Winter Conferences

Introduction

A global investment bank wished to bring together its senior staff from offices around the world for a full winter conference, plus incorporate some skiing into the programme.

Key Elements of the Brief

• 200 delegates
• 3 nights
• Destination to be a major hub for delegates from worldwide plus short transfer time
• Conference set-up in Cabaret style and a large number of syndicate rooms required
• A selection of local restaurants for a dine around
• Skiing for 2 x half days

The Solution

Interlaken proved to be the best solution as it is accessible to Geneva, Zurich and Bern airports, plus it has some first class hotels with large conference space and a high number of bedrooms to accommodate the delegates in single occupancy.

Highlights & Challenges

• Sourcing accommodation within 2 hotels and providing transport between them.
• Many individual transfers from different airports
• Equip group with ski equipment in a very short time period plus split delegates into groups prior to travelling to resort
• Ski race
• As there were back to back groups, we had to arrange arrivals and departure transfers at the same time.

Feedback

'I just wanted to drop you a note to express my appreciation for the spectacular weekend my colleagues and I have just enjoyed courtesy of your company’s organization and expertise.

The execution of the agreed agenda was highly impressive, with nothing in the organization left to chance. In keeping with the Swiss surroundings everything went perfectly to clockwork! With regard to the organization of the skiing activities, the speed with which you were able to kit out the large number of skiers and send them on their way on the Saturday morning was a source of amazement to me. Equally, your choice of restaurants and quality of the dining experience was impeccable'.

Introduction

A leading Management Consultancy needed to find a hotel that could accommodate the whole company for a team building weekend. In addition to the activity programme, the objective of the weekend was to reward the staff for their hard work and commitment. They wanted to be in a lively resort, with a good ski area in addition to good meeting and dining facilities

Key Elements of the Brief

• Approximately 220 delegates
• 3 day duration
• Exiting, vibrant location as an incentive for employees
• Accommodation in a 3 star hotel, with all staff in one hotel
• Good flight access from London
• Good conference and dining facilities to host the whole group

The Solution

Finding a large hotel in the Alps willing to take such a big group for only 3 nights, was a tall order! After extensive research, we chose St Moritz which answered all elements of the brief, and offered good value for money.

Highlights & Challenges

• Extensive flights arrangements and transfers to the resort
• Afternoon of team building "Winter Olympics"
• Themed gala dinner in the hotel
• Private hire of a mountain restaurant for a fondue style dinner
• Efficient ski and boot rental in the hotel

Feedback

'As our weekend becomes a fond memory, I wanted to pass on to you the many words of congratulations and thanks that we received on your behalf from the 200+ people who travelled to St Moritz. The success of the weekend was in no small way due to the effort you and your team brought to the event. From the very outset when you found us a great resort under the tightest of deadlines, to the last evening when everyone made their flights back to London, the level of attention and organisation from you and your team was outstanding,

Introduction

A Pharmaceutical Company wanted to combine their first quarterly sales conference with a reward for the sales team. The destination had to be suitable for individuals arriving from all parts of the UK, offer good conference facilities plus be a fun, lively resort.

Key Elements of the Brief

• Approximately 50 delegates
• 3 day duration
• Exiting, vibrant location
• Accommodation in a 4 star hotel
• Good flight access from the UK
• Maximum 2hr transfer
• Good conference facilities
• Skiing for mixed abilities

The Solution

A short list of destinations was selected but the reason that the final destination was chosen was mainly down to an excellent 4 star hotel, which had very good conference and leisure facilities.

Highlights & Challenges

• Extensive flight changes and connecting flights
• Half day meetings combined with half day skiing therefore highlighting the importance of a swift and organised transition between finishing the meeting and getting everybody in groups up the slopes.
• Dinner in a mountain restaurant plus toboganning down the mountain

Feedback

'Many thanks, once again, for all your help. It really was a superb conference and people are still talking about it.'