Kickoff, conference, fair and customer events – a multi-event for Lyreco
When two companies merge, a lot changes. Competitors become colleagues. Enemies become friends. 2 brands become 1. New values emerge. Likewise, new leaders emerge.
That was the case for Staples when they were acquired by the French company Lyreco in 2022. Contrast was involved in organizing their first joint meeting under a common flag.
TYPE | Kickoff, conference, fair and customer events
LOCATION | Swedish Exhibition Centre in Gothenburg
RESPONSIBLE | Ulla Lindström
OBJECTIVE | Create new relationships between employees, suppliers and customers, as well as relationships with the new brand
Background
For a number of years, Contrast has been entrusted with organizing Staples’ annual conference and supplier fair – an event that brings together both employees and suppliers. When the office supplies provider was acquired by its French competitor Lyreco, the management wanted to bring all employees together for a common kickoff. The meeting was to be the starting point for building a new community and a new shared path forward. A series of changes had already been initiated: a new brand, new values, a new owner… and new colleagues.
Mission
Contrast was tasked with creating the annual conference and supplier fair with the theme ”Better Together”. The common thread was Sustainability. New this time was that we were tasked with adding an additional target group to the event; the company’s customers.
Solution
We created a multi-event over two days. Day 1 was dedicated to the customers, sales team and suppliers. Here we built a supplier fair in the meeting rooms at Gothia Towers, which we combined with interesting seminars on sustainability and trend spotting, which the company’s customers also had the opportunity to attend. The first day was rounded off with relaxed, social and relationship-building activities.
Day 2 was for the employees who had a conference and kickoff where they finally got to meet in person and get to know each other. The entire day ended with a proper party for the employees; a seated dinner with lots of music, entertainment, energy, activities, and fun prize giveaways.
Results
The event as a whole received high marks. During the days, there was high intensity in the venues; the fair had quickly become fully booked and all available spaces were filled with activity. The evening activities were relaxed and informal, providing opportunities to build both business relationships and to get to know each other better.
”Well-directed and entertaining. Not at all boring”
”The party was really nice!”
”Engaging! And a lot of joy on stage!”
