Professionals and organisations from across the events, hospitality and meetings industries have been recognised for their commitment to mentoring, coaching and professional development at this year’s Fast Forward15 Mentoring Awards.
Among those recognised was Blackberry Events team member Becci Picketts, who earned a Highly Commended distinction in the Rising Star Mentor category following a year of impactful mentoring work supporting emerging industry talent.
Becci’s mentorship journey comes as part of Blackberry’s push to improve their own social value and forms one of many initiatives their team have implemented over recent months – following encouragement from Director Georgie Butler who in the past has also mentored professionals working in organisations such as Gym Shark.
Chloe Turner from ICC Wales claimed the Rising Star Mentee title, while Olivia Dobberson of Cheerful Twentyfirst and Dilpreet Gill from Hilton London Metropole were both Highly Commended by the judges.
Sponsored by ABM, the Rising Star Mentor award was presented to Gemma Watson of Mindful Brains. Alongside Becci Picketts, Bernice Heard from Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and Sophie Beasor of The Power of Events were also Highly Commended.
Becci’s recognition follows a career spanning almost 20 years within the events sector. After graduating in Event Management in 2007, she developed extensive experience in hotel operations before progressing into senior sales positions specialising in weddings and large-scale events across avariety of venues.
She later joined Blackberry Events,where she now oversees projects from initial concept through to final delivery, drawing on both her operational expertise and commercial background.
At the close of 2024, Becci committed to becoming a mentor as part of a personal ambition to support the next generation of industry professionals. She began mentoring through NOWIE – The Network of Women in Events CIC and its Level Up mentoring programme, helping mentees develop confidence, communication skills and professional presence.
During one mentoring partnership, Becci adapted her approach after her mentee received an ADHD diagnosis. By introducing more flexible and structured mentoring techniques, she created a neuroinclusive environment focused on building confidence, recognising strengths and encouraging self-advocacy in the workplace.
She has since expanded her mentoring work through the Future Faces Chamber of Commerce mentorship programme, continuing to support young professionals with a practical and personalised mentoring style.
Ffion Riordan-Jones, who participated in the NOWIE mentoring programme, praised Becci’s guidance, saying the experience transformed both her confidence and approach to her career.
“Working with her has genuinely changed the way I approachboth my career and myself. She created a space where I felt supported andunderstood, helping me build confidence and believe in my abilities.”
The Mentor & Me category was won by Bernice Heard (Hyatt Hotels & Resorts) and Louise Balderson (XSEM). Highly Commended recognition went to Tom Hurley (LSEG) and Helina Thompson-Hartley (Emota), as well as Kat Saha-Sen and Jade Rushbrooke from Stagestruck.
Sammy Connell of NASUWT received the Mentor of the Year award. Victoria Owens from KPMG and Linda Best of West Midlands Growth Company were also acknowledged by the panel.
NOWIE secured the Community, Coaching & Mentoring Impact award, while The Diana Award and the HSMAI Europe Mentorship Programme were Highly Commended.
BCD was named winner in the Agency Mentoring Programme category, with emc3 receiving Highly Commended status.
Gabrielle Austen Browne from Diversity Alliance and Samie Boyd of Cuffe & Taylor shared the Diversity & Inclusion Champion award. Cat Kevern, representing Electric Cat and NOWIE, was recognised as Highly Commended.
The Professional Mentoring Team at City St George’s took home the University Mentoring Initiative award. The University of Westminster and Birmingham City University’s Professional Mentoring Programme were also recognised.
Joy Thomas from IQVIA won the Corporate Coaching & Mentoring Initiative category.
Two mentoring partnerships shared this year’s Kerrie Dorman 360 Mentoring Award: Kathryn Williams (Corrigan Collection) with Marie-Noel MahNji (Wise Productions), and Gemma Glasson (Wahaca) alongside Kathryn Williams.
Sammy Connell rounded off the evening by also receiving the Fay Sharpe Award for Outstanding Contribution, recognising long-term dedication to mentoring and professional development across the sector.
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