Gates' partner meeting in Wrocław: When dialogue creates engagement

Background

Gates is a world-leading manufacturer in the industry with a strong partner network in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Every year, the company’s key distributors gather for a meeting – DAC Conference – to strengthen cooperation, exchange experiences and discuss the future together.

For Gates, the meeting is not just about presenting news, but about building long-term relationships and showing that you really care. do what you are told, that one “Walk the talk”.

After two successful meetings in Barcelona (2022) and Athens (2023), Contrast for the third year in a row the assignment to create the edition of the year – this time in Polish Wrocław.

Challenge

The DAC meeting is a central part of Gates’ work with his partners. Here, they get direct insight into how the collaboration works, what needs exist, and how the company can become even better.

But to create real engagement, more is needed than traditional presentations and figures on a screen.

Gates wanted to show that they not only listen – but also take action. That they follow up on previous promises and continue to develop the collaboration in the right direction. In short: that they Walk the talk.

Solution

We created a meeting experience built on dialogue, responsiveness and participation.

The format was relaxed but thought-out, with interviews on stage, short presentations, filmed footage and round table discussions where everyone was given a chance to speak. The dramaturgy we had previously developed for Gates — inspired by talk show formats and with a focus on dialogue — was further refined.

To deepen the relationships between the participants, the program also featured a study visit to Gates' modern production facility, an esteemed meeting with the company's Customer Service team and team building activitieswhich strengthened cooperation across national borders.

We also filled the program with pre-recorded movies, vignettes and visual transitions which elevated the overall experience and gave the meeting a professional, cohesive expression.

Results

This year’s DAC meeting became another milestone in the collaboration between Gates and their partners.

Both internally and externally, the event received fantastic feedback: on the content, the pace, the stage production, and the overall experience. Several participants highlighted how professionally everything worked, from logistics to the program structure and the meeting app that kept the days running smoothly.

“The whole event went flawlessly and the feedback I am getting is that we really are ‘Walking the Talk’. I see a group of partners increasingly engaged with us… You DID it!!!!”

— Ian Dent, Senior Director, Gates

For Gates, the DAC meeting means more than just a conference. It is a way to listen, act and grow together with your retailers, This, in turn, strengthens both the business and loyalty.

About the collaboration between Gates and Contrast

• 2022, Barcelona: Contrast developed an entirely new meeting concept. From classic PowerPoint presentations to moderated conversations and talk show formats.

• 2023, Athens: The concept was further developed with even more focus on the script, dramaturgy and interactivity.

• 2024, Wrocław: The third edition refined the format further with filmed elements, visual transitions and team building activities.

A long-term plan yields results. Gates continues to show what it means to truly Walk the talk.

Project manager: Ola Comstedt
Production Manager: Julia Gustafson Berg