins Tanita to interview Linda Best and hear about everything West Midlands...
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Transcript
Introduction to Co-host and Guest
00:00:03
Speaker
Hello and welcome back to Inventful Encounters and today I'm joined by a very special co-host that I hope you'll recognise, Sammy Connell. Hello everybody. It's great to have you back Sammy. Thank you for having me, I'm super excited for today.
00:00:15
Speaker
We were supposed to record this last week but Sammy had a bit of an on us so here we are. We're back from round two. We are and today we're joined by a very special guest. So we're very fortunate to have the wonderful Linda Best with us today. Linda is the strategic lead at Birmingham and West Midlands Convention Bureau. Welcome
Linda's Journey into Events Industry
00:00:30
Speaker
Linda. Hello ladies, thank you so much for having me, it's so super to be here. Don't be nervous, we'll be nice. but i We're in a really cool bar, so we're at we're in enjoying the moments.
00:00:41
Speaker
So Linda, yes what first drew you to the events and business tourism world? Well, am I started by calling the travelling district.
Role in Promoting Birmingham Internationally
00:00:52
Speaker
But Birmingham being the centre point of events, and certainly with the opening of the ICC, um the opportunity arose for me to sort of navigate easily into the conference and events industry. So I joined the NEC group based at the ICC in Birmingham.
00:01:07
Speaker
And my role was really to attract international events into the region and, you know, working with a group and and going out on international congresses and events and bidding for lots of different meetings. It was a a really great start to to me coming to the industry.
00:01:23
Speaker
And from that role, it's been a natural progression and into my role now with the Birmingham West Women's Convention Bureau. you know, um the story of Birmingham and and and living that dream and taking those, the elements of Birmingham out to the international organised into into international organisations. I guess I've always been known as Miss Birmingham or Mrs Birmingham. So
Collaboration in Promoting Birmingham
00:01:44
Speaker
and it's nice to be in my role now, heading up the Birmingham Westmaners Convention Bureau.
00:01:49
Speaker
yeah the bit Like you said, being known as Miss Birmingham, you can see from everything that you do that you literally ooze Birmingham and you're really proud to, i don't want to say proud Brummie, but you are proud Brummie. I think, yeah, I'm a super proud Brummie too. So I think Linda has been um a colleague and friend of mine for us such a long time. We've always crossed paths um in in the different roles I've had and the different roles you've had, but we've always centered around flying the flag.
00:02:14
Speaker
really brightly for Birmingham. So it it I've always really enjoyed working with Linda um and hearing all of the new exciting things.
Strategic Alliances and Partnerships
00:02:22
Speaker
You are definitely, when you think what's happening in West Midlands, you are the go-to, aren't you?
00:02:27
Speaker
I'd like think so, actually. Thank you. If you don't know, it's not worth an hour. Right? well i try i I think I thrive on the relationships and partnerships i have with people. And, you know, and that goes across this industry, whether you're an agent or a client or a venue or a hotel, um a restaurant. You know, we have meaning relationships and and have had for many, many years.
00:02:49
Speaker
So it's nice to know, be in the know, really, which I think is part of the role. And whenever I need to be in the know, I always go to YouTube to find that information.
Achievements and Future Goals for Birmingham
00:03:00
Speaker
Was there a turning point that shaped how you think about strategy?
00:03:05
Speaker
Um... I think for me, i was, i like to create, I think for for the strategy I've had coming into the role, it's about those meaningful relationships yeah in the industry.
00:03:16
Speaker
um And actually, if you think about strategy in the role and what we do, it's about who you know and what you can do and how you can deliver things. And it's using those industry partnerships that you've had. So in the past, I've attended all the ICA congresses. I've been after the ICA UK and Ireland chapter. um I've attended and and brought eco-destination and supplier meetings not only into our city, but going out and bringing clients out to other destinations to talk about you know international events that can travel around to the world. um
00:03:48
Speaker
I've hosted fan trips in the region. So with all the experience I've had, I think that's I've been thinking about where was this where do you want to go for the strategic strategic of alliances and what do we want to be known for? One of the key milestones that we were really working on over the last year and a half is to increase the ICA rankings for Birmingham, which you and which we did, which was real. yeah is and you said And you can say that lightly, but we've it knows you got a lot of work. It's an achievement.
00:04:20
Speaker
So having achieved that this year, I think that's one of being the biggest
Regional Partnerships' Impact on Events Industry
00:04:24
Speaker
masters. So when you set your mind to do something and put a plan in place, and that's where your strategic alliances come from, you actually say, well, what is my role? What do I want to do? What do want to deliver?
00:04:36
Speaker
If I want Birmingham to cruise the carangals, which are done, you know you have to put a plan in place to do that. And that's the key when we're looking at what we're going to be doing for the future. Mm-hmm. And looking back, what achievement makes you most proud in championing at championing the West Midlands? Because your role isn't just centred around Bangam, is it? It is the wider West Midlands. it is absolutely. It's it's the whole region. um I think there's a number of things that you could say. But for me personally, and we've recently won a bid to bring a European european Robotics Forum ah Congress to...
00:05:11
Speaker
to birmingham But actually, it was the key relationships in Coventry and in Warwick um that actually has aligned that. Great cities, aren't they? Absolutely great cities. Really lots of. But also, it's the partnerships in the industry as well.
00:05:26
Speaker
So this is not just about finding a conference ambassador or finding a central leader meeting. This is also about... us having those strategic industry relationships and those industry relationships that you can bring based on sector strengths and things like that we have in Birmingham actually strengths you be so I'm really quite proud that actually we do a lot of work with Warwick conferences over at Warwick University we've been to Coventry University great compasses aren't there we're so fortunate to have all but on our doorstep and if you think about we just an ambassador program lunch and learning what in Wolverhampton I spent yesterday walking the city of Wolverhampton with the city council team. um So we we have great vibrant destinations. So that is one thing that we can be really proud of and actually use to our advantage.
00:06:11
Speaker
Yeah, and we should. We should use to our advantage.
Birmingham as a Global Events Destination
00:06:13
Speaker
I mean, I know we say like Shakespeare is just a stone's throw away. It's not actually that far when you look at the bigger picture. There's so much that the region has to offer. Yeah.
00:06:24
Speaker
The West Midlands has had a real spotlight in recent years. How do you see it evolving as a global events destination in future? That's a really good question. and So we have a really clear strategy around business, tourism and sporting events.
00:06:38
Speaker
Yeah. So that's that's the the sort of key. The key thing you need to think about is how we how we go out. how you know So being in in the room and being and attending events, high profile gatherings. or So, for instance, i we we're going out to do international sports federations with the success of Sport Accord that came into the city. Yeah. So we need to be in in the room. We need to be in the right place to have those conversations. So attending those critical events, um working in close partnerships um with organisers and federations to make sure that we have the key relationships that we need.
00:07:19
Speaker
um you know we you've hosted so many um superb events but we've got you know of having recently done the kabaddy cup world cup we actually then think about well what's coming up you know we need to we've got the index games and is in 2027 you've got the european athletics in 2026 so um and we're still working now in partnership with long-term bids like the women's world uh fifa world cup for 2035 the hati up Would you believe believe that? but long but in advance But um la far also also making sure that we are seen on the international
Infrastructure's Role in Attracting Events
00:07:52
Speaker
stage. So we attend events like IMEX in Frankfurt. We've been to IMEX America. We're doing IBTN this year. And we work very closely. We visit Britain.
00:08:03
Speaker
So we'll be doing um one of their strategic events. sales missions out to North America next year, which is actually really important for the region because it just shows the length and breadth of what we can offer.
00:08:15
Speaker
But strategically, we all would like that international route from North America into Birmingham, working with the airport. so if we If we can attend those events and find out what scope there is, it also adds a more compelling choice for our destination. It's just so well centred, aren't we, in terms of our transport leagues and everything else. In terms of what we do at NSWT, we know that when we bring our events to Birmingham, we will have a higher footfall. It's just how it works. um And that's just down to the transport leagues and all the great things that you offer and being in the centre of the ah um the country. Yeah, it just makes perfect sense, doesn't it? So I think that's a huge strength, isn't it, that we often play on.
00:08:52
Speaker
I think we do. um where We absolutely do. Because one of the key things is is that accessibility. So if you think we're the only rails we're the only destination with a rail station, and an international rail station on the line, so you can go from Birmingham International all the way to Paris through London, it's really easy connection. A lot of European events are now thinking sustainability. So rail travel from Europe into London.
00:09:16
Speaker
the uk is super important and those connections will only get better when we have the super hs2 in the future when is that i think it's 2030 at the moment isn't it yeah there's lots of road closures so i keep every road closure i'm like i think that's one step further don't think people can't wait but actually you know and if you think about all the things that have happened you know that we've had to go through the pain look at the but it was worth it You have to remember, this is not a really about time. Everybody has time. This is about capacity. You think about the capacity for the West Midlands and people coming to us. Our trains are always full.
00:09:52
Speaker
I mean, that's amazing. So, virtually, what HS2 is going to do is open more capacity, more people to come to our
Sustainable Practices and Partnerships
00:09:58
Speaker
region. If you think about all the connections we have, there'll be more and international destinations through the airport. We are super lucky to have so many European destinations. There are 150 direct destinations, fifty over 50 airlines that fly into Birmingham.
00:10:13
Speaker
Which is amazing. things it's huge and They're doing loads of work at the airport as well, aren't they, as well? Forever reinvested in that. And actually investing in net zero for 2035, which is really important. So they have a great story to tell too.
00:10:27
Speaker
So what I'm hearing is collaboration, collaboration, collaboration. That seems to be massive theme. Can you share an example of when partnership has really made a difference to what you do?
00:10:39
Speaker
Okay, so partnerships are super important to to to um everything that we do, um whether it's a bid, whether it's a and meeting with with you know people coming into the city, whether it's a fam trip or a site tour. If you don't have those strategic partnerships, it doesn't work. And that's most important. I've been going out and talking at different events, talking about that collaboration approach. you know If you don't have your strategic alliances in place,
00:11:07
Speaker
in the first instance, you won't you won't win. So everything that you want to to do. And also, this is about deliver the experience. Everybody wants an experience yeah when they come. So what does that experience look like? How easy is it for us all to get together and make sure that we're all working in partnership with each other?
00:11:24
Speaker
So um we have a great number of of partners that we work with on a regular basis and go out to events with, such as yourselves. Oh, we do. We love coming to events with you guys.
00:11:37
Speaker
But then it's also about when we bring people into the city, it's that joint approach. So what's the welcome into the city like? How do we move people around the city while they're here with us? um And it's working with taxis and transport. Transport for Estrella is really supporting the exits coming in. all the details, isn't it? There's those little little little bits of details that add so much value to the customer. Hotels, venues, restaurants, bars. I think we are really lucky with everything that we have. I don't think people understand the amount of like city stakeholders you need to get involved on. Just one bid. But also, it's not just that. it's it's so you And you think about you might think a bid is just about an event or a venue. It's the social programme planning. It's equally as important what is in your destination. And the legacy. day is just What legacy can they get from coming here?
00:12:28
Speaker
What impact will they make by bringing that comforts here? So I think and legacy is very, very important and it helps sustainable cities and sustain
Balancing Heritage and Innovation in Event Hosting
00:12:37
Speaker
the environment. It helps with your local population.
00:12:40
Speaker
it gives back to all of your sustainability and your initiatives. However, impact is also really important. What is that impact, to that event or business event or even sporting event coming to the city? You think about the legacy from the Commonwealth Games. I mean, that was huge. Still ripples now, isn't it? The ripple effect is still ongoing. And and the events that have reported the city back on the back of that.
00:13:03
Speaker
Yeah, I like to say how super important is. How do you balance showcasing the region's heritage with highlighting its innovation? so really has a we've We talked about this in the office other day um because we're very much looking at what our strategic approach is for the future yeah in terms of...
00:13:20
Speaker
what our sector strength is. And if you think about Birmingham, you think about the industrial heritage and as important as that is in everything that we do and the and the industrial revolution um were makers of, you know, brought great quality of life to us. um But it's also about the creators of modern innovation. so if you think of all the modern innovation that's happening around um the region and so we look at we so we've been looking at our strategic approach in terms of how that supply chain works. So if you think about what we're really good at, which is obviously manufacturing, and but looking at other places where a lots more lot more and opportunities are taking place, and that's in the creative and digital sector. We've even got the one of the biggest dream hats coming next year.
00:14:11
Speaker
which is a massive e-sports gaming event that's going to be happening the city in the region, and ripple effect into the city. So if you think about creative and new technologies, there's a number of businesses coming into Birmingham and actually developing solutions to other technologies. and's And that's bringing more conferences and events into the region based on on on the subject matter. and If you think about even our industry events,
00:14:37
Speaker
Yeah, CHS is going to be in Birmingham. Yeah. into in And another one of their main profiles, after five years of being in the city, is looking at and a programme talking about AI. It's the whole diagram, isn't it, pretty much? So if you think about it, but it's also about looking at our heritage and seeing how that can change into the quality of life. I mean, we are so blessed to have a super canal network. We have the blue corridor, that lovely sort of working, where you can walk around the city and you can see heritage, but you can also see green spaces. You know, can walk around the canal system So if you think about... More canals than Venice. More miles than Venice. More miles than Venice, yeah. There's definitely a connection there, isn't there? But you can use that for your... So it depends on what your event wants. That's a really, really great way to look at wellbeing in the city.
00:15:24
Speaker
Walking around the canals of Birmingham. You know, if you look at the net and things that we can do, so depending on each event, we've got run of a kind that we can do with you know linked to particular events or or people coming the city that want to join something. We can do, you know, walking to the city based on...
00:15:40
Speaker
heritage or green spaces um so we're really blessed in how we can look at and how we showcase but it's not just i mean i'm talking about walking around our city but if you think about the region all the heritage we have in the region out at shakespeare strafford yeah exactly loric castle iron bridge but you know even even closer to home um with the dudley Get going out to Dudley and going to the Black Country Living Museum, won awards, you know, it's all right when you're there, isn't it?
00:16:10
Speaker
It's a whole little bit though at Christmas. I've actually never been at Christmas. Have we not? We've got to go. They do. you We go with the whole family. Yeah, it's a really great, great, great pleasure. It's really good for the kids as well. They're quite educational, but they do in such a fun kind of, they reenact, don't like they know they? do reenact, but it's really good for events. yeah There's a number of events that are lately that want to do something different and and look at taking 600, 700 people out of the city. What can you do to give the heritage back? So we've got a lovely tour together. and proposal together on how you can have an evening event out um at the Black Country Living Museum as part of a conference proposal.
00:16:46
Speaker
That's really useful, yeah really great to have these destinations at close. And, you know, 30 minutes from the city. It's tremendous, especially when you think how far some of these people have travelled to get here in the first place.
00:16:57
Speaker
But they come for a reason, and that's the gu's a key thing. they come it's It's not just about being and you know in a lecture theatre. It's about how you network with people. It's how you connect, how you make those connections. And doing it in social settings is actually a key part of any strategic confidence that you've put together.
Strategic Partnerships in Event Experiences
00:17:13
Speaker
My next um ploy is to have a Cadbury chocolate walk-in tour event.
00:17:19
Speaker
um if so We can literally just not go around Cadbury's World networking. Have you ever done events at Cadbury's World like that? I'm sure they must have. No, they do. Yeah, yeah they must do. Yeah, those they do. yeah i love Portonville.
00:17:32
Speaker
It's great place, isn't it? I bet that takes back to the green spaces in Burrage. It does. It's beautiful. It's all like with those green spaces in the city. So we're really blessed. Sustainability and inclusivity.
00:17:46
Speaker
favourite hot topics at the moment. but What's the region doing differently there? Okay, so we are currently engaging and promoting sustainable practices and we've undertaken the Global Destination Sustainability Benchmarking Exercise. God, that's a mouthful. That's a mouthful, GDS. Yes, we were on the ball. And we're really pleased with the performance that we've had. And we, as a destination, have seen significant improvements. We have been ranked highly for environmental performance in Coventry.
00:18:17
Speaker
and and And actually, we are eighth we eighth place for Birmingham DMO. That's that's ourselves as the Convention Bureau for our performance. and And we've got now got a dedicated person. It's step yeah Steph. Steph Miner. Yeah. He's been with us for a long time. Super um super lead, really. And she's leading us in and the business, tourism, sustainability, performance.
00:18:40
Speaker
And this participation really showcases our sustainability journey and our commitment fostering environmental responsibility, of course, social equity and economic resilience
Leadership in Destination Marketing
00:18:52
Speaker
in the region. um And also, this makes us really proud because it means that the region's tourism and business events sector shows that we are you know dedicated to what we say we're going to do. So if you look at green tourism and green meeting, it's...
00:19:09
Speaker
um You know, we ourselves have have achieved bronze in the green tourism certification. Amazing. So we know we started that. So we've just been acquainted. But that's our journey. oh ah You know, a journey as everybody. You start at bronze. To get to silver, like god you'll have to you have to start somewhere. and What I'd say I have seen lately and that I'm most proud of, that the g m really led from the visit side, but it's it's great because it goes across all of our strategic and events as well, is we've launched, I don't know if you've seen it, an accessibility toolkit on the Visit Birmingham website. I have seen, yeah.
00:19:46
Speaker
It's got learning modules, social media-based accessibility, but what I like about it, there's sort of quick wins for frontiers, know, for front-of-hire staff. Yeah. For people in restaurants and bars and the hotels, little things, all the elements to make sure they can provide a warm welcome.
00:20:03
Speaker
And what a warm welcome looks like on an ah accessibility platform. Yeah. You know, for instance, you know, how... um to enhance the taxi experience if they come into the city, you know, making sure they understand the guidelines for guide dogs. People would also might say, oh, no, you can't take my, like, the diet would take. But it's actually, what does that mean? What does that, how can you enhance that, then that welcome and that accessibility journey for for everybody? It's such a diverse city, isn't it? Like, we're so lucky to have the culture that we have here. We're so fortunate. um That is huge strength, isn't it, of the West Midlands, just how diverse the communities are.
00:20:41
Speaker
But that adds, but I think that adds to our destination. I only see that as a positive. I think there's something like 190 nationalities with over 30 different cuisines in the city.
00:20:56
Speaker
that's a amazes That's amazing. If you just think about that as our destination. Richness, I feel like. And I think, you know, if you think about our visitors and what they want experience here, You know, everything I think we have everything in place, but it's also making sure that message is out there. So, you know, this we have a great social media presence on all of our platforms. We're making sure that the Visit Birmingham website and Meet Birmingham websites are fully uploaded and integrated. So we're doing a lot around getting our messaging out because I think sometimes that's where people don't see it. It's actually communicating what's happening, isn't it? Yeah.
Advice for Aspiring Professionals
00:21:32
Speaker
It's massively important for us.
00:21:35
Speaker
So in your role, Linda, what does leadership in destination marketing look like for you? you know what? For me, it's it's interesting because um i think it's more about how you collaborate with people.
00:21:50
Speaker
So, i you know, I can write as a show i could draw like a strategic report. You know, I know what I'm going to be planning for the next year. I'm now into budgeting for the next three years, looking at how we're going to grow and change.
00:22:03
Speaker
But for me... um I want to make sure that we're we're really good at the basics. Yeah. How you welcome people into the city. Those foundations are so important. What that journey is like, how we work with our partners and stakeholders, and how they feel about know what our offering is and how we how we all work together. And so for me, it's that joined up collaboration approach. And, you know, we've been having meetings with key stakeholders in city who want to do things and bring things in. So I think our role is also being there to help and support one another, and but also aligned to what everybody's looking for. So, for instance, if there's a a group of hotels and venues that want to do a particular fam trip, then we'll support them. Yeah, putting that together if they want to go out to a particular... show or destination, well then that's our role to pull everybody together and bring them as a collaborative to act to a show or a destination. And I think that's been open to everybody and and for all really. Yeah. And i' making sure we align that that that approach to the right thing for the right people.
00:23:13
Speaker
So one of the things we're putting together, and were um and I think it's going to be really superb for our location destination, is working on an incentive product, an incentive program yep that's fully built, fully but fullyly made with all the product in place that um we are able to offer out.
00:23:30
Speaker
to bring more incentive meetings into the destination. You don't think of Birmingham as an incentive destination, but if you think about all the products that we have... Yeah, massively. And how you can put um a bookable programme together.
00:23:44
Speaker
So we have a new partner aligned, just starting to work with us now. And they've just been appointed. and So we're looking... The press? The press just appointed a new... The sixth visit.
00:23:58
Speaker
and But I think it's needed. i think yeah it's really it's a really nice thing to, well, it's a great product because, you know, if you think we we're great conferences, we're great at sporting events, yeah we're really well known for the exhibitions in our destination. You think everything that we do, but people don't think about Birmingham.
00:24:16
Speaker
for the and incentive project, incentive programs, bookable travel projects, that sort of. So that's where, that's our next focus. um And I think with a strategic approach that we're doing, working with a partner, we'll be able to deliver that.
00:24:30
Speaker
But we're also um here to identify trends and data and propose a strategic strategic way strategic way forward that's good for everybody, you know, for all of our venues, for hotels. So I think people look to us to say, what's next? What should they do?
00:24:44
Speaker
How should it be? know, what data and insights can you give us,
Evolving Client Expectations and Birmingham's Strengths
00:24:48
Speaker
really? Which leads me very nicely on to my next question. You are Miss Birmingham, as you said yourself. What advice would you give to professionals who want to move into a more of a strategic or regional roles?
00:25:00
Speaker
Okay, so I did think about this, actually. And first thing I have to do is use your network. If I'm going to advise anybody about sort of moving into... And actually, when you say it's strategic roles, you you probably mean actually...
00:25:12
Speaker
hire their career with it yeah absolutely in the in in the industry. And I've used People's User Network and reach out and to professionals and join as many industry for forums as you possibly can. You know, you, Sammy, very well know that Fast Forward 15 has been a very good programme for...
00:25:31
Speaker
amazing mentoring program um which yeah i've been I've been a mentor for two years now and I'm hot off the press I may or may not be returning next year for a third year which apparently is unheard ah of so I'm taking that as a but would no I guess what that's given me is me from an association a lot of the Fast Forward Air 15 mentors are from corporates or agencies, but actually it's widened my network hugely and sort of the networks I've been able to gain from being in that as a mentor. where You think actually mentoring's typically just giving something, supporting someone else. Actually, we have our own mentors, mentor. and So, yeah, those sort of programs and initiatives and sort of forums are great ways to broaden your network, but also it's been great learning for me.
00:26:11
Speaker
Yeah, that's it. And and that's really true. And I've had some great learnings because I've just completed my second year of being a mentor within the Elevate program. Of course. I find that hugely rewarding. So, and then I've sort of mentored people who just ask me,
00:26:27
Speaker
they have People will say, that can you help me with this? Or can I have your opinion on that? And I'm very open and and honest and, you know, happy to help everybody elevate their strength through the industry. And I'm really lucky having into my new career where I've got a great team of people. You all want to learn and all want to grow and progress within their careers. yeah And I am so delighted to be able to help them too.
00:26:52
Speaker
and Because that's what makes me tick. That's what I get personal huge pleasure in. Seeing people see it he grow and do really well and and and do well in the industry.
00:27:04
Speaker
So talking of doing well in the industry, how have client expectations of host cities has changed recently? Oh my gosh, this is a huge question. It's huge.
Importance of Relationships in Event Planning
00:27:14
Speaker
Keep up for you. I know we're running out time. I've to keep it quick. I think... um I think for events, it's about understanding what your client needs and then linking all of the strengths that you have in the city and the destination around their particular needs. So if they're looking for legacy, make sure you can introduce them to and desk you know in schools and and and and help them you know so and support their legacy projects, but also talk about what legacy they're looking to leave and how they're looking to progress, really. Subvention, that's a big ask. Yeah, especially on the international scale. So working with and strategic alliances and partnerships who visit Britain and unlocking some of their you know schemes for for funding has been one of the key um the key attributes that we've been working on, but also helping support and provide feedback of what it should look like. So making sure that we have that voice at the table. Yeah.
00:28:16
Speaker
And also um just being that welcoming presence that we have. i think the people think we're the fountain of knowledge. And yes, what i' like to say we are. so we put So he's putting those programs together and opening doors to areas in the city where people just don't know about it. So it's it's actually... Those hidden gems, isn't it? That you just, that as a client coming in, you won't necessarily know about or where's best for this or I've got an idea for that or... you know we need to host this and it's about having a solid team to say let me show you absolutely you know and it's taken out all that unknown because the unknown scary for event organizers when you go into cities that you're not familiar with because you're fundamentally expected to know everything by after your first site visit or you maybe your second um but yeah it is very much going back to the bureau and being like
00:29:01
Speaker
How can we work together? hi And it is that strategic partnership, but it's also being able to pick up a friendly phone call say, I'm having a problem here. Can you unlock this door for me? Or I'd really like to go, you know, my professor or my my sort of president of this organisation is coming and he wants to do X, Y and z How can we unlock that and what can we do? So i think it's um it's making sure that, well, it's it's working with people with everybody. Again, it's relation well, doesn't it? it says It's all back to it's hoy about communication and relationships. Yes, exactly. as the That's the end. we've got that like ro Communication and relationships. That's what it is. That's what
Reflections on Partnerships and Collaboration
00:29:39
Speaker
it is. So very quickly, if you had to describe the West Midlands in three words for event organisers, what would they be?
00:29:46
Speaker
Oh, you're throwing that little gem in, have you? ah I would say accessibility. Yeah. I would say we have the right venues and spaces across the city.
00:29:57
Speaker
So we are purpose built for events. And would say we're a city to have fun in. Oh, yes. yeah I think people, people they I think they miss that. They miss, if you want to go out and have fun these days and make sure. So I think we're a fun city.
00:30:13
Speaker
Good energy. Good energy. Good vibes. Yeah. Great. So now, um thank you so much, Linda, for joining to us. I have loved it. I've sat here just in awe. um But i just want to a little recap of where we are with things. So I guess what I've heard is that partnerships are key.
00:30:31
Speaker
They're definitely strengths. And I guess what what you can tell you around the collaboration piece, but also play into your strengths. And you know the West Midlands so well that you're able to pull those strings and highlight the areas. um So beautifully. um i think hearing today just about, you know, the heritage, also haven't thought about it is thinking ahead about the innovation. You know, when I think about heritage, and I always think about back back in the day, but actually, yeah, it's like actually, what else are we, we're making history, aren't we right here in in the city? So that's definitely been a strength that I've pulled out. But also that, you know, there's been loads of work behind the scenes that you're doing and with the team around, and you know, lots of audits and and kind of, you know, having the legacy piece there. But I think for me, it's just been a real good um education piece for me. So I hope the listeners are have enjoyed it too. But i'm sorry um I feel that what we can see is the the partnerships is definitely the key strengths. and having those collaboration pieces that work for everyone. So yeah, thank you so much for joining us. I've ah thoroughly enjoyed it.
00:31:32
Speaker
Thank you both. You've been amazing. As always, to step date with all things and Eventful Encounters, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. And as Sammy said, if you have enjoyed the episode, please comment.