The 2022 Russell Bedford International Young Partners & Managers Meeting took place at the Hotel Valencia Oceanic Affiliated by Meliá in Valencia, Spain on 28 - 29 November 2022.
The final physical event of the year attracted members from around the globe, with delegates attending from Europe, Asia and Latin America. The meeting was attended by professionals from a variety of disciplines, including marketing representatives and young partners and managers from within the Russell Bedford network.
Prior to the sessions commencing, delegates congregated on Sunday evening for an informal dinner at Vaqueta Gastro Mercat, which allowed everyone to reconnect with colleagues and get to know some newcomers.
The meeting opened on Monday, 28 November with pre-meeting networking, followed by a welcome and introductions from all attending delegates.
Russell Bedford: your international network was the first session of the day, delivered by CEO Stephen Hamlet, where he summarised the latest updates from within the network, including recent achievements and shared the network’s goals and ambitions for 2023.
Jaime Salvador from Valencia member firm, and Anabel Salinas from Barcelona member firm, presented next, in their session Russell Bedford in Spain – presenting the national network, Russell Bedford España, and the Valencia member firm.
The group then broke for a networking break for discussions with colleagues on the morning’s learnings.
After the break, two of Russell Bedford’s Central Office team, Kathryn Davis and Fatme Ardali, led a discussion group on How to build a personal brand. The session provided a very interesting conversation surrounding the principles behind successful personal branding and why we all need to consider this for our own career growth.
Following the conclusion of the morning sessions, delegates enjoyed a networking buffet lunch together at the hotel restaurant.
Training provider, Angus Farr from Training Counts, was up next with his session, Briefing on ‘Pitch Perfect’. After the session, the group was divided into teams to work on preparing bids, providing delegates with an opportunity to challenge themselves in a team environment.
After a short coffee break, each team delivered some very convincing client bid presentations.
Following the close of the daytime programme, delegates reconvened in the hotel lobby for departure to a bar for pre-dinner drinks and dinner at the spectacular Submarine Restaurant at Oceanogràfic València.
Day two of the meeting commenced with opening remarks followed by a de-briefing on ‘Pitch Perfect’ and an analysis of strengths and weaknesses
After another opportunity for further networking, delegates reconvened for the penultimate session The 7½ skills all professionals need to succeed, taking a deep dive into what success looks like and the key areas on which to focus in order to get there.
Wrapping up the meeting, Angus invited CEO, Stephen Hamlet to discuss his conclusions from the day and to provide his insights into presenting and personal branding.
Delegates enjoyed a final networking buffet lunch together at the hotel, before the close of the conference and individual departures.
Speaking about the meeting, Stephen Hamlet said: "It’s been such a pleasure to meet some of our brightest and most ambitious young partners and managers from within the network this week. This particular event is always such a great educator and provides a unique opportunity to learn from the younger, up and coming generations - our future leaders.”
He added: "It is indeed comforting to know that our network’s member firms are in the good hands of these rising stars, and it is so inspiring to be surrounded by their infectious energy, while hearing from them about their views on the future.”
In his closing comments, Stephen said: "All in all, it’s been a very refreshing and positive close to this year’s conference season. A fitting end to a year of wonderful enthusiasm from our members to get back to in-person events, and sharing the inside knowledge surrounding how to do better business together.”