Events professional shortlisted for rising star mentor of the year
An events professional with nearly two decades of industry experience has been shortlisted for Rising Star Mentor of the Year at the Fast Forward 15 Mentoring Awards.
Becci Picketts who was shortlisted, graduated with a degree in event management in 2007 and built her career within hotel operations before moving into senior sales roles specialising in weddings and events across a variety of venues.
The Fast Forward 15 mentoring awards recognise and honour outstanding mentors, mentees, and organisations that have significantly impacted the growth and development of talent within the events and hospitality sector.
Becci’s experience provided a strong commercial and operational foundation, which she now brings to her role at Blackberry Events, delivering projects from concept through to completion.
At the end of 2024, Becci set herself a personal goal to become a mentor motivated by a desire to give back to the industry and support emerging talent.
Becci began mentoring through the NOWIE Level Up scheme, where she supported a mentee in strengthening her confidence and professional presence.
During the programme, her mentee was diagnosed with ADHD, prompting Becci to adapt her mentoring approach to be more structured, flexible and inclusive.
By creating a neuroinclusive environment, she helped her mentee recognise her strengths, build self-belief and confidently advocate for herself in the workplace.
She is now a part of the mentorship programme of Future Faces Chamber of Commerce, continuing to support young professionals in achieving their career goals through a practical, tailored and supportive mentoring style.
Becci’s nomination for Rising Star Mentor of the Year highlights the early impact of her mentoring work and her commitment to empowering others within the industry.
Ffion Riordan-Jones, a mentee from the NOWIE programme, praised Becci’s approach, saying: “Working with her has genuinely changed the way I approach both my career and myself, she created a space where I felt supported and understood, helping me build confidence and believe in my abilities.”
Pictured: Becci Picketts and Michelle Lewis
