Define

The Challenge:

Olympus wanted a bold and memorable approach for their Life Science National Sales Meeting in Scottsdale, AZ. This was the first time the Scientific Equipment Group, Diagnostic Systems Group, and the Bio Business Development Groups were meeting together.

Olympus wanted to:

• Create a pre-meeting buzz.
• Have tremendous impact on the audience during the General
  Sessions.
• Have attendees come away from the meeting energized, with
  the momentum to create a bounce in sales.
• Create an infection of spirit, camaraderie, and networking
  within the three groups.

First Generation partnered with Olympus to define the objectives of: sharing, training, and engagement, and the take-away message of “We’re Strong. We’re Unique. We’re Olympus.”

Develop

First Generation set the pace with the theme:

Ignite the Future! Synergy. Drive. Innovation.

The rationale: Ignite the Future speaks to forward momentum, using the combined strength of the SEG, DSG, and BBD sales forces to work together, to share knowledge, to help each other be more successful, and to put Olympus firmly ahead of the competition.

Pre-meeting communications tools were developed to create a buzz, and provide important information and updates. All design was consistent, reflecting elements of the theme and the event’s look and feel. The variety of media, from flash teasers to a meeting website, offered the attendees exciting ways to receive information, with the web media having the ability to be updated on demand.

The environment had to match the energy of the theme, and the First Generation team rose to the challenge creating an inspiring atmosphere with a unique stage design that played on the idea of Olympus and Life Science. The video, animations, and PowerPoint media designs featured a consistent energetic look with vivid colors and pacing.

Now, to blow the audience away. The answer was Street Jam, a global percussion, rhythm and dance group. This performance group was secured to perform the finales for the opening and closing general sessions. Their explosive infectious energy and unique style was sure to invigorate the audience.

Deliver

The physical set presented a bold and dynamic environment for the audience. The giant screens made the media larger than life, and the technical equipment provided a colorful, crisp picture. Add the superior sound system and the audience was immersed in a true multimedia experience. Hidden during the General Session presentations, the funky musicians and dancers of Street Jam blasted onto the stage for the finale, bringing the crowd to its feet. The audience followed Street Jam into the courtyard and continued the Jam until the breakout sessions began. And this was only the beginning!

Throughout the week, the momentum continued to build with a street fair featuring an outrageous team building competition, elegant awards dinners, themed breakout sessions, and a closing performance by Street Jam.

The 425 attendees were electrified and motivated and Olympus management confirmed that people left with tremendous enthusiasm. The goal of interaction between the three separate groups was achieved. Individuals came together, different groups got to know each other, team building challenges strengthened relationships, and networking connections between the groups were formed.

Months after this event, First Generation had the opportunity to speak with several of the attendees. They remembered this event more than any other in Olympus history. They related that they left the event energized, and that this energy carried forward and generated their excitement about the company’s products. The goal of a bounce leading to increased sales for the groups had been realized!

First Generation was challenged to provide a turn-key solution from concept/theme development, creation of communications tools and team building exercises, to event planning, staging, management, and execution of the event. First Generation ignited Olympus!

Define

The Challenge:

• Inspire and motivate a sales force that has enjoyed three years of consecutive record breaking growth to continue increasing their success through the next year.
• Create a theme reflecting the idea that three years of continued record growth has been part of a well organized plan and effort of the sales force, marketing, and management.
• The theme message needs to continue working until the next annual meeting.
• Create an exciting and upscale environment for the general sessions and awards dinner event.
• Create an environment encouraging group interaction and engagement.

Develop

Theme:

To meet the objectives we began by developing a theme and visual feel for the event. We created a two-part theme that would work for the meeting and as a continued call to action throughout the year.

SUCCESS BY DESIGN
PLAN. EXECUTE. SUCCEED.

Rationale:

Consecutive years of increased sales were due to sales and management’s well thought out strategies and execution. A strong, coordinated team effort produced results that excelled from year to year. This is planned success, not a scatter shot, haphazard approach. This is Success by Design, the formula that has brought Crayola continued growth and will take the company to the next level of success.

Staging / General Session & Awards Dinner:

One ballroom was chosen for the General Session meetings and Awards Dinner. Lighting design and staging enhancements were designed to create different atmospheres for the events. The outboard angled shapes contained areas for gobo projections. The projected vertical theme text reinforced the core message. Lighting effects were used to build from a black and white to full color look during the opening video experience. Lighting designs accented each presentation with a unique color environment.

The angled stage design reflects an upward motion, and the sides push the viewer to look towards the center where the media played onscreen. The set design was masterfully brought to life by our team of staging experts. Construction, shipping to Aruba, and assembly were managed and executed in a turn-key style, on time and on budget.

Awards Dinner Theme:

THE COLOR OF SUCCESS

This simple and elegant theme fit into the celebratory dinner environment First Generation created. Reflecting the world of Crayola, the tables were designed as full color mini sets, complemented with matching lighting effects throughout the ballroom, and a looping thematic video. To set up the mood, we placed an ice sculpture of the Crayola logo at the entrance, with vivid uplighting that created a shimmering welcome for the attendees. The entrance hallway was lined with floor lighting beaming light upward toward the ceiling.

Teambuilding Activities:

Games were specifically created to allow teams to use their combined and individual strengths. Knowing the attendees were coming from and going to training meetings, the goal was also to provide an outlet for physical activity. The games had to be fun. The Crayola Mini Carnival was born! A variety of game stations allowed teams to use their memory, physical, and precision skills in a friendly atmosphere of competition.

Deliver

Results:

The Crayola attendees absolutely loved Aruba, and the celebratory nature of the meeting provided upbeat and energizing experiences for all. Meeting objectives were met as the sales and marketing teams immersed themselves in sessions providing important information
for the coming year. New products were unveiled and locations were provided for all attendees to test the products. Breakout sessions provided important delivery messages and tactics. Sales and marketing teams were able to engage in strategy sessions with the goal of continuing and increasing market success.

The momentum created by this meeting led to another winning year – a tribute to the dedication of the Crayola organization.

Define

The Challenge:

After moving their headquarters to Greensboro, North Carolina, Mack Trucks decided they should bring their team back to the home of the company and site of their new Customer Center – Allentown, Pennsylvania – to hold their World Sales Conference (WSC). The unveiling of the Mack Customer Center and the WSC would take place at the same time as one momentous event.

Having worked with Mack Trucks for the past 23 years developing marketing, video and training programs, First Generation was selected to produce the Mack Trucks 2010 World Sales Conference and grand opening of the Mack Customer Center. First Generation worked very closely with the marketing management team to uphold their vision and present it clearly throughout the meeting’s events.

• Mack wanted to hold the WSC in their former Engineering and Testing facility instead of a conference center venue.
• Transforming what was originally a truck bay and a machine shop into a product showroom and truck display area for 1200 attendees proved particularly challenging.
• The event would span five days and would include a daily General Session, a full day of workshops for the sales force, a grand unveiling of the new Customer Center and an Antique Truck show.

Develop

The former Engineering and Testing facility was transformed into the new Customer Center, and for this event, a meeting area big enough to hold 1,200 attendees was needed on the grounds. The decision was made to construct a 35 x 50 meter tent to hold the General Session.

First Generation developed the event plans surrounding the theme “Make it Mack, Make it Happen.” Mack was looking for a sales meeting experience that was bold and memorable and would energize the attendees. A complete set was designed and built for the General Session along with custom lighting and rigging to complement the full HD projection of the opening videos and supporting visuals.

First Generation also transformed the additional locations in the new Customer Center with complete A/V support for the following day’s workshops with 200 attendees each. With the workshops proving to be challenges of their own, from jockeying 20-ton trucks to constructing truss work to provide lighting and projection all in an 8-hour overnight turnover period, First Generation made sure each workshop felt like an event of its own.

While the World Sales Conference in and of itself is a special event, this year’s World Sales Conference would also mark the beginning of a new chapter for Mack – the unveiling of the new Mack Customer Center. This new center is used by Mack salespeople and dealers, giving them a place to bring customers and prospects to experience the Mack legacy, spirit and brand strength. For the unveiling, First Generation engineered an indoor laser light show complete with haze, intelligent lighting and bass-heavy tracks to welcome the very first visitors.

Deliver

Results:

Helping Mack produce their World Sales Conference provided the marketing management team the perfect platform to re-energize their sales associates and give them the most current information and tools, allowing them to continue the amazing history of what is the “Mack Tradition.” One of the dealers that evening was heard saying, “Wow, this is exactly what Mack Trucks was missing, a place where we can show off the Mack legacy and showcase our brand!” Holding the World Sales Conference in the city that Mack Trucks has called home for so many years proved to be the emotional powerhouse they had hoped for. Through the dynamic set design and staging of the General Session – complete with a children’s choir, a gospel choir and “Mack” the Bulldog – as well as the dramatic unveiling of the Mack Customer Center, First Generation was able to deliver an exceptionally memorable event that led to a breakout year in sales for the Mack Trucks team.

First Generation offers 24-7 delivery, including same-day service for those unexpected situations. With our competitive pricing, expert technicians, and top quality, state-of-the-art equipment, we’ll help you create a dynamic experience that leaves a lasting impression.