A Day of Momentum: How Branching Out Turned Conversations into Careers

The atmosphere was electric on the 6th floor of the Hive Building. From mid-morning, the room buzzed with focused chats and a steady stream of people at every booth. This wasn't a day of handing out leaflets; it was a day of real, purposeful conversations that led to next steps. We're thrilled to look back on Branching Out: Connect 2025, where the rhythm was "advice first, then action", and where attendees left with more than just business cards; some even had interviews already scheduled in their calendars.

We designed this event to feel different. Our focus was on meaningful interactions, with candidates booking dedicated interview slots to ensure conversations had both time and purpose. We moved beyond the traditional paper CVs, replacing them with a single QR badge that exhibitors could scan to save details, add notes, and suggest next steps. This simple, digital handover meant no lost papers and a clean follow-up process.

Our integrated portals for attendees and exhibitors kept everything in sync, from roles and schedules to contacts and notes. This meant that after the fair, people could easily pick up their conversations right where they left off. The energy was amplified by workshops running alongside the stands, allowing candidates to learn new tips and immediately apply them with employers just a few tables away. As a result, learning became momentum.

The flow of the day was seamless:

• Attendees checked in with their QR badge and got an orientation to kick things off.

  
  

• They browsed openings and connected with teams that matched their goals.

  
  

• Exhibitors scanned badges to save details for a streamlined follow-up.

  
  

• Attendees booked interviews on the spot, turning conversations into commitments.

  
  

• They learned new skills in workshops and applied them immediately at nearby booths.

  
  

• Finally, they used their portal to follow up on contacts, discussions, and next steps.

  
  

The real success of the day is best told by the people who were there. Attendees like Finnian, who had an interview on the day, praised the Indeed CV workshop. Denisa found a role that suited her perfectly after speaking with the MET Police. And Amy from Indeed highlighted the power of being able to move from CV advice to actual applications. These testimonials capture the day better than any stat sheet, showing how confidence grew, choices became clearer, and conversations blossomed into opportunities.

Our event management platform, Branching Out Connect (EMS), was the no-code backbone that made it all possible, keeping the focus on people rather than administration. From instant lead capture via QR/NFC to synchronised scheduling and follow-ups, the technology was designed to facilitate genuine connections.

We extend a huge thank you to our partners, including Indeed, the National Careers Service, London Ambulance Service (NHS), Metropolitan Police Service, and others, who helped make this event a success.

The platform is now undergoing upgrades for our next event, with smarter interview scheduling, cleaner employer dashboards, and a guided attendee journey to make the experience even smoother. Keep an eye out for updates on our next Branching Out event!