Activites Report

BVAA Booms from another year of exciting events!

This past year has again exceeded expectations where events are concerned. It’s easy to see the extensive benefits to our members in terms of the networking opportunities on offer.

With such a range of different activities it is important for our members to ensure that they make the most of the exclusive events available. Different formats and price points mean that there is always something suitable and accessible to all. The previous year was no different in terms of offering a jam-packed programme of events.

Significant changes have also happened at BVAA HQ which includes the appointment of a new Events Coordinator (Ellie Davies) and Marketing Coordinator (Laura Martin) in August 2018.

Future Leaders Programme
The Future Leaders Programme is into its third consecutive and very successful year. The year’s intensive course culminated in an exceptional presentation at the BVAA’s 79th Annual General Meeting. The Programme offers fantastic opportunities to the rising stars of the wider Valve and Actuator industries and equips them with the tools to reach new heights in their personal and professional careers. The innovative initiative is covered in finer detail further along in this Review.

Customer Golf Day
A swinging start to September, with another successful day of sunshine, golf and of course networking.

The BVAA saw a fantastic turn out at the Portlethen Golf Club, with 7 teams taking to the course, all aspiring to win the coveted BVAA Cup and other fantastic prizes. Sadly, our very own CEO Rob Bartlett and his team came in bottom of the leader board… however it wasn’t all doom and gloom for their team as Ryan MacKay (Rollstud) won Nearest the Pin. Longest drive was achieved by Ian Newell (NOV Rig Technologies) a customer of a fantastic member. Make sure you bring along your customers to the next event and see if they can get their hands on a fabulous golfing prize.

The BVAA Cup winners were once again the HSP team of Roddy Philip, Gordon McNair, Derrick Mackenzie and Jamie May. Keep an eye out on BVAA news to see if anyone can steal the top spot at our next golf event in 2019.

Spring Conference & Golf
The BVAA’s Spring conference took place a little bit further up on the map this year, at a new favourite venue of ours, Formby Hall. The two-day event got underway with an 18 desk exhibition, made up of both members and guests, and of course lots of coffee. Following on from the exhibition the BVAA welcomed seven guest speakers, each discussing important and relative industry topics.

One of our guest speakers Fraser Maitland, showed off more than just his industry knowledge by treating us to an excellent performance on his pipes. The evening continued with more fantastic entertainment from comedian Rod Woodward.

After a delicious dinner, plenty of gin and tonics and a wonderful night in Formby Hall, it was time to hit the greens. Once again, the BVAA Cup was up for grabs, and this time won by Matthew Riach, Peter Burnett, Dean Holroyd and Mark Topliss.

We will be returning to Formby Hall in 2019, so get in touch to book your place!

Desktop Exhibitions
Desktop exhibitions having been a roaring success over the last year. We would like to thank all of our hosts, we have seen exceptional facilities and equipment across the UK, and not forgetting the fabulous lunch time spreads. The desktops continue to provide an undeniable platform for networking, knowledge and product sharing.

Pink Day / Business Development Meeting / Charity
Throughout autumn the BVAA team got involved in raising funds for some very important causes.

The BVAA celebrated in style at the latest business development meeting, getting down to business in the PINKEST attire that could be found, all in aid of Breast Cancer Now. It was a fantastic day with all things PINK… including the BVAA ladies’ hair. Thank you to everyone that got involved in helping us raise £140.

Another incredible contribution was made to Children in Need after the BVAA and all its fantastic members managed to raise a whopping £1158 at the AGM and Dinner Dance. Thank you to everyone that attended the event and for donating to such a worthy cause.

BVAA AGM
The BVAA AGM this year was held at Rudding Park in Harrogate.

The venue combined both elegance with a warm and inviting ambience not to mention stunning spa facilities.

There’s fuller coverage of the BVAA’s 79th Annual General Meeting in the BVAA news section of this issue of Valveuser.

The day comprised of informative and engaging presentations which included BVAA’s own Future Leaders Cohort 3, Mark Homer - VP & Head of Digital Transformation - GE Digital - Predix ServiceMax and Roger Bromley - Visiting Professor of Innovation & Collaboration, University of Huddersfield.

The day rounded off with the customary Black-Tie affair which presented an exceptional evening of dinner, dancing and entertainment.

The Annual Ball was preceded with a champagne reception, awards to individual members who had provided particularly helpful service to the Association over the year and the Future Leaders Cohort 3 who recieved their own crystal awards.

Valve World 2018
Covered in detail within the BVAA news section - Valve World was a tremendous success and definitely lived up to its expectations by providing a platform for attendees and exhibitors to meet new customers, develop existing business contacts, strengthen the international sales network and increase export opportunities.

The products and services being exhibited were aimed at a variety of industries which included: oil and gas, petrochemicals, chemicals, food, marine and offshore, water and waste management, automotive, mechanical engineering, pharmaceuticals, medical engineering and powerplant engineering to name a few!

The BVAA stand had a number of co-exhibitors comprising VMA, BVAA members and the central BVAA stand providing refreshments, lunch and seating to accommodate our members.

This central lounge also proved very advantageous as an exclusive area to be used for meetings, networking and discussions.

The trade fair attracted over 11,000 professionals from 86 different countries, of whom over 70% according to the Valve World report following the event were executives and key decision-makers.

The next VALVE WORLD EXPO and its conference will be at Düsseldorf Fairgrounds from 1st to 3rd December 2020.

Published: 26th April 2019