Branding and Communications when organising BMC Events
This page helps Event Organisers and volunteers promote BMC events in a way that reflects the BMC's voice and values, stays accurate and inclusive, and protects the BMC's brand.
Promoting Your Event
Once an event has been approved via Event Approval, it must be promoted as a BMC event.
Only use BMC-approved assets for promotional material.
Any promotional material that isn't from HQ must be approved by BMC MarComms before it's shared or published.
This applies to material shared by the Event Organiser, volunteers, or partner organisations on the BMC's behalf.
When ready to promote, contact the BMC local area the event is associated with and request promotion on their Facebook and Instagram. Contact local area reps.
Depending on the event, BMC Marcomms can then be requested to further promote the event through the BMC social and email channels.
Content to Post
When promoting your event, good content includes:
Event announcements: dates, location, how to sign up
Reminders in the run-up to the event
Celebrations of the event once delivered: highlights, outcomes, thanks to volunteers
Crag / club / wall / volunteer showcases relevant to the event
How to Post
Stay on message
Only share content that supports the event itself or directly related BMC activity. If in doubt, check the BMC website or contact MarComms.
Keep it factual and neutral
Stick to information, not opinion. Avoid speculation or commentary on issues not officially addressed by the BMC.
Be inclusive and welcoming
Use language that's friendly, accessible, and representative of all participants and outdoor users.
Share and source high quality & relevant photos
Use clear photos showing responsible, safe participation. Make sure you have permission to use any image – see the Photography Guidelines appendix for the full policy on event photography and consent. Credit the photographer in the caption where known.
Utilise Instagram & Facebook stories as well as posts
Stories are a good way to remind people of an event that already has a post, and to add direct sign-up links.
Don't duplicate the same photo or post repeatedly
For reminder posts, vary the photo or angle rather than reposting the same content on consecutive days.
Remember it reflects the BMC
Anyone unfamiliar with the BMC or your event will form their first impression from what's posted: keep that in mind.
Tagging
Tag @teamBMC if you'd like a post amplified nationally: MarComms will review it. Tag relevant volunteers or partner organisations involved in the event.
Engage positively
Reply to questions informatively. If a topic becomes contentious, refer people to the main BMC channels or MarComms rather than engaging in debate.
What not to post
Don't post personal opinions or reflections
Even well-intentioned ones can be mistaken for an official BMC position.
Don't share controversial or non-BMC content
If your event touches on access or land-use issues, check with the BMC Access team before posting.
Don't criticise individuals, organisations, or policies publicly
Raise concerns privately with your Event Organiser, Area Chair, or BMC staff contact instead.
Don't post unverified information
Check accuracy before posting if you're unsure.
Don't use event channels for personal promotion
They represent the BMC, not individual views, blogs, or external projects.
Don't engage in or amplify online conflict
If a comment thread gets heated, stay calm, don't argue, and contact MarComms for advice.
If in doubt, check with the relevant BMC staff team before posting.
Best Practice
Where you're posting on behalf of the BMC, note in the post or a follow-up comment who to contact with questions.
Link back to the main BMC channel where relevant.
Support
If you're ever unsure about a post, or don't have direct posting access for an event:
Contact the BMC MarComms team: emma@thebmc.co.uk or katy.shilladay@thebmc.co.uk
Ask MarComms or the Access team to review your content before it goes live.
Request further guidance from MarComms on anything you're unsure about.
Templates and Branding Assets
Logos: available from MarComms
Social Media Post Templates & Event Posters: available from MarComms
Contact
BMC Events Team
0161 445 6111
177–179 Burton Road, Manchester, M20 2BB
BMC Safeguarding Team
0161 438 3305
177–179 Burton Road, Manchester, M20 2BB