The BBC
Attracting top candidates in today's competitive market is increasingly difficult. Traditional recruitment often misses passive candidates who could fit well. Talent-focused events offer a chance to showcase your company culture and values interactively. By fostering meaningful connections and offering engaging content, organizations can distinguish themselves as preferred employers and build genuine relationships with potential employees.
Overview
The BBC partnered with my team, following a long period of poor candidate attraction, to create two bespoke talent-focused events—one in London and one in Salford (Manchester)—to attract and recruit top design talent. These events were designed to highlight the BBC’s innovative approach to design and UX&D (User Experience and Design) while connecting with a curated audience of vetted delegates. The events incorporated interactive presentations, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities to foster genuine connections and identify high-potential candidates.
Key Metrics
Delegates: 250 vetted attendees in London, 150 in Manchester.
Recruitment Success: Helped the BBC place 90% of their design hires, including 3 VP-level roles.
Speakers: 15+ senior leaders and practitioners across both events.
Themes: Service design, accessibility, culture change, and user experience architecture.
Event Highlights
1. Content and Speaker Curation I worked closely with the BBC to shape the event content, ensuring it showcased the brand’s unique approach to design and innovation. Key themes included:
The evolving role of design leadership and culture change.
Accessibility and inclusivity in digital design.
Service design practices for large organisations.
The intersection of creativity and technology in UX design.
Notable speakers included Colin Burns (Chief Design Officer) and Tammy Gur (Head of UXD), who delivered keynote talks on departmental values and methodologies.
2. Delegate Vetting and Recruitment To ensure a highly relevant audience, I developed an application process that vetted potential delegates for their qualifications and interest in UX&D roles. This transparency—coupled with a clear message that the BBC was hiring—attracted a motivated audience of design professionals, ensuring high-quality connections and conversations.
3. Event Logistics and Delivery I managed all aspects of the events, including:
Venue selection and negotiation: Curated and secured venues that reflected the BBC’s brand and values.
Speaker management: Coordinated with all speakers, providing guidance on content to align with the event’s objectives.
Event hosting: Served as the on-site lead, ensuring seamless execution and fostering a welcoming environment for attendees.
Post-event support: Facilitated introductions between BBC teams and top candidates, supported follow-ups, and provided feedback reports.
Outcomes
The events were a resounding success, achieving the BBC’s recruitment goals while enhancing its employer brand:
Successfully filled 90% of the BBC’s design vacancies, including senior roles.
Strengthened the BBC’s reputation as a leader in UX&D innovation.
Created a blueprint for talent-focused events that can be replicated across industries.
Why Hire Me for Talent-Focused Events
1. Proven Results With a track record of delivering impactful events for global brands like the BBC, I specialise in creating tailored experiences that attract top-tier talent. My innovative approach consistently delivers high placement rates and measurable ROI.
2. Comprehensive Services From initial consultation to post-event follow-up, I manage every aspect of your event:
Audience curation and delegate recruitment.
Speaker and content strategy.
Venue selection and logistics management.
Event hosting and post-event reporting.
3. Deep Recruitment Expertise With years of experience as a recruitment consultant, I bring a unique perspective to talent-focused events. I leverage my extensive network—particularly in design—to connect organisations with the best candidates for their needs.
4. Cost-Effective and Brand-Enhancing My approach is a cost-effective alternative to traditional recruitment methods, delivering tangible hiring outcomes while boosting your employer brand. Recorded content from these events can also be repurposed for ongoing talent attraction efforts.
Additional Service: Retained Managed Recruitment
In addition to event-based recruitment, I offer retained managed service recruitment. This bespoke service leverages my network and expertise to meet your specific talent needs, ensuring a seamless and efficient hiring process. Whether you’re seeking design leaders, technical specialists, or creative innovators, I can help you build the team you need to succeed.
Ready to transform your recruitment strategy with talent-focused events? Let’s connect and discuss how I can help your organisation attract the best and brightest talent in your industry.
