BCO Annual Conference Photography Competition judging panel (2019)

Calling all 2019 BCO Conference attendees: BCO and Waterman Group invite you to enter and stand a chance to win the photography competition for the winning photo from Copenhagen. Entry is open to all levels and all BCO Conference attendees are invited to participate! 

Meet the esteemed panel behind the competition: 

-Catherine Thomas,  MD, Art Acumen (Judging Chair)

Catherine is the Managing Director of Art Acumen, specialising in curating and commissioning art collections, devising bespoke creative projects and place-making through public art programmes. For the past 16 years, Catherine has delivered visionary art strategies and inspirational art commissions for many corporate, public and private clients, building a formidable portfolio and excellent reputation.

-Miriam Spatafora, Structural Engineer, Waterman Group

Miriam grew up with a strong love of Literature and Arts, surprising everyone when she chose to pursue a career in engineering. With a strong eye for detail, she has notably worked as an engineer on the Royal Academy of Dance development.  She has a huge appreciation and respect for the visual arts.  Miriam loves photography and enjoys capturing a range of shots with her both analogic and digital camera, exploring the contrast between film and modern techniques.

Martina Famoso, Engineer, Waterman Group

'Martina is an engineer with a strong passion for Arts and Architecture. This passion comes from being born in Italy surrounded by its immense historical patrimony. When she is not working as an engineer, she loves to draw, paint and of course to walk around London taking pictures of the beautiful contrast between old and modern architecture.'

-Ryan Dempster, Architect, Buckley Gray Yeoman

An architect with an eye for aesthetics, Ryan is a BCO NextGen Rising Star for London and the South East. An avid photographer himself, with an impeccable eye for design, Ryan founded @storeyshots – a growing Instagram based community curated as a show and tell of architecture and inspiring advice from firms in the industry.

-Alex Upton, Architectural Photographer

Alex’s approach to architectural photography is informed and complemented by his background in studying both Fine Art (BA Fine Art First-class Honours, University of the Arts London) and Design. This not only assures his consistent attention to detail and quality but also enhances his understanding of form, space, composition and materials in relation to architecture.

-Simon Kennedy, Architectural Photographer

More than fifteen years of experimentation have informed Simon’s current photographic techniques. Simon’s photographic vision developed in a unique way – years of working as a qualified architect combined with teaching post-graduate architectural studies at The Bartlett School Of Architecture. This experience has given him a unique understanding of architecture, and a highly insightful photographic vision which continues to develop and be informed by his teaching practice at the Bartlett and by collaborations with various architects.

Copenhagen's Bicycle Culture

With bicycles exceeding the number of cars on the roads, it is no secret that Copenhagen is considered by many to be the cycling capital of the world. The city has set itself the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025 as well as 'the world's best bicycle city'. 

An extensive network of bicycle lanes and bicycle highways make it easy. Copenhagen has undertaken and recently completed, several expanded bicycle lanes, many now roughly the same size as traditional car lanes. With cycle superhighways, bike-only stop lights and handy lean-rails for cyclists waiting at lights, it’s no wonder they are confident enough to start at a young age, cycling to school with their parents and continuing into their working lives. In fact, half of all Danes commute to work by bicycle. 

Even though it might be overwhelming for first-time visitors, there are plenty of reasons to try it out. Apart from the obvious being cheaper, healthier and greener, rental bicycles are not hard to find around Copenhagen, and most hotels will have them available for rent. Most of the city is relatively flat, and you may stumble across hidden gems normally harder to reach by foot or public transport. 

But why is it the first choice of transportation? It is down to mindset. It is down to the mentality that comes from city initiatives with a focus on wellness, making cycling cool, ultramodern, and a symbol of personal energy.

If you happen to find the time amidst the busy BCO Annual Conference programme this year (or perhaps you are staying on longer) try the famous Danish ‘cargo bikes’  which allow you to cycle with your luggage, shopping or even a fellow conference delegate. If that's not on the cards, perhaps you will get to enjoy the 2-hour T8/25 Copenhagen Harbour Cycling Tour providing a deeper look at Copenhagen’s Harbour and its stunning transformation over the past 25 years.

Gothenburg to Copenhagen

For the 2019 Conference, the BCO’s SOLD OUT Annual Cycle Challenge will focus entirely on Scandinavia, with a route from Gothenburg to Copenhagen. The ride will cover approximately 300 miles over 3 days. All riders are encouraged to raise £500 sponsorship for the conference charity Mind. Show your support and donate via the Justgiving page.

If you were lucky enough to secure a spot on the BCO Cycle Challenge, we would love to hear about your experience. Tweet or mention us on Instagram @bco_uk and tell us about your cycling experience using #bcoconference #copenhagen2019.

For more info or to book places at the 2019 BCO Annual Conference in Copenhagen visit http://www.bco.org.uk/Conference/Conference.aspx