Case study: Comet
The brief
To organise and execute an afternoon conference and evening theme party for 160 suppliers travelling in from all over the UK.
The challenge
- Source a suitable venue for an afternoon conference with full AV equipment.
- Create a theme party, based on a very topical theme of the day, at a suitable venue to cater for the number of delegates.
- Build a stage for the evening award ceremony.
- Theme the venue and re-create the 'Great Hall of Hogwarts' for the Grand Banquet.
- Source suitable overnight accommodation for all delegates and staff.
- Manage all transfer arrangements throughout the afternoon and evening.
The solution
After extensive research, two venues were chosen in the home counties. One lent itself perfectly for the conference and some delegate accommodation. The second, with its Courtyard, Painted Hall and Great Hall, provided the perfect backdrop for the Harry Potter theme and for the main accommodation venue. The Great Hall also provided enough space to build a stage for the evening awards ceremony.
Venue for awards dinner
Lookalike actors
The execution
Linking to the theme of Harry Potter, which was incredibly high-profile at the time, Active created an overall theme of 'experience the magic of Comet'.
The Courtyard was lit with candles and featured the actual flying Ford Anglia 105E used in the film 'Chamber of Secrets'. The Painted Hall was completely dressed with a Harry Potter theme for the pre-dinner drinks. The Great Hall was transformed into a replica of the Great Hall of Hogwarts for the gala evening banquet.
Compere, lookalike characters from the film, and magicians all in Harry Potter costumes added the finishing touches to the illusion.
All the communication materials, including guest packs at the hotel, plasma screens, badges, banners, menus etc, as well as the stage set used for the award ceremony to thank the suppliers, all followed the Harry Potter theme.
The success
It was hailed as one of the best events Comet had hosted in many years and several thank-you notes from the suppliers were received after the event.
The venues used were ideal for both the conference and the awards dinner and lent themselves to the Harry Potter theme.
Award winners