Networking has long been an essential element of the broadcast and production industry, providing otherwise elusive connections and introductions. In recognition of this, in addition to the expanded exhibition space and seminar theatres, BVE North 2012 and its partners are providing several key opportunities to meet fellow professionals during the show, which takes place at Manchester Central on 13-14 November 2012.

The BVE North Show Bar is a popular place to bump into old faces, but this year sees some scheduled Bar Meet-Ups. Media Parents will hold a Freelancers Meet-Up at 4pm on Tuesday 13 November, enabling fellow freelancers to share experiences of flexible working, and encouraging employers to attend to meet a valuable pool of flexible and highly skilled professionals. In addition the Guild of British Camera Technicians (GBCT)’s Bar Meet-Up at 11am on Wednesday 14 November provides an opportunity for fellow camera technicians to catch up and receive the new GBCT crew directory.

BVE North’s Skills Zone also provides networking opportunities as well as valuable careers advice from expert practitioners in the industry. These informal sessions last for 1 hour and can be attended by 10 – 15 visitors, with essential tips on how to get a job in production, or how to get back into work following a career break, the technology skills required in today’s production environment, and financial tips for running a small business. The sessions are free to attend and seats are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
 
A number of exhibitors will also be holding events during the show, while the café provides a chance to sit down with old colleagues and reasonably priced food.

In addition there are a number of ancillary events during and after BVE North 2012 which provide further networking opportunities, including:

* ‘The Event’, a free networking evening from 6pm on Tuesday 13th November at The Midland Hotel, held jointly by Creative England, the Production Managers Association (PMA) and the Guild of Location Managers (GLM) and hosted by accountancy firm, Brooksons. This event is open to crew, facility houses, BBC and ITV employees, and production companies across the film, TV and digital sectors, and offers the chance for all comers to network with their peers and find out about the work done by Creative England, the PMA and the GLM and the assistance they can provide.

* The IOV Awards, the annual showcase for the great work produced by its members. This year’s ticket-only event takes place at the Radisson Blu Edwardian, Manchester on the evening of Tuesday 13th November with a formal sit-down three course banquet, followed by the awards presentations.

* A Networking Event held by Northern Soho, the collective of advertising, marketing and media industry creatives, at 7pm on Tuesday 13 November at Bohemia Bar Castlefield. The evening offers the opportunity to bring project ideas, pin them to a notice board and get connected on the spot with people who might be interested in collaborating.

* Technology reseller root6 will exhibit the best in file-based workflows at BVE North, and then take them on the road. The one-day events will present real-world, practical demonstrations that highlight the efficiencies that can be achieved through streamlined file-based operations. Following BVE North, the roadshow takes in venues in Scotland, Northern and Southern Ireland and Wales on the way to attending BVE at ExCel London in February 2013.

Anita Pal, Event Director, i2i Events Group, said, “These networking opportunities really are invaluable for content creators and broadcast professionals in the region, and we’re delighted to partner with these organisations to bring people together around BVE North.”

www.bvenorth.co.uk