A one-of-a-kind event needs a one-of-a-kind venue, which is why, when planning the first-ever Fast Forward 15 (FF15) Mentoring Awards, Fay Sharpe, Founder of FF15, knew exactly who to call – with its spectacular riverside views, captivating events spaces and enviable event production facilities, The Mermaid London was the perfect choice for an awards ceremony whose recipients deserved something special – it was time for those who do so much behind-the-scenes to support others to be celebrated in true Mermaid style.
Dedicated to female empowerment, every year, FF15 provide 15 women across the events industry with the opportunity to be mentored, encouraged and advised by an expert for one year. Its inaugural awards ceremony, created by the mentees themselves as a way of giving back, was a chance to celebrate all the wonderful mentors, corporates, agencies and suppliers working so hard to nurture and grow talent across the industry.
Fay reflected: “With Kat Winfield (General Manager) having previously been a mentee on the FF15 programme, and her ongoing support for the incredible power of mentoring, The Mermaid London was our first choice – with its brilliant team, service-focussed approach and stunning views overlooking the River Thames, it was the ideal setting for a night of fun and celebration.”
Spaces for celebration
Going above-and-beyond to deliver an unforgettable night, The Mermaid created a red-carpet runway, complete with ‘paparazzi’, to surprise and delight guests upon arrival. Fay said: “We loved the cinema-style ‘FF15 Awards’ on the entrance door – you can’t beat that!”
Making the most of the venue’s spectacular River Rooms, the evening began with an elegant drinks reception in the light-filled Lower River Room. With its exclusive private entrance and sweeping views of the majestic London skyline, it was the perfect place for 170 guests to sip, mingle and watch the sun set before heading upstairs for the main event.
A banquet of the utmost glamour, 17 tables, all dressed to impress by WeIMPLEMENT, filled the fabulous Upper River Room. Guests were treated to a sumptuous three-course gala dinner whilst looking out over some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks including Shakespeare’s Globe, The Shard and Tate Modern, to name just a few. An evening of laughter, camaraderie and community lay ahead as the prestigious awards ceremony began.
Fay commented: “The Mermaid exceeded our expectations. Many of our guests had not been to the venue before and gave us five-star feedback. We intend to run the awards annually and hope to make The Mermaid our venue of choice.”
Award-worthy event production
No truly epic awards ceremony would be complete without a stage, which is where The Mermaid’s expert event production partner, Rockit, stepped in. Elevating winners just as they have elevated mentees, Rockit built a stage that was sleek, stylish and framed by the awe-inspiring London skyline. Even with a last-minute change to the FF15 programme which required the stage to be moved, Rockit’s agility, skill and professionalism meant it was dismantled, transported and rebuilt within 45 minutes.
Complementing the stage, and wrapping the room in an ambiance of warmth, togetherness and celebration, were multiple atmospheric uplighters, carefully placed to give a soft glow as winners accepted their awards.
Ensuring the presenters could be heard clearly and comfortably, Rockit placed speakers strategically around the room to deliver even sound distribution whether guests were sitting at table 1 or table 17. To make sure no-one missed the announcement of their win, this was aided by several repeater screens.
Fay shared: “The Rockit team were top-notch, with first-class tech that ensured the awards unfolded seamlessly. Consummate professionals, no request was too much, and they went out of their way to ensure we were happy, felt supported and had everything we needed.”
As the night flowed effortlessly from awards ceremony to afterparty, Just Talent provided entertainment worthy of an award-winning guestlist. From show-stopping dancers and a thrilling DJ to an LED ring light for envy-inducing selfies and, of course, the obligatory party props (think flower boas, plastic guitars and bubble-gum pink sunglasses), guests were immersed in the ultimate night of glamour, fun and fabulousness.
A winning catering combination
In an evening defined by professional excellence, food was no different. The Mermaid’s award-winning catering partner, Seasoned, designed a spectacular feast fit for a VIP audience.
Following moreish welcome canapés during the drinks reception, guests settled down for a flavoursome three-course gala dinner. Passionate about delivering nutritious, sustainable and inspiring food choices, and elevating every dish to an experience, this included a scrumptious starter of ‘ballotine of citrus cured salmon with asparagus, horseradish and crème fraiche’, a mouthwatering main consisting of ‘grilled chicken supreme with bubble and squeak cake, charred leeks and heritage carrots’ and a delectable dessert made up of ‘dehydrated chocolate mousse with milk foam, aerated chocolate and vanilla cream ice cream’.
For the vegans amongst the group, tastebuds were tantalised with dishes such as ‘vegan labneh with radish top sauce, and courgette and broad bean salad’ and ‘spring vegetable wellington with crisp oyster mushrooms and spinach velouté’.
Fay noted: “The catering and food was outstanding. From the quality of the ingredients to the flawlessness of the food’s presentation and the immaculate service, it was a real highlight of the evening.”
Infusing the menu with even more sparkle, Corrigan’s Mayfair sponsored a glittering Champagne reception. This was complemented on tables by delicious bottles of Pinot Grigio and Malbec wines, provided by The Mermaid itself.
Final thoughts
Alicia Christie, a mentee on FF15 programme who launched her own female community, With Access, reflected: “Leading the delivery of the very first FF15 Mentoring Awards was an incredible experience. Working with The Mermaid team was outstanding; they were on-hand for every call and update, both before and during the event, and went above-and-beyond to make sure everything ran seamlessly and that we felt fully supported throughout. Their expertise and dedication were invaluable.”
Looking back on her first experience at the leading London events venue, Fay added: “We loved it, it was the perfect setting overlooking the Thames for an awards ceremony and afterparty. The Mermaid is in such a great location and easy to get to from all over London and the UK. The staff and service were stand out and the caterers were wonderful. With fair costing, a flexible approach and, of course, the views, I can’t thank The Mermaid enough – it’s definitely one of London’s hidden gems.”
