Introduction
2020 hosted a vast amount of change for ZiaBia – our business changed, our industry changed and the world changed. To round off this chapter of our ZiaBia story, we have tasked each of the team to sum up the last 12 months – personally and professionally – in one paragraph, as we head into the new year.
Debbie’s Rewind
Wow – 2020,what a Year! Who knew at the end of 2019, when we were looking to celebrate the start of a new decade, what would actually happen and for how long! We at ZiaBia had plenty to look forward to with a growing team, a year full of events to deliver, an awards nomination and ceremony in February amongst other things. I’m so proud of what we have achieved during the following months from March when everything changed!
We have provided a new product and service, learnt about new technology and platforms, worked out what works and what doesn’t. One of the first events we attended was nearly 4 hours with a 5 minute break! We were encouraged by this and knew we could do better!! And most importantly we have helped a variety of our clients old and new, understand what needs to be considered and how to deliver their online events. Vicky Gardner was tenacious, determined, and of course fab (as always but things like this make you realise more!) and kept me sane throughout, well sort of! And the team have worked so hard and been completely understanding and supportive.
Personally, I have found a love of the things around me. Suddenly with less travel (who knew!) and spending more time in our local environment, it has made me appreciate nature and wildlife and it has fuelled my love of taking photos. We have been able to appreciate what we have in the UK and what fab times can be had – it’s not where you go, it is who you go with. My family and my husband are the most precious people, as a family we have always seen each other regularly, and not been able to do this has been hard and I have missed Auntie Debbie cuddles and kisses, but we have taken every chance to meet we can whether face to face when allowed for the day or virtually and treasured every moment!
I am very much looking forward to Christmas and a little break to recharge, have a digital detox and then kick 2021 off with a bang!!
Vicky’s Rewind
I started 2020 in St Ives surrounded by people, with my partner, laughing and looking forward to what the new year would bring. It wasn’t quite what I or anyone else expected to say the least! I have learnt so much personally and professionally this year and have to remind myself now of the huge amount that has been achieved and let go of what could have been.
Personally, I am grateful for my family, partner, and friends, I appreciate my time even more with them and am learning to live in the moment. I also got my fitness back in lockdown 1.0! Professionally, this year has tested us to the core of what we do, a rollercoaster of emotions and sheer determination, innovation and creativity to come through the other side. We have dug deep and delivered for existing clients and many new ones as well! I am very grateful to Debbie Bell and the team and look forward to what 2021 will throw at us…. We are ready!
Paola’s Rewind
I started 2020 gearing up to a big event in Berlin – logistically challenging, lots of moving parts and a foreign country – which I was really excited about. Then Covid started to tighten its grip on Europe and all the plans, and Europe, came to a crashing halt!
Then from working full time at full pelt I was suddenly home-schooling and homemaking – both with equally dubious levels of success. But what a 3 months lockdown 1.0 was as I truly saw how wonderful my community was. I helped shop for the vulnerable and shielding, managed ‘mission control’ for the This Mum Runs initiative co-ordinating drug running from local pharmacies to shielding patients, and clapped for carers with my most amazing neighbours. The kids survived me as a teacher, we completed a multitude of jigsaws and went on miles of walks as a family.
During all of this Debbie and Vicky ensured ZiaBia continued – they worked tirelessly to keep us going, kept us connected and really and truly led from the front. They have been nothing short of inspirational! We are now working on some super exciting online projects that we wouldn’t have ever been involved in before and, as a team, are stronger than ever ready for the new year.
Charlotte’s Rewind
There’s no one way to describe 2020 – I have so many mixed emotions when I look back on the last 12 months. I am grateful to be surrounded by my family and friends. I was fortunate to celebrate my 21st birthday, go on a holiday of a lifetime and deliver one live event before the world went into a standstill.
The events industry was hit hard by Covid-19 restrictions. Vicky and Debbie took a completely new approach to delivering events, and the team had to get on board – learn and diversify our skillsets to match the new environment we have been introduced to. It’s been the craziest, toughest year of my life so far – but here I am, off of the back of delivering a 12 event virtual conference roadshow and hosting a virtual Christmas quiz (which I NEVER thought I would do!) Although it is hard to do so, I think it is incredibly important to recognise those little nuggets of positivity and happiness throughout a very much bleak year.
Leaving 2020 and Heading into the New Year…
So heading into the New Year, ZiaBia won’t be taking a ‘New Year, New Me’ approach. We’ll continue to do what we do best, and deliver memorable events for our clients – just in a virtual environment! And when we finally come to a time of in person events again, we’ll welcome them with open arms. Thank you to our friends, family, clients and to our team for helping us to get through this year – your continued support drives us to push ourselves further and further each day.
