September 9, 2026
The British Drilling Association (BDA) Marketing Sub-Committee, chaired by Debbie Darling, met virtually on 2nd September 2026 to review current marketing and communications activity, together with preparations for several of the Association’s key forthcoming events.
- Media and Website Activity – The committee reviewed recent media and website activity, including the BDA’s accident statistics article, which is now available on the website, with a further version prepared for Ground Engineering magazine. Content covering accident statistics and the BDA Audit Programme has also attracted international interest, with material adapted for forthcoming coverage in Australian Drilling Magazine. Recent website content has also included blogs covering diabetes and mental health, alongside TLC Mental Health, with the BDA website continuing to be regularly updated with relevant industry news, events and member information.
- BDA Golf Day 2026 – Preparations for the BDA Golf Day are now well advanced, with the event arrangements confirmed and sponsor communications completed. A professional photographer will be present at the event. Post-event communications are planned to share highlights of competition winners.
- BDA Conference 2026 – Promotion of the BDA Conference 2026 continues all BDA communications channels, with online promotional activity set to build further as the event approaches.
- BDA Gala & Awards 2026 – Planning is progressing well for the BDA Gala & Awards 2026. The judging panel has been confirmed: Catherine McGrath, Charlotte Woodhall-Jones, Jamie Codd, Roger Bridge and Riwilo Masulani Plans for the evening are taking shape, including surprise entertainment and the return of the silent auction, while event suppliers and production arrangements are also being finalised. The call for sponsors is now underway. Event registration will open on 21st September 2026.
- Website Refresh – Work continues on improvements to the BDA website, with navigation and other enhancements currently being reviewed with Carbon Creative.
- BDA Training Portal – The Association’s developing online training resource will be known as the BDA Training Portal, providing consistent branding and a clear connection with the main BDA website. The portal is currently being reviewed ahead of further activity and will be launched in the coming weeks. A programme of comms activity is planned for the launch and ongoing promotion of the portal.
