PeerFest is an annual one-day event which brings people together to celebrate the significance, power and diversity of peer support. It is a friendly, welcoming and inclusive event. Peers can share their knowledge and experiences through workshops, creative activities, discussions and The Marsh Awards to help others.
ZiaBia’s Role
ZiaBia are part of the Mind National Planning Team – a team who collaborate to create PeerFest. Over the last 4 years, our role has grown year on year. ZiaBia managed the event logistics team and supported right through to being on-site for PeerFest19. We provided assistance and worked closely with the Content and the Communications and Engagement Teams. When it came to the venue find, managed by ZiaBia, there were two contenders that were shortlisted: Cecil Sharpe House, London and West Bromwich Albion FC in the Midlands. Both venues were presented to the NPT following which West Bromwich Albion FC was chosen as the PeerFest19 venue. The venue is really accessible, with 4 large meeting spaces, as well as private boxes that can be utilised.
Once the venue had been chosen, ZiaBia managed the contract process and then organised site inspections. The site inspections allowed the members of the National Planning Team and organisations and individuals who were presenting and performing on the day to visit the space and start to visually plan their part of the event – this was over 30 attendees! It was also a great opportunity for a meeting where the agenda of the day could be created. Ideas were flowing, and everyone collaborated.
ZiaBia worked with TechPro to provide the production requirements for PeerFest19. During the day the agenda included the Marsh Award Presentations, performances from IDMC Gospel Choir, Bollywood Dance demonstrations and poetry readings. In addition to this were exhibition stalls and an art exhibition. The colourful branding for the event was carried across into all the AV elements, which really emphasised that this event was a celebration. Once all guests were registered for the event, ZiaBia supported with event collateral including badging and a programme for the day, matching the event branding. Given that the theme of the event was emphasising peer support, plans were put in place for a buddy and a meet peers system. This helped people with networking opportunities and sharing of peer support best practice.
On-site Support
During the event itself, ZiaBia were onsite managing the full logistics with the venue and the arrival registration process. Working alongside other NPT team members and ensuring the day ran smoothly providing support for the attendees. It is always great to see how the event comes together, and for the opportunity of Peer Support to be highlighted and celebrated.
