Date: 19-21 November 2020 Location: ONLINE Organizer: Mercury97 Conferences&Events Client: Bulgarian Society of Allergology Event Type: Online conference
EVENT CATEGORY: DIGITAL EVENTS | Online Events – Online Conference
Event description and key objectives
In the next few years, medical innovations will fundamentally revolutionize the healthcare system, with the goal of improving peoples’ quality of life. This year’s Conference motto suggests that the society will not only present state-of-the-art knowledge in allergy and clinical immunology but will go beyond this, bridging it with the most contemporary, inspiring and creative processes and ideas diffused and adapted to the needs of patients.
Key objectives were:
program, scope and plan of the conference
technology assesment and procurement
event identity and design
attendee registration and communication
content and speaker preparation
virtual technology
attendee engagement
maximising results
Key challenges
Determine the budget in terms of expectations
Content strategy
Format of sessions
To achieve the goals and reach the audience
Identify the speakers and invest in it
Choose the right platform for the virtual event
Ensure technology knowledge and delivery
Encourage the audience
Get creative with a theme and visual identity
Creativity
The creativity is in the visual identity of the event: music, videos, graphics, animation. We have created engaging content: prepared speakers, virtual exhibitions and appointments, brainstorming and interactive discussions. We mapped the attendee journey across the lifecycle of the event: invitations, registration process, web site. We had a live studio and created a high value with stage design and the whole environment.
Innovation
Modern times also foster the revival of the old definition of innovation as a synonym for rebellion or revolt. Change is not only about embracing new ideas but also about leaving outdated ones behind, and what better opportunity to do so than taking part in this completely new format of Allergology Conference? The interactive sessions and discussions designed to match the expectations of all participants will provide a platform to stimulate the creativity of a lot of delegates, and the high-throughput screening of viable solutions using the innovative digital format.
Choosing the right platform – CVENT we have conducted in the best way our online conference.
Execution
Determined our budget and clear content strategy
Created format of the sessions
Chose the right platform
Identified the speakers
Designed the event
Installed live studio with high-quality technical equipment
Virtual exhibitions with key industry experts exchanged knowledge on critical areas of development and research in allergy
Sent invitations to the attendees to register for the event
Ensured technology knowledge
Prepared for technology glitches
Ensured technical support to prevent and manage A/V challenges to be focused on the content
Encouraged audience participation and engagement
Solicited feedback as a way to make improvements
Followed up with our audience to stay connected
Analyzed reporting and gained insights
Measurable results
The conference managed to reach the audience and encouraged participation and engagement. We have made our event convenient, engaging and personalised as possible. We have received congratulations for the organisation from both sponsors and attendees. We are inspired for our long term strategy to continue organising events not only face to face, but in digital format, as well.
Communication
We have been always in communication with out client, attendees, suppliers. Without it we would have not reached our goals and to have such a great success of our digital event. Stay always connected with your client and audience!
The use of sustainable practices
As the expectations on corporate responsibility increase, and as transparency becomes more prevalent, companies are recognizing the need to act on sustainability. Professional communications and good intentions are no longer enough. The event executed in digital area, we were energy efficient, water efficient and reduced waste
Date: 10 September 2020 Location: Budapest, Hungary Organizer: Special Effects International; Visual Europe Group; Bo – Live Branding Agency Client: Budapest Convention Bureau Event Type: Conference with networking possibilities (non-profit)
EVENT CATEGORY: B2C | Best Non-profit Event
Event description and key objectives
Our main goal was to show that Hungarian event professionals are prepared and able to organize and conduct business in the current situation. The initiative of the event aimed to bring to life the experiences and memories that only live events can bring and to demonstrate that the entire Hungarian event and tourism industry is united and strong, equipped with positive and forward-thinking mindset, ready and prepared to provide safe environment.
To introduce Budapest as a safe and welcoming destination for events.
To start a conversation about live events which are vital to restart the economy.
Our objective was to showcase how health & safety regulations work in practice and cover local and international best practices and highlight the economic and psychological importance of live events. We desired to deliver this message across borders and to boost business events. Nothing has changed live events are irreplaceable and have certain power!
Key challenges
This initiative has started as a social media campaign which was launched in an obscure, chaotic period. After introducing the initiative, we needed to start a broad communication campaign to spread the news and to encourage more to join. Our aim was to unite the industry and equipped with a positive and forward-thinking mindset even if most of the companies already had difficulties continuing their operations.
Running the social media campaign for months we concluded that we needed to go live if we wanted to create greater awareness. Due to the ever-changing regulations and the absence of financial support it seemed impossible to organize live events. Although the Budapest Convention Bureau has finally joined and supported the initiative we faced with limited time-frame due to further tighten preventive measures. On 1st September even stricter border regulations came into force and it became difficult to provide the personal attendance of the foreign speakers.
The implementation of the events demanded huge resources from all the organizers and industry members and companies who have provided their equipment complimentary and workforce for a symbolic amount. Without a doubt the greatest challenge was to rebuild trust among the attendees. Clear and straightforward communication succeeded. Invitees received event invitations and practical operational information along with major safety regulations, as a matter of course only in a contactless digital format.
Creativity
The initiative has started as a social media campaign to highlight and spread the message: the experience of a live event is irreplaceable. We have united the industry members (clients, organizers, service providers, professional associations) to join forces and collaborate. We have organized a conference with the participation of hundreds of industry members to cover local and international best practices and highlight the economic and psychological importance of live events. Besides discussions, motivational speeches with event professionals we have offered networking opportunities. We have focused on the present situation and the future of events. We have showcased how to blend protective measures and creative ideas to create a contactless and safe environment during the whole guest journey. Following the conference, two social events with concerts were held where guests enjoyed themselves. The most beautiful sights, event locations in the city were lit in blue to raise media awareness.
Innovation
To rebuild trust in live events, we needed to showcase how to provide a safe, yet comfortable environment for participants. We have examined the complete guest journey cycle and blended visible and invisible solutions to ensure guests’ safety and comfort during the events.
Contactless solutions have been provided all along the way from arrival where visible safety was key to provide the psychological assurance for guests. E.g. a disinfection and thermometer gate was placed at the entry. To emphasize individual responsibility, guests could choose between red and green armbands to show their level of concerns in relation to social distancing and greetings.
To enable colleagues and friends stay as close as it is safe, we created ‘islands’ of chairs that had an additional pleasant effect both on the layout and the ambience of the room. With similar setup concepts in mind, future organizers can make sure ‘social distancing’ does not necessarily mean a depressing environment. In addition to the live events, the landmarks and event venues of Budapest were lit up in blue to draw attention to Budapest and the Hungarian industry professionals as a great destination marketing tool. Unlike other similar initiatives, our main purpose was to unite each sector of the tourism and the event industry to raise the attention to the importance of live events and the industry members who are ready to provide a safe environment for events
Execution
We have organized a signature event of which is a safe conference.
Guests received a digital invitation and practical information about safety.
Safety communication was maintained at every point during the event.
Contactless solutions have been provided all along. A disinfection and thermometer gate helped to reduce the chance of bringing viruses from outside. Guests could choose between red and green armbands to show whether they are open for a closer greeting.
Hand sanitizers stand at every step, visitors could notice the larger distance between each set of furniture. We created ‘islands’ of chairs that had an additional pleasant effect on the ambience as ‘Social distancing’ does not mean a depressing environment.
Catering staff wore masks, gloves and served from behind plexiglass. Meals were prepacked.
AV equipment used by multiple guests were continuously cleaned and disinfected.
AV companies realized the lighting up as their own contribution. All permits were provided by the city for free.
Measurable results
Close to 500 companies and associations have joined the campaign from 28 countries.
600 volunteers have helped during the execution of the live events.
The conference accommodated at approx. 400 guests.
40 sighs and event locations were lit up in blue.
100 000+ reach on social media.
144 local and international articles were published about the initiative and events.
More than 10 local live events were inspired and realized by ours.
5 industry associations joined and collaborated thanks to #PowerOfLiveEvents Conference.
The commercial ad was filmed at the event sights reached more 80 000 viewers at the moment.
Many among the attendees haven’t attended any live event since March because of their fear, yet felt safe during our event. Some said this conference illustrated way higher sense of safety than at any other events or in restaurants or shopping malls. The international challenge was called, several countries are interested in following our initiative.
EDM for collaborating companies and enterprises, industry professionals and associations
Target group: clients, organizers, service providers, suppliers, venues, professional organizations, industry members and media representatives
PR campaign: pre-and post-communication
The social media campaign was launched in May with the participation of the tourism and event industry professionals from all over the world to spread the ultimate message: The experience of live events is irreplaceable. Before and after the live event media campaign accelerated and escalated, more than 100 articles were published both online and offline, also multiple radio and television interviews were conducted. It was our pleasure that the #PowerOfLiveEvents has been featured as a great iniative not just in the Hungarian media, but abroad as well. The total reach of the campaign’s Facebook page exceeded 100.000+ and the campaign video had more than 80.000 views after it had been shared in the social media
The use of sustainable practices
The events of the future undergo many changes nowadays, contactless solutions greatly contribute to our mission to promote sustainability.
The number of printed materials was reduced to the minimum, there were no banners, badges or menu cards. With the help of an event software and a dedicated QR code for each attendee, registration was contactless and required no printing, also entry was smooth and fast. Branded signage panels were substituted with multiple screens placed around the venue. Digital solutions, like LED-wall, was used as a backdrop of the stage. Video mapping as a spectacular and sustainable attraction was presented at one of the concert locations before the show started.
Date: 28 November 2020 Location: Church House Westminster, London, UK Organizer: Frank Warren, Church House Westminster Client: Queensberry Promotions Event Type: Live sporting event
EVENT CATEGORY: DIGITAL EVENTS | Hybrid event – MULTI-HUB EVENT
Event description and key objectives
One of the biggest live domestic boxing bouts of 2020 since lockdown took place behind closed doors in the Assembly Hall of historic Church House Westminster as Hall-Of-Fame Promoter Frank Warren celebrated forty years in professional boxing. The boxing was broadcast live on BT Sport and saw Joe ‘Juggernaut’ Joyce claim the British, European and Commonwealth heavyweight championship.
In an incredible reversal, the domestic heavyweight clash was not pay-per-view. Frank Warren, said: “This is about keeping boxing alive and relevant at a tough time and doing something for the fans.” Warren was keen to point out that the Covid outbreak and its negative effect on UK jobs and livelihoods were on his mind as he decided to scrap plans to make the fight pay per view. The blockbuster November event, branded with the apt tagline ‘At Last’, represented the final chapter in a saga that has seen April, July and October dates cancelled because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Warren opted to stage the boxing at Church House Westminster to signify the return of big-time boxing. The boxing was headlined as a battle for the history books and therefore Church House Westminster, a venue rich in history ticked all the boxes. Warren commented: “Winston Churchill announced the sinking of the Bismarck inside this venue, and soon we’ll know who out of these boxers will sink or swim.”
Key challenges
The boxing was to be broadcast on BT Sport, which meant that the venue’s in-house Audio-Visual and Production team at Church House Westminster had to contact British Telecom on short notice to arrange an installation of an outside broadcasting line on the rooftop of the venue. This request was processed in a particularly short time frame. Having acquired the outside broadcasting line now means that the Church House Westminster is an official UK TV Outside Broadcast fibre connected venue.
Set-up, including the building of the boxing ring and transforming the Assembly Hall, the venue’s largest event space, into a boxing arena, involved three days of the pre-event organisation. The set-up started immediately after completion of a three-day virtual conference for another external client. In addition to the Assembly Hall, the event spaces on the entire first floor of the venue were utilised to bring the production to life. The Hoare Memorial Hall functioned as an interview and media room, live streaming the action of the Assembly Hall using the venue’s hardwired interactivity. Post-fight conferences took place in the Bishop Partridge Hall.
A number of other rooms, also located on the first floor of the venue were utilised as flexible changing rooms, storage areas and staff quarters. Strict Covid-secure measures were put in place in the lead up to the event, including one-way systems and preevent Covid testing to allow entry to specific zones in the Assembly Hall.
Creativity
The organisers were impressed with the flexibility of the Grade II listed Assembly Hall from their very first viewing. The dome-shaped room offered additional opportunities which the organisers did not previously consider for their event, such as:
allowing for stand-out event branding in the perambulatory leading to the ring walk
earmarking the eight entrances to the room for specific invited guests, pundits and press, which optimised the event flow during the evening
taking advantage of the additional space in the room to build two commentary boxes for radio broadcasts which were practically ring-side seats
utilising the venue’s in-situ lighting and effectively incorporating the venue’s in-house audio-visual team and their expert knowledge of the event technology
The venue collaborated in BT’s pre-event promotion by lighting up the dome of the Assembly Hall in the colours of BT Sport for an aerial video shoot showing the venue’s rooftop. The venue liaised with Westminster Abbey to allow a series of cables and broadcasting vehicles to park in secluded Dean’s Yard, the venue’s entrance. Under usual circumstances, this would not be allowed however strict times and locations were agreed under exceptional circumstances by the venue’s events team.
The arrival of the boxers were filmed against the backdrop of Westminster Abbey after which they then made their way to the venue’s underground car park, effectively ensuring a secret and secure arrival to the venue.
Innovation
This was the first live sporting event the venue, Church House Westminster, has ever hosted in its history. Pre-Covid the venue has been well known in the events industry for hosting prestigious awards dinners and international conferences. Needless to say, the pandemic has impacted the venue’s ‘usual’ event mix and since acquiring its accreditation as a Covid-Secure venue in August 2020, the venue has proactively realigned its marketing focus to actively target events in line with Government guidance, which has largely restricted the industry.
Thinking outside the box (!) content marketing focused on the versatility of the venue and the flexibility of the team when organising events. The motto throughout has been: “The answer is yes unless we have explored every single possibility”. The venue also offers organisers a money-back guarantee contained in a Covid-clause within the venue’s new terms and conditions, allowing organisers to book with confidence.
The team understood that post-lockdown the single most important case for returning to live events safely would be confidence represented from the venue. It was the responsibility of the team to allay any concerns successfully and efficiently, backed up by the reassurance of the team’s Covid-secure training and recent four-month Covid-safe experience in coordinating new events such as the three-day trade winetasting, in-person examinations, and hybrid events.
Execution
In a collaborative manner, the venue team and the organisers worked together from the initial site visit to co-create a memorable event experience. The venue’s team departmental heads were all present during every site visit from the start to suggest best practices and make the organiser’s planning less exhaustive. The premise was that the team at Church House Westminster will take on the organisation and planning as far as the organiser would allow.
The team, which has sadly seen half of its colleagues made redundant due to the impact of Coronavirus, came together as a unit providing direct access to the organiser with round-the-clock availability. It was paramount to enable communication as Government guidelines remained in flux in the lead up to the event. Quick response and turnaround times were the norm. It was not unfamiliar to see the venue’s Event Coordinators during the set-up delivering rounds of teas, coffees and biscuits to those who were building sets. By staying close to the organisers, the venue’s team was able to pre-empt any potential humps and resolve those before it came to a head. In line with the venue team’s rules, the principles of over-communicating and having each other’s backs ensured that the the planning in the lead up to the event, mirrored the event delivery on the night. Unavoidable and unplanned changes to the event plan such as a much later finish than expected where promptly rescheduled.
Measurable results
In terms of press coverage, Church House Westminster, has pushed the envelope for the events industry in light of the pandemic, proudly waving a flag for live events. Articles and features picked up on this excellent positive news which clearly demonstrated that there will always be a demand, real need and necessity for live events. In the events industry, coverage of this event is the concrete evidence that the industry, both suppliers and event organisers, has been waiting to see. It has injected a new-found excitement for re-imagining events and also re-purposing venues as the industry builds back after Covid.
In terms of staff morale, the venue has seen the team, which is literally half the size of what it has been pre-Covid, re-connect and subsequently forming an absolute wall of trust in terms of supporting each other and stepping in when needed, without questions being asked. The awareness of each other’s needs and the team’s overall well-being has increased as a result of introducing a buddy-up initiative before the event.
In terms of new enquiries, the venue’s position as a flexible and versatile events venue has been re-confirmed, having as a direct result of the boxing event, received enquiries for other sporting events, hearings and live performances. As the venue navigates events post-Covid the hunger for unusual events has now become a driving force to show its peers, suppliers, clients and associations that there is life beyond the pandemi for events.
Communication
The venue worked closely with the event organiser in the lead up to the boxing to ensure that the venue would feature in their communications strategy. This was especially important as the event took place behind closed doors at Church House Westminster. As the pre-event planning with the events and audio-visual team of the venue was progressing successfully, the press team of the organisers were extremely helpful in creating a stand-alone press release which featured the venue exclusively. Not only was the press release shared within the boxing industry but the venue’s marketing team then also pushed this out to the UK events industry to build anticipation of the fight.
On the night, the organisers ensured that the commentators and pundits on air were ‘generous’ in terms of their mention of the venue. Social media from the event organiser were amplified by the venue’s social media channels which included Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Following the successful event videos on YouTube from BT Sport Boxing and Queensberry Promotions again mentioned the venue, and so did most other boxing influencers on social and video marketing. The venue created a case study of the boxing event on their website and also pushed this out on email marketing and social media, as well as a press release which was warmly received by the events industry.
The use of sustainable practices
Church House Westminster is committed to operating in a sustainable manner to reduce the impact of their events on the environment. The venue holds a Silver Award from Green Tourism as formal recognition of their ongoing commitment in minimising their venue’s carbon footprint. The venue has also recently been awarded an ECOsmart Gold Venue Award for ‘exemplary’ green standards and for working in a sustainable way to bring significant benefits to not only the venue but also the community in which they operate and their supply chain.
Some of the initiatives that were observed for the boxing included:
Temperature control is managed centrally to ensure efficient heating and cooling throughout the building. Motion-sensitive lighting is used in the building, and the audio-visual team uses LEDs which consume far less energy than normal light
In-house water bottling facilities uses reusable glass bottles. All toilets are fitted with water reduction devices and sensory taps and toilet flushing systems have been fitted
The venue has opted to go plastic-free after signing the Meeting Industry Associations’ #20PercentLess campaign in 2019. Cleaning products used at Church House are 94% biodegradable. All towels and tissue supplied in the venue are made from at least 95% recycled paper.
The venue is a Real Living Wage Employer and treat their team fairly and in a respectful manner following the guidelines set out in their ‘Inspiring People’ document
Date: 3 May 2020 Location: Hungary (ONLINE & LIVE) Organizer: Bo – Live Branding Agency Client: BMW Group Magyarország, MOL Magyarország Event Type: CSR
EVENT CATEGORY: B2C | Best CSR Event
Event description and key objectives
Many people found themselves in difficult situations because of COVID-19. We joined forces with partners and delivered 1000 flower bouquets and gifts on Mothers’ day to those who really needed it with a free, Covid-safe solution.
Key challenges
On March 16, 2020, a ban on events came into force in Hungary thus the event industry was paralyzed, putting many agencies and suppliers in a difficult situation. Customers, suppliers, and colleagues, all suffered from the uncertainty. We wanted to give our staff some work, to give suppliers the opportunity to feel useful, and at the same time to show our customers that we still exist and have a positive view of the future.
First goal: to help at least 1000 people in need to celebrate their mothers and grandmothers.
To show our staff and colleagues in the event industry (about 50 people) that it’s possible to use your creativity and work even in the current extreme circumstances. To give motivation and meaning to the work after the previous 1.5 months of extreme restrictions.
To set an example for companies in difficult situations that we don’t give up, that we can even help those in worse situations with our creative solutions.
To show our existing clients (15 companies) that our agency is ready for the new challenges; let’s create an opportunity to communicate with them.
To reach at least 1 new potential customer by presenting our concept.
To stand out from the competition, and let’s do what we do best. We organize events and do live communication.
And to produce it all with a minimal budget.
Creativity
Hungary imposed stay-at-home restrictions on March 28, 2020. Some people lost their jobs and found themselves in difficult situations, even more difficult than those of us in the event industry. Most people were unable to meet their parents or grandparents who belong to the vulnerable age group for months. Mothers’Day was around the corner so we decided to help those who had no possibility to greet their parents because of the difficult situation.
We created a free COVIDSAFE gift delivery service for Mother’s Day with the financial assistance of our partners and the help of our subcontractors working in the event industry who offered their physical and own in-house assistance
Innovation
Through the website, 1000 registrants had the possibility to send a gift package (flowers, magazines, sweets, postcards with a personal message) to mothers and grandmothers, with the guarantee of contactless delivery in compliance with health recommendations and regulations.
Influencers created unique content (e.g., song, poem) for the FB and IG sites of the campaign that could also be shared in social media to greet mothers. On Mothers’ Day weekend, we delivered all the packages in 2 days. We continuously showed stories of the preparation and the delivery through our channels and as a follow-up we presented the campaign through our social media channels, printed media and TV.
Execution
We created a free COVIDSAFE gift delivery service for Mother’s Day with the financial assistance of our partners and the help of our subcontractors working in the event industry who offered their physical and own in-house assistance.
Measurable results
The result exceeded all our expectations!
Total Costs: 11.000 Euro
5800 site visit in 1 day
1000 gift registration in less than 24 hours
70 volunteers delivered the gifts in 2 days
400 settlements were reached
20 companies joined our initiative.
30.000+ people were reached through IG
144.000 people were reached through FB
15+ influencers joined the campaign
33.000+ views by the most-watched influencer
30.000 views by the after movie link
3000+ people were reached through LinkedIn
Video presentation for 10 clients, contact and video presentation to 2 new potential clients.
1 new project thanks to „Miss You, Mom!” campaign
30+ media appearances
Live interviews on 2 national TV channels
More than 100 letters of thanks
Communication
The target audience was addressed through the social media channels of the agency and our partners. We used on/offline media as well for the campaign.
Website: https://www.hianyzolanyu.hu
FB and IG: https://www.facebook.com/hianyzolanyu, https://instagram.com/hianyzolanyu
Social media sites of the agency and partners (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin),
Branded materials (clothes of the couriers)
PR: Publications, articles in the professional press and other online/offline media, videos, animations, influencers
The use of sustainable practices
We planned our routes, with a special “delivery planning program”, which helped us to deliver with the least possible fuel consumption. During the organizational process, we used less paper.
The first finalists of the Conventa Best Event Awardcompetition were announced at Conventa Crossover conference, that took place from 27 to 28 August 2020. In light of the current situation, the competition has been restructured, with more event categories (online events can compete for the first time) and easier application conditions. This year, the competition is taking place in two parts; Semifinal 1 and Semifinal 2.
Semifinal 1: The finalists are already known! (For projects that were carried from 1st January 2019 to 17 July 2020)
Semifinal 2: You can still apply! (Deadline: 11 DECEMBER 2020) (For projects that were carried from 1 January 2020 to 11th December 2020)
How does it work?
Videos from the finalists of Semifinal 1 were played to the Conventa Crossover audience, but live voting did not take place yet. Finalists from both semifinals will come together on 19 January 2021 at Conventa Trade Show, where live voting by the audience will take place. All finalists will have to prepare a short pitch that will convince the audience to vote for their projects. The participants at Conventa 2021 will, therefore, give their final vote (80% of votes will come from the expert jury and 20% from the audience) in order to select the winner.
When we postponed the 25th NT Conference, planned in May, we decided to go online with a standalone free virtual technological and business event NT Remote on 20th of May 2020. Through relevant content, we empowered attendees in different job positions with useful knowledge to provide flexibility and business continuity in this new reality.
Let’s Rock! was one among the first major music events in Croatia after a long period of silence on the cultural scene caused by COVID-19. First planned as an online event streamed from the venue – St. Michael’s Fortress, Let’s Rock! became a one-day music festival, including 11 bands on three stages.
Porto Montenegro and M2Communications have created a unique underwater exhibition. By engaging world-renowned visual artist Luka Radojevic, visitors were given an opportunity to dive into the secrets of ancient times.
The Fourth China – CEEC (Conference on Innovation Cooperation) was held in Belgrade on October 8-9, 2019. The conference hosted the highest state and business representatives, as well as the Serbian startup community.
In September 2019 DMC Vekol team got entrusted with taking care of the worldwide management of one of the leading pharma & healthcare giants on the global market, including their respected and ultra-demanding CEO, Mr Peter Goldschmidt and board of directors.
In a short span of just a few hours, the experience “transforms” the visitor into a miner and takes them on a journey through a miner’s typical workday. Characterised by an authentic mining setting, Velenje underground is an exceptional five-star culinary experience happening 160 m below the surface.
The 1st edition the Conference World Summit focused on the countries of the Black Sea & Balkans region. The event is set to share knowledge, experience, good practices and mostly to be a platform to discover the region of the Black Sea & Balkans.
The ELES expert conference is an event intended for the electricity industry, which every year invites internationally recognized experts to participate, who with their knowledge and experience encourages a different way of thinking.
You can still register your event for SEMIFINAL 2
Show you, colleagues, why you are the best at what you do!
Every year Conventa draws attention to excellence in the meetings industry with an award for the best event in ‘New Europe’. As most live events around the world have been cancelled due to COVID-19, we would like to give a chance to those, who plan on carrying out events when restrictions are removed. Don’t let your groundbreaking events go unnoticed. Register your event for Semifinal 2.
“Just like bedtime stories that we used to listen to as children, every event creates and shares its own story. A well-told story is an event where the narrator and the listener meet, where the participant and the speaker form a personal bond.”
Before you come to Conventa Crossover, a hybrid conference for everyone, who wants to learn, socialize and exchange ideas in an informal, relaxed environment, the organisers wanted you to meet the speakers (or storytellers as they like to call them). Don’t worry if you can’t make it to Ljubljana on 27 August 2020, you can join the conference virtually.
Boris Kovaček
Owner and Managing Director of Pepermint
Q: How are we going to organize events in the future?
We are entering a new, unknown era that brings challenges for so many industries and professions. Unfortunately, the event industry cannot exist without personal contact and personal experience. To answer the question, we would need a magic ball or a fortune teller. But there is only one thing I know for sure and it is that online and other derivatives are not a substitution for events. You can have the best speaker in the world, but it will still be an online seminar, not a live event…
Q: What is your love story with the world of events?
I have started as a DJ and marketing student, so my love story comes with a great soundtrack and an interesting cast. As a pioneer of event marketing in the region I have travelled all over Croatia and the region, so my love story took place in places like arboretum Trsteno and Dubrovnik, Sarajevo and Jahorina, Bled and Vogl, Mladost, Ludos, Radost in Belgrade and Ohridsko jezero. One cannot ask for more…
Q: In your opinion, what is live marketing’s best advantage vs online?
Personal experience is a key ingredient. You cannot talk about the Weekend Media Festival without mentioning people you meet there or the beautiful city of Rovinj. Creative atmosphere and interesting people you meet make you think differently and get you out of your comfort zone.
Q: What are you bringing to Conventa Crossover and why should an attendee not miss your session?
I am bringing my experience and a different approach to problems. I am an old school event organizer, but I am trying to find advantages of a digital and online approach to events. I have not found it yet…
Q: What do you expect from the event?
I would like to hear how people from the industry see the future and how would they fight with today’s problems.
[vc_cta h2=”About Conventa Crossover” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”REGISTER LIVE OR ONLINE” btn_style=”flat” btn_shape=”square” btn_color=”black” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crossover.si%2Fregistration%2F|||”]The 5th Conventa Crossover, the festival of events and live marketing is moving forward in hybrid form for the first time. Despite the new hybrid form, Conventa Crossover will remain the central THINK-TANK for the meetings industry of New Europe. The live portion of the conference will be taking place from 27 to 28 August 2020 in Club CD, Cankarjev Dom Ljubljana, while the online portion of the event will be streamed on 27 August 2020 through a new online platform. All information about pricing can be found here.
Every August, Conventa Crossover transforms Ljubljana into the centre stage for leading experts in live marketing and event organisation. A place to explore, meet and create new ideas. Conventa Crossover is one of the few places where the event industry comes together to find out where the industry is heading through inspiring speakers, networking and fun. Conventa Crossover is a conference intended for event managers, creative heads, marketing experts, experts in event organisation, providers of meetings services, experts from companies, agencies, associations, tourist destinations, hotels, special venues, and everyone else from the region of New Europe who are closely related to event organisation and live marketing.
The venue; Cankarjev Dom Cultural Centre and the organisers of Conventa Crossover; Toleranca Marketing have both received the Safe & Healthy Events certification from the Slovenian Convention Bureau, ensuring health and safety will be on a high level.[/vc_cta]
“Just like bedtime stories that we used to listen to as children, every event creates and shares its own story. A well-told story is an event where the narrator and the listener meet, where the participant and the speaker form a personal bond.”
Before you come to Conventa Crossover, a hybrid conference for everyone, who wants to learn, socialize and exchange ideas in an informal, relaxed environment, the organisers wanted you to meet the speakers (or storytellers as they like to call them). Don’t worry if you can’t make it to Ljubljana on 27 August 2020, you can join the conference virtually.
Žiga Novak
Founder of the Walnut Grove Group
Q: How are we going to organize events in the future?
We need to fight for live events with everything we’ve got! It’s a basic human need (and right), a fundamental element of democracy and much more. On the other hand, we will need to become better prepared for hosting virtual events that will helps us overcome any challenges that unpredictable future holds for us.
Q: What is your love story with the world of events?
It was a love at first sight at the university and we married soon after graduating. Initially, I have loved events primarily for providing me the shortest way to entrepreneurship and freedom. Along the way, they have become much more: an amazing opportunity to create, learn and grow as a person and business owner. 15 years later, it’s still a love marriage. 😊
Q: In your opinion, what is live marketing’s best advantage vs online?
The advantages are so many that it would be wrong to name just one. Live events are about the freedom of movement and the energy of people in the room or any physical space. About the vibrating sounds, planned and unplanned. About the opportunity to touch people, if only by mistake or to shake hands 😊. And smells, especially smells.
Q: What are you bringing to Conventa Crossover and why should an attendee not miss your session?
Come and see how the most unlikely team of people is learning to embrace the potential of virtual events😊.
Q: What do you expect from the event?
I look forward to see what the hive mind of the event professionals will bring about in such an extraordinary moment in time.
“Just like bedtime stories that we used to listen to as children, every event creates and shares its own story. A well-told story is an event where the narrator and the listener meet, where the participant and the speaker form a personal bond.”
Before you come to Conventa Crossover, a hybrid conference for everyone, who wants to learn, socialize and exchange ideas in an informal, relaxed environment, the organisers wanted you to meet the speakers (or storytellers as they like to call them). Don’t worry if you can’t make it to Ljubljana on 27 August 2020, you can join the conference virtually.
Boštjan Horjak
CEO of Liberty Adriatic
Q: How are we going to organize events in the future?
I think we will organize events with exactly the same goal as in the past and this is to satisfy the participants in the best possible way in order to justify their participation at the event. But we will most probably do it in a slightly different way. Till the moment when uncertainty with travelling (keeping in mind particularly all security and healthy issues) will remain there will for sure be more on-line and hybrid elements but live events will always prevail as we humans are social creatures.
Q: What is your love story with the world of events?
For me, every event is like a first Rendez-Vous with a girl. You are all excited and you want to make sure it is perfect.
Q: In your opinion, what is live marketing’s best advantage vs online?
The main advantage is definitely that we can physically meet with other participants, exchange ideas not only during the event itself but also during social gatherings. This is simply in human nature and even with best IT support cannot be replaced by an online event.
Q: What are you bringing to Conventa Crossover and why should an attendee not miss your session?
Being in the industry for 15+ years I am always happy to share my experience with the audience.
Q: What do you expect from the event?
Great support from the whole industry and exchange of the ideas which is probably needed more than ever.
“Just like bedtime stories that we used to listen to as children, every event creates and shares its own story. A well-told story is an event where the narrator and the listener meet, where the participant and the speaker form a personal bond.”
Before you come to Conventa Crossover, a hybrid conference for everyone, who wants to learn, socialize and exchange ideas in an informal, relaxed environment, the organisers wanted you to meet the speakers (or storytellers as they like to call them). Don’t worry if you can’t make it to Ljubljana on 27 August 2020, you can join the conference virtually.
Sabina Otoničar
Head Of Quality Assurance Department at the University of Ljubljana
Q: How are we going to organize events in the future?
In the future, all events will be a bigger challenge to organise. Online or the combination of online and face to face will demand different organisational aspects that we have been used to so far.
Q: What is your love story with the world of events?
Interesting people to meet or to work with. Some of them you never meet again but you remember them forever.
Q: In your opinion, what is live marketing’s best advantage vs online?
Personal experience of the location and the social impact of meeting people face to face.
Q: What are you bringing to Conventa Crossover and why should an attendee not miss your session?
I am bringing the attitude of flexibility which has saved the day many times.
Q: What do you expect from the event?
New tips for new ways of organising events in the future.
“Just like bedtime stories that we used to listen to as children, every event creates and shares its own story. A well-told story is an event where the narrator and the listener meet, where the participant and the speaker form a personal bond.”
Before you come to Conventa Crossover, a hybrid conference for everyone, who wants to learn, socialize and exchange ideas in an informal, relaxed environment, the organisers wanted you to meet the speakers (or storytellers as they like to call them). Don’t worry if you can’t make it to Ljubljana on 27 August 2020, you can join the conference virtually.
Zsófia Dobos
Co-founder and managing partner of Bo Live
Q: How are we going to organize events in the future?
What I feel is that we will have less and smaller events – more family and friends’ gatherings and less business. We will focus on maximum health and financial risk reduction.
Q: What is your love story with the world of events?
I love to meet people in general. Listening to their stories, inner thoughts and feelings give me great inspiration. I enjoy exchanging experience, sharing wild ideas, collecting different personal and professional perspectives. That’s what events can provide.
Q: In your opinion, what is live marketing’s best advantage vs online?
The 5 senses – An event is a perfect platform to stimulate all five senses. No other communication tool is able to reach this.
Q: What are you bringing to Conventa Crossover and why should an attendee not miss your session?
Hopefully, my presentation can capture the audience via my faith in live events and I can give a few tips on how to argue with our clients beside live events over the online.
Q: What do you expect from the event?
This is the first international conference where my name is on the list of speakers. That will be my first performance on an international stage, so I look forward to a big round of applause.
