Leading events venue, The Mermaid London, is thrilled to announce it will be hosting the first-ever Fast Forward 15 Mentoring Awards. As a female-led venue in the heart of the capital, it is wholehearted in its support for an organisation doing so much to empower women across the events and hospitality industry.
Fast Forward 15 (FF15) is a not-for-profit mentoring scheme giving 15 women the opportunity to be mentored, encouraged and advised on career progression for one year by an industry expert. Its inaugural mentoring awards, the first of their kind in this sector, will celebrate outstanding contributions to talent development and growth by people and organisations across the industry.
With entries for the awards closing on Friday March 7, mentors, mentees, corporates, agencies and suppliers have a little under one week left to submit their nominations for everything from ‘mentee rising stars’ and ‘diversity and inclusion trailblazers’ to ‘coaching champions’ and ‘corporate mentoring programmes of the year’.
Kathryn Winfield, General Manager at The Mermaid London, said: “Having experienced the FF15 programme myself, I know first-hand just how transformative mentoring can be, not only for your professional career but also your personal self-esteem and confidence.
“It’s truly a privilege to be able to give back to this life-changing organisation by hosting the awards ceremony at The Mermaid London – a spectacular setting for a spectacular event celebrating the best of community, championing best practice, lifting each other up, and showcasing exactly why mentoring is invaluable to a thriving events industry of the future.”
The unique celebration, on April 24, will take place in The Mermaid London’s breathtaking River Rooms, with their panoramic views of the dazzling London skyline and River Thames below forming an enchanting backdrop. Making their way into the light-filled Lower River Room through their own exclusive entrance, guests will enjoy an elegant drinks reception before heading to the stylish Upper River Room for the prestigious awards ceremony.
Looking out over iconic London landmarks including Shakespeare’s Globe, The Shard and Tate Modern, guests will also indulge in a delectable three-course dinner prepared by The Mermaid’s expert catering partner, Seasoned. The venue’s specialist AV partner, Rockit, which is sponsoring the ceremony, will be providing unparalleled event production support. The ideal setting for such a celebration, the River Rooms hold a late licence until 2am and can be combined with the adjoining Queenhithe space which is perfect for use as a dancefloor.
Fay Sharpe, Founder of Fast Forward 15, said: “The FF15 Mentoring Awards are the concept of this year’s mentee cohort. Mentoring is so little recognised in the events and hospitality industry, yet its impact can be monumental, so we wanted to celebrate all those people and organisations which, through coaching and mentoring, are putting people first and having a profound influence on their lives in the most positive and uplifting way.
“With Kat Winfield having previously been a mentee on the FF15 programme, and her ongoing support for the power of mentoring, The Mermaid London was our first choice – a one-of-a-kind venue for a one-of-a-kind awards ceremony. With its brilliant team, service-focussed approach and stunning views overlooking the River Thames, it’s the perfect setting for a night of celebration and fun.”
Located on the banks of the River Thames at Blackfriars, leading conference and events venue, The Mermaid London, is a unique and customisable blank canvas. It has an exclusive use capacity of 1,900 and is home to nine versatile and adaptable events spaces, including the City of London’s only 600-seated auditorium. Its phenomenal location provides unbeatable transport links and incredible views over some of the capital’s most renowned landmarks.
Author: Adam Parry
Adam is the co-founder and editor of www.eventindustrynews.com Adam, a technology evangelist also organises Event Tech Live, Europe’s only show dedicated to event technology and the Event Technology Awards. Both events take place in November, London.
