We’re incredibly excited to welcome you to the NEC in Birmingham on 30 June and 01 July for our inaugural Care Managers Show: the UK’s biggest event dedicated to care managers. 

An event like this doesn’t happen without a lot of work behind the scenes, so we thought you might like to meet the members of the Caring Times team who are making it all happen!

Teresa Zargouni, senior conference producer

As conference producer, Teresa has created our brilliant programme of events. From home care to difficult ethical decisions, from the menopause to sustainability, from recruitment and retention to digital leadership, Teresa is behind all the fascinating sessions you’ll enjoy at the show.

Which sessions are you most looking forward to attending?

“The technology stream, particularly the NHS-led session, which is all about cooperation between the NHS and the care sector. Also Shelley James’ session on the power of light because it’s very innovative and has the objective of improving residents’ and staff’s lives. This reminds me of the book Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, which describes innovative models of care. The session on unleashing your creativity is along the same lines.”

Carly McGowan, event operations manager

An absolute events pro, Carly manages the logistics for all our biggest events, including our sparkling National Care Awards (get your entries in now for 2023)! Carly has organised the venue, the stages, stands, furniture, and much more, to make sure everything runs like clockwork.

Sophia Chimonas, operations executive 

As Carly’s right-hand woman, Sophia is an absolutely indispensable part of the team, working with the NEC on logistics for the event and making sure our speakers will be fed, watered, and rested to run their sessions.

What have you enjoyed most about working on the Care Managers Show?

“It's been really interesting to see all the different aspects of the show come together. In particular, the development of the speaker and panellist schedule, with so many fascinating and engaging conversations to be had on both days!”

Alice Jones, head of digital content

As well as helping Teresa with some of the sessions, Alice is in charge of the blogs (like this one!) on the show website, writing some of them and commissioning others like our HR Agony Aunt series from Sonia Rai of Nectar HR. 

What has been your favourite part of working on the Managers Show blogs?

“I’ve loved interviewing some fascinating care managers for our Spotlight series. Care managers don’t get applauded nearly enough, so it’s been wonderful to not only meet so many interesting people but to give them a platform and hopefully a bit of a boost too!”

Craig Williams, marketing design manager

Craig is our aesthetic magician; he’s the reason our marketing looks as good as it does! Between creating graphics, organising marketing, and designing for the Caring Times magazine, Craig is often run off his feet, but always has time to help the rest of us out with our innumerable queries.

How have you found working on the graphics and marketing for the Care Managers Show?

“It has been great to be a part of a team working on a brand-new show and developing the branding and numerous marketing materials that are a part of making a show like this happen. It's always fun to see artwork go from the small screen to large format in event halls too.”

Sean Sutton, marketing manager

Sean is our social media and email marketing guru. If you’ve seen it on LinkedIn, Twitter, or in your inbox, it’s Sean who put it there! His proactivity and on-the-ball marketing is a big part of why we’ve got thousands of care managers signed up to join us at the NEC. 

As a relatively new joiner to Caring Times, how have you found working on this huge show so early on in your time here?

“It’s been amazing working on a brand-new show so early into my time here, and I love watching the registrations fly in! Being part of a brand-new show presents a remarkable opportunity to leave a lasting impression right from the outset and hopefully, the attendees will feel the same when they are there! I mean, who doesn’t love chair yoga?!”

Lee Peart, Caring Times editor-in-chief

A well-known face in the sector, and our resident care expert, Lee has been supporting with the creation of the Managers Show – from writing for the blogs to introducing us to his innumerable contacts in the sector. Check out Lee’s fortnightly Hot Take pieces on the blog!

Why do you think the Care Managers Show is so important for the sector?

“Care home managers are on the front lines of care and they have to deal with enormous responsibility and pressures, so it’s really important that we recognise that. We’re delighted to offer this flagship event to provide support to managers and help them pursue their career development.”

Caroline Bowern, advertisement and event sales director

A Caring Times team stalwart, Caroline is a familiar face to many in the sector, working on our advertising and event sponsorship. This year, Caroline turned her hand to introducing care suppliers to the Managers Show and encouraging people to get involved. Check out the Exhibitors list to see our brilliant exhibitors and find out where to visit them on the day!

How has your experience been of introducing a completely new show to the care sector and getting suppliers excited to come and exhibit with us?

“It’s been really enjoyable showing my existing clients this exciting new show and introducing new clients to our brand. I’ve made a lot of new contacts through the show and I’m looking forward to continuing these partnerships in future.”

Steve Godleman, Business Development Manager

A recent addition to the Caring Times team, Steve has already made his mark, meeting tonnes of people within the industry and agreeing commercial partnerships with suppliers and advisors to the care sector from day one. Check out some of our brilliant stand-holders here!

Sarah Hyman, chief operating officer

As chief operating officer, Sarah, along with our chief executive, Alex, masterminds most of our big projects and manages the rest of us in the office (no mean feat!) Sarah is a prominent figure in the care sector, a judge on Care Sector’s Got Talent, and a staunch supporter of the Care Workers’ Charity (stand A23). You can catch Sarah talking about the Managers Show on The Caring View podcast.

What have been your highs and lows of developing the Care Managers Show?

“There have only been highs! I’m loving hearing how excited all the managers are about attending, and knowing we’re meeting such a big need for a show like this in the sector.”

Alex Dampier, chief executive/chief financial officer

As chief executive, Alex is a busy man, but he takes a keen interest in all areas of Caring Times, from the magazine to our events and marketing. Alex is also our chief financial officer, making sure all the sums add up so that we run sustainably and can continue to put on brilliant events like this, free of charge to care managers.

Where did the idea for the Care Managers Show come from? Why are we doing it?

“Retention. Care managers are the backbone of the care sector and it’s no secret that people have been leaving the care sector for a variety of reasons. They spend their lives caring for others, and we thought it was about time someone held a show dedicated entirely to them, covering development and learning but also wellbeing and having some fun!”

Join us and thousands of care managers at the NEC Birmingham, on 30 June – 01 July for a packed two days of content, learning, and fun! Get your FREE tickets here.