June 8, 2026
The British Drilling Association (BDA) Marketing Sub-Committee on 5th June 2026, with Debbie Darling Chairing the meeting. Discussions included ongoing BDA marketing and communications activities, including the BDA Golf Day 2026, the BDA Conference 2026, the BDA Gala & Awards 2026, 50th Anniversary and events that the BDA is supporting during the second half of 2026.
Key Highlights:
- BDA Golf Day 2026 – Preparations for the BDA Golf Day 2026 were discussed. The event has only four places remaining, with Causeway Geotech confirmed as Headline Sponsor. Three competitions are planned, one of which is sponsored by JKS Boyles, with sponsors still being sought for the remaining two competitions.
- BDA Conference 2026 – The committee reviewed progress on the BDA Conference 2026, which will be held under the title “Drilling Horizons and Beyond”. The programme is almost finalised. Sub-Committee Chairs will each present their respective committee. Keynote speaker invited to present. Enquiries have been received from prospective exhibitors.
- Conference Communications and Launch – Promotional activity for the BDA Conference 2026 is already underway, including social media updates, save-the-date posts, presentation spotlights, sponsor callouts, and programme content. Bespoke conference graphics have also been developed, including individual graphics for each presentation. Registration is expected to launch in the first week of July, supported by a bespoke launch graphic.
- BDA Gala & Awards 2026 Judging – The committee discussed judging arrangements for the BDA Gala & Awards 2026. Judges have been confirmed and will be contacted over the coming weeks.
- Award Categories and Criteria – Proposed Awards categories were presented and agreed. The committee also proposed that the awards should will remain open to BDA members only, with revised criteria now being developed.
- Gala Entertainment and Event Ideas – Entertainment options for the BDA Gala & Awards 2026 were discussed. Various acts are being explored and progressed.
- BDA 50th Anniversary Communications – The committee reviewed ongoing BDA 50th Anniversary activity. The three-page editorial feature has been published in GE magazine, with the LinkedIn campaign continuing to draw content from the article. Additional “Did you know” content also continues to be shared on LinkedIn as part of the wider anniversary communications programme.
- Member Van Stickers – The committee discussed the possibility of BDA van stickers/magnets for members. It was noted that these would need to include a year within the artwork and potentially be posted with membership renewal certificates. An option to request a sticker or magnet could also be added to the member information form. This will be discussed further at the forthcoming Management Committee meeting (10 June 2026).
