With more than 14 years at Forum Events, Victoria Petch has helped hundreds of suppliers connect with senior decision-makers across a wide range of industries. As Sales Event Manager for Care Forum, she works closely with solution providers looking to engage with care home operators, domiciliary care providers and senior professionals responsible for purchasing products and services that improve care delivery. In this Meet the Team Q&A, Victoria discusses the trends shaping the care sector, the solutions attracting the greatest interest from buyers and how suppliers can maximise the value of attending Care Forum…
How long have you worked with Forum Events?
I’ve been with Forum Events for 14 years. Over that time I’ve worked with a wide range of suppliers and sectors, helping businesses build valuable relationships through our one-to-one event format. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how those connections continue to generate long-term partnerships.
What are the key trends in the care industry right now?
Care providers are constantly balancing increasing demand against ongoing operational pressures. One of the biggest priorities is delivering genuinely person-centred care, ensuring every resident receives support tailored to their individual needs while maintaining high standards across increasingly complex care environments.
Artificial intelligence is also becoming a major talking point. From care planning and administration through to workforce management and operational efficiency, providers are beginning to explore where AI can support teams while allowing care professionals to spend more time focusing on residents.
What products and services are care professionals looking for most in the year ahead?
We’re seeing consistent interest across several key areas. Training remains a major priority as providers invest in workforce development and regulatory compliance. There is also strong demand for dementia care products, health and safety solutions and digital care planning systems that can improve efficiency while supporting better outcomes for residents.
Employment law and workforce support are also high on the agenda as organisations continue to navigate recruitment, retention and changing employment legislation.
Tell us about the Care Forum format and its unique benefits for industry suppliers.
Care Forum is designed to help suppliers have meaningful conversations with senior care professionals who are actively reviewing products, services and future projects.
Unlike a traditional exhibition, suppliers receive a personalised itinerary of pre-arranged one-to-one meetings with decision-makers whose requirements closely match their solutions.
Alongside the meetings, the event also includes networking opportunities and an educational seminar programme, allowing suppliers to build relationships, gain valuable market insight and better understand the challenges currently facing the care sector.
How do you work with industry suppliers in the lead-up to Care Forum?
Preparation is an important part of the process. I work closely with suppliers to understand their objectives, the organisations they would like to meet and the products or services they are promoting.
That information helps us build the most relevant meeting schedules possible, ensuring suppliers spend their time speaking with delegates whose current priorities align with their offering.
Throughout the lead-up to the event I’m also available to answer questions, provide updates and help suppliers prepare for the day.
What tips would you give suppliers to help them maximise their time at Care Forum?
Preparation really makes a difference. Take time to review your meeting schedule before the event and learn a little about each organisation you’ll be meeting. Understanding their services, challenges and priorities allows you to have more productive conversations from the very beginning.
During the event itself, don’t focus solely on the formal one-to-one meetings. The networking sessions and seminar programme provide excellent opportunities to continue conversations, meet additional delegates and gain valuable insight into the wider care sector.
Most importantly, listen as much as you talk. The best meetings are often those where suppliers take the time to understand a provider’s challenges before discussing how they can help.
Meet Victoria and the sector’s leading buyers at the Care Forum
The Care Forum brings together senior care providers and carefully selected suppliers through a programme of pre-arranged one-to-one meetings, networking opportunities and educational content.
To discuss supplier opportunities or find out more about the event, contact Victoria at 01992 374082 / v.petch@forumevents.co.uk.
