MEET THE TEAM: Jamila Bray, Head of Venue Sales and Marketing

The team at Harrogate Convention Centre are dedicated to ensuring every event is a success. From account managers to event planners, and technical experts to cleaners, our knowledgeable staff are here to help in any way we can. 

In this blog Jamila Bray, our newly appointed Head of Venue Sales and Marketing, shares her career journey, aspirations and her best kept secrets for Harrogate and North Yorkshire.

Congrats on your new role! What excites you most about stepping into the position of Head of Venue Sales & Marketing?

What really excites me most is the chance to help shape HCC’s future at such a pivotal point. With the investment in Studio 2 and the events landscape continuing to evolve, it’s a brilliant time to be part of the journey. 

I understand our venue, the destination, the industry and where the organisation is heading, and I genuinely care about HCC’s success. With my experience, passion and now this new role, I’m confident I can help lead the Sales & Marketing teams to deliver outstanding client experiences and continue to build HCC’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading conference and exhibition venues.

You’ve grown within the events industry and HCC – how has your journey prepared you for leading both teams?

I’ve been lucky enough to experience various areas of the business events world; from sales and marketing to operations, client management, and destination partnerships across venues, local authorities and agencies. It’s given me a well-rounded understanding of the full event cycle, from the initial enquiry right through to delivery. The latter has shown me just how critical it is for sales, marketing and operations to work closely together to ensure success. Because of this, I bring a mix of strategic insight and hands-on experience, helping me make informed decisions, keeping our venue as busy as possible, creating great experiences for clients, and ultimately driving growth.

How would you describe your leadership style?

Collaborative, empowering and performance focused. I take pride in supporting colleagues, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a positive, high-performance culture.

What do you most look forward to in the first 12 months? 

With our Studio 2 breakout facilities scheduled to be launched next year, I’m working closely with our Sales and Marketing teams to come up with the best way to spread the word and help organisers of larger conferences take advantage of our new facilities. 

I may be biased, but with wellbeing and sustainability being high on the agenda of event organisers these days, Harrogate, being a green, safe and vibrant spa town, has a lot to offer as an alternative to usual big city destinations. I can’t wait to catch up with clients and friends at industry events, flying the HCC flag and telling the world about exciting things happening in Harrogate – starting with The Meetings Show this week!

What do you see as the biggest challenge in the new role?

It’s no secret that the economic climate is challenging at the moment, with budgets under pressure across the board for both us and our clients. That said, HCC is focused on continuing to deliver a great service while offering real value for money, even as things continue to shift around us.

What makes HCC special? 

Our venue combines a long-standing history of delivering both conferences and exhibitions with flexible, evolving facilities and a service our clients trust; with an event returning to us for over 70 years. We’re also incredibly lucky to be based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, a destination our delegates love for its beautiful charm, accessibility, extensive dining options, independent shops and welcoming, safe environment.

What’s your best-kept secret for Harrogate & North Yorkshire? 

For a smaller destination, the variety and quality of restaurants in Harrogate is genuinely surprising. Having always been a city girl and a devoted foodie, I did have a few apprehensions when we first considered relocating here. However, I was completely blown away by what Harrogate had to offer.

I’ve now lived here for over seven years, and it still amazes me how many outstanding cuisines we have right on our doorstep. I’ve been happily working my way through the town’s restaurants; from The Orchid (my personal favourite, with exquisite cocktails), to Paradise (taco dreams), and Crema Coffee (hands down the best breakfasts and chai lattes), to name just a few. Definitely check them out next time you’re in Harrogate!

What would you be if not working at HCC? 

I’d be a luxury interior designer spending other people’s money turning their houses into beautifully curated yet functional luxury homes. 

Outside of work, what helps you stay motivated and inspired in such a fast-paced role?

I’m lucky to have a wonderful network of family and friends who mean a great deal to me and keep me grounded every day. Since having my little boy, finding ‘me’ time has been tricky, but as he’s getting older, I’m loving being able to enjoy some of the things I used to with friends; e.g . spending an absurd amount of money at the Harrogate Flower Show on flowers (and a few glasses of prosecco) or recently booking an impromptu trip to Prague two days before departing!