Due to the Covid pandemic, the BBSW in November 2020 and March 2021 were not able to run as live events and we ran them successfully as virtual events using Zoom. The feedback was excellent and participants valued the opportunity to have quality 20 minute meetings which were scheduled using the BBSW appointment booking system (EASy). 

It is unlikely that the BBSW in November 2021 will be able to run as a live event due to the ongoing uncertainty, especially regarding international travel and quarantine requirements. We are currently planning the next events and how they will run, and details will be confirmed in April 2021. 

How do the virtual events work?

During the challenges created by the pandemic, it has been essential that schools and agents have regular communication. The BBSW Virtual Events have facilitated scheduled Zoom meetings over several days and each meeting lasted for 20 minutes, with a 5 minute break in between. Each school had their own dedicated Zoom room, which enabled them to tailor their team to each agent meeting,  and with screen sharing facilities. Schools could also book an additional Zoom room.

Places were available for a small number of guardianship companies to participate. 

In November 2020 and March 2021 we ran the event over three days with 25 meetings per day and a total of 75 appointments. Meetings ran from from 7.45am to 6.05pm UK time to accommodate agents in different time zones. Each participant created their own bespoke meetings schedule by blocking out times when they were not free, prior to the appointment booking system going live.

Details of future virtual events will be made available in April 2021.