commsHERO 2025: A different kind of event – by Nicky Roach
28 October 2025
As soon as I walked into the sold-out commsHERO conference and awards ceremony earlier this week to pumping dance music and Asif Choudry ironing on stage I knew it was going to be a different kind of event for our creative community. It took me back to the time when I volunteered to work at the very first event 11 years ago and found myself running around in a superhero cape giving out Krispy Kreme doughnuts and singing along to a bespoke hero song (true story 😂 the photo evidence is still lurking around isn’t it Caroline Cubbon King).
I was determined to make this year’s conference despite a hectic diary as I had been asked to judge. It really is an honour in my eyes as it means I must have reached #CommsHero legendary status in my career. Also, as I love championing people and our profession it was brilliant to be back and in the thick of it, celebrating such superb talent and the rising stars 🤩 Congratulations to all the winners, and remember that to be shortlisted is a big deal too 🎉
The speakers were phenomenal. I won’t share what they talked about as so many attendees have shared their thoughts already on LinkedIn so all I’ll say is bravo Edna Boampong (FCIM) Helen Reynolds Dan Södergren Elin Giczi Steve Hayes, the audience panelists, artist Fran O’Hara and awards host Anisah Akhtar.
A poignant moment for me was when we were asked to send all the love and ‘all the feels’ to Karlie Thompson who couldn’t be there this year. I’ve not had the honour of meeting Karlie but her story is both emotional and inspiring – a motivational speaker in the making. Also a big shout-out to all the volunteers including the lovely Janet Cresswell Kirsty Jones who made sure everything ran smoothly and on time. Oh, and the star of the show was of course the gorgeous dog Dillan 🐶 with his gorgeous owner Laura Newcombe.
As always with these inspiring events I learnt something new, connected with lots of peers including the brilliant Ruby Bhattal Coaching and Consultancy and made some new contacts, which is what it is all about. Next year I’m going to enter The City of Liverpool College team for awards and we will win ⭐ 🥇 I only have to look at my pal Andy Howells for inspiration, his team NCUK – University Pathways scooped marketing team of the year
Nicky Roach, Director of Marketing and Communications, City of Liverpool College