Showing posts with label Comtec Featured Events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Comtec Featured Events. Show all posts

Monday, 23 May 2011

Royal Liver 2011!

We recently ran the Royal Liver AGM at St George's Hall in Liverpool! It was a week long event including rigging and looked amazing inside the Hall. As you can see from the pictures, it has some great statues and intricate architecture.



Wednesday, 22 September 2010

Featured Event - TUC 2010

Trades Union Congress (TUC) - September 2010

Comtec Presentations were once again awarded the opportunity of producing the annual Trades Union Congress. For 12 years in succession, Comtec have delivered the conference with continued commitment to both maintaining excellence and developing improvement.

The key to this successful relationship is the knowledge and understanding that has been developed and built upon year on year. This is fully exploited to ensure that each year the event is improved from the physical look of the conference through to the technology used and the logistics employed to ensure a streamlined event from start to finish.

Working within many of the large venues throughout the UK the challenge is to guarantee that the look and feel of the conference is in keeping with the TUC brand as well as ensuring that all media coverage is catered for. From the press through to TV and radio, the Comtec team have to make certain that everyone is happy as well as the client.

Security is another area of understanding - from dealing with demonstrations within the audience to working alongside special branch for the attendance of the Prime Minister. We were also responsible for the management of the early closure of the conference that occurred during the event in September 2001.

In addition to the above, Comtec also provide all of the usual everyday requirements for a conference of this size and calibre - from media presentations to sound, lights, projection and camera crews.

"Year on year Comtec manage to surpass themselves by combining innovative technologies with functional set design to enable us to progress with our Congress. With our annual Congress being a high profile event it is of great importance that we work with a company that can deliver in high-pressure situations. After working with Comtec for over ten years they have proven themselves, time and time again to be capable of providing a package that is ideal."
TUC Senior Events Officer

Monday, 21 June 2010

Featured Event - UKG Conference 2010

UK Greetings Annual Conference & Awards 2010

This year the crew traveled to the Fairmont Hotel for four days to setup and produce UK Greetings annual conference and awards. The accommodation was fantastic – a large country manor house with views of the ocean from every window – and we were paid to be there! It’s wonderful when an event is in a great location.

My role this time was auto prompt! For those of you who do not know what this is, it’s providing scripts together with a number of helpful features, to be displayed for a host to read from at their own pace on stage. It’s designed to make the life of the presenter as stress free as possible and it keeps you on your toes!

UKG Conference & Awards 2010UKG Conference & Awards 2010


The schedule was two days of rehearsals followed by the big event. The set and theme was X Factor and it looked amazing! We went all out! We even had the central doors which opened and closed to let the host on stage with the authentic smoke! The atmosphere was electric. It was all hands on deck for the entire crew to ensure the event went smoothly- and it did! Great feedback from all!

Comtec undertook the greatest team-building exercise of them all – a UKG shower-robe photo shoot! We thought, as we all had special white, fluffy hotel robes with matching slippers that we would have a group picture in the grounds to show off to the crew back at the office!

Until next time…

Rebecca Creamer
Project Manager

Saturday, 28 November 2009

Featured Event - FIS 2009

Comtec Presentations Featured Events!

Federation of Infection Societies - Conference & Exhibition 2009


Comtec helped the Federation of Infection Societies (FIS) bring together one of the countries largest gatherings of infection control specialists and experts at the Birmingham ICC in November.

Federation of Infection Societies - Conference & Exhibition 2009 Federation of Infection Societies - Conference & Exhibition 2009


With swine flu being the hot topic on everyone’s lips since the World Health Organisation declared a pandemic of the H1N1 strain on June 11th, Infection2009, which was held 11th-13th November, was a pivotal event on the infection control calendar attracting attendees from around the world.

There were a number of high profile speakers talking at the event including Professor Neil Ferguson who presented his mathematical modelling and analysis of the H1N1 virus. Professor Ferguson, advised the UK, US and Chinese governments and the World Health Organisation on the management of the swine flu pandemic.

This is the first year Comtec have worked with FIS on their event. The Federation’s conference is traditionally the largest gathering of microbiologists in the UK and this year the event brought in over 800 visitors and 75 exhibitors, smashing all previous records.

With FIS, Comtec created the Infection 2009 brand and formed collaborations with some of the countries top organisations such as the Royal College of Nursing, British Geriatrics Society and the Department of Health.

Account Manager Rachel Bullock stated; ‘When the H1N1 strain was confirmed as being pandemic in June we realised that now, more than ever, the need to bring together some of the worlds experts in pandemics and other areas of infection control was vital.’ The event, which spanned three days, was one of the largest in the Comtec Calendar for 2009.

During the event the crew were responsible for a variety of services including filming and co-ordinating speaker sessions, managing the exhibition and producing a Gala Dinner for attendees.

The project was self-generating, which encompassed every area of Comtec’s expertise and involved most Comtec staff members. Pre-event, Comtec were entrusted with sourcing exhibitors and sponsorship for the conference & exhibition. By building a database of companies specialising in infection control that operate in the UK, Comtec’s sales team were able to accurately target the correct individuals to ensure a maximum conversion rate.

Delegate sales were also driven by Comtec. Primarily targeting contacts from the collaborating organisation’s, followed by those sourced externally, Comtec created a series of html campaigns, partnered with a Direct Mail shot and follow up calls which brought in record numbers of attendees.

With a large number of delegates and attendees coming from overseas Comtec used their expertise in delegate management to ensure it was easy for delegates to book a place at the conference including negotiating special room rates with local accommodation via the Birmingham Convention Bureau.

Federation of Infection Societies - Conference & Exhibition 2009 Federation of Infection Societies - Conference & Exhibition 2009


Print work requirements for the event ranged from promotional marketing materials through to exhibitor manuals, delegate handbooks and menus. All of these are designed and produced by the in house media department, who having created the initial theme and branding for the event carry this through all elements of the project.

Comtec created an event website which included online delegate booking, abstract submission and delegate session selector. Comtec also modernised the marketing of the event using online techniques such as email campaigns, twitter, RSS feeds and video to maximize the attraction of the event.

Post event, Comtec ensure they collect feedback covering all aspects of the event from all attendees, either exhibitors, speakers or delegates to ensure the event grows and develops year on year, in stature, attendance from both exhibitors and delegates, sponsorship, income and profit.

Wednesday, 21 January 2009

Featured Event - Lyreco Sales Convention 2009

Comtec Presentations Featured Events!

'Lyreco Annual Sales Conference & Exhibition 2009'


At the beginning of 2008, a concept was formulated. A concept that would change Lyreco Sales Conventions forever…

For the 7th consecutive year, Comtec were charged with providing an exciting, informative and engaging 2-day sales conference for over 800 sales professionals for Lyreco. Lyreco in the UK is a fully owned operating subsidiary of the Lyreco Group – a family owned office supplies group, which has operations throughout Europe, Canada, Asia and Australia.

The theme chosen for the 2009 conference was “Back to the Future”. In the current economic climate, the key messages that the delegates needed to take away from the conference were that in order to ensure a successful future they would need to go back to basics, and get the basics right, from the very beginning. With the Managing Director cast as Marty McFly, the Field Sales Director as Doc Brown and the Marketing Director as George McFly – this sales convention was certainly fun and entertaining, but how did we communicate the key messages?

Lyreco Sales Convention 2009Lyreco Sales Convention 2009


A variety of methods were utilised to engage the audience with the presentations and ensure that the delegates absorbed the ideas. The Comtec team undertook extensive pre-event filming to recreate parts of the film, “Back to the Future”. Although we imitated many of the scenes from the film, we also created our own messages that fit well with the Lyreco brief. The videos were then used to further illustrate points that were made in the presentations.

The iconic DeLorean, which was used for time travel in “Back to the Future”, was a key medium through which to convey Lyreco’s ideas. We used the infamous car in the videos to go back to the 1920’s to see how a stationery company would have operated, then we fast-forwarded to the future for a snapshot of how the Lyreco of 2015 would succeed in its field. The DeLorean not only featured heavily in the videos but was also present, on stage during the convention itself to carry the message through to the delegates.

The team that filmed the videos also edited them and worked closely with the Lyreco team to ensure that all key concepts and ideas were communicated. The same team then spent many hours in Comtec’s own edit suite, putting after-effects onto the film and using 3D modelling to make the films as realistic and believable as possible. With all of Comtec’s services being under one roof, our clients benefit from working with the same team from concept to completion.

We also used a tried-and-tested audience response system to encourage the delegates to connect with the presenters and the messages being conveyed. Delegates were split into regions (South-east region, North-West region etc.) and were then given keypads and asked a series of questions based around the marketing presentation. The results of each question, i.e. a percentage breakdown of each answer, were then shown on screen and the winning region took away a small prize.

The 2009 Lyreco Sales Convention was held at the Liverpool ACC – a fantastic, purpose built venue that provided great facilities and massive scope for what we wanted to achieve. The venue, being one we had not yet worked in, provided us with lots of new and exciting challenges – none of which proved too much for our experienced technical team.

There were also 7 breakout sessions that took place over the 2 days. Again Comtec managed these sessions, which ranged from product workshops to corporate sales presentations.

Lyreco also entrusted Comtec with organising and building a 43-stand supplier exhibition in the ACC’s massive Exhibition Hall, as well as an Oscars themed Gala Dinner for 800 delegates. The exhibition was a massive success. Both delegates and exhibitors alike found the exhibition to be a great learning and networking experience and with a slightly changed format from previous years, Lyreco are confident that we will have another great turnout in 2010.

Lyreco Sales Convention 2009Lyreco Sales Convention 2009


During the Convention, Comtec produced an Awards Ceremony for the VLP’s – Very Lyreco People. This ceremony celebrated the achievements of some of the most innovative people at Lyreco. There were 39 awards in total and the ceremony was a huge success, with great audience engagement and a lot of very happy winners!

This incredible Sales Convention was brought to a close with a traditional Chinese Lion Dance to launch the next VLP sales incentive scheme. The winners from the 2010 Convention will benefit from a magical trip around the Far East – all courtesy of Lyreco.

The culture within Lyreco is focused very much on 4 key values:
“Passion, excellence, professionalism and respect” – something, which we believe Comtec reflects in every facet of our work, not just for Lyreco, but for you too. As the event organiser for Lyreco put it “I couldn’t have done it without Comtec” – can you?

Wednesday, 30 July 2008

Featured Event - Motor Trader Awards 2008

Comtec Presentations Featured Events!

Motor Trader Industry Awards 2008


In the month of July this year Comtec Presentations Produced the Motor Trader Industry Awards 2008 for the 3rd year running, and the event was a real success and an enjoyment to produce.

The Motor Trader Industry Awards recognise and reward excellence and innovation in and around the Motor Trade. The categories range from Most Improved Business Award to Best Car Advertising Campaign Award.

Motortrader Awards 2008Motortrader Awards 2008


The evening was hosted by the impressionist Jon Culshaw and the after dinner comedy set was produced by Ian Irving, with the entertainment, casino, racing games and the all important personality girls, this underpinned a fabulous awards ceremony with a variety of multi media techniques.

We as a company are looking forward to many more years working on this event, striving to be innovative and giving them another outstanding production.

Motortrader Awards 2008Motortrader Awards 2008

Monday, 7 July 2008

Featured Event - UK Greetings 2008

Comtec Presentations Featured Events!

UK Greetings Annual Conference & Awards 2008


In the month of June this year Comtec Presentations Produced the UK Greetings Conference & Awards 2008 for the 5th year running.

UK Greetings Conference 2008 UK Greetings Conference 2008


The event comprised Conference with key presentations by some of the card industries top sales and marketing directors and their work force, and awards ceremony to congratulate some of the top achievers in their field.

The event was a real success and the production was something to be proud of.
There was a lot to pull off including, to name a few, animated idents, bespoke video and live online editing for the whole duration of the event, but Comtec rose to the challenge and the feedback was really positive one of the delegates even said it was the “Best Ever.”

We as a company are looking forward to many more years working with UK Greetings, striving to be innovative and giving them another outstanding event.

UK Greetings Conference 2008 UK Greetings Conference 2008

Wednesday, 27 June 2007

Featured Event - BAE Astute Launch 2007

Comtec Presentations Featured Events!

BAE Systems Astute Submarine Naming & Roll Out June 2007


The challenge was set. To produce the launch of the first Astute Class Submarine at BAE Systems Submarine Solutions in Barrow-in Furness. With a 12 month lead time the team were on a mission.

BAE Astute Launch 2007 BAE Astute Launch 2007


With the submarine measuring 100m long x 16m wide, the launch had to take place in Devonshire Dock Hall, the largest indoor submarine build facility in Europe. This nuclear facility requires the highest-level security checks on all staff and vehicles working onsite.

The event build took one week and involved 135 crew, 15 articulated lorries, 10 x 7.5 tonne trucks and 2 coaches to transport personnel.

From laying temporary flooring covering over 10,000m2, to installing a 100m2 LED Video Screen to enable viewing for over 11,000 people, to the construction of a carpeted 50m x 10m semi-permanent catering structure (complete with chandeliers) for 450 VIP’s, the launch required event and delegate management of the very highest level.

And this was just the daytime event. The evening celebration was a party for 7000 people, again within the nuclear facility. 3 live bands, including a 12 piece Soul Band performed on a 40m2 concert stage. To control the sound in the Devonshire Dock Hall, baffling drapes were hung from cranes over 100ft high and a further 2 x 25m2 LED Video Screens were rigged to the truss structure of the Concert Stage to aid audience visibility. A full buffet meal and bar facilities were provided for all 7,000 attendees. The evening concluded with a 20 minute firework display set to music.

The boat was launched by the Duchess of Cornwall and the event was covered live by all major UK Press and Television networks for features on Sky News, BBC and ITV.

7,000 launch DVD’s were produced containing all footage from the event and the Royal Navy, Rolls Royce and the Discovery Channel required specific footage for their own productions.

This event was commended in the “Best Event of the Year” category at the AEO (Association of Event Organisers) Awards Ceremony in June 2008.

BAE Astute Launch 2007 BAE Astute Launch 2007


“I would like to thank you, both personally and on behalf of our company, the professionalism, support and friendly cooperation yet again experienced during the planning and intense preparation for the launch and concert. You achieved so much in an extremely safe way, that itself is a huge success. I and my team truly enjoy working with you and I would greatly appreciate you passing my thanks to all involved.” Murray Easton - MD, Submarine Solutions

“This event certainly had its challenges from the start - right up to rolling out the submarine, fortunately we had the right company to overcome these! You came within budget and your team was extremely professional and an absolute delight to work with. The partnership between the onsite team here and yours was seamless. We certainly look forward to working with you all again for future launches and events.” Kerry Dixon - Internal Communications & Employee Events