For the third year in a row, United Airlines selected Event Architects to manage the details of their annual Worldwide Planning Forum—an elaborate Sales Strategy Meeting. This year, well over 600 international United employees attended the conference that was themed, “It’s Our Time Now.”
With the objective of hosting an optimistic, fun and high-energy annual meeting, the 3-day event kicked off in the ballroom at the Renaissance Schaumburg with a tremendous video and an in-person Welcome Speech from CEO and Chairman, Glenn Tilton. After some introductory remarks by Mr. Tilton and several executives, guests headed to the Welcome Reception. Modern, sophisticated seating pods were positioned throughout the room, as well as tall and low cocktail tables for additional seating. To pay homage to the different cultures represented by the 644 attendees, international food stations offered Italian, Mediterranean, Latin, Asian (including made-to order sushi, yum!) and Cheese stations. Exciting use of lighting provided a club-like atmosphere and custom gobo lights highlighted the client logo as well as the theme and strategy titles. One of our favorite DJs, Madrid Perry was spinning on a riser in the middle of the room and had guests dancing and enjoying the networking event from the moment they walked in.
The use of dynamic lighting provided a club-like atmosphere and custom gobo lights highlighted the client logo as well as the theme and strategy titles for the Welcome Reception.
DJ Madrid - one of our favorite Chicago DJs - was spinning on a riser in the middle of the Welcome Reception and had guests dancing from the moment they walked in.
The next morning, attendees were ready bright and early to get right down to business. In the ultimate culmination of months of work by our top event producers, the second day of the conference showcased everything involved with executing a successful General Session including a custom designed curved stage, all audio/visual needs, a fabulous show director and team, strategic content presentation development. The day also included an all-star registration staff, a finely tuned transportation process, an intricate breakout schedule, an elaborate internal and partner trade show, skillfully designed menus and tailored signage. We wrapped up the second day of the conference with the President’s Club Awards Dinner. Elegant linen and beautiful floral arrangements set the tone for a celebratory evening as guests listened to a live jazz band during the cocktail reception and then a 12-piece band during the program and for dancing, post-event.
For the General Session, we designed and installed a custom curved stage, managed all audio/visual needs and presentation development and onsite editing.
This year, we introduced a Twitter Café to the scene. Attendees had the opportunity to follow the conference’s Twitter page and post comments throughout the week. Roughly 70% of attendees participated and were always eager to see their posts displayed onscreen during the General Sessions.
This year, we integrated social media with a Twitter Café. Attendees had the opportunity to follow the conference’s Twitter page, post comments throughout the conference and follow the Twitter feed displayed onscreen during the General Sessions.
On the final day of the conference, we presented a closing video that was developed throughout the week—incorporating shots of attendees arriving, listening, learning, laughing and contributing.
The primary challenge with this event was providing attendees with an engaging experience that is more successful than the previous year’s conference…without increasing the budget! As United was conscious of keeping costs low and spending their dollars wisely, we are very proud to state that we were able to meet and in many cases BEAT the estimated costs outlined to our client prior to the event.
We wrapped up this year’s conference feeling like our team effort had again contributed to a huge success for a favorite client. In the words of one of our contacts, “I just love the way your team has such fun at what is really, really demanding work. Your team should be congratulated for another exceptional job! It was such a pleasure to work with such a dedicated, focused and professional team."
Ahh, flying high after another exciting event!
Stage and set designed and installed by Event Architects.