VisitBrighton team member brings city into the spotlight
Lucinda Jones, sales officer at VisitBrighton, has been shortlisted for a prestigious competition which is helping to highlight our VisitBrighton Conference Bureau to an international audience.
For the ‘First Timer’s’ competition, launched by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Lucinda made a video showcasing the city’s unique talent, interesting venues and vibrant character.
Last month Lucinda found out she was one of just three shortlisted entrants and will now present a five-minute pitch at the association’s annual conference this month where the winners will be announced.
Making the most of resources
Lucinda had no budget for the video so called upon her own resources, friends and acquaintances to create the film. Her contributors included:
- filmmaker Ruari Barratt who she knows through kickboxing
- yoga instructor Katie Finch who she met at a dance class
- dancer Lewis Klein who is a friend of a friend
She also got permission from DJ Fatboy Slim to use his track Praise You for the video. He included a message to Lucinda congratulating her on the video and recognising the importance of conference trade to Brighton.
Showcasing the city
The video was filmed in three of Brighton & Hove’s top conference venues - British Airways i360, Royal Pavilion and Brighton Dome.
Lucinda said: “Brighton & Hove is an extremely flexible conference destination and I happen to know a lot of incredibly flexible people! My dream was to have them doing their flexible thing in three of our flexible conference venues! I thought I would have to be flexible with my plan as it would be a lot to ask of people without being able to pay them!
“It’s a tough sell. But I did it and I ended up with this video that I am so pleased with. I think it shows how working together can result in incredible things, and it also works to give you a little glimpse of Brighton & Hove.”
Councillor Alan Robins, chair of the city’s tourism, equalities, communities and culture committee, said: “Lucinda’s work shows that Brighton & Hove is an excellent location for conferences with venues in the city centre, easy access through public transport and the beautiful seafront on our doorstep.
“It is also a representation of how people who live in Brighton & Hove go above and beyond to welcome people and events to our city and make them feel welcome.
“I wish Lucinda the very best of luck and would like to thank her for all the work she has done for Brighton & Hove.”
The video is embargoed until 12 March and can be shared when the winner is announced.
Lucinda started at VisitBrighton 11 months ago. She describes her role as “the perfect job for me. I have a passion for all things Brighton & Hove, and I get to use my organisational, negotiation and communication skills at work every day.
“Winning this competition means everything to me. There’s no way I could let this incredible opportunity pass me by. I want this, not just for my personal development, but also for the benefits it will bring to my city.
The winner will be given the opportunity to represent their city at this year’s ICCA Congress in Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei
Thank you for collaborating
Thank you to everyone who dedicated their time for free to create Lucinda’s video:
- film Maker - Ruari Barratt
- yoga instructor - Katie Finch
- dancer - Lewis Klein
- pole dancer - Chloe Anderson
- British Airways i360
- The Royal Pavilion
- Brighton Dome
- VisitBrighton
- Fatboy Slim