Meet the Mentor

When Jade Fletcher, founder of Jade Green Productions, first launched the JGP & BNC Meet the Mentor series at The BNC Show, the goal was simple: to create a safe space for event professionals to discuss the real-world highs and lows of the industry.

After overwhelming success in the Shows’ seminar rooms over recent years (where queues formed to join the conversation!) she knew this initiative needed more than just one outlet.

To meet the growing demand for connection, Meet the Mentor recently stepped out of the Show environment and into the elegant surroundings of the Strand Palace for an intimate networking breakfast.

While our seminar sessions at The BNC Show offer a high-energy burst of inspiration, the breakfast at Strand Palace allowed for a deeper, more relaxed dive into the challenges facing today’s event managers.

The room was a vibrant mix of senior-level professionals and aspiring hospitality students. This intergenerational exchange is at the core of the program’s DNA - sharing wisdom not from a podium, but across a coffee cup, shoulder to shoulder.

Leading the conversations were our three mentors: Jade Green, Sherrine Little and Holly Booth. All three are powerhouse event managers who have navigated the steep climb to success and are now dedicated to supporting others.

Real Talk: From Blockchain to Wellbeing

The beauty of Meet the Mentor is its fluidity. Conversations at the Strand Palace tables were as diverse as the industry itself. Topics ranged from the technical frontiers of AI and blockchain to the deeply personal struggle of maintaining a work-life balance in an ‘always-on’ industry.

One of the most resonant themes of the morning was the prevalence of Imposter Syndrome. In an industry that demands perfection, many attendees admitted to feeling like they weren't "enough."

The mentors provided a vital tip: “We have to keep reminding ourselves: ‘I can do this. My experience is relevant."

Founder Jade Green noted the quiet power in the room: “I think it’s fascinating and inspiring that people don’t realise how amazing they are." she said. "The knowledge shared in the room was proof that people  are capable of orchestrating the most incredible events. To them it’s second nature, but when you take a step back and really look, their achievements are so inspirational. Hopefully we reminded them of that whilst they’re stuck in the day-to-day.

“I’ve gone through confident stages and really quiet stages too," said Jade. "It all depends on what’s going on at the time.”

This honesty is what sets Meet the Mentor apart. It is a non-pressurised environment where anxiety is met with warm smiles and the reassurance that "we are all in this together."

Learning is a Two-Way Street

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the expansion into standalone events is that the learning isn't one-sided.

“Each mentor comes away learning things as well,” the team reflected. “We all have something to give.”

As the Meet the Mentor series continues to grow, we are reminded that there is a profound need in our community to connect, share, and learn. Whether it’s in a bustling seminar room at The BNC Show or over breakfast at a London hotel, we are committed to providing the outlets our members need to thrive.

Stay tuned for details on our next Meet the Mentor session. Whether you are a veteran looking to give back or a newcomer looking for a hand up, there is a seat at the table for you. NEXT SESSION:   The BNC Show  |  Tuesday 14th April  |  Central Hall Westminster

Our thanks to Catherine Bunn, Matthew Beard and Lisa Lernoux-Dock for welcoming JGP & The BNC Meet the Mentor into the stunning Strand Palace.