Brief:
S-RM, a global intelligence and cyber security consultancy, tasked Story Events to plan their Associate Conference, their first since the pandemic. The primary focuses for the conference were networking, team building, corporate messaging, and thanking the team for all of their hard work with a great experience. S-RM were looking for a venue that could accommodate the 40 international employees flying into London and a big enough space for their 120 persons conference and dinner party. Last year the conference was held in Brighton, this year we wanted to make their London experience their best yet.
Delivery:
After an extensive venue search and many site visits, the chosen venue was the historic Hilton Waldorf in Aldwych. S-RM worked closely alongside the Story Events team over December and January which was a very smooth planning and operational process from start to finish and this was reflected at the event.
The international guests arrived for check-in on Wednesday the 8th of February and had the opportunity to explore the city and relax before the conference on the 9th. A rehearsal evening with the speakers led by the Story Production team meant all was set for the next day.
Guests started to arrive for registration at 08:00 at Waldorf’s beautiful Palm Court where a delicious breakfast was waiting for them.
A day of talks, team building and break-out sessions promptly began in the Walforf’s Adelphi rooms with the Story Team there to oversee the smooth running. Regular tea and pastry breaks throughout the day as well as a lovely buffet lunch, kept the guests fuelled for their day of thought-provoking talks and very creative team-building sessions!
At 17:30, guests moved into the Palm Court for an hour’s drinks reception which consisted of flowing English sparkling wine and delicious canapés.
Guests were then called to a three course dinner specially chosen by S-RM after a very enjoyable menu tasting during the planning. A quick opening awards ceremony was followed by a mouthwatering starter of Panko crispy egg, bacon jam, courgette and saffron emulsion and a main of Beef fillet, truffle mash potato, carrots, tenderstem broccoli, smoked roscoff onions and red wine jus.
The night continued with an open bar and amazing DJ Gem who got guests on the dancefloor to end the night on a high.
The team at the Waldorf were amazing to work alongside, they were very helpful and assisted Story throughout the whole process.
Result:
“Honestly, we don’t have anything other than positive feedback for you – please do pass on our thanks to the whole team, as everyone was fantastic! As a selection of the feedback I’ve had so far:
- “Perfect event”
- “The feedback I’ve received on it has been incredible – it was very clear how much thought and effort had gone into it”
- “Today was a pivotal moment at S-RM… There was a moment or two when I was taking it all in, thinking WOW how has this happened”
- “It was so well done and truly professional—from check in and having real name tags (versus just using a sticky note and a sharpie!), to having seating cards with thoughtful directors to facilitate discussions, to the wedding/Oscars level gala dinner at the end”
We’d definitely use you again / recommend you to anyone else planning an event!”
Photo Credit: Marcus Duran
If you are planning to host your next conference then please reach out to the team at Story here.
