ISSUE: 
Launch a new rail franchise to a VIP stakeholder audience.

SOLUTION: 
Invite politicians, business leaders and local and regional stakeholders to a 'glitzy' launch of the new intercity rail franchise for the north.

Presentations to attendees from franchise executives, Government officials and key partners outlining the vision and the customer promises of the new business.

Co-ordination of;
+ venue logistics
+ catering provision
+ av support
+ delegate management
+ invite and event feedback
+ entertainment
+ promotional material and venue dressing

IMPACT: 
The event led to direct engagement with key stakeholders and provided the first opportunity for questions to be asked and promises advertised. Extremely positive feedback collated from attendees who agreed they felt 'more informed' and 'excited about the future.'

ISSUE: 
Promote the launch of a new rail franchise to the general public.

SOLUTION: 
A new rail franchise was launched with significant customer improvement promises and investment being made but with little noticeable change on day one of the new operations.

To address this an open day was arranged at Manchester Piccadilly with;
+ a newly branded train parked in the platform
+ full management presence to allow customers to ask questions and find out more
+ digital interactive booths along the platform to showcase what was coming in the future
+ speeches by senior leaders, government officials and regional stakeholders
+ press and media interviews
+ social media q and a's
+ free distribution of proposed enhanced on board catering
+ music and entertainment

Events were also held at other key locations across the rail network with managers and promotional staff giving out free samples and engaging with customers.

IMPACT: 
A sense of excitement was created and the new business was well received by customers on the day and through social and media channels. 

ISSUE: 
Transform internal management conferences from death by powerpoint to engagement and inspiration.

SOLUTION: 
Changed the traditional approach and mindset of senior leaders in the business by drafting a business case to increase event budget to improve the professionality and visual appeal of the annual conference.

Successfully worked with set designers and creative agencies to dress venues and present more engaging environments.

Transformed content from dull presentations by one or two individuals to a more interactive and comprehensive agenda with expert presenters from across the business, an increased variety of bespoke workshops, exhibitions and marketstalls and colleague first testing on things like onboard catering products.

Immensely proud to uniquely invite a series of customers to speak at the internal conference to present their view of the service received and cover areas such as accessibility, ,marketing and customer retention.

IMPACT: 
Internal conferences were flipped from a top down approach to ones driven by colleague content and interest. Event and engagement scores rocketed and wider understanding of the whole business was achieved. The legacy has been no return to death by powerpoint and a aspiration to continually improve the event each year.