BDA Marketing Sub-Committee – Precis of September 2024 Meeting

September 25, 2024

The British Drilling Association (BDA) held its Marketing Sub-committee meeting on 20^th September 2024. The key topics discussed include:

Articles for Media and/or BDA Website
The committee provided updates on various articles currently in progress. A snippet on green efficiencies has already been shared. Further content in development includes a non-conformance regular trends report awaiting input from Gordon Ross and Paul Breslin. A mental health blog is in progress (provided by the BDA Health & Safety Sub-committee), and a double-page feature is included in the October issue of Ground Engineering Magazine, which highlights an interview with Mark Toye, as the new Chair of the BDA.

BDA Webinars
The BDA continues to expand its online presence with scheduled webinars. The Coal Authority webinar, focusing on ‘Guidance to get your Coal Authority Permit application right first time,’ is scheduled for 23^rd October 2024, with over 80 delegates already confirmed, and expected to grow. The first webinar of 2025 is scheduled for February, on the topic of ‘Interpreting Groundwater Levels from Geotechnical Data’, this will be delivered by Martin Preene, Coffey Geotechnics.

BDA Gala & Awards 2024
Preparations for the BDA Gala & Awards are progressing according to schedule. The call for award entries has been sent out, with a few submissions already received. An extension to the entry deadline may be given if entry numbers aren’t sufficient. Table bookings have been strong, with only a few tables remaining. Sponsorship contributions are also strong, it is set to be a significant event for the Association.

External Events and Partnerships
The BDA has confirmed its support for several key industry events. These include the British Hydropower Association (BHA) Conference 2024, with BDA members benefiting from discounts. The partnership with AGS continues to grow, with mutual invitations to each other’s conferences in 2025, and BDA webinars are being shared across the AGS network and include on GE magazine’s website.

The BDA continues to support Emap events, and this year – 2024 – is the first year that the Association has supported events run by New Civil Engineer, thus expanding the reach of the BDA’s brand.

BDA Golf Day 2024
The Golf Day proved successful, with participation from 13 teams. The event remains a key and valuable member benefit, reinforcing the BDA’s commitment to member engagement and networking opportunities.

BDA Website Improvements
The BDA website has undergone recent updates, including better navigation and the addition of new sections for audits and sub-committees. Access to certain documents is now restricted to members, adding value to membership benefits.