Bright Network FESTIVAL 2023
The no.1 graduate careers event in the UK is back to connect our bright members with leading global employers.
Top reasons to attend
- Meet employers across multiple sectors such as Banking, Charity, Consulting, Engineering, Financial Services, Law, Technology and more to explore your future path
- Get ahead of the competition by learning how to create a winning application from the people reviewing them
- Gain a comprehensive overview of the wide range of opportunities available to you after graduation
Plus, as an in-person attendee you’ll be in with the chance of winning some big prizes, including a Nintendo Switch, Apple AirPods, a Rains backpack and lots more! This year, we’re challenging you to a scavenger hunt - successfully complete the tasks before the event and you’ll be able to spin the wheel to win. Find out more details on how to get started via the Guild group when you receive your offer to attend.
Over 20,000 graduates secured their first role through Bright Network - you could be next!
About the event
Join us on Friday 15th September as we bring thousands of bright and ambitious members together to engage with leading employers at Bright Network FESTIVAL - the no.1 graduate careers event in the UK.
This year we've taken over an additional floor at the Queen Elizabeth II centre, giving you double the space for networking opportunities. We also have over seven rooms dedicated to skill sessions, panel talks and sector overviews to help you plan your next steps post-graduation.
Running successfully for 10 years, FESTIVAL has become a vital part of a student's journey. Last year over 3,000 members joined us in person - take a look to see what it was like:
What to expect
- A customisable schedule where you can pick which sessions to attend, when to network and when to come and go (registration is open between 11am and 4pm)
- Networking opportunities with more than 100 leading employers
- Skills sessions and panel discussions over the afternoon on a wide range of topics
What to wear
- Comfortable shoes - there isn't a lot of seating available around the venue
- Layers - the rooms can vary in temperature due to the different amounts of people in the different spaces, so having an additional layer like a jumper or jacket is a good idea
- Something for the weather - registration queues can stretch outdoors, so we recommend bringing an umbrella or suncream depending on the forecast
The dress code is smart casual.
What to bring
- Something to take notes with - a pen and notebook is usually easiest
- Portable charger so you can use your phone to scan employer QR codes and access the programme, and still have enough charge for the journey home
- Lunch/snacks (or be prepared to leave and re-enter the venue so you can go out to get something)
- Waterbottle - it will be warm during networking due to the amount of people around. Stay hydrated.
Plus, most importantly, enthusiasm! This is a fantastic opportunity to impress employers and make a great first impression. We recommend researching the employers you're interested meeting in advance and having some insightful questions prepared.
Why attend
Know your options
Find what opportunities are available to you after graduation with top employers in the sector of your choice
Build your network
With over 100 employers in attendance, FESTIVAL is an opportunity to network with multiple representatives and make connections you can utilise in your early career
Stand out from the crowd
Be seen as a proactive and well-informed candidate through insights and skills gained at FESTIVAL
Who can attend
We welcome members who graduated in 2022 or 2023, as well as those already at university who will be graduating in 2024/2025/2026/2027.
You must be at least 18 years old to attend this event
Employers joining us
Schedule
15 Sep 2023
Arrival and registration
Open networking
For in-person attendees. This will involve visiting various booths across two whole floors at the QE II Centre.
Range of sessions to upskill and inspire you ahead of application season
Skill sessions include 'How to get into tech', 'Hack the hiring process' & sector 101s. Panel discussions include 'Transferrable skills', 'Future-proofing your career' & 'Wellbeing in the workplace'.
Gallery
What people say about this event
The best event I've ever attended. Very happy and satisfied with the whole process and management. Thank you so much.
It was an enjoyable day and a really unique experience. I haven’t seen an event like this anywhere else so I am grateful I got to attend. Speaking to graduates at these top firms really boosted my confidence at applying which is already half the battle.
Thank you for giving me such an opportunity, I have strongly improved my confidence regarding video interviews, having spoken to some employers.
Location
Virtual or in person - Broad Sanctuary, London, SW1P 3EE
Frequently asked questions
All timings on the agenda for Bright Network FESTIVAL correspond with British Summer Time (BST).
Please refer to our FAQs here if you have any queries about attending a Bright Network event in-person.
If you have any questions about attending Bright Network FESTIVAL as a virtual attendee, we have gathered all the most frequently asked questions here. Please note that for this event, if you attend virtually you wlll not to be able to join the networking sessions.
For information on inclusivity measures at the event, take a look at the FESTIVAL 2023 DEIB and accessibility page.
You can also take a look at our Support Hub for further questions. If you require anything else, please get in touch with our Events Team - events@brightnetwork.co.uk.
To confirm your place at the event, you may be contacted by call or text by the Bright Network team. Please make sure your details are all correct and up-to-date on your profile.
Photography and videography will be taken at the event.
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