Bright Futures National 'Build Your Brand' Event Jan 2010

January 28th 2010 saw the first Bright Futures Society National Event of 2010 take place in the heart of London.  Bright Futures student Committee members from almost 30 universities across the UK met with representatives from 24 Corporate Investors to learn the importance of building a personal brand and networking.

The day kicked off at 11.45am with a short introduction from Bright Futures MD Simon Reichwald during which he asked everyone to stand up and check under their seats - one lucky audience member found themselves £20 richer!  The message?  You'll be amazed what happens when you get off your butt.

This was followed by the first keynote speaker of the day Marcus Orlovsky.

Marcus is a founder of Bryanston Square and is passionate about helping the world of education create better learning environments where young people can set out on their journey to achieving their goals.  The list of his achievements is phenomenal; from selling Ferraris and antiques; from recruiting at Ernst & Young to creating Tiger Tiger and LazyTown as well as involvement in over 500 UK schools, his 'why not' attitude is truly inspirational and went down well with both Committee members and Investors, which was evidenced by the clammer to speak with him during the informal networking that followed.

Above: Marcus Orlovsky

After lunch came the ever-popular Speed Networking.  With corporate Investors seated and staying put the Bright Futures Committees were able to spend time with each company, before Eve's blast on the whistle told them it was time to move on to the next.

Above: Barclays and Meltwater speed network with Bright Futures Students

With business cards exchanged, contact details taken and event ideas exchanged the speed networking drew to a close and everyone made their way to the presentation area for the official launch of Business Heroes.  Bright Futures have created this alongside Save the Children to raise money for the victims of the disaster in Haiti.

Teams of students have since come up with fundraising ideas and helped by seed funding and mentors provided by corporate sponsors the chosen teams are in the process of making these ideas a reality.

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Above: Zella King from Save the Children explains how the competition will benefit those affected by the devastating earthquake in Haiti as well as the teams themselves!

To end the official schedule for the day on a more light hearted but still worthwhile note Bright Futures introduced Nigel Risner.  Nigel is a world-renowned motivational speaker, respected author and television presenter who captivated and challenged the audience, as well as getting a number of laughs (and handing out £10 to one lucky Committee member).  Were you a monkey, lion, elephant or dolphin?!

Above: Nigel Risner

Nigel's motivational speech brought the official part of the event to a close, and everyone moved into the bar area for a free drink and to continue networking on an informal basis.

Above: RateMyPlacement, Qedis, Nick from Warwick Bright Futures and others enjoying a spot of informal networking and making those all-important connections!!

Event feedback from both students and Investors has been fantastic - click here to read some comments.

Click here to see some more photos 

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