Each month, we will put a team member in the hotseat by asking them some insightful questions about their career and interests.
This month, it is time for Fern Canning, Sponsorship Account Manager to answer some questions. Here are the responses:
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What do you do at WMGC?
As the Sponsorship Account Manager at WMGC, I am responsible for the delivery of commercial programmes, including the Birmingham 2022 Business and Tourism Programme. My role requires me to work closely with sponsors to ensure their sponsorship agreements are delivered as effectively and impactfully as possible.
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What do you like about working at WMGC?
Every day is definitely different! It’s been really rewarding to work with the BATP sponsors, helping them to play their part in creating a meaningful, transformational economic legacy far beyond the Games. It’s really exciting and inspiring to work with companies who genuinely want to play their part and act as advocates, showcasing the strengths and opportunities in the West Midlands during the Games and BATP legacy activity.
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What is something clients in your industry have to deal with that you want to fix?
One of the aims of the Business and Tourism Programme was to change outdated perceptions of the West Midlands. There is a wealth of opportunities for those living in, investing or visiting the West Midlands and it’s important to work with our private sector partners to highlight their opportunities and achievements to evidence this on a national and international scale.
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Where have you worked in the past?
My role prior to WMGC was as an Account Manager for a UK and Ireland sales agent for a number of leading German trade show organisers, working across a variety of industries from toys and jewellery to laser and photonics technology.
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What's your background?
I’ve always kept close to the events industry (I graduated with an Events Management degree) and have worked across many sectors, starting my career in the brewing industry! I’m proudly from the Midlands, growing up in Worcestershire but returned to Birmingham after several years working and living in London.
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What's your favourite quote?
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” —Oscar Wilde – a good philosophy in both professional and personal life.
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What book are you currently reading?
How to Own the Room: Women and the Art of Brilliant Speaking by Viv Groskop.
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What are the values that drive you?
Kindness, empathy and pride. It’s important to me to always “treat others how you wish to be treated”.
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What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Walking in Sutton Park or around the Edgbaston Reservoir with my greyhound (Lola), cooking and spending time with my family and friends.