Bondholders shine at first ever Spotlight expo

The importance of role models, innovation and community were just some of the key messages hundreds of people took away with them after attending Marketing Derby’s first ever Bondholder Spotlight expo.

The event, which profiled and celebrated the 350-plus businesses and organisations that make up the Bondholder community, saw more than 300 people descend on the Reach Events Centre, on Pride Park.

They were treated to a day full of insightful panel debates, fascinating speakers, workshops and interactive stands.

Backed by headline sponsor Smith Partnership, the event also gave Marketing Derby an opportunity for an in-person presentation of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation it won during the pandemic.

John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, said: “The Spotlight exceeded our expectations, and it was a genuine pleasure to host 300 guests who were able to enjoy excellent content in the stands, workshops and panels.

“There was brilliant networking all day – a lot of business done too – and a lovely moment to finally be able to celebrate our Queen’s Award for Enterprise.”

The aim of Bondholder Spotlight was to celebrate the support of Bondholders for Marketing Derby’s efforts to promote and attract investment to Derby and Derbyshire.

The event’s packed programme began with a networking breakfast, prepared by Butler’s Pantry and sponsored by Balls2 Marketing, with some words of introduction from Mr Forkin.

The morning sessions included a workshop by Keith Cox, of Bloc Digital, on the potential of AR, VR and other immersive technologies and a talk by Martin Broadhurst, of Broadhurst Digital, on the use of artificial intelligence in marketing strategies.

The day also included three panel debates, covering inclusivity in the workplace, how businesses can ride out the current energy crisis, and the hopes and dreams of the next generation.

Between the speakers and panel debates, visitors to Spotlight were able to enjoy a host of interactive stands, from pottery throwing to F1 simulators.

And businesses looking for worthy causes to back were able to discover more about our Bondholder charities in a special Charity Lounge.

Finally, Bondholder Spotlight provided an opportunity for Marketing Derby to celebrate its Queen’s Award win in style with a special presentation and drinks reception.

Lindsey Hatfield, commercial development manager at Marketing Derby, who organised Bondholder Spotlight, said: “I was so proud to see Bondholders celebrating each other’s successes and clearly enjoying the day with friends, colleagues and clients.

“A visitor from outside of Derby commented on the sense of togetherness in the room, which described it perfectly for me.

“I’d like to say a special thanks to everyone who contributed, the speakers, exhibitors and all of the Bondholders who chipped in to help and to everyone who visited on the day for half an hour or the full nine hours!

“A special thanks go to the team at Reach Events who helped the day run so smoothly and Butler’s Pantry for feeding a huge amount of people so efficiently twice!”

Marketing Derby would like to thank Arianne Leach and Indigo Communications for taking and supplying the photographs for Bondholder Spotlight.