Project Overview

We were tasked to help them with everything from AV production and management to teambuilding activities to help Phoenix bring the vision of their unique ‘unconference’ to life.

We were excited to get stuck in to the design of this conference and even more so when we heard that there was going to be LEGO© theme!

The Challenge

The team at Phoenix wanted to do something a little bit different to allow their conference to be more delegate-centric, opposed to a traditional conference.

The team at Maximillion Events worked closely with Phoenix Group to establish their main aims and objectives which were quickly identified, leading to the term ‘UnConference’ being banded around and agreed on.

If you are not familiar with the format of an unconference, in its simplest terms, it is ‘a participant driven meeting / conference where the delegates create the agenda’.

We were tasked to help them with everything from AV production and management to teambuilding activities to help Pheonix bring the vision of their unique ‘unconference’ to life.

Our Solution

We were excited to get stuck in to the design of this conference and even more so when we heard that there was going to be a LEGO© theme!

AV & Production

The Ballroom in the Grand Hotel, Birmingham is a beautiful space which does not lend itself well to a central stage, however, this was the brief so we made it happen.

A 4m x 4m stage was installed with an on brand, aubergine, carpet and bespoke stage valance to create the illusion that the stage was being held up using LEGO bricks.

The stage was encapsulated by a 6m x 6m x 5m truss cube which created a striking image when delegates walked through the main doors. The sight line of the delegates and making sure they could see all presentations and speakers at the same time was extremely important to the client so four 85” screens were installed on the truss along with an additional two 82” screens. A lighting package and sound package was also installed to create both stage wash and thematic lighting around the room.

Maximillion also created bespoke UnConference Breakout spaces which included 65” plasma screens which were ‘built in’ to LEGO walls. We also printed bespoke and on brand whiteboards for each breakout space as well as unique seating for delegates. Beanbags, exercise balls and cubes were all used.

Speaker & Management

Using external speakers to gain knowledge from out-with the organisation is something that is important to Phoenix Group.

Maximillion put forward a number of speakers that were known for their expertise in each of the three areas that the conference focused on: Strategy, Culture and Structure. The planning team within Phoenix Group managed to narrow the list of 11 speakers down to 3 and then selected their favourite speaker – Flavilla Fongang. Flavilla’s CV and credentials list are huge and definitely something to brag about. She is a natural storyteller, knows how to give actionable insights, industry-specific case studies and personal anecdotes.

Theming

Theming a conference, or UnConference, is the best part, right!?

From bespoke LEGO namebadges to ‘Build your Own Figurine’ stations and LEGO Flower Table Centres we had so much bringing the LEGO theme to life.

Teambuilding

Teambuilding was a key area that the planning team wanted to make sure they nailed!

We engaged with a company who specialise in a teambuilding product known as ‘Serious Play’. This is a LEGO based product which takes delegates and teams on an experiential journey used to prompt dialogue and encourage reflection as well as develop problem solving skills and use their imagination. All using LEGO – how cool!? There were certainly some sceptical faces in the audience, however, after 10 minutes, the atmosphere in the room was amazing, the creativity was through the roof and most importantly, the conversations were flowing.

Evening Entertainment

A relaxed evening with the opportunity for guests to have fun, chat, mingle and get to know each other was the brief and we certainly delivered.

Five food stalls were created to include build and branding, each served a different street food from around the world. The Grand Hotel catering team did a wonderful job here. The food was outstanding.

We installed arcade games for delegates to challenge each other on which included a dance machine, table football, table tennis amongst others. The car racing simulators were certainly the most popular activity though with guests competing on these all night.

Whilst the brief was to allow delegates to catch up and chat, it was also important to have a band performing. A main stage act wouldn’t have worked as they would have created to much noise so we opted for a wandering band (complete with real LEGO bowties). The three piece band, made up of a guitarist & vocalist, saxophonist and guitarist, wandered around the room performing acoustically to small groups of delegates. A really striking and subtle way to entertain your guests.

Client Kudos

Overall Maximillion were fantastic to work with, they were really flexible and happy to work within our event timings and budget. I had several planning calls with them in advance so felt safe in their hands.

R3

Thank you to Mike, Ross and Sandy from Maximillion for the team building in the afternoon, murder mystery that evening, Belbin Team Roles next morning, a fantastic team building session in the afternoon and, finally, a great barbecue that evening provided by Norton House. Although some of us were a bit slow of the mark the second day, the same positive attitude and enthusiasm from day one prevailed and I think we all got something out of it. It was clear to me that everyone was communicating and working together better by the end of the afternoon.

Abbot Risk Consulting

John Abbot, MD

Just a note to say thanks for all your help with the Yamaha event last week. It went very well, and the client was very happy. I know she was a bit worried just because of experiences at other venues around the world where things have not gone according to plan. So for us to arrive and see it all set and ready to roll, put her mind at rest.

Spectra

The general comment today in the office is how amazing the event was and how much fun people had.

University of Edinburgh

Just to say the event went brilliantly on Saturday. Had some really good feedback from people and everyone had a great time ???? Thanks so much for all your help!

Quorum

Mike and his team did a fantastic job on the run up to and on event day. With the quick turnaround of plans, there was clear communication before, during and after the event. Thank you to Mike and the Maximillion team!

People’s Postcode Lottery

Fantastic day and really enabled people to get to know each other and have a laugh at the same time. Exactly the aim!

University of Edinburgh

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the fantastic murder mystery and DJ services the Maximillion team provided at our recent Renewables UK Seminar at Cameron House Hotel. It was an evening filled with excitement and entertainment, and Maximillion played a pivotal role in making it a memorable experience for all of us.

TotalEnergies

I could not be happier with how the event was organised in the months preceding the event and how it was managed on the days. Sarah and her team were both efficient and delightful to work with. I also had positive feedback from my co-host colleagues and a large number of delegates. I am in fact already in dealings with Maximillion again, in preparation of a new international meeting. I highly recommend Maximillion and Sarah Esslemont for leading and organising meeting.

NHS Medical Conference

Mr Nicola de Liguori Carino, MD

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to the Lake District. Jenny & Rhys are extremely easy to work with and made both our Wednesday evening boat cruise and Thursday team building events, evening meal and band fun and enjoyable for all who attended. We would definitely use them again.Thank you Maximillion.

Resolis

Inspo lab

We’re only happy when you’re delighted with your event.

We’re always ready to shred the script, mix things up and bounce right out of the box. Tell us a little bit more about your requirements, and our event creators will come up with a host of options and ideas to inspire you.

Ready to create your event or just want to find out more? Either way, we’re waiting to hear from you.

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