The new academic year got off to a flying start as the Business School hosted its third annual Inspire Conference, bringing together University College Birmingham graduates and industry leaders during induction week, to an audience of tourism, hospitality and events students.

The varied list of guest speakers included Helen Helliwell, CEO for the Invictus Games, who explained the history of the event and discussed opportunities arising from Birmingham’s exciting role as host city for the event in 2027. Founded by Prince Harry in 2014, the Games present an opportunity for injured or sick service people to participate in a number of sports, and Birmingham fought off competition from cities such as Washington DC in order to secure host status.

“The Invictus Games are all about overcoming barriers, and showcasing the adaptability of the human spirit. Birmingham has a deep connection to the armed forces and to the Games. It’s the home of the Royal College of Defence Medicine at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital where all injured and sick service people are treated on their return to the UK”, said Helen.

The city’s hosting will also see three new events added, specifically for the Birmingham Games. Participants will for the first time take part in pickleball, laser tag, and even e-sports as the organisers take advantage of the first-class facilities available at the NEC.

“The amazing NEC has very recent experience of hosting international sporting events with the 2022 Commonwealth Games. What’s brilliant about the venue is that the sport, accommodation, and hospitality can all be in the same place, and from a wider perspective, you can get to both it and the city by road, rail and air with ease. It's invaluable for getting people to the Games from across the world”, Helen said.

Michelle Baldwin, Head of Events at the NEC was equally excited about the prospect of hosting, and encouraged students to stay in the field once they have graduated: "Invictus and Birmingham have become a team. We want to do the best for the city, the Games, and the participants, so we're working with stakeholders not just for the week of the Games, but on building a lasting legacy," she said.

"From graphics to planning, to hospitality and events management, the expertise is here at the NEC and at the University. Choosing a career in events means not choosing a standard 9 to 5 job, but the amount of pleasure you get from it eclipses everything else. It's exciting, it's varied, and no two days are ever the same."

Other speakers included General Manager of the Birmingham Grand Hotel, Johan Scheepers, and Connor Whiston and Sham Majevadia, who discussed the exciting opportunities available to hospitality graduates at Warwick Castle and other Merlin Entertainment attractions.

"The people you meet in your career are so important, and the connections you're able to make on placement are invaluable. That's why its great that the courses here at University College Birmingham afford you those opportunities in the perfect location", Johan told the assembled students.

"Your time here will give you the best foundations. I've met iconic people, from The Rolling Stones to the Dalai Lama, and at the Grand Hotel we've had so many celebrity guests, from Tom Cruise to Olivia Rodrigo. The industry is tough but if you persist it's so rewarding".

Past masters show the way

The University has the region’s longest running tourism, events and hospitality-related courses and sits at the heart of a city experiencing an explosion in tourist numbers and high-profile events, including arts and culture, history, and a huge variety of sporting events. “The world’s eyes will once again the on the city, and it’s a great opportunity for our students to showcase their abilities to potential employers”, said senior lecturer in tourism, Paul Bamber.

Hospitality graduate Daniel Bennett, who is currently general manager at the Michelin-starred restaurant Heft Inn, spoke about his journey from the University to working with top chefs in the finest restaurants. As a rising star in the world of hospitality and, this year, a recipient of the prestigious Acorn Award, he was well-placed to give students tips and advice on how to make the most of their time studying: “I always knew that hospitality was the career choice for me, but I got started by peeling potatoes in my local pub at the age of 16", he recalls.

"University College Birmingham has such great staff and facilities, industry links for placements, and a string of high-achieving graduates in the field, including chef Brad Carter. Being here and taking advantage of the University's location and connections helped propel my career forward. It really is the place to be if you want to work in this industry.”

Students attending the event were thrilled to hear stories and advice from the varied range of speakers on hand. Mary Grace Heaven, a final year Events Management BA (Hons) student said: "The Inspire Conference offered a unique platform for learning and professional growth, especially as a final-year student.

"Hearing from top experts and networking with professionals was particularly beneficial as I prepare to enter the field after graduation. It was an inspiring experience that has reinforced my passion for events management invaluably as I move into my professional career."