YPO Dubai – Annual Chapter Retreat 2016

Maximillion were commissioned to design a 3 day programme of entertainment, activities and exclusive dining experiences for a VIP group from YPO Dubai. YPO (Young President’s Organisation) is a global network of young chief executives with approximately 22,000 members in more than 125 countries.

Event details:

Date: May 2016
Duration: Three days
Where: Gleneagles, Prestonfield House, Gilmerton House
Format: Three nights in total from Thursday to Saturday, with an evening and two full days of activities, events, entertainment and dining experiences. The group spent one night at Gleneagles, then two nights at Prestonfield House Hotel, departing on the Sunday from Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports.
Group size: 35

Objectives:

Organise and provide full project management of a programme of memorable and entertaining events, participative activities, and dining experiences to give guests an authentic taste of Scotland!

What we did:

May 2016 marked the occasion of the YPO Dubai Annual Chapter Retreat. On previous Retreats the group took part in activities such as White Water Rafting in Kenya, Surfing in Sri Lanka, Wine Tastings in Slovakia, and this year the group wanted to come to the UK for an immersive Scottish experience, which was complimented by Guest Speaker sessions on Days One and Two.

Maximillion oversaw pre-event project and delegate management in conjunction with Gleneagles, Prestonfield House, and the restaurants, visitor attractions and unique venues incorporated into the programme. We also took responsibility for all aspects of event management on each day.

Day One

  • Coordinating executive transfers from airports to Gleneagles, and guest welcome letters and gift boxes
  • Clan Warrior entertainment at Gleneagles on arrival before Guest Speaker talk, comprising Combat Display combined with Traditional Great Plaid Folding and Dressing
  • Evening musical entertainment at Gleneagles Shooting Lodge – Whisky Kiss

Day Two

  • A bespoke Highland Games event at Gleneagles in the morning, including competitive Highland Heavies demonstration, Fun Field / Head to Head clan vs. clan challenges, a Pipes and Drums workshop and Dogs and Ducks (“Quack Commandos”) demonstration
  • Transfers from Gleneagles to Prestonfield House for the continuation of Guest Speaker talk
  • Guided evening tour of Edinburgh in vintage Routemaster bus with champagne and canapes, followed by the Hidden and Haunted underground tour of the Old Town
  • Private dining at the Witchery, followed by VIP tables at Lulu nightclub

Day Three

  • A full day Adventure Rally event for the group, including Quad Biking at our MadMax Adventures outdoor activity centre on Kirknewton Estate, Rib Trip on the Firth of Forth, Archery and Laser Clays at Norton House and the Aerial Assault Course at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena. Also incorporated into the day was a GPS-enabled treasure hunt challenge element using our Wildgoose Scotland app, as well as lunch for all at The Bridge Inn, Ratho
  • Gala dinner at Gilmerton House for guests, all in traditional Scottish evening wear, including vintage car transfers from Prestonfield House

Who took part:

YPO Dubai Chapter members, with spouses and partners – a VIP group. Guest Speaker Jacqueline Hellyer on Day One and Day Two

What they said:

“An excellent trip, and well done to your whole team.”

YPO Dubai Chapter President