Mars Wrigley, Destination 001 2024

The brief

When our client came to us with plans for a three-day working conference in Budapest for 150 senior leaders from across Europe, it sounded simple enough. They wanted to gather their supply chain leaders, talk shop, and sprinkle in a bit of networking. The only catch? This event had previously been run for just 30 people. So, naturally, they decided to scale it up fivefold. Oh, and they also wanted to repurpose a hotel contract from a cancelled event. Challenge accepted. We rolled up our sleeves and got to work.

Our approach

Our mission was clear: create an experience that was engaging and sustainable. We worked closely with the client to design a conference that was polished, professional, and, dare we say it, fun. We knew that just putting people in a room with a PowerPoint wasn’t going to cut it. Instead, we delivered a blend of session types, interactive technology, and, of course, a healthy dose of sustainability. The client was particularly focused on reducing the event’s carbon footprint, so we went all-in on a ‘digital-first’ approach.

This included a bespoke event app that managed everything from schedules to networking, interaction to directions, ensuring no one got lost on their way to a session, or in the bustling city of Budapest. The Hilton Budapest, our venue of choice, played along beautifully by helping us create a low-waste menu that was both nourishing and delicious. Because who says you can’t save the planet and eat well too?

The Result.

From start to finish, we had our hands on every detail, and the results spoke for themselves. The client, who had originally run this event for just 30 people, was thrilled with how we managed the leap to 150 without a hitch. Survey results indicated a strong demand for this kind of event moving forward, and the client’s sustainability team was particularly pleased with our carbon reporting.

Participants: 150 senior leaders
Sessions: A variety of workshops, presentations, and interactive sessions, including a global live link-up
Dining: 155 attendees dined at 15 local restaurants featuring Hungarian cuisine, within walking distance of the hotel, naturally
Carbon Footprint: We meticulously measured the event’s carbon impact and provided a comprehensive report, giving the client a solid benchmark for future events

THE EXPERIENCE:

From the outset, we knew that the venue had to be more than just a pretty backdrop (though the views from the Hilton Budapest are nothing short of spectacular). We worked with the hotel to maximise the use of outdoor spaces, allowing attendees to enjoy the fresh air, and the equally fresh coffee, while contemplating supply chain efficiencies.

The conference itself was a mix of serious business and seriously good times. We made sure to keep things lively with role plays, props, and interactive polling, because nothing says ‘learning’ like a bit of hands-on fun. And just to remind everyone that this was a global affair, we set up a live link to the big boss in Chicago. No pressure there.

The event culminated in a spectacular party at one of Budapest’s original ruin bars. With awards, a live band, and enough dancing to work off the Hungarian cuisine, it was the perfect way to end the conference.