Nurturing ‘The Next Generation’ – HBAA focus for 2019

The theme will be the HBAA’s focus for events in the year ahead. The association will be exploring opportunities for collaborating with the Prince’s Trust, as well as developing resources to attract, nurture and retain the next generation of workers.

Experienced industry professionals will be providing continuous mentorship, and younger members will be invited to shadow the HBAA board at events throughout 2019.

Rachael Naylor, the new HBAA venue member chair, announced the launch of a Venue Members meeting, designed to forge closer collaboration between venues. This is set to take place along with the Great Venue Showcase on 11 and 12 April.

The HBAA will also be driving a major initiative to encourage action on mental health issues in the event industry. It will introduce a training course for members to become mental health ‘first aiders’, which all HBAA Executive Committee members will undergo.

It also announced a collaboration with charity Buses4Homeless, which outfits buses as overnight shelters and vocational learning centres for the homeless. 

Angie Mason, HBAA Chair, commented: “I could not be more excited to take over as Chair. 16 years after my previous year in office, my association experience is coming full circle. I started my first business in this industry 29 years ago and have lived through tremendous change and three recessions. Many of the Executive Committee also have so much knowledge and experience to help, inspire and support ‘The Next Generation.’