The judging panel

FRANKIE MERCIECA IS AN ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR AT AWARD-WINNING INTEGRATED MARKETING AGENCY, MERCIECA. WE’RE ALSO PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT SHE IS ONE OF THE EXPERTS ON THE BAR MAGAZINE AWARDS 2024 JUDGING PANEL!

Mercieca specialise in creating content and campaigns for brands within the food and drink sector, having worked successfully with some of the world’s leading brands, including Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Diageo and General Mills.

As an Associate Director, Frankie has a wealth of experience in planning targeted campaigns towards hospitality, so has extensive knowledge on the sector and what makes venues tick. She told us, “For over 18 years I’ve been lucky enough to have worked with some of the biggest food and drink brands. Day-to-day, I help these brands reach, and communicate effectively to, hospitality operators and decision makers.

“My role now centres on building and maintaining strong and trusted relationships with our clients, and ensuring our team are always providing the best service and results. In order to maintain our competitive edge, and maximise our long-term bonds, we have to stay ahead of consumer trends and think on our feet to surprise and delight our clients whenever we can. That’s why I think that what we do in PR and communications has so many parallels to the hospitality industry, where excellent customer service and experiences are so vital in ensuring repeat visits, relationships with regulars and a thriving business.”

Frankie has a lot of respect and appreciation for hospitality, and the amazing professionals who work within it; “It’s a sector very close to my heart, not just because of the fantastic events and activations we’ve held in brilliant venues over the years, but for the many precious memories of personal time spent with friends and family. Bars and outlets are at the heart of some of the most memorable moments of my life.”

The timing couldn’t be better for the BMAs, giving hospitality a chance to celebrate their achievements after a tough bounce back from the pandemic and cost of living crisis, “After the last couple of years, and with so many of us now feeling the squeeze, customers’ expectations of exceptional experiences and service are higher than ever. To part with any cash, the experience has to really be worth it. It goes without saying that operators and staff are working harder than ever to deliver this, and deserve to be rewarded for doing so.

“The launch of the BMAs couldn’t be better timed, and I’m so proud to be on the panel. To hear the shortlisted stories firsthand is very special,” Frankie added.

The 2024 BMAs are positioning themselves as essential for hospitality; not just as a night of celebration, but also to showcase the creativity and versatility that exists in our industry. Frankie said, “with the industry still struggling to recruit at all levels, showcasing the amazing current and emerging talent that we have is vital to encourage a new generation of stars. Our vast and diverse hospitality industry is at the centre of British culture, and the people within it are the most important element to ensure it thrives for decades to come.” www.mercieca.co.uk