Posted 11 July 2022

Join our new networking event, Meet & Greet, and hear all about working in PR and marketing

On Thursday 28th July we’ll be hosting our very first networking event, Meet & Greet! To kick things off, we’re focusing on the world of PR and marketing. This is a chance to meet a range of industry experts working in this field, learn more about their roles and ask questions. So if you’re a UK-based creative in the first year of your career and curious about this pocket of industry, be sure to sign up.

So you’re curious about working in PR and marketing, but don’t know where to start. What’s the difference between the two? What roles are available for entry-level talent, and what kinds of skills might you need to work in these areas? If you’d like to know the answer to any of these questions, you’ll want to register for our new networking event, Meet & Greet.

From communications assistants and experienced public relations managers to marketing directors, we’re inviting ten industry professionals to shed light on the opportunities out there, share insights into their roles and offer advice for anyone looking to follow a similar path.

So whether you’re a student, a grad or simply in the first year of your career journey, this is a chance to meet industry professionals, connect with fellow emerging attendees and ultimately learn more about what it’s like to work in marketing and PR.

How will it work?

The session will take place over Zoom on Thursday 28th July, from 5pm to 8pm BST. There are only a limited number of places available, so make sure you sign up to register your interest.

After a short panel discussion with our industry experts, you’ll be put into breakout rooms of three attendees and one industry expert, where you’ll get the chance to ask questions, receive advice and find out more about their role. This will then rotate, so you get to meet several industry experts throughout the evening.

Please note that while you do not need a portfolio to register, we do ask that you submit a question for our industry experts when you apply, along with a short line about why you’d like to attend. Simply register your interest by 11:59pm on 18th July via the link below.

Who will be there?

Amy Maw, Marketing Director, Jones Knowles Ritchie
Amy studied Business Administration at Cardiff University, specialising in marketing and business ethics. Shortly after graduating, she joined JKR as a marketing assistant, where she has remained since, building her career alongside a strong knowledge of marketing over the last fifteen years.

Chloe Flexman, Co-Founder and Studio Director, Buff Motion
After graduating with a degree in Graphic Design from Kingston School of Art in 2007, Chloe worked in various video production jobs, ranging from runner to producer, before co-founding Buff Motion in 2014. Her role as Studio Director involves ensuring the studio is operating in the best way it possibly can, and largely focuses on factors such as people, process, work and impact.

Peyton Squires, Senior Brand Manager, Proper
After acquiring a degree in Art History and French from the University of Manchester, Peyton spent five years at Sipsmith Gin, playing a major role in growing the business in the UK before moving into a global marketing role within Sipsmith’s parent company Beam Suntory. Peyton moved to her current role at Proper in September 2021.

Lee Gunther, Public Relations Director, Wieden+Kennedy
After gaining a degree in English and Media Studies, Lee began his career as an entertainment journalist before moving into consumer PR for independent film labels and subsequently joining the B2B world. With Wieden+Kennedy, he has worked with a number of high-profile clients including Nike, Sainsbury’s, Formula One, TK Maxx and Honda.

Amy Egan, Head of Marketing, Animade
Amy studied for a BA in Illustration at Camberwell College of Art, before obtaining an MA in Art History at the University of Sussex. Having worked as an art writer for Dazed (digital and print), Amy was also a founding editor of art paper Symbol, and an independent gallery co-director and curator. In 2015, she joined Animade as the first person in their marketing team, which she now leads.

Gemma Redgrave, Marketing Director, AKQA
After graduating with a master’s in Education, Gemma spent a decade in teaching before beginning her career in PR and Marketing at AKQA. She has been named the top Global Awards Manager by Creative Pool, was named on The Dots Rising Star 2021 list and has been invited to judge at both the New York Advertising Festival and AKQA’s Future Lions award, in partnership with Cannes International Festival of Creativity.

Kwesi Amoasi, PR and Comms Assistant, Mr Porter
Kwesi studied Fashion Management and Marketing at UCA Epsom, interning at The Lobby London and Rainbowwave PR while working weekend shifts at M&S. After graduating, he landed a PR Graduate Assistant role at Saint Laurent, before joining Mr Porter in November 2021.

Iona Bell, Marketing Manager, Southbank Centre
Now based in London, Iona studied Practical Arts in Brighton before embarking on an administration and marketing internship with Cockpit Arts. She joined Southbank Centre in 2016 as a Marketing Assistant and has since worked her way up to a managerial role, having gained valuable insight into the world of arts marketing.

Joel Midgley, Head of Global Brand Marketing, The Guardian
Joel studied English at the University of Liverpool before immediately diving into a career in marketing. He began a Marketing Manager position at The Guardian in 2018 and has since worked his way up to overseeing global brand marketing at the news organisation, and in 2020 was named in The Drum’s Future 50 list of best new marketers in the world.

Rebecca Vicary, Director of External Communications, Pentland Brands
After studying Sport and Media at Leeds University, Rebecca began her career at Pentland Brands, managing PR for Speedo, Kickers and Ellesse. In 2005, Rebecca joined the BBC to lead international communications for its global news division before returning to Pentland Brands in 2012 as Head of External Communications, where she has risen to become Director.

How to apply

This session is open to students, grads, or those within the first year of a creative career. You’re only eligible to register if you are:

• Within the first year of your career
• Based in the UK
• Aged 18 and over

Please note that while you do not need a portfolio to register, we do ask that you submit a question for our industry experts when you apply, along with a short line about why you’d like to attend. Simply register your interest by 11:59pm on 18th July via the link below.

Please note

Registering for this event does not guarantee a place. Those invited to attend will be emailed a week before the event, and will be asked to pay a £5 deposit. This is to confirm your attendance, and will be refunded after the session.

We hope to see you there!