This was my third time photographing the UK BioFinance Summit for BBIA, and my second visit to the event at Barclays HQ in Canary Wharf. It’s a conference I enjoy covering: an industry I’m interested in, good speakers and plenty happening beyond the main stage.
The conference facilities had recently been refurbished, and the setting made quite an impression. A wraparound screen dominated the main room, while the windows offered amazing views towards The O2. There was a generous exhibition space too, giving the event plenty of room outside the conference sessions.
A conference room with quite a backdrop
The screen was one of the most distinctive parts of the venue. It curved around the conference space, giving the stage a strong visual backdrop and making the wider photographs an important part of the coverage. I wanted to show the room as well as the people speaking in it.
The view through the windows deserved some attention as well. The yellow masts of The O2 were clearly visible beyond the surrounding buildings, with delegates silhouetted in the foreground. It’s an unusual backdrop for a conference photograph, and one that places this event firmly in its London setting.
Keynotes, panels and the people listening
There were some very interesting keynote speeches during the day. I’m a fan of the bio industry, so this is one of those events where I enjoy following what’s being discussed as well as photographing it.
BBIA works across the bio-based and biodegradable sector, supporting the development and adoption of materials and technologies.
The panel sessions offered a different rhythm to the keynote speeches. Alongside the wider stage photographs, I included closer views of people speaking and listening. Those expressions help give a sense of the discussion that a room photograph alone can’t provide.
Beyond the main stage
The exhibition space was another important part of the event. There were interesting stands to photograph, along with the conversations happening around them. Moving out of the blue-lit conference room also brought a change of setting, with daylight, planting and warmer colours in the surrounding spaces.
I wanted the coverage to include the smaller details too. Printed material and displays help identify the subject of an event, while the wider photographs show how people use the space. Both have a place alongside the speakers and panel discussions.
Returning to photograph the summit
Coming back for a third year was a pleasure. The subject interests me, and this venue gave the photographs a distinctive setting, from the wraparound screen to the views over London.
The conversations between sessions mattered just as much as the formal programme. They rounded out the coverage and showed another side of the summit: people catching up, exchanging ideas and enjoying each other’s company.
It was good to be back photographing for BBIA. Between the conference sessions, exhibition and conversations in the breaks, there was plenty to work with — and I certainly wasn’t going to complain about that view.
For coverage of speakers, delegates and the wider event, explore my conference photography services.
Please get in touch to discuss photography for your conference.
