VIP TO ATTEND MEDIA HUB ON 11TH SEPTEMBER

The Media Hub has a VIP guest speaker at their September meeting, who will be talking to guests about their personal experiences with the press.

Sarah Parfitt and I are the two Cookham-based journalists who set up the lively networking group, and we are excited to have such a high-profile speaker on board, and know our members will be fascinated to hear what this person has to say.

The September Media Hub will take place at 8pm on Thursday, 11th and will be chaired by Sunday Times contributor Clive Davis, who says: ‘Although I can't say who the mystery guest is, I can promise it will be an entertaining evening, with music as well as conversation.'

The evening meeting will take place in the Redgrave suite at the Chartered Institute of Marketing in Cookham, who will provide guests with a complimentary drink on arrival.

Claire Pearce, General Manager at Moor Hall Conference Centre, says: ‘It is testimony to the remarkable quantity and, of course, quality of the media professionals living and working in and around Cookham that the Media Hub has managed to attract a speaker of such prestige. I am thrilled by the prospect of hosting the event, we enjoy a national reputation as a venue for events of all sizes but we also see ourselves very much as part of the Cookham community.'

And after the presentation, Maidenhead-based singer/songwriter Tina Oldham will be performing Jazz music while the guests network.

Journalist and media consultant Sarah Parfitt says: ’More than 50 media professionals have attended our social gatherings since we launched the group last year. We have been surprised and delighted by the response.’

Those who attend range from film producers to print journalists, broadcasters, digital and social media experts, and graphic designers.

Media Hub member and Former Managing Editor at Channel 4 News Gay Flashman has recently launched a social media content agency in the area. She said: ‘I've thoroughly enjoyed being able to hook up with local journalists and media professionals who are based locally in a social environment where we can learn from each other and share experiences. As a new business owner, I have been working hard to track down writing and editing talent based in the Thames Valley; I've met two writers at the Media Hub sessions whom we are now working with, and I hope that those types of connection will only grow in the future.’

Member and Editor of Exclusive Rosalind Sack says: 'Not only is the media hub a great way of meeting new people and sharing tips and ideas, it is great fun too! Since joining the Media Hub in November when I moved to the area, I've thoroughly enjoyed every meeting, met a really diverse group of media professionals and made some good friends.'

Member and freelance broadcast journalist at Sky News Radio Marissa Holden says: ’I'm really pleased I became a member – as a freelancer you operate in a bit of a vacuum, and it is great to meet other people in the industry to get a different perspective. The events are always good fun, and informative.’

Another member and freelance writer Lara Cory says: ‘It’s a great way to connect with people who need my services and meet people who are working on some interesting projects.’

Any media professional is welcome to come along to the free event, but they must register by Friday 5 September. We look forward to meeting you!

To register, you need to join the Media Hub via the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/MediaHub/ and then RSVP to the event on Eventbrite, www.eventbrite.co.uk.

If you have any questions, or want to find out more, please contact me or Sarah Parfitt on 07900 411 715. The Hub is also looking for a local company to sponsor the screen/technical equipments for these gatherings.