CN Agency Awards 2026 Shortlist

This award is proudly sponsored by ACC Liverpool

2Heads

In 2025, 2Heads reinforced its position as a truly global experiential agency, delivering ambitious, culturally fluent brand experiences across North America, EMEA and APAC. Combining creative ambition with operational precision, the agency continues to support some of the world’s most recognised brands on the international stage.

Over the past year, 2Heads achieved strong commercial growth, increasing global revenue by 13% and expanding its team by 27%, while maintaining an exceptional staff retention rate of 84%. This investment in talent and capability has enabled the agency to meet rising global demand for digitally powered, highly personalised experiences that deliver measurable impact.

2Heads delivered a series of major international programmes in 2025, including global brand activations, large-scale launches and multi-market experiential campaigns running simultaneously across multiple continents. From aviation and entertainment to media and consumer brands, the agency is trusted to deliver consistently high standards across complex, high-profile environments.

With growing offices in Montreal and Los Angeles and a global delivery model built for scale, 2Heads continues to create experiences that resonate locally while out-perform on the international stage.

Bray Leino Events

2025 was a global-scale year for Bray Leino Events. More than 200 projects delivered across the US, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, with major growth milestones (including new projects in Saudi and an expanding US team). From high-impact brand experiences for Worldpay to standout government activations at SXSW, the work combined big audiences, complex logistics and consistently high production standards. The year also included an extraordinary, high-security VVIP build delivered at speed in a challenging location, and culminated in a defining, world-stage programme in Japan that showcased the very best of UK delivery. All underpinned by a clear commitment to more sustainable ways of working.

DRPG

DRPG is a global agency delivering integrated communications and live experiences that engage and convert. With 350 people across the UK, Germany and the US, supported by 20 trusted Global Network Partners, we deliver consistent creativity and quality at scale, while remaining locally relevant in every market.

Over the last year, DRPG has accelerated global growth through strategic acquisitions, investment and partnerships designed to build a truly unified international agency. Our footprint and capabilities have expanded significantly across Europe and North America, strengthened further through our More Than Experience alliance with Maritz Global Events.

This strategy is driving measurable results. International work now represents 28% of total group activity, with projections exceeding 35% in 2025. North America has been a major growth engine, delivering 99% revenue growth since January 2024, and the acquisition of 10 new clients. By integrating services across our group model, we’ve also achieved over 30% savings in direct project costs.

With a growing roster of global clients serviced across the US, UK and Germany, DRPG is building a scalable, high-performing agency model, and redefining what global integrated delivery looks like today.

emc3

emc3 is a global experiential agency designing experiences that do more than create a moment, they create momentum.

We partner with ambitious brands to deliver strategically led, creatively bold experiences that move organisations forward. From global flagship events to cultural activations and executive forums, our work is engineered to drive clarity, connection and measurable outcomes, not just applause.

emc3 evolved further with the launch of The emc3 Collective - an integrated model uniting experiential strategy and delivery (emc3), sustainability consultancy (From Now) and B2C activations (BEG). This connected approach removes silos and enables deeper partnerships, ensuring strategy, creativity and sustainability are embedded across every experience.

Trusted by brands including HP, Google, Microsoft, Meta, TikTok, HubSpot and Smartsheet, emc3 operates as a remote-first, borderless team across the UK and US, delivering experiences globally. Our work balances commercial impact with responsibility, embedding sustainability, accessibility and wellbeing into both client delivery and internal culture.

As a certified B Corp and EcoVadis Gold agency, emc3 believes performance and responsibility are inseparable. We are building the agency clients turn to when the moment matters

Emota

Emota was created to harness the power of experience, combining emotional creativity with intelligent design and flawless execution to create purposeful connections between brands and audiences.

Launched in 2024 through the unification of Ashfield Event Experiences and WRG under the Inizio group, Emota brings together more than 45 years of creative heritage, healthcare expertise and delivery excellence into a single global experiential agency. In just 18 months, Emota has delivered more than 3,800 experiences annually across 50 countries for over 70 clients, including 19 of the world’s top 20 pharmaceutical companies.

With more than 400 specialists across the UK and North America, Emota operates at global scale through an integrated model spanning strategy, creative, design, technology, scientific engagement, film, digital production and full-service delivery.

Emota’s work has earned major industry recognition, with multiple Gold awards and Grand Prix honours across the PM360 Pharma Choice Awards, EVCOM Live and Film Awards, C&IT Awards, micebook Awards, Event Marketer Experience Design Awards and The Drum Awards.

In just 18 months, Emota has shown that global scale and human connection can go hand in hand.

Identity

In 2025, we demonstrated what true global capability looks like: operations across three continents, cultural understanding embedded in every market, and the ability to execute world-stage moments without compromise. From the UK to the Middle East to the USA, we didn't just expand - we delivered at scale.

Following the unification of Identity and Smyle, we unified insight-led creative thinking with world-class delivery infrastructure. The result: seamless global execution, from high-pressure activations to world-stage moments that shape industries and define legacies.

Our global credentials are proven at the highest levels. Trusted by governments to deliver G7 Summits and COPs - we operate where reputations are on the line and failure isn't an option. This expertise now powers brand experiences for Meta, Salesforce, Red Bull, Adobe, TikTok and the Greater London Authority.

We delivered London's New Year's Eve fireworks display and ITV's 70th anniversary celebration at the Barbican. For Red Bull in Utah, we created an authentic alpine activation with Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn. In the Middle East, we launched Reuters NEXT Gulf across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. We've proved that experience truly changes everything — everywhere.

Opus Agency

Opus Agency is a global powerhouse built for the ambitious, accelerating the power of shared experiences to shape the world. Our mission is to meet the evolving needs of iconic brands like Microsoft, Salesforce, Dell Technologies, and more by leading the industry in globalization, innovation, and sustainability.

Our approach bridges the gap between global scale and local soul. Following our strategic acquisition of The Company We Keep, we have solidified our presence across Sydney, Singapore, and New Zealand, ensuring our clients move fast and smart in the world’s most dynamic markets. We continue to redefine the technical frontier with AgencyIQ, a proprietary AI tool built on decades of human expertise, and maintain our commitment to the planet using Salesforce’s NetZero Cloud for precision sustainability tracking.

What sets Opus Agency apart is an unwavering commitment to excellence, evidenced by our consistent presence on Event Marketer’s It List and Chief Marketer’s Agency of the Year list. By combining PhD-level insights with high-impact execution, we are helping the world’s boldest brands realize their ambitions faster than they thought possible.

Total Management Group

TM G is proud to be considered for Global Agency of the Year for our consistent delivery of exceptional events on an international scale, underpinned by operational excellence, cultural intelligence, and bold creative impact. Over the past year, we have delivered 100+ events across 20+ countries, partnering with leading global brands including Binance, Robinhood, Spotify, Duolingo, Netflix, Ramp, Snowflake, Klaviyo, and Hg. Our success is driven by TM G’s integrated model, uniting Events, Creative, and Travel to enable seamless end to end delivery across strategy, creative, production, and global logistics. With teams based in London and New York and delivery across EMEA, North America, APAC, and LATAM, we combine international scale with local insight to ensure every experience feels globally consistent and locally authentic. Operational rigour, robust governance, and scalable delivery frameworks enable the execution of complex, multi market programmes. We push boundaries through immersive design and emerging technologies, ensuring every experience delivers measurable impact. Powered by a diverse, multinational team guided by our values, Be Bold, Be Flexible, Be Collaborative, Be Real, and Be Your Best, TM G continues to set the standard for what a global agency can achieve.

This award is proudly sponsored by Broadwick Live

2Heads

In 2025, 2Heads reinforced its position as a truly global experiential agency, delivering ambitious, culturally fluent brand experiences across North America, EMEA and APAC. Combining creative ambition with operational precision, the agency continues to support some of the world’s most recognised brands on the international stage.

Over the past year, 2Heads achieved strong commercial growth, increasing global revenue by 13% and expanding its team by 27%, while maintaining an exceptional staff retention rate of 84%. This investment in talent and capability has enabled the agency to meet rising global demand for digitally-powered, highly personalised experiences that deliver measurable impact.

2Heads delivered a series of major international programmes in 2025, including global brand activations, large-scale launches and multi-market experiential campaigns running simultaneously across multiple continents. From aviation and entertainment to media and consumer brands, the agency is trusted to deliver consistently high standards across complex, high-profile environments.

With growing offices in Montreal and Los Angeles and a global delivery model built for scale, 2Heads continues to create experiences that resonate locally while out-perform on the international stage.

Cheerful Twentyfirst

At the heart of everything we do is our agency mantra: Audience Above All. Whether we are building immersive worlds that demand the spotlight or crafting subtle moments that connect with heart, by championing the audience experience we create lasting impact.

Emota

Emota creates powerful experiences that build purposeful connections between brands and audiences. Our objective is to translate complex ideas into clear, engaging experiences that resonate emotionally and intellectually, delivering measurable value for clients.

Our approach begins with deep insight into how people think, feel and behave, combining strategy, creativity and craft across congresses, exhibitions, meetings and brand experiences worldwide. As a global experiential agency delivering more than 3,800 experiences annually in 50 countries, Emota pairs scale with precision.

Fully integrated in-house capabilities – spanning strategy, creative, design, technology, behavioural science, scientific engagement, film and digital production – enable us to deliver immersive, insight-led work that is strategically aligned and flawlessly executed.

What sets Emota apart is the balance of emotional creativity with rigour and intelligence. Experiences are designed not only to inspire in the moment, but to deliver lasting impact, supported by robust measurement frameworks and long-term client partnerships.

This work earned Emota more than 30 significant industry accolades (in 2025), reflecting the ambition, craft and strategic thinking behind our experiences.

FIRST

FIRST is a global brand experience agency that turns client ambition into action through a unique, integrated approach to delivery. Managing over 37,000 annual experiences across 110 countries, we serve as a strategic extension of the world’s leading brands through three distinct models: high-impact traditional agency projects, long-term embedded talent solutions, and the on-prem management of 12 global corporate campuses.

Our 2025 narrative is defined by our strategic alignment with the Encore family, a partnership that serves as a global force multiplier by uniting our creative pedigree with an unprecedented technical infrastructure. Operating from hubs in New York, Los Angeles, London, Dublin, and Singapore, we use a “Chase the Sun” 24-hour workflow to deliver unmatched speed and consistency to our global partners.

Beyond operational scale, FIRST is a leader in responsibility. We are an Ad Net Zero Award-winning agency currently on a trajectory for B Corp status with a diverse supplier spend that triples the industry average. Anchored by our ACE-IT values, FIRST combines the agility of a global network with the intimacy of an in-house partner, setting a new standard for excellence in the experiential landscape.

George P. Johnson

GPJ UK: Setting the Pace for Future Experiences

2025 was a year defined by creative bravery and the successful blending of high-stakes storytelling with new technology. From the global sports arena to the heart of the tech sector, we proved that brand experience is the most powerful tool for meaningful human connection.

Our work at Cisco Live and our pioneering use of Apple Vision Pro for DP World moved the needle on what is possible in live B2B environments. By integrating spatial computing and AI into high-end activations, we transformed traditional service points into immersive, future-facing touchpoints. This commitment to innovation was echoed in our creative output, which secured 12 industry shortlists and 7 major wins, including supporting our client with meaningful impact with a win in an Equality & Inclusion category.

Behind the scenes, our "Wired to Learn" culture ensured our team remained future facing, By scaling our expertise to meet the needs of new partners like Adobe and Sage. By blending large-scale logistics with boutique creativity, GPJ UK continues to redefine the frontier of experience, making the intangible, unmissable.

Identity

In 2025, we proved that experience is not simply a channel — it is a catalyst for change. Across brand, broadcast, sport and technology, we delivered immersive experiences that shaped perception, drove engagement and extended impact far beyond the live moment.

Following the merger of Identity and Smyle, we became the largest independent experiential agency in the UK. This unification brought together insight-led creative thinking with unrivalled delivery expertise - a people-first integration capable of accessing diverse, large-scale work domestically and internationally.

For Red Bull, we created an authentic mountain-side activation in Utah to launch their Winter Edition drink. Delivered in three weeks, a bespoke alpine newsstand became the setting for Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn to engage directly with audiences on the slopes.

For ITV's 70th anniversary, we transformed the Barbican into a live showcase bringing iconic adverts to life through performance and technical innovation. At CES, our environment for Arm balanced calm engagement with a globally broadcast Formula 1 partnership reveal. When experience is designed with intent and delivered with certainty, it changes outcomes.

Imagination

In 2025’s challenging creative landscape, Imagination made originality its strategic cornerstone, embedding it across client work, operations, and culture to drive measurable growth. The approach delivered 10 new client wins and deepened existing relationships. Client satisfaction reached an NPS of 80 across 150+ projects. Original thinking drove commercial impact. Genius Sports’ investor day contributed to an 11% share price rise. Visa Live generated 3.2m live streams and over $1m in revenue. TOURISE catalysed $113bn in investments, while Ford Go Electric converted 67% of participants into active leads at a fraction of traditional costs. Business innovation boosted performance: 248% growth in search impressions, 900% growth in AI referrals, and 141% more enquiries. Imagination consolidated its London HQ, created new revenue streams, and developed AI-powered demand qualification. The agency advanced industry thinking through SXSW presentations, GWI research, and the Six Lenses framework, while investing in talent through Imperial College partnerships and paid internships. By making originality a strategy, Imagination ended 2025 trusted, resilient, and ready for what’s next.

Verve The Live Agency

In 2025, Verve demonstrated how experiential can act as a strategic driver of growth, relevance and performance, not just a moment of spectacle. Working across London, Dublin, Amsterdam and Singapore, the agency partnered with brands including Guinness, Smirnoff and Google to design experiences that changed behaviour, shifted perception and delivered outcomes.

For Guinness, Verve reappraised the brand’s role in summer culture, reversing a long-term sales decline and delivering the biggest seasonal shift in the brand’s history. For Smirnoff, inclusion was designed directly into the experience, creating a favoured destination at Electric Picnic and setting a new benchmark for accessible festival design. For Google, experience thinking was applied internally, transforming onboarding into a more efficient, participatory journey that improved effectiveness while returning time to the organisation.

Behind the work sits an agency growing with intent. In a challenging market, Verve delivered strong year-on-year growth, secured new global clients, and continued to invest in people, structure and sustainability. As a certified B Corp with ISO 20121 and ISO 14001 accreditation, Verve holds itself accountable not just for the moments it creates, but for the long-term impact of its work.

This award is proudly sponsored by Production Resource Group (PRG) UK

Cheerful Twentyfirst

We are a 'Super Team' of bold dreamers, design nerds, and strategy rebels who believe that world-class creativity is a team sport. We deliver stadium-sized spectacles alongside meticulously crafted details, always putting the ‘Audience Above All’ to drive magic and global impact.

Evolve Creative Solutions

Evolve’s creative team delivers memorable live experiences through technical innovation, material creativity, and multi-sensory design. Their portfolio demonstrates consistent originality across multiple sectors.

Creative highlights include: a 420sqm experience featuring 360-degree immersive cube and visitor-controlled environmental transformation; Northern Lights installation at MWC solving acoustic challenges while creating signature Nordic atmosphere; embedding brand storytelling into architectural details at Electronica; modular systems enabling sustainable reuse across 13+ shows; and a 5,500sqm gaming environment bringing 13 sub-brands together into a cohesive experience.

The team excels at creative problem-solving where constraints spark innovation: recycled materials becoming premium design features, acoustic requirements inspire visual signatures. Their collaborative approach integrates designers, technologists, and production without departmental boundaries, enabling seamless execution of ambitious visions.

Client retention validates creative excellence: all clients renewed contracts. Industry recognition and peer acclaim confirms their work sets trends rather than follows them- pushing exhibition design forward through sustainable innovation & immersive storytellin

Live Group

Live Group's mission is to transform every brief into an experience that leaves a lasting impression. Last year, across 160+ live and virtual events, our team combined creativity, collaboration, and audience insight to craft experiences that truly connect.

At the heart of our approach is hyper-personalised events. With AudienceDNA and Envoku, we profile attendees’ motivations, learning styles, and preferences. These insights shape content, session formats, room layouts, digital touchpoints, and engagement strategies, delivering experiences that resonate personally and produce measurable Return on Engagement (ROE).

Recent highlights include a 3050% increase in app usage, redesigned workshops, immersive plenaries, and flexible exhibition spaces, tailored for exactly who is in the room - driving engagement for both onsite and virtual attendees. Metrics tracked: 237 resources downloaded, with 100% of feedback rated 4 stars or above.

Beyond client work, our team fuels industry innovation through tools like AudienceDNA.com, ROI calculators, event guides, and thought leadership whitepapers.

We’ve spent 50 years figuring out how to create moments people truly remember, and we're fortunate to have a team that can bring that to life.

Premier Events

The Premier Studios team delivers a fully integrated, end-to-end service for live, hybrid and virtual events. The team combines strategic storytelling, design excellence and technical production to create work that engages audiences and delivers measurable results.

Their offering includes creative direction, event and stand design, branding and signage, studio hire and content creation, scriptwriting, showcalling, PowerPoint and graphic design, videography, speaker and entertainment booking and coaching, and full virtual event delivery. For virtual and hybrid events, the team designs complete digital environments including bespoke platforms, graphics, animations and green screen content, ensuring a consistent, engaging feel across the event.

The Premier Studios team consistently delivers bold ideas, high production values and measurable results across virtual, live and public-facing events. Their ability to blend creativity with technical expertise and cultural relevance sets them apart as truly outstanding.

Stagestruck

Where creativity meets human behaviour

At the heart of Stagestruck’s Creative ethos sits a simple belief: exceptional experiences begin with the audience. Every project starts by defining how people think, feel and behave, not what the experience should look like. From that starting point, creativity becomes intentional, focused, and impactful.

The Creative Studio operates as a deliberately designed system, balancing structure with flexibility. Guided by a clear creative framework, we move through discovery, ideation, and refinement while remaining responsive to insight and opportunity. Throughout this process, the Studio, working with all other departments, continually challenges assumptions by asking better questions: what could this be, what should it achieve, and what if we pushed it further?

Behavioural science and emotional choreography sit at the core of our approach. Experiences are intentionally sequenced to build curiosity, tension, and release, guiding audiences through a considered journey rather than disconnected moments. Ideas are developed backwards from emotional outcomes and stress-tested against real human behaviour, ensuring creativity remains resilient from pitch through to delivery.

Total Management Group

In an industry where creative branding and design are often outsourced, Total Management Group has taken a different approach by building a fully integrated in house design studio at the core of the business. Acting as an extension of client teams, the studio develops a deep understanding of brand objectives, messaging, and audiences to deliver strategic, impactful creative. Every brief is transformed into a memorable live experience, defined by originality, collaboration, and execution excellence.

Creativity at Total Management Group is driven by close collaboration across creative, production, and strategy teams from briefing through delivery. Led by an experienced Design Director with more than ten years of industry expertise, the in house studio provides strong creative leadership, adaptability, and attention to detail, ensuring ideas are developed holistically and delivered seamlessly.

A key highlight this year was Robinhood To Catch a Token, the brand’s inaugural European crypto keynote held at a chateau in Cannes. The studio delivered full stage design, environmental branding, and a cinematic teaser trailer. The event achieved more than 21 million livestream views in its first week, generated global media coverage, and set a new benchmark for Web3 and crypto events.

Bray Leino Events

In 2025, Bray Leino Events stayed true to what matters most: health, support, flexibility, and making a positive impact. We doubled down on our support for homeless charities, volunteering with our partner Caring in Bristol to organise donations, food, and the CEO Sleepout UK. Our team also took on walks and runs, showing commitment and community spirit.

The Power of Events initiative expanded into Bath and Bristol, inspiring students through school visits, while our people shone on global stages, delivering months of live experiences at Expo 2025 Osaka, where team members lived and worked in Japan.

At home, we foster careers with opportunity and progression. From flexible working parents to global adventurers, from charity volunteers to event pioneers, our people make headlines and history - while knowing their work, wellbeing, and growth are genuinely supported.

Broadsword

Broadsword's overall mission as a B Corp certified business is to empower the right to speak and be heard, creating events and experiences that inspire positive change. In 2025 we launched our rebrand into the world. A new brand identity and new values to boot which encompass what makes us, us: Authentic, Brave, and Committed. And throughout the year our team of 26 has lived these values.

Based across London and Hong Kong, we operate fully remotely, enabling our team (from working parents to 5 full time apprentices) to balance work, life, and study. They have flexibility to where and how they work, with access to co-working spaces. Despite working remotely, we maintain strong engagement and togetherness through a number of wellbeing and impact initiatives including the YuLife app, Insight Profiles, mental health first aiders and a calendar of socials including creative field trips, a book club, and family day.

In addition of group volunteering opportunities, we provide two paid volunteering days for every team member to give back with total volunteering and mentoring hours amounting to 30 days over the year. In 2025 the team used 58% of these days and 69% of the team participated in volunteering - a 4% increase from 2024.

Clownfish Events

In 2025, Clownfish Events showed what happens when people genuinely come first. They achieved Great Place to Work Certification with a 100% employee trust score, alongside the Sunday Times Best Places to Work in the Hospitality Industry Award. Not as a goal, but as validation of a culture already working.

This isn’t 'wellbeing is a just another policy document'. Every team member receives monthly performance coaching, backed by over £20,000 invested annually in development, and fully funded private therapy with no caps or approvals. Clownfish is Living Wage accredited, maintains salaries at least 10% above industry average, and runs an 80% full-time team in an industry dominated by freelancers, creating consistency for clients and security for people.

The results speak for themselves. In 2025, Clownfish delivered £2.86m in revenue, with 76% coming from repeat clients, and hundreds of five-star-reviewed events. The culture also proved it could outlast individuals, when the founder and Managing Director stepped down after 16 years, allowing an internal promotion with zero disruption to their operations.

Clownfish Events proves that wellbeing and performance aren’t mutually exclusive. When people feel trusted, supported, and challenged to grow, excellence simply follows.

Outsourced Events

Outsourced Events, founded in 2001 and celebrating 25 years in 2026, ranks Top 5 Best Marketing & Media Agencies to Work For, Top 50 Best Small Companies (UK), and Top 75 London's Best Companies, with Best Companies 1-Star Accreditation.

Growing from 22 to 42 professionals whilst delivering 240+ events annually, we've built a values-led culture achieving a client NPS of 100. Our five core values—we put people first, we care, we're curious, we challenge, and we're partners—guide everything.

We invest £75K+ annually in training, including our sector-unique programme that has grown to 14 modules (Highly Commended, Business Culture Awards), tailored one-to-one manager training, and supporting two MBAs, Chartered Marketer accreditation, and ACCA studies. Our commitment has resulted in 4 C&IT Agency A-listers on our team.

We're Women-Owned Business certified (WEConnect International) and ISLA members. Wellbeing initiatives include Mental Health First Aiders, Wellbeing Days, fortnightly check-ins, annual residentials, and profit-related pay for all.

For our 25th anniversary, we've commissioned The Confidence Code research examining confidence in the tech sector. With 89% women in senior management and 25 years of excellence, we prove values-led employment drives exceptional results.

Principal. Global Events

Principal is an award-winning global events agency with over 30 years’ experience, built on the belief that exceptional work starts with exceptional people. While we deliver complex programmes around the world, our greatest achievement is the culture we’ve created at home.

Our team is diverse, multi-lingual and united by shared values that prioritise trust, collaboration and pride in what we do. We invest intentionally in long-term careers, offering flexibility, clear progression pathways and meaningful opportunities for people to grow, influence and lead. From early career placements through to senior leadership, we are proud to support individuals at every stage of their journey.

We place huge importance on listening to our people. Independent recognition through Great Place to Work and the Sunday Times Best Place to Work reflects how our team genuinely feels, and we use that feedback to keep evolving. Community is central to our culture, supported through people-led initiatives, shared experiences and moments that bring the business together.

Being shortlisted for Employer of the Year recognises not just what we do, but how we do it; with care, intention and a genuine commitment to creating a workplace where people feel supported, valued and excited to build their careers.

Sledge

Sledge has been an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) for over three years now, and our goal has always been to remain committed to living and breathing this model, by ensuring all employees are empowered to have their say.

This saw Sledge launch a new Employee Value Proposition (EVP) last year, which is inextricably linked to the EOT. It ensures morale remains high, and encourages collaboration and alignment, so we can all thrive together as we work towards both Sledge’s overarching goals, and our own.

In an age where office mandates have become the norm, we trust our people, and not only hybrid working, but dynamic working are the norm, meanwhile training and mentoring programmes, as well as employee perks are wholly tailored to the individual. Our team members aren’t simply another number, they’re unique beings in their own right, and we shape their employee experiences in response.

Proudly independent for 30 years now, we ensure our people are not prioritised over profit. Because without our people, we wouldn’t have the close-knit culture, the shared purpose-driven values, or the legacy-led client and supplier relationships we have today.

Sleek Events

Founded in 2013, Sleek is a people-first, inclusive workplace where colleagues are supported, recognised, and empowered to flourish. Our culture celebrates professional and personal milestones, fosters connection through socials, Breakfast Clubs, Pecha Kucha learning sessions, and Wellness Weeks, and invests in development through our Sleek Academy, mentoring, and tailored career progression.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded across all people practices, from inclusive recruitment and unconscious bias training to accessibility and neurodiversity awareness. With 30% of our team from Gen Z, we prioritise early-career development through internships, structured onboarding, and clear progression.

Wellbeing and work-life balance are central to our approach. Benefits include flexible working, enhanced parental and carers leave, mental health support, and initiatives such as discretionary bonus schemes, charity days, and cycle-to-work options. With an average engagement score of 88.5% in 2025, it reflects a motivated and committed team.

Sleek’s people-first approach has been recognised by The Sunday Times and Campaign's Best Place to Work in 2025, reflects our commitment to create a place where colleagues feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow and succeed together.

Stagestruck

Stagestruck is a fully integrated creative agency delivering world class experiences, events and communications for global brands. With a diverse team of specialists, the company is built on a people first philosophy that prioritises retention, development, wellbeing and inclusion.
Long-term progression is a hallmark of the business, with many team members rising from junior roles to senior leadership.

Employee growth is actively nurtured through internal progression pathways, apprenticeships, comprehensive training, and development budgets. The company ensures fair access to the industry with paid apprenticeships and no unpaid internships. Team excellence is recognised widely, including awards such as CN, C&IT, 30 Under 30 and Producer of the Year accolades.
Listening to staff is embedded in company culture, supported by regular surveys, transparent communication, and active working groups. Stagestruck fosters inclusion through flexible working, hybrid options, adaptable hours and a dog friendly environment. Wellbeing is championed by a dedicated committee covering psychological, physical and financial support.

With strong values, open communication and a genuine commitment to its people, Stagestruck creates a workplace where talent is supported, celebrated and able to thrive.

Cornucopia Events

Day 1: Arrival & Bay Views
After an overnight flight from London, the group was met by bilingual guides and taken to Marina da Glória for a relaxing Guanabara Bay boat tour with views of Rio’s skyline and Sugarloaf. Lunch at Corrientes Steakhouse followed, then check-in at Miramar by Windsor and free time before a beachfront dinner at Sel D’Ipanema with samba vibes.

Day 2: Jeep Adventures & Mountain Dining
The day opened with an open-air Jeep tour through Tijuca National Park and a visit to Christ the Redeemer. Lunch at Território Aprazível offered refined dishes on a scenic terrace. Dinner at Assador Rios featured a memorable Brazilian BBQ rodizio.

Day 3: Beach Life & Bar Rally Fun
A guided walk to Copacabana included a private beach setup and paddleboarding. A coastal bike ride led to lunch at Classico Lagoa. The afternoon brought a lively Bar Rally in vintage Kombis, followed by dinner and dancing at Rio Scenarium.

Day 4–5: Sky-High Views & Farewell
A Sugarloaf visit, helicopter tour, lunch at Deseo, and a samba school workshop filled Saturday. After dinner at Escama, the group departed the next day, ending a trip that celebrated teamwork and Rio’s vibrant spirit.

Gary Musick Productions

Journeys’ International Sales Meeting was a meticulously designed incentive program that celebrated top performance while inspiring future growth. Created to reward and motivate sales leaders, the experience blended elevated hospitality, immersive brand moments, and purposeful business engagement into a seamless, high-impact journey.

Custom-designed environments and interactive activations brought the Journeys brand to life throughout the program. Attendees experienced branded photo moments, immersive visual storytelling, and curated spaces for connection, recognition, and celebration. Each evening concluded with a distinct after-party sponsored by a different shoe brand partner, creating unique, high-energy environments that strengthened relationships and reinforced brand loyalty.

The result was an incentive experience that went beyond reward to drive real impact. Participants left feeling recognized, energized, and more deeply connected to Journeys’ culture, leadership, and performance goals. The program strengthened peer relationships, reinforced brand and partner loyalty, and renewed motivation for continued sales excellence — proving the power of thoughtfully designed incentive experiences to inspire results long after the event concluded.

Red Blaze

Day 1: Arrival & Bay Views
After an overnight flight from London, the group was met by bilingual guides and taken to Marina da Glória for a relaxing Guanabara Bay boat tour with views of Rio’s skyline and Sugarloaf. Lunch at Corrientes Steakhouse followed, then check-in at Miramar by Windsor and free time before a beachfront dinner at Sel D’Ipanema with samba vibes.

Day 2: Jeep Adventures & Mountain Dining
The day opened with an open-air Jeep tour through Tijuca National Park and a visit to Christ the Redeemer. Lunch at Território Aprazível offered refined dishes on a scenic terrace. Dinner at Assador Rios featured a memorable Brazilian BBQ rodizio.

Day 3: Beach Life & Bar Rally Fun
A guided walk to Copacabana included a private beach setup and paddleboarding. A coastal bike ride led to lunch at Classico Lagoa. The afternoon brought a lively Bar Rally in vintage Kombis, followed by dinner and dancing at Rio Scenarium.

Day 4–5: Sky-High Views & Farewell
A Sugarloaf visit, helicopter tour, lunch at Deseo, and a samba school workshop filled Saturday. After dinner at Escama, the group departed the next day, ending a trip that celebrated teamwork and Rio’s vibrant spirit.

asembl.

Fueled by an ambitious long-term growth vision, asembl. has had a standout year, proving that a small, independent agency can compete with much larger players. With a lean team and a strong sense of purpose, we’ve delivered complex projects and secured some of our most significant work to date, all without losing what makes us, us.

Founded in Portsmouth in 2007, asembl. has always punched above its weight. For nearly two decades, we’ve built a reputation for strong relationships, creative thinking and dependable delivery. We chose to grow on our own terms. By embedding our values, prioritising personal lives and passions, and investing in training, mentoring and community initiatives, we built a motivated and resilient team. Alongside this, smarter processes, flexible working practices and a trusted freelancer model support efficiency, knowledge sharing and sustainable growth.

Our agile model has enabled us to expand internationally, growing existing relationships and winning major global projects against native and international agencies. Today, asembl. delivers work across multiple regions with confidence, creativity and control.

With momentum building and new opportunities ahead, we’re entering the next chapter focused, ambitious and ready for what’s next.

KIN London

KIN London is a bespoke event management agency, delivering both custom events and seasonal venues.

In the past year, our tight-knit team of five individuals achieved the remarkable feat of executing over 100 events. This lean structure emphasises our dedication to our clients, building a solid foundation to become their go-to trusted events agency. Whether it's an intimate gathering of 50 or a grand event hosting up to 2,000 attendees, our diverse portfolio demonstrates our ability to tailor experiences to any scale.

The heartbeat of KIN London lies in our one-on-one relationships with clients throughout the entire event journey. We thrive on a hands-on approach. From the initial brainstorming session to the final curtain call, we work one on one with our clients, fostering a level of trust and understanding that defines a boutique agency.

Shoreditch Gardens and Shoreditch Town Hall are both our exclusive venues, providing a testament to our versatility and commitment to crafting exceptional experiences. Juggling the management of our own space while seamlessly handling bespoke events worldwide is a reflection of our dedication and multitasking proficiency.

Marick

Marick is a small but mighty events and communications agency delivering engaging live, virtual and hybrid experiences, alongside content and video production. With a core team of just 16 people, we deliver complex, high-impact projects for some of the UK’s most recognisable organisations, including FTSE 100 and global blue-chip brands, regularly competing with agencies many times our size.

2025 was Marick’s strongest year to date. The team delivered 149 event projects across the UK and internationally, including 78 in-person events, 42 virtual and hybrid events and 29 exhibition set-ups across more than 40 locations. We also produced over 50 videos, extending the reach of our clients’ events, supported by a trusted network of freelancers and suppliers.

Despite our size, Marick is trusted by clients in technically complex and highly regulated sectors including defence, nuclear and infrastructure. Clients choose us for reliability, care and our ability to operate as a true extension of their teams.

Driven by our core value, Make the Difference, Marick embodies the spirit of the David & Goliath Award - small in size, high in standards and delivering extraordinary impact.

plannd

plannd is a six-person agency who proves that size is not a limitation, but a competitive advantage. Between 11/24 and 01/26, our team delivered 108 events, including 94 in 2025 alone, consistently competing with, and outperforming, much larger agencies through creativity, agility and determination.

Founded in Northern Ireland, plannd now delivers high-profile events for global brands including Coca-Cola, Stena Line, Allstate, Citi and Check Point Software. In 2025, we also delivered events across England, Scotland and Wales, with further UK expansion confirmed for 2026, demonstrating trusted, consistent delivery regardless of scale or location.

Our portfolio spans conferences, engagement events, awards and launches, including Stena Line’s Stena Futura ship naming ceremony in 2025, the first in NI for 21 years.

Commercial results underline this momentum: 32% client growth, zero client losses, revenue rising, and strong year-on-year profit growth. Sustainability and social responsibility sit at the heart of our approach, from planting 1,941 trees in 2025 to dedicated team volunteering days.

plannd continues to punch above its weight, delivering big ideas, measurable impact and exceptional client satisfaction, while redefining what a small agency can achieve.

Square Fish Events

We are Square Fish Events, a family-owned event agency founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown, one of the most challenging periods the events industry has ever faced. Built from the ground up when live events had all but disappeared, we were founded on resilience, determination and the belief that agility and creativity would always outperform scale.

Today, we are a small but mighty team of just seven, delivering complex, large-scale events for major corporate clients including JD Sports, Adidas, B&M, Debenhams and UEFA. Competing against and consistently winning work from multinational agencies many times our size, we prove that exceptional outcomes are driven by talent, adaptability and smart thinking, not headcount.

Over the past year, we have delivered conferences, expos, influencer events and brand activations across the UK and Europe, with audiences of up to 1,200 delegates. Many projects were delivered under tight deadlines, constrained budgets and in unfamiliar venues or international locations, without ever compromising on quality or creativity.

Our growth is driven by referrals, repeat business and winning competitive pitches against far larger agencies, making Square Fish Events a true David-and-Goliath success story.

Strive Events Agency

Proving eight people can deliver like eighty

When Lily Jones and Phoebe Cherry founded Strive in April 2021, they entered an industry dominated by colossal agencies. With no clients, no pipeline, and just each other, they built something different: a purpose-driven agency specialising in employee engagement events, with wellbeing at its core.

Four years later, Strive is a team of eight delivering stadium-scale impact. We've grown from £0 to £3m revenue, delivered 59 projects across Europe for 43,000+ attendees, and achieved a 95% client retention rate. Our largest event saw just four team members deliver for 6,000 attendees.

Competing against agencies ten times our size, we've secured a 9/10 pitch success rate through creative differentiation: bespoke video presentations that showcase our vision and team before we've won the work. This human-first approach helped us win multi-year FTSE 250 contracts and beat major US agencies.

Our success comes from niche expertise and sustainable delivery. Strive offers unlimited leave, wellbeing initiatives, and flexible working. Our team scores us 9.6/10 as a great place to wo

This award is proudly sponsored by Business Design Centre

Big Global Events

Founded in 2023, Big Global Events is a boutique, full-service events agency specialising in conferences and corporate events for the professional services sector. Small but fierce, we are a collective of event obsessives driven by a shared commitment to exceptional delivery, meticulous planning and creating memorable experiences.

Big Global Events was created to challenge the traditional agency model. No longer satisfied with high overheads, complex processes and limited transparency, we developed a smarter, more agile alternative. Our time-based, fully transparent pricing model removes hidden mark-ups and gives clients complete visibility of costs, building trust and long-term partnerships from day one.

Our operating model is built around a highly experienced core team and supported by a trusted network of freelancers. This allows us to scale quickly, assemble the right expertise for every brief and remain flexible without compromising on quality. Individually, our team members have delivered major international events for some of the world’s largest organisations.

We’re global by name and by nature: our team members have individually delivered events on every continent. Collectively, we offer this global capability infused with a personal touch.

Made Human

Made Human was founded by multi-award-winning executive producer Matt Culverhouse with a simple belief: human connection is the most powerful metric in our industry.

After two decades delivering global programmes for some of the world’s leading brands, Matt created Made Human to prove that commercial impact and human experience are not competing forces. They are inseparable.

Built around the SPARK framework – Smart, People-led, Adaptive, Real and Kinetic – the agency designs experiences that move people and move business. Its work is strategy-led, values-driven and designed for real human behaviour, including neurodiverse audiences, shaped by Matt’s own lived experience of ADHD.

In its first year, Made Human has supported global organisations to rethink the role of events, delivering senior-level strategy, shaping long-term portfolios and redefining what success looks like beyond attendance and spectacle.

Sustainability, accessibility and inclusion are treated as design principles, not bolt-ons. Every experience is built to leave a positive footprint for people, businesses and communities.

Lean by design and powered by a global network of senior talent, Made Human is not a start-up in ambition, only in age. It is a new blueprint for what this industry can be.

The Event Strategist

The Event Strategists may be newly launched, but we have already earned the trust of several FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies.

Created to offer a more thoughtful, human and strategic approach to venue sourcing and event planning - we blend clear insight with hands-on expertise to deliver events with purpose and precision.

Guided by our values of integrity, kindness and transparency, we listen deeply, challenge thoughtfully and execute with care. In our first year we’ve delivered work we are incredibly proud and we look forward to building on this strong foundation - expanding our reach, strengthening global partnerships and shaping the future of strategic events with integrity and impact.

Arctic Fox Events

Arctic Fox Events is a boutique agency driven by passion, creativity, and an unstoppable “energy for yes.” We specialise in matching each client with the perfect venue, understanding their vision, brief, and objectives, and delivering innovative solutions that leave a lasting impression.

Our achievements speak for themselves: sourcing venues for complex events, introducing clients to untapped spaces, and negotiating the best rates to maximise value. Our personal, client-focused approach has built long-term partnerships, with repeat business and referrals driving our growth.

We also maintain strong industry relationships, ensuring access to a diverse and unique portfolio of venues. From corporate conferences to networking evenings, Arctic Fox combines meticulous planning, creativity, and professionalism to bring every event to life.

It is this combination of expertise, innovation, client care, and dedication that sets Arctic Fox apart and why we are proud to be considered for Venue Finder of the Y

DRPG

The DRPG Venue Finding team is a small but high-performing group of seven specialists who deliver fast, accurate and creatively aligned venue solutions for clients across multiple sectors. Working closely with Creative Directors, we ensure every venue supports the story of the event, not just the logistics.

With a 100% client retention rate, a two-day average turnaround and a 93.75% conversion rate, the team consistently delivers exceptional value. We also exceeded our commercial targets, achieving 167% of GP by October. From sourcing 1,800-person conferences in Bangkok to securing 3,000 bedrooms at the NEC Birmingham, the team takes on complex challenges with confidence. Clients repeatedly describe us as an extension of their own teams, recognising our diligence, speed and commitment to getting the details right.

We’re incredibly proud of the impact this small team delivers, combining creativity, industry knowledge and genuine care to find the right venue every time.

Inntel

Inntel's strength lies in knowing when technology should lead and when human expertise makes the difference. This enables the team to deliver consistently high-quality outcomes across meetings and events of every size and complexity.

In 2025, Inntel introduced LOGiC Instant Book Meetings, a proprietary solution designed to simplify the sourcing and booking of small meeting rooms. With real-time availability, pricing and confirmation, the platform allows clients to secure the right space quickly and conveniently.

Alongside this technology-led capability, Inntel’s specialist venue-finding teams continue to excel in delivering large-scale, high-impact events. Drawing on deep industry knowledge and trusted supplier relationships, the team creates tailored solutions that overcome logistical challenges and elevate the delegate experience.

This commitment to quality and collaboration underpins Inntel’s reputation as a trusted partner, recognised for delivering remarkable results in an increasingly fast-paced and complex environment.

Together, Inntel’s blend of smart technology and expert-led service demonstrates a modern, best-in-class approach to venue finding – delivering speed where it matters, insight where it counts, and exceptional experiences every time.

pro-ven

pro-ven's goal is to deliver exceptional standards of service whilst keeping our clients venue and accommodation costs as low as possible. Our success is reflected in a diverse client portfolio and supported by our excellent, experienced team delivering a sharper, smarter service, powered by our streamlined proprietary technology – “pro-active” giving us an extremely agile 'can-do' approach to our clients.

Reservations 2000

In 2023–24, Reservations 2000] faced a profound challenge, losing two founding Directors. New leadership stepped up, ensuring staff retained jobs and clients experienced seamless service. With a team of 10, we grew revenue by 8%, retained 80% of clients, and gained 13 new clients, delivering over 5,000 bookings across overseas events, product launches, parties, team building, incentives, dinners and accommodation.

We invested in our people and purpose: introducing well being policies, two annual well being days, mental health training for Directors, and a new junior role driving social media, increasing followers by 20%. Our CSR and sustainability journey began with Greengage, reducing our carbon footprint, and quarterly donations to tree planting and food banks.

We also launched a new website to showcase our expertise. Through resilience, innovation, and a people-first culture, we not only maintained operations but strengthened our business, proving that exceptional venue finding is about delivering certainty, confidence, and impact — for clients, staff, and the planet.

Search & Source

Formerly known as Venues For Business Ltd, established in 1994, Search & Source is a female led agency, solely dedicated to venue sourcing. We are based in the UK and recently in Europe (subsidiary set up in 2025).

Our USP is that we only source event space. We found that the majority of our corporate clients had event teams in house and only needed us for sourcing, that bit they didn't have the knowledge or time for. We have retained and won many clients because of this!

We source and book venues across Europe, UK and Key Hubs in the USA for clients well known within the Consulting, Tech, IT, Fintech and Insurance space, with teams based globally. Our European presence making us more attractive for global corporates that book Europe often.

Our clients events from 50 to 5,000+ pax for sales meetings, 1-3 day international conferences, leadership retreats, large Awards Ceremonies, gala dinners, group accommodation and group flights.
We are privately owned, meaning that we are an entirely impartial service and unlike the big agencies we are not incentivised by, nor linked to any hotel/venue chain.

With our rebrand & update of trading name to ‘Search & Source’ in 2022, we were able to reposition ourselves in the market, whilst revitalising our mission, purpose and core values.

This award is proudly sponsored by Encore

Emma Reavley, AOK Events

Emma Reavley joined AOK Events in 2021 as an Event Manager and has since become integral to the agency’s success. Her goal has always been to deliver exceptional events that act as a seamless extension of each client’s brand and she consistently achieves this through meticulous planning, flawless execution and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

She plays a pivotal role in delivering events of every scale, from global conferences and brand engagement programmes to leadership off-sites, ski trips and seasonal celebrations. Regardless of complexity, she approaches every project with precision, creativity and care, frequently going above and beyond to exceed client expectations.

2025 was Emma’s strongest year to date, producing a 200-person brand summit in Marrakech, international off-sites in Lisbon, Mallorca and Iceland, and a major conference in Paris. She has built outstanding relationships with clients, venues and suppliers, earning widespread trust and respect across the industry.

Promoted to Head of Event Operations, Emma now leads a team of producers, streamlining processes and delivering solutions that strengthen the business. Emma is a true superstar, and AOK Events would not be the same without her.

Stacey-Rebekka Karlsson, Goho

Stacey-Rebekka Karlsson, Founder and Managing Director of Goho, is an exceptional event producer whose creativity, expertise, and hands-on approach set her apart in the industry. With 20 years of industry experience (including roles at The Guardian and Conde Nast International), Stacey combines strategic insight with operational excellence to deliver high-impact experiences.

In 2025, Stacey led a series of ambitious events for international clients. She oversaw I AM PHENOM Munich, delivering a flagship conference for 360 attendees with full technical builds, immersive entertainment, and bespoke merchandise, generating £140k revenue for Goho. Her vision extended to Phenom at Lugano, a six-day VIP leadership retreat blending cultural immersion, meditation, vineyard tours, and private boat parties for 50 guests, and Phenom Unleash Paris Fringe Event, orchestrating luxury VIP experiences across iconic Parisian venues.

Stacey also brought client briefs to life for private events, including a spectacular Private Party at Sugar Studios, combining bespoke installations, banquet dining, and late-night entertainment for 260 guests, generating £50k in revenue.

Stacey's leadership, ingenuity, and dedication make her a standout candidate for Event Producer of the Year 2026.

Laura Williams, MCI UK

There’s a quiet brilliance to Laura Williams’ work that sets her apart. Since joining the agency, she has become a key member of the team, bringing extensive industry experience, strong commercial awareness and a relentless commitment to excellence. Her transition into agency life was seamless, and she has quickly established herself as a trusted lead on complex, high-profile projects.

In a short space of time, Laura has successfully delivered multiple large-scale events for major household-name organisations, driving measurable client impact and achieving industry recognition for the quality of her work. Calm under pressure, she confidently manages senior stakeholders, partners and teams, maintaining complete composure while ensuring every detail is delivered flawlessly.

Creativity is central to Laura’s approach. She consistently pushes boundaries to enhance delegate engagement, introducing immersive, innovative formats while remaining commercially astute. Recognised internally for her contribution and leadership, Laura is directly responsible for some of the agency’s most successful work to date and is a standout events professional with an exceptional future ahead.

Natasha Russell, NR Events

Natasha Russell’s 2025 performance highlights her versatility, leadership, and unshakeable commitment to excellence across diverse sectors. Her year was defined by managing high-stakes projects, including the logistically complex IDF Summit in Venice and the high-security NBPA Conference, which required navigating sensitive cultural and religious protocols.

Natasha’s expertise extends to large-scale music festivals, where she served as site and event manager for major UK events such as Camp Bestival and the Colchester Castle Summer Series, overseeing safety for tens of thousands of attendees.

Beyond her professional output, Natasha invested in her own development, earning a distinction in a professional diploma in risk and safety management. Whether managing VVIPs in historic landmarks or site infrastructure in festival fields, Natasha’s ability to remain composed under pressure and deliver commercially astute, emotionally intelligent events cements her reputation as an industry leader.

Sam Randall, Opus Agency

Natasha Russell’s 2025 performance highlights her versatility, leadership, and unshakeable commitment to excellence across diverse sectors. Her year was defined by managing high-stakes projects, including the logistically complex IDF Summit in Venice and the high-security NBPA Conference, which required navigating sensitive cultural and religious protocols.

Natasha’s expertise extends to large-scale music festivals, where she served as site and event manager for major UK events such as Camp Bestival and the Colchester Castle Summer Series, overseeing safety for tens of thousands of attendees.

Beyond her professional output, Natasha invested in her own development, earning a distinction in a professional diploma in risk and safety management. Whether managing VVIPs in historic landmarks or site infrastructure in festival fields, Natasha’s ability to remain composed under pressure and deliver commercially astute, emotionally intelligent events cements her reputation as an industry leader.

Jade Rushbrooke, Stagestruck

With over 17 years’ experience in the events industry, Jade is an outstanding producer known for her creativity, leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Recognised as a AAA 30 Under Thirty winner in 2022 and C&IT A-List in 2024, she has played a pivotal role in delivering complex, high-profile projects across the globe.

Her portfolio includes everything from festival brand activations to major international forums.

What truly sets Jade apart is how she leads. She is calm, fearless and ego-free, with a rare ability to listen, adapt and bring out the best in those around her. A natural mentor, she combines high standards with warmth, patience and clarity, helping junior team members grow quickly and confidently.

Having worked her way up at Stagestruck over eight years, Jade embodies a “work hard, play hard” ethos and is deeply respected by colleagues and clients alike. Her impact is lasting, and her contribution exceptional — making her a truly deserving CNAA Event Producer of the Year.

Rachele Piccolini, Event Manager - Amex GBT

From day one, Rachele has exceeded expectations in her role on our account. She mastered complex processes and took on increasingly challenging client projects with confidence and competence.

Despite not being an official senior manager, Rachele has emerged as a natural leader. She mentors new team members with patience and clarity, helping them navigate complex situations.

Our clients have specifically requested Rachele to be assigned to their projects knowing they can feel at ease throughout the entire process from start to finish. She handles high-pressure situations with composure, communicate clearly, and always prioritize client satisfaction. Her dedication to understanding client needs has resulted in repeat business.

Rachele embodies our company values daily. She demonstrates integrity in all interactions, show genuine care for colleagues, and maintains a growth mindset. She actively participates in team initiatives and company events (despite most of our team working virtual), contributing to the positive workplace culture.

What excites me most about Rachele is her potential and ambition. She has already made significant contributions, yet still young in the industry. With her work ethic, intelligence, and collaborative spirit, the sky is the limit within Amex GBT.

Darcy Worcester, Senior Project Manager - build the bandwagon

Darcy has demonstrated exceptional progression, commercial impact and leadership maturity beyond her years.

Darcy delivers outstanding commercial results and exceptional client outcomes. She has earned client trust, with consistent praise for her professionalism and reliability. She delivers multiple projects simultaneously, leads events for 1,000+ delegates, oversees large on-site teams, manages £m budgets and makes disciplined commercial decisions that deliver projects on budget.

Darcy’s ambition is not simply progression in title, but influence. She is motivated by building long-term client partnerships, setting high standards and delivering work that balances creativity, operational excellence and commercial success.

Darcy fully appreciates the impact of early guidance. She actively supports junior colleagues, adapts her approach to individual needs and fosters collaborative, confident and high-performing teams. Darcy promotes a people-first approach through clear communication, realistic workloads and calm, organised leadership on site. Her projects consistently deliver outstanding outcomes, reinforcing her belief that sustainable working practices enhance performance rather than limit it.

Not just a Rising Star, Darcy is already helping to shape the future of the industry.

Erin Hutton, Event Manager - Bray Leino Events

Erin’s year has been defined by the kind of elite performance you need when the chips are down, and you need your best people to step up. From major DBT exhibitions to the six-month UK Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, she stepped into the highest-pressure moments and made them feel controlled. Called up as last-minute cover, she landed in Japan and quickly became central to a site-wide UK National Day takeover, then stayed on to support multiple showcase events. Back in the UK, she kept delivering across time zones, while consistently championing sustainability and social value. Erin Hutton. Quietly formidable. Completely dependable.

Ellie Perrett, Account Manager - Clownfish Events

Ellie Perrett joined Clownfish Events in August 2024 with limited sales experience. Less than two years later, she has become a standout example of what fearless growth looks like in the events industry.

Trusted early during a period of team transition, Ellie stepped up quickly, taking on real responsibility while continuing to develop her own role. She used the challenge to accelerate her confidence, capability, and sense of ownership.

Ellie’s approach to clients goes beyond selling. She builds partnerships, advises strategically, and focuses on outcomes that genuinely work for audiences. Her ability to combine commercial thinking with empathy and creativity has strengthened client relationships and driven long-term trust.

She’s also had a lasting internal impact. Ellie helped reshape Clownfish’s sales approach, created new client materials, and treats every mistake as fuel for growth. She’s begun sharing her journey publicly — speaking at industry events and encouraging others to take bold steps.

Awarded Clownfish’s Culture Award for Most Progress, Ellie stands out not just for what she’s achieved, but for how she approaches growth. Curious, resilient, and relentlessly committed to becoming better, she’s proving that transformation isn’t theory — it’s a daily choice.

Sarah McConnell, Account Manager - Davis Experience & Events

Sarah McConnell joined Davis Experience & Events in late 2024 and was promoted from Junior Account Manager to Account Manager within six months. In her first year in the events industry, she has taken on increasing responsibility across the delivery of city-wide activations, public-sector programmes, conferences, and brand launches.

Her work includes leading Style in the City for DublinTown, supporting Dublin City Council’s Dublin City Fleadh pre-promotional activations across multiple locations, delivering the CitA Skillnet MMC Accelerate Platform Launch in an industrial training environment, and contributing to Pride at Work and Dublin Pride events.

Sarah is recognised internally for her calm, organised approach and her ability to manage complex logistics under pressure. During overlapping delivery periods, she reorganised resources to maintain schedules without client disruption. She also mentors a junior team member, reflecting her growing leadership responsibility.

Combining analytical experience from previous roles with a collaborative working style, Sarah has demonstrated rapid professional growth and emerging leadership potential within Davis Experience & Events.

Freya Foster, Project Manager - Principal. Global Events

Freya has made an exceptional impact at Principal in just over a year, quickly establishing herself as one of the most exciting emerging talents in the events industry. With fewer than five years’ experience, she has progressed at remarkable pace - trusted early, promoted quickly, and consistently delivering beyond her level.

Known for her calm approach onsite and strong attention to detail, Freya thrives in high-pressure environments and has supported the delivery of complex, large-scale programmes for global audiences.

Her contribution has been recognised internally, including being awarded Principal’s Employee of the Year for 2025, and a recent promotion to Project Manager. This reflects both her performance and the respect she’s earned from those around her.

Beyond delivery, Freya is already shaping the future of the industry. She plays an active role in internal initiatives that drive innovation and accountability, contributes to carbon measurement across events, and uses her voice to champion inclusion. Selected as an FF15 mentee in 2025, she has also appeared on industry panels, published thought leadership, and spoken openly about Gen Z in the workplace and dyslexia.

Freya’s impact is real, earned, and only just beginning - a true Rising Star to watch.

Georgia Michaels, Senior Project Executive - Sleek Events

Georgia is a rising talent in the events industry, recognised for her exceptional logistical expertise, leadership and people-first approach. Since joining Sleek Events in 2022, she has progressed rapidly, taking on increasing responsibility and demonstrating a calm, confident ability to deliver complex, large-scale events.

At just 24, Georgia was entrusted with leading logistics for major international summits, managing large onsite teams, coordinating complex schedules and ensuring seamless delegate journeys for thousands of attendees. Her ability to problem-solve under pressure, lead with clarity and support those around her has made her a trusted figure across teams and clients alike.

Alongside her operational excellence, Georgia is passionate about creating more inclusive and sustainable events. She has played a key role in improving onsite accessibility and champions healthier, more supportive working practices within the industry. Known for her collaborative leadership style and commitment to continuous improvement, Georgia is already helping to shape the future of events.

With clear ambition, strong values and a proven track record beyond her years, Georgia represents the next generation of event leaders.

This award is proudly sponsored by MCH Group: Messe Basel | Zurich

Women in Project Management 2025, by ClinkClink

Client: Association for Project Management

We have been proud event partners to the Association for Project Management (APM) for over a decade, supporting delivery across their events, including the Women in Project Management (WiPM) Conference.

In 2025, WiPM reached its largest scale, marking a milestone for an event that champions gender diversity, supports career progression & fosters connection across the profession.

WiPM 2025 welcomed 994 delegates, expanded to 3 concurrent content streams, and moved to a larger venue. The challenge was not simply to deliver a bigger event, but to scale whilst preserving the sense of community and quality of engagement that defines WiPM.

Working as an embedded partner with APM’s in-house event's team, we delivered end-to-end technical production, exhibition & brand support and strategic guidance informed by 20yrs experience in corporate events.

The result was an engaging and inclusive event, delivered seamlessly across 18 sessions. Delegate satisfaction averaged above 4.4/5, with a Net Promoter Score of 60, demonstrating strong advocacy & trust. Extended on-demand viewing, further amplified WiPM’s reach beyond the live event, reinforcing its long-term value for members.

WiPM 2025 demonstrates the impact of our long-term partnership in delivering outstanding association events.

43rd Annual Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, by MCI

Client: The European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS)

The 43rd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS 2025) took place in Copenhagen, welcoming over 15,300 participants from 138 countries. As a flagship association event, the Congress delivered world-class scientific education while embedding sustainability, inclusion and innovation at its core.

The programme combined live presentations, hands-on surgical training, interactive formats and hybrid access, enabling meaningful engagement across career stages and geographies. ESCRS’s Mission Zero initiative delivered carbon-neutral operations, while the BoSS (Building Our Sustainable Society) programme addressed wellbeing, diversity, leadership and sustainability through dedicated sessions, mentoring, podcasts and community initiatives.

New for 2025 was the launch of ESCRS’s first-ever press office, extending the Congress’s reach through responsible media engagement, alongside the return of the IOL Museum, offering an immersive exploration of the invention and evolution of intraocular lenses.

Together, these elements positioned ESCRS 2025 as a modern, values-led association event — demonstrating how scientific congresses can inform, engage and lead with purpose on a global stage.

Positively Nuclear: Women in Nuclear Global Conference 2025, by Marick

Positively Nuclear was the Women in Nuclear Global Conference 2025, hosted in London by Women in Nuclear UK and delivered through a four‑year partnership with Marick. It was the first time the global WiN community met in the UK, bringing together delegates from 50+ countries at a key moment for discussions on energy security, sustainability and the future of nuclear power.

Developed through a competitive bid, the event was shaped by a volunteer committee of 40+ industry professionals working with Marick as lead event and production partner. The three‑day programme included plenaries, workshops, a technical innovation arena, an exhibition of 30+ organisations, themed gala dinners and the annual WiN UK Awards.

Marick managed end‑to‑end delivery - from venue sourcing and registration to sponsorship, exhibitor coordination, AV production and on‑site operations. Surplus funds now support WiN UK’s ongoing work, ensuring a lasting legacy.

Gift Card and Voucher Association Conference 2025, by NR Events

Client: Gift Card and Voucher Association (GCVA)

The 2025 GCVA Conference marked a decade-long partnership and the event not only proceeded but broke every record in the association’s history. The conference surpassed its US counterparts to become the industry-wide approved event for the global gift card sector.

Key achievements included:

• Financial Success: Negotiating total expenditure and budget to deliver a underspend on the conference production.
• Content Innovation: Launching a new "Innovation Stage" and themed discussion groups.
• Global Community: Achieving a 95% conversion rate for attendees from the US, Middle East, Australia, and Europe.

The event generated income, providing a vital surplus to fund the association’s year-round lobbying efforts. Delegates described it as "literally the single best gift conference in the world," solidifying its status as a global benchmark!

PRI in Person 2025, by Rapiergroup

Client: Principals for Responsible Investment (PRI)

PRI in Person 2025 united the global responsible investment community in São Paulo ahead of COP30, creating a platform for collaboration and action. Rapiergroup’s objective was to deliver an event that embodied PRI’s values: sustainability, inclusivity, and impact.

Our approach combined strategic planning with flawless execution. We implemented frictionless registration and a multilingual event app, enabling delegates to navigate content and network seamlessly. Circular design principles reduced waste, while local suppliers and digital-first solutions minimised environmental impact.

Accessibility was prioritised through live translation and captioning, ensuring diverse voices were heard.
The results were outstanding: over 1,200 delegates from 37 markets, 150+ speakers, and 15 dynamic session spaces. Engagement soared with app adoption exceeding 90%, and sustainability metrics included a 40% reduction in printed materials. Sponsors reported strong ROI through enhanced digital activations and networking opportunities. Social campaigns amplified reach, reinforcing PRI’s mission globally.

Rapiergroup delivered more than an event – we created a benchmark for responsible event delivery, blending innovation, inclusivity, and measurable impact to advance PRI’s vision

BSG LIVE'25, by TFI Lodestar

Client: British Society of Gastroenterology

The British Society of Gastroenterology’s annual congress is THE moment when the association’s core strategic objectives are brought into sharp focus: bring the UK gastroenterology community together, grow that community, educate it, train it, mentor it, and disseminate cutting edge research and clinical best practice across all of the gastro services and professions for the benefit of better patient outcomes. TFI Lodestar supports the achievement of those objectives through innovation, audience acquisition, sponsorship sales, legacy, and enhancement of stakeholder experience.

With BSG LIVE’25, taking place at SEC Glasgow, we grew key target audiences by 24%, expanded the virtual global audience through a partnership with the Chinese Society of Gastroenterology, made content more diverse and accessible than ever, delivered a legacy programme to hundreds of lower-income Glaswegians, and increased revenues by 36%, creating a significant surplus for the Society.

Thanks to these innovations and achievements, BSG LIVE’25 became, quite simply, the blueprint for continued growth of a truly sustainable congress for the Society.

Global Media Drive to launch the Bentley Bentayga Speed, Goose Live Events

Client: Bentley Motors

The Bentley Global Media Drive for the Bentayga Speed showcased how bold storytelling, meticulous execution, and cultural resonance can redefine a Global Media Drive.

In June 2025, Montana’s dramatic landscapes set the stage for an event inspired by the TV drama Yellowstone, echoing the iconic moment when Beth Dutton drove a Bentley across the ranch. The Media Drive was infused with rugged Americana, blended with luxury, to transform it into an immersive experience.

The objective was clear: create an unforgettable brand experience for 120 top-tier global media and influencers from the UK, Europe, USA, China, APAC, and MEAI. Select an untapped destination and design a programme that sparked authentic content while deepening appreciation for Bentley’s craftsmanship and performance.

Yellowstone-inspired storytelling delivered on the brief and shaped every detail - from routes and visuals to hospitality - while seamless tech integration enabled live-tracked fleets and dynamic routing. For the first time, a Global Media Drive was merged with Bentley’s Toy Box concept and, over two days, guests had the chance to experience not only the Bentayga Speed but also get hands-on with the wider fleet, elevating the experience and setting a new benchmark for automotive brand storytelling.

Farizon CVS '25, by TFI Lodestar

Client: Farizon

At TFI Lodestar we love a challenge, so when the all-electric commercial vehicle brand Farizon told us they’d chosen the Commercial Vehicle Show [CVS] as the stage on which to introduce their brand and product range to the UK market for the very first time – our eyes lit up. CVS is an incredible showcase for road freight, transport, distribution, and logistics. It’s where all the world-famous brands spend gazillions parading their state-of-the-art product ranges and cutting-edge vehicle designs to devoted customers and fans. But it’s a tough environment if nobody has heard of you. You need to go large, regardless of budget. You need to be seen and heard. You need to make a noise.

Through a mix of research, espionage, bold strategy and clever design, we created an experience that cut through the clutter and shouted above the crowd. Combining huge LED walls, ticker-displays, dramatic lighting, a high-decibel sound system, public and private meeting spaces, product displays and interactive experiences, this was a stand that punched above its weight.

Few had heard of Farizon when the show began. Within 24hrs, with press coverage reaching a potential audience of 173m, we made sure Farizon had arrived.

Ducati Roadshow 2025, by Woodcote Events

Client: Ducati

The Ducati Roadshow 2025 marked the successful return of one of the UK’s most anticipated motorcycle experiential programmes. Delivered by Woodcote Events, the national roadshow brought a premium, fully mobile Ducati showroom and fleet of 10 models directly to riders across 15 UK locations.

Running between April and July 2025, the programme delivered 25 live event days and enabled over 1,100 test rides, giving riders the opportunity to experience Ducati motorcycles firsthand in a relaxed, professionally managed environment. A bespoke online booking system ensured a seamless customer journey, while expert lead and tail riders delivered safe, confidence-building test ride experiences.

Despite challenging market conditions, the roadshow generated over 1,000 qualified leads for supporting dealerships and resulted in immediate post-event sales. Customer feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with all reviews during the tour achieving 5-star ratings and consistently praising organisation, professionalism and experience quality.
The Ducati Roadshow 2025 demonstrates the impact of well-executed experiential marketing in the automotive sector, delivering meaningful engagement, commercial value and long-term brand affinity through premium product experience.

LEGO®, LEGOLAND® & Merlin Entertainments presents The LEGO Festivals Experience / Event by 2Heads

Client: LEGO®, LEGOLAND®, Merlin Entertainments

The LEGO® Festival Experience 2025 was a first-of-its-kind global celebration of play, bringing families together across seven LEGOLAND® Resorts around the world. Over six weeks, the festival transformed each park into a vibrant, interactive playground, where music, dance, gaming, and creativity came alive in immersive zones designed for every type of play.

At the heart of the festival was the Play Pact, a gamified journey encouraging families to explore, collaborate, and complete challenges across multiple themed zones. From building massive LEGO® structures and performing in live music and dance shows, to experiencing a world-first LEGO® Fortnite crossover and enjoying calm, creative spaces for younger children, every activity was designed to spark imagination and connection.

The festival was more than just an event, it was a movement, extending play beyond the parks with ideas and activities families could enjoy at home. It brought communities together, inspired creativity, and reinforced LEGO®’s purpose as a champion of play and family connection. By combining live entertainment, storytelling, and meaningful engagement, the LEGO® Festival Experience created shared memories and a global celebration of imagination that delighted children and adults alike.

Disney Consumer Products' / 'Lilo & Stitch Crate of Mischief, by 2Heads

Client: Disney Consumer Products and Disney Studios

Over the spring, everyone’s favourite blue alien, Stitch, returned to the big screen, and Disney Consumer Products EMEA partnered with 2Heads to create a bold, disruptive, and unmissable activation in central London. The goal was to engage families and fans with Disney’s latest Lilo & Stitch products while bringing the cinematic experience to life. The resulting activation, Lilo & Stitch: Crate of Mischief, imagined Stitch crash-landing in the city inside a shipping crate from Hawaii, ready to unleash his mischief. The immersive exterior, sparked curiosity, while the queue line featured family-friendly entertainment. Inside, guests could create Ohana postcards, engage with a gamified Mischief Meter capturing cheeky expressions for personalised photos with Stitch and pose with him on a surfboard for memorable photo opportunities. The Stitch Lab showcased curated products with QR-enabled shoppable links, and retail partners were integrated through interactive touchpoints. The activation welcomed thousands of guests and generated significant digital reach through social sharing and influencer amplification. By connecting storytelling with commerce, the experience strengthened emotional connections, drove retail engagement, and extended the playful energy of Stitch beyond the event.

Paradigms 2025 by AOK Events

Client: Frontify

Paradigms brings together the people shaping brands and culture in extraordinary settings, creating space for deeper thinking and more meaningful connection. Every detail, from venue choice and pacing to the absence of sales pitches or recordings, is designed to spark perspective shifts that last beyond the event. Paradigms 2025 welcomed 200 pre-selected global experts, creatives and brand leaders for the three day summit.

AOK Events delivered the end-to-end experience in Marrakech, from sourcing standout venues and entertainment to bespoke production, creative branding and full event management. Paradigms 2025 took place across Beldi Country Club, Le Bedouin Desert Camp and Dar Soukkar, featuring two days of talks from creative leaders at Meta, Spotify, Condé Nast and more.

Guests enjoyed unforgettable activities including a sunrise hot air balloon ride, quad biking in the desert and yoga in a greenhouse, alongside lantern-lit receptions, poolside networking and an afterparty at an exclusively hired desert camp. High-end hospitality was delivered throughout, with seamless transfers, premium accommodation and a dedicated on-site team. Attendees travelled from 21 countries, with 23 different industry backgrounds and left inspired, awarding the event a 100 NSAT and 100 NPS score.

IBC for Google Cloud, by Brandfuel

Client: Google Cloud

The media and broadcasting landscape is evolving rapidly, with video now the dominant way audiences communicate, engage, and build communities. As consumption spans multiple platforms, responsible, audience-first content has never been more important.

For Google Cloud, Android TV, and YouTube, a strong presence at the International Broadcast Convention was essential. Hosted in Amsterdam, IBC brings together the global media, entertainment, and technology industries, welcoming 43,858 attendees from 170 countries. Our challenge was to stand out in a high-energy environment through culturally relevant, creative, and authentic experiences.

Across four days, we delivered 21 activations, including 12 playfully branded meeting rooms with interactive demos for Google and Android TV, supported by two branded lounges offering barista-style coffee.

At the heart of the show, Google Cloud’s AI-powered activations, highlights included an AI Penalty Shoot-Out experienced by 1,403 visitors, Formula E racing simulators powered by Gemini AI, and an AI photobooth that welcomed 1,500 guests to create historic-style art selfies.

Our AI experiences gained recognition across IBC’s official social channels, reaching over 38,000 followers.

London Pride 2025, by Chameleon Live

Client: London Pride

London Pride 2025 saw 1 million attendees celebrate on one of the world’s most prominent public stages. For global brands Bloomberg & MSD/Merck, participation was a meaningful expression of organisational values rather than a commercial activation. For Chameleon, it represented new creative territory, demanding cultural sensitivity, originality & flawless delivery.

Working to 2 entirely different creative briefs, we designed & delivered unique parade floats, developed & built simultaneously. Each required its own visual language, messaging & technical solution. Both were conceived, designed & delivered from scratch, incorporating custom scenic structures, integrated lighting, audio & mobile power systems.

The projects ran in parallel over 3 months, with overlapping design development, fabrication & logistics, alongside the complexity of Central London delivery & strict compliance requirements. With no tolerance for failure on the day, success relied on meticulous planning, collaboration & disciplined execution.

Both performed flawlessly & received overwhelmingly positive feedback from clients & participants. Creative interpretation, technical production & purpose combined to deliver an experience that resonated far beyond the parade itself.

TikTok Shop: A Juneteenth Experience, by emc3

Client: TikTok Shop

TikTok Shop: A Juneteenth Experience was designed to celebrate culture, build trust and create lasting value for Black-owned beauty and haircare brands. TikTok Shop chose to show up through an engaging & interactive experience. We created an invite-only, community-first event - focused on connection, learning and authentic exchange.

The experience was designed as a live gallery: a series of interconnected environments where stories, conversations and creative content unfolded naturally. Museum-style product discovery showcased Black-owned brands through founder storytelling, artist-led installations celebrated Black hair culture, and live panel discussions featured Black creators and entrepreneurs. One-to-one engagement zones enabled direct conversations with TikTok Shop experts around commerce tools.

Engagement was sustained throughout, with organic content captured by attendees and conversations extending beyond programmed sessions.
Every decision reinforced TikTok Shop’s commitment - from minority-owned suppliers and accessibility-led design to wellbeing-focused spaces and sustainability-led operations. The result was an experience that moved beyond representation, demonstrating how brands can build genuine, lasting relationships through culturally grounded design.

This award is proudly sponsored by Destination Toronto

Kyowa Kirin International / SPIRIT 2025 All Employee Meeting, by Brands at Work

Client: Kyowa Kirin International (KKI)

SPIRIT: Who you are, is who we are was Kyowa Kirin International’s 2025 all-employee meeting in Vienna – a four-day experience created, produced and delivered by Brands at Work for 520 colleagues across seven global regions.

Eighteen months after KKI first gathered as one global organisation, SPIRIT moved beyond inspiration into lived culture. Delivered during a pivotal leadership transition, it strengthened belonging, deepened cross-regional relationships and gave colleagues clarity and momentum for the year ahead.

Rooted in KKI’s Japanese heritage and 'Kabegoe' principles (overcoming obstacles), the programme acted as a cultural checkpoint and rehearsal space for speaking up, collaboration, innovation and tackling complexity together.
Japanese-inspired art and storytelling ran throughout – from ink-style chapter films to a unifying ensō motif woven into content, recognition and reflection.

Blending emotional storytelling, immersive workshops, wellbeing and connection moments, and hands-on charitable activity, SPIRIT delivered meaningful impact – reinforcing shared culture, strengthening confidence and setting clear direction for what comes next.

Results exceeded targets, confirming measurable gains in connection, clarity and momentum across the organisation.

AstraZeneca at ASCO 2025 by Emota

Client: AstraZeneca

At the world’s largest oncology congress, we set out to redefine leadership on the exhibition floor - not by being louder, but by being more engaging, translating complex science into an immersive, intuitive experiences for HCPs.

The booth marked a clear shift from traditional exhibition thinking, inviting delegates into an immersive environment shaped by curved architecture and semi-transparent fabrics. A 360° storytelling system brought the oncology portfolio to life through synchronised screens, light, sound, and film, while a bespoke particle-based avatar guided personalised journeys supported by world-leading technologies.

Sustainability was embedded at the heart of every design decision. Traditional single-use methods were replaced by modularity, innovative materials and simplified production and this was the launch of a reusable toolkit for deployment across hundreds of global congresses. A dedicated sustainability zone created lasting legacy.

The impact was significant. 18,000+ delegates engaged (over 40% of ASCO attendees) with strong conversion, sustained dwell time, and repeat visitation. This impact proved that industry-leading innovation, creativity, and scale can be delivered responsibly, without compromise.

Developing Your Portfolio National Conference, Exhibition and Awards, by Imagine X Global

Developing Your Portfolio National Conference, Exhibition and Awards (DYP) supports ambitious healthcare professionals and organisations to explore diverse opportunities to improve health outcomes.

Ministry of Fish

Client: Confidential

A hybrid event designed to support and educate Healthcare Professionals working in osteoporosis. Featuring 10 expert speakers, including the co-hosts, the programme brought the latest treatment options and insights from across the devolved nations to the forefront. Through a series of engaging clinical and patient-focused sessions, the event delivered practical, up-to-date learning, closing with a lively, interactive debate that invited audience participation through live voting.

BSG LIVE'25, by TFI Lodestar

Client: British Society of Gastroenterology

The British Society of Gastroenterology’s annual congress is THE moment when the association’s core strategic objectives are brought into sharp focus: bring the UK gastroenterology community together, grow that community, educate it, train it, mentor it, and disseminate cutting edge research and clinical best practice across all of the gastro services and professions for the benefit of better patient outcomes. TFI Lodestar supports the achievement of those objectives through innovation, audience acquisition, sponsorship sales, legacy, and enhancement of stakeholder experience.

With BSG LIVE’25, taking place at SEC Glasgow, we grew key target audiences by 24%, expanded the virtual global audience through a partnership with the Chinese Society of Gastroenterology, made content more diverse and accessible than ever, delivered a legacy programme to hundreds of lower-income Glaswegians, and increased revenues by 36%, creating a significant surplus for the Society.

Thanks to these innovations and achievements, BSG LIVE’25 became, quite simply, the blueprint for continued growth of a truly sustainable congress for the Society.

Philips at RSNA 2025 by Blondefish

Client: Philips

To stand out at RSNA 2025, Philips partnered with agency Blondefish to create the "Horizon" theme, an immersive experience designed to unify a diverse suite of innovations into one visionary brand story. Moving beyond traditional presentations, this launch successfully cut through the noise of the exhibition floor, achieving a remarkable 425% over the target for engagement and interaction.

The Experience:
Technical Choreography: The show utilised 7 giant LED screens and 4 projected canvases featuring dynamic 3D animations to bring clinical processes to life.

Expert Engineering: To avoid standard curtain reveals, the team engineered custom fabric boxes that rose and collapsed in sync with digital content, mirroring a "sunrise on the horizon".

People at the heart: Two professional presenters delivered scripted performances flawlessly timed to mechanical movements and 3D visuals.

By blending live performance, mechanical engineering, and cutting-edge animation, the launch ensured that every product reveal was not just seen, but felt by a record breaking audience.

Stena Futura Ship Launch and Naming Ceremony, by plannd

Client: Stena Line

The Stena Futura naming ceremony marked the launch of a new vessel and a historic milestone for Stena Line and Northern Ireland, the first ship naming ceremony in NI in 21 years. We introduced the vessel with global impact, elevated the brand internationally, celebrated local culture, and created a memorable experience for the ship’s Godmother, stakeholders and media.

Hosted at Belfast Docks, a purpose-built 40m² luxury marquee transformed the industrial site into an elegant launch environment, maximising views of the ship and the ceremonial ribbon cutting and bottle smash, while providing bespoke staging, luxury dining and facilities. Actor James Nesbitt OBE hosted, balancing prestige with warmth, while local entertainment included performances by Ards CCÉ, soprano Margaret Keys, and a live drip-painting of the ship.

Sustainability, weather, timescale, and budget were expertly managed, ensuring a seamless, high-profile experience. The launch achieved international media coverage, strong social engagement, and lasting emotional impact. It demonstrated plannd’s ability to deliver complex, high-impact events beyond traditional product launches, setting a new benchmark for maritime ceremonies.

Robinhood To Catch a Token by Total Management Group

Client: Robinhood

Total Management Group delivered Robinhood’s inaugural European crypto launch, setting a new benchmark for Web3 product launches. The event reached more than 21 million livestream viewers in its first week and secured global media coverage across CNBC, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Fortune, and MarketWatch.

The objective was to announce new crypto products, strengthen Robinhood’s European presence, and highlight the strategic importance of its Bitstamp acquisition, while cutting through a crowded conference environment. TM G was appointed to create a launch moment that felt distinctly Robinhood and positioned the brand as a credible global leader.

The result was To Catch a Token, a Cannes based experience conceived and delivered end to end by TM G. The agency led strategy, creative development, production, and execution, uniting a private chateau keynote, cinematic broadcast opening, and Diamond sponsorship presence at EthCC.

A cinematic keynote trailer premiered live as the CEO took the stage, driving millions of views and live comments within seventy two hours. The launch concluded with a 500 drone show synchronised to a live performance by DJ Sigala, delivering exceptional reach, engagement, and commercial impact.

House of Nothing by We Are Family London

Client: Nothing (Nothing Technology Ltd)

Nothing didn’t want just another launch. They wanted a glitch in the system. A brand moment proving tech can be pared back, yet playful. Futurist feel, analog soul. The brief: drop Elekid Phone (3) and Arbok Headphones (1) as culture, not commerce. Something London, something global, something people would share. We called it House of Nothing. Set against Magazine London’s industrial lines and skyline views, the space became a stage for Nothing’s minimalist aesthetic, with one simple ask: ‘make tech fun again’. Guests entered an immersive glyph tunnel of pixelated figures and sonic distortions. Inside, a keynote built to a silent, hands-on reveal as phones and headphones descended from above, becoming instant icons under the lights. Then the party, an open invite, ‘Come to Play’. Culturally wired activations encouraged guests to connect with the products and each other. Raw, but elevated. Minimal, but alive with play. Pure Nothing. At its heart, a bespoke petanque court where people connected through play. As the music rose, the launch spilled onto feeds everywhere, amplifying a brand that refuses to look or sound like anyone else. The result: a launch that felt and looked different, set a new tone, went viral, and showed what tech can be when you stop taking it so seriously.

Deloitte Shared Services Conference 2025 by Audience

Client: Deloitte

Deloitte Shared Services Conference 2025 brought a large professional community together in Dublin, with Audience as Deloitte’s event partner for the seventh consecutive year, delivering from concept to completion.

The goal was simple: enable knowledge sharing, support networking, and help sponsors spend meaningful time with the right audiences. With sustainability and cost efficiency in mind, we delivered a standout event without compromising the delegate experience.

Design began with the audience and how they move through space. The main stage was set in the round to keep speakers close and encourage participation. The exhibition hall used wide walkways and clear sightlines, with a centrally placed sponsored coffee bar as a social hub and brand touchpoint. Sponsor booths used Audience’s modular system, reused across years to cut waste and cost.

Deloitte information hubs supported 1:1 conversations. The Innovation Hub used bold colour, tiered seating, and a large screen for energetic talks, while the Studio enabled deeper dives. Digital signage reduced printing and allowed real-time updates.

With nearly 900 attendees over three days and 23 sponsors, SSC 2025 delivered flexible learning formats, easy connections, and practical takeaways on a leaner budget.

Client 2025 UK Partner Meeting, by Brands at Work

The public summary for this submission is confidential.

BearingPoint, Be.School by Eventify

Client: BearingPoint

200 delegates, 7 nights, a main plenary auditorium, 16 breakout rooms, a 200 piece self made orchestra and a 2am party! A week to be remembered, allowing delegates to connect with new colleagues and understand their company brand and values. Our full event management service allowed the client to focus on internal registration and content as all planning, logistics, operation and delivery were taken care of by Eventify.

A variety of food offerings throughout including buffets, food shows and relaxed pizza night ensured guests were satiated whilst injections of fun with Boomwhackers and a lively party ensured everyone enjoyed a hard working week.

A last minute global virtual session kept the Eventify team on their toes but was delivered with success across multiple time zones.

All captured by an ever present videographer who with some overnight editing produced an inspiring and celebratory video from the week!

Insurance Development Forum Summit 2025 by NR Events

The Insurance Development Forum (IDF) Summit 2025 in Venice was a landmark 10th-anniversary event for the climate and disaster risk finance community. NR Events acted as a strategic lead and vital link between the client, host, and local partners to navigate the immense challenges of a floating city. The summit facilitated high-level diplomatic dialogue for VVIPs, including World Bank representatives and government ministers.

The agency managed complex logistics, including:

• Venetian Logistics: Coordinating water taxis and securing emergency accommodation for international delegations within hours.
• Precision Branding: Executing a complete rebrand reveal across all physical assets and the live event app within just 30 minutes.
• Historic Preservation: Delivering modern AV and high-spec branding while adhering to strict preservation restrictions at historic venues.

The event successfully hosted 200+ delegates without a single logistical failure, providing the IDF with a high-prestige platform to support their membership drive and global influence.

CrowdStrike Fal.Con Europe 2025 by Principal. Global Events

Client: CrowdStrike

Fal.Con Europe 2025 set the stage for where cybersecurity is heading; bringing leaders, partners and customers together for three days of shared insight.

The event took place at Fira Barcelona and welcomed over 2,000 delegates from 63 countries, representing more than 900 organisations and supported by 40+ partners.

As the event delivery partner, we were responsible for the end-to-end experience across the conference and exhibition programme. Our team managed core operational elements including full-service production, F&B, breakout sessions, furniture, offsite dinners, hotel accommodation and transport. Strong brand delivery ran throughout the venue, creating a unified experience from arrival to close.

At the heart of the experience was a central Hub exhibition, creating space for their main booth and 40+ of their sponsors. The programme also featured a show-stopping keynote, various breakout sessions, interactive formats and dedicated spaces for wellbeing. The event closed with a destination-led customer appreciation reception that brought delegates together in a relaxed, social setting.

Fal.Con Europe 2025 reflected CrowdStrike’s position at the forefront of cybersecurity, delivering an experience that felt purposeful and aligned with where the industry is heading next.

Sibos 2025, by Rapiergroup

Client: Swift

Sibos 2025, delivered by Rapiergroup in partnership with and on behalf of Swift, set a new benchmark for global financial services events. Our objective was to create an immersive, seamless delegate experience for over 12,000 visitors from 168 countries, blending human-first design with cutting-edge innovation. The event featured intuitive wayfinding, vibrant networking spaces, and the show-stopping Swift stand—an environment that embodied the synergy between technology and humanity. The Discover area showcased future-focused ideas, while the food hall brought the outdoors inside, offering relaxation and surprise. Sibos 2025 broke records for attendance and engagement, with 700+ speakers, 290+ exhibitors, and strong digital participation. We delivered measurable impact across reach, insight, and sustainability, achieving just 7% food waste and prioritising low-impact materials. Our collaborative approach, creative excellence, and commitment to continuous improvement made Sibos 2025 a truly standout global event.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission / Forever More Tour by CWGC and 2Heads

Client: Commonwealth War Graves Commission

To mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) partnered with 2Heads to deliver its first-ever national public tour: 'For Evermore.' This ambitious experiential campaign set out not only to commemorate the past, but to redefine remembrance for future generations.

At the heart of the campaign was a mobile roadshow exhibition, travelling to 16 iconic UK locations including the RAF Museum, Bletchley Park, and Wembley Stadium. The experience combined storytelling, interactivity, and symbolism: archival artefacts sat alongside AR-powered cemetery tours, touchscreen storytelling apps, and opportunities for visitors to contribute their own family histories. The Torch of Peace, reimagined within a striking Peace Arch installation, became a visual anchor for reflection, media coverage, and a symbolic journey that culminated on the beaches of Normandy.

A tiered engagement model extended the campaign’s reach into schools, universities, and community spaces, supported by educational packs and storytelling kits. Digital amplification; including veteran films, live social activations, and celebrity involvement from Paul Hollywood, Joanna Scanlan, and Sir Michael Palin, ensured relevance and scale.

Google.org Impact Summit: EMEA 2025 by Audience

Client: Google.org

Audience delivered the Google.org Impact Summit: EMEA 2025 in London as a retreat style gathering for over 200 senior leaders from the social impact ecosystem, including nonprofits, funders and partners. The objective was to create the conditions for meaningful collaboration, with a programme that treated innovation as a tool for progress rather than a talking point, supporting Google.org's mission to address major global challenges and help non-profits accelerate their missions.

The Summit was built around curated networking, workshops and speaker sessions, alongside interactive nonprofit showcases so attendees could explore real world applications in areas including health, education, community resilience and public services. A bespoke event app supported personalised agendas and meeting requests, helping the right conversations happen in the room and continue afterwards.

The Summit was successful in creating new connections between nonprofits and funders, generating concrete follow-up conversations, and supporting organisations to progress potential collaborations and funding opportunities beyond the live event. What made it stand out was its intimacy, its practicality and its ability to turn senior attention into genuine momentum beyond the live programme.

Expo 2025 Osaka, by Bray Leino Events

Client: Department for Business and Trade

Delivering the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka placed our team in one of the most demanding live environments in the world and we thrived. Working with the Department for Business and Trade, we brought the UK’s trade, culture and global ambition to life across 6 months of continuous operation. From day one, we delivered a highly complex, interlocking programme spanning live events, retail, hospitality, cultural programming, staffing, logistics and round-the-clock operations, executed seamlessly on a global stage. The Pavilion became a constantly evolving platform for storytelling, diplomacy and connection. We delivered 60 + world-class events blending culture and commerce, from Birmingham Royal Ballet and Shaun the Sheep to sponsor showcases for Aston Martin, AstraZeneca and Diageo. Visitors encountered iconic British brands, food and drink, and moments of authentic cultural exchange, culminating in an ambitious UK National Day featuring VVIP receptions, live music and a spectacular Planet Earth III concert with the Japan Symphony Orchestra. Our teams operated across 8 time zones, using live AI translation and a rolling 24-hour delivery model to keep the Pavilion agile, connected and visitor-focused. By Expo’s close, we welcomed 1.2 million visitors across 90 live days.

National Black Police Association Conference 2025 by NR Events

Client: National Black Police Association and City of London Police

The NBPA Conference 2025, delivered by NR Events at the London Guildhall, addressed a critical period in UK policing marked by national riots and misconduct investigations. The three-day high-stakes event, focused on the theme "Police accountability, building trust, and ensuring fairness and justice for all". Adding to the mix, mid conference we also found out the panorama investigation into police misconduct would be aired during the event dates and the Manchester synagogue terrorist attack occurred.

NR Events managed the end-to-end planning for delegates from all 43 police forces in the UK, ensuring cultural authenticity and a secure environment for sensitive discussions on race and justice.
Beyond operational complexity, the agency achieved financial stability for the charity. Despite the pressure, the event was delivered as cost-neutral, with prudent budget management allowing the host force to donate £10,000 back to the NBPA to fund its fight for equality. The conference featured 20+ speakers, black history walking tours, and a record-breaking retention of delegates. By providing operational stability during a turbulent time, NR Events turned this conference into a movement with a lasting legacy impact on the policing community.

Motability Operations / Motability Scheme Live, by Rapiergroup

Client: Motability Operations

Motability Scheme Live 2025 was a landmark event series delivered by Rapiergroup for Motability Operations, reimagining their flagship programme to champion accessibility, sustainability, and innovation. Hosted across three major UK venues, the events provided a welcoming, pressure-free environment for customers to explore mobility solutions, including electric vehicles and adaptations, all under one roof.

Rapiergroup’s approach combined strategic planning with cutting-edge technology: a dynamic microsite, visitor app with interactive maps, and streamlined test drive systems enhanced the experience while reducing environmental impact. Accessibility was prioritised through inclusive layouts, BSL interpreters, quiet rooms, and high-dependency facilities, while sustainability initiatives included recycled materials and reduced print collateral.

The results speak volumes: 13,169 visitors, 1,167 test drives, and strong digital engagement. Feedback praised the clarity, professionalism, and confidence the event delivered. By blending physical and digital touchpoints, achieving client KPIs, and setting new standards for inclusivity, Motability Scheme Live 2025 stands out as a transformative event that empowered independence and delivered measurable impact.

A Night of Icons, by Sledge & WAFF

Client: We Are Family Foundation

Non-profit, We Are Family Foundation (WAFF) sought to bring its fundraising gala to the UK for the first time, and in turn, raise awareness, expand its network, and gain further donor support.

Given Sledge’s knowledge of the local market and our client, who we’ve worked with for over a decade, Sledge stepped in to help manage the A Night of Icons event.

Held at Abbey Road Studios, the fundraiser highlighted how music can be used as a force for good, by creatively weaving storytelling and music throughout.

From interview-style segments with Nile and Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music, The Smiths’ Johnny Marr and Duran Duran’s Roger and John Taylor, to live performances and an auction featuring sought after music-led experiences and signed instruments, the night inspired and engaged audience members, as they were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the industry through the eyes of some of its biggest icons.

A seamless experience in pursuit of a brilliant cause, one that, in the words of WAFF Co-Founders Nile Rodgers and Nancy Hunt highlighted to guests just how “music has the power to move humanity,” the event effectively helped WAFF raise awareness and support for its compelling cause.

Arm 2025 Global Engineering Conference, by Brands at Work

Client: Arm

Arm’s Global Engineering Conference (GEC) brings 1,200 engineers from 15 countries to Birmingham for four days of peer-led technical exchange. In our fourth year supporting GEC, we set out to amplify connection and collaboration alongside a packed programme of 70 curated technical presentations, 16 plenaries, 55 poster exhibitions and 20 discovery stations.

We introduced ARMAGEDDON – an immersive, gamified world threaded through the ICC. Between sessions, engineers could self-roam six biomes, solve puzzles and physical trials, swap clues and form teams, turning between-session time into peer-to-peer collaboration and connection.

Built for inclusion, the experience offered multiple ways to engage: hearing loops and live sign language in plenaries, quiet reset spaces inside the story world, plus wellness and social play: from yoga and meditation to arcade, board game and virtual gaming zones.

Against the objectives set – uniting the community, keeping peer-led excellence at the core, enabling meaningful connection and delivering inclusively at scale – GEC helped shift behaviour from passive, siloed networking to peer-to-peer, cross-discipline collaboration, making internal communications something engineers did with each other, not something delivered to them.

Nationwide Retail Leader Conference by DRPG

Client: Nationwide

Nationwide Retail Leaders 2025 united a national retail network at a pivotal moment of cultural and operational change. Partnering with DRPG, Nationwide created a one-day internal communications event that moved beyond a traditional conference, putting people, participation and recognition at its heart.

The objective was to reconnect colleagues after an intense year of transformation, deepen understanding of strategic priorities, and ensure every colleague felt seen, valued and involved. DRPG delivered a modern, human-centred experience built around an in-the-round plenary, interactive digital tools and a festival-style Marketplace. Live polling, Q&A and sentiment checks turned the audience into active contributors, while leaders used real-time insight to connect strategy to customer and colleague reality.

Immersive Challenge Cubes translated complex topics into hands-on learning, while emotional storytelling (including a powerful opening film and a keynote on resilience) created genuine connection.

The result was record engagement, a measurable uplift in pride and connection, and an event that strengthened culture while energising performance across Nationwide’s retail network.

Building the Home of Homes by MCI UK

Client: Dunelm

Building the Home of Homes 2025 was Dunelm’s annual internal leadership conference, designed to energise 450 leaders and store coaches ahead of the peak trading period. The aim was to rethink how brand strategy and customer priorities were communicated, moving away from traditional, top down plenaries to create a more engaging and memorable experience.

At the heart of the event was a 3,000sqm immersive expo, transformed into a delegate led playground of ideas. Attendees curated their own journey through customer focused zones, hands on learning and live product experiences, allowing key messages to land in a more personal and relevant way. Short, sharp main stage moments were balanced with interactive breakouts, supporting different learning styles and maintaining energy throughout the day.

Despite a four week production timeline and the creation of 65 bespoke assets, the event exceeded expectations. An informal evening celebration reinforced connection and shared achievement, while sustainability was embedded through digital tools and circular material sourcing.

The event achieved a 91% highly satisfied delegate rating, a 70% increase in feedback participation, and helped embed a stronger customer centric mindset across the business.

Thrive'25 Summit, by Outsourced Events

Client: Ocean Infinity

Outsourced Events delivered Ocean Infinity's first company-wide leadership summit, uniting 500+ employees across maritime, technology and business functions under the theme "Thrive25", underpinned by the narrative "We Are One Company".

Breaking down silos between diverse teams across global locations, we developed a distinctive event identity centred on "Micro-Worlds"—a visual concept symbolising unique yet interconnected business areas blending maritime and technology aesthetics with sustainability themes.

Our innovative approach included a branded marketplace where each stall represented different business areas with cohesive visual identity. Gamified elements—bingo cards and trail maps—guided delegates, sparking conversations and fostering cross-functional collaboration.

Managing complex staggered attendance of 200+ delegates daily across two days, we coordinated attendees from 15 countries across AMER, EMEA and APAC. Interactive workshops, internal speakers, and follow-up sessions for 28 senior leaders maintained momentum. The summit achieved overwhelmingly positive feedback, with attendees feeling inspired, connected, and motivated—demonstrating internal communications' power to transform organisational culture post-acquisition.

Telefónica Tech Kick Off Conference, by SEVEN

Client: Telefónica Tech

SEVEN partnered with Telefónica Tech to deliver its 2025 Kick Off Conference as a strategic internal communications moment, uniting employees around a shared identity, culture and future direction after a three-year business transformation.

Delivered as a hybrid event, the conference brought together 500 employees in London, with satellite events in Glasgow (150) and Belfast (120), alongside an online audience. This inclusive format ensured consistent leadership messaging across the business while supporting ESG commitments and achieving the highest attendance in the event’s history.

Evolving the narrative to “Stronger Together”, SEVEN embedded strategic messaging throughout the employee journey, supported by innovative production and carefully curated content. The event exceeded engagement objectives, achieving an overall satisfaction score of 8.22/10, improving strategic understanding and increasing inclusivity scores. Widely praised internally as the best Kick Off to date, the conference demonstrated the power of live experiences as an effective internal communications tool.

Audley Travel, by TFI Lodestar

Client: Audley Travel

How do you ensure all 1000 employees attend (and love) a virtual company meeting, when the impression is that such meetings are a bit…dull? That’s the challenge we embraced when Audley Travel invited us to create their first fully virtual annual company meeting.

The solution? Create an interactive magazine show-style format – something fresh, intimate and engaging – something live, zippy, vibey and exciting – channelling the spirit of The One Show and Eurovision!

We built a broadcast studio at company HQ, recruited a small, specially invited studio audience (for the vibes), and put together a magazine show format with presentations, panel discussions, a ‘fireside chat’, video segments, Q&A sessions, randomised audience spot prizes, and a formal awards ceremony – all going out live to watch parties at offices in London, Boston, and wherever employees around the world were based at that moment.

It needed to feel personal. It had to go off with a bang. That was Audley’s brief to us, and that’s what we delivered. With an aggregate feedback score of 18.5 / 20, a 98% engagement rate, and some amazing feedback: “awesome”, “a great concept, brilliantly executed”, “innovative and inventive”, “very polished”, and “can't wait for the next one!” – delegates told us that we’d scored a hit!

Brands at Work

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Bray Leino Events

Bray Leino Events has moved sustainability from intention to infrastructure. With a clear roadmap to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net zero and zero waste by 2050, the team has rebuilt how it designs, delivers and manages suppliers.

A dedicated sustainability manager and robust tracking tools have turned impact data into practical, client-ready recommendations, while specialist partners help repurpose materials and strengthen delivery. Now, with the nuts and bolts in place, the team is focussing the conversation on sector mindset. Agencies can get more radical, says sustainability lead Cressida Slater, by taking responsibility, driving standards, and making sustainable choices default – not because clients ask for them, but because it’s our job to help them tell better stories.

Emota

At the world’s largest oncology congress, AstraZeneca set a new standard for responsible exhibition practice. Guided by Emota’s Enviroplan approach, sustainability was embedded at the heart of every decision. Rather than incremental improvements, the experience reimagined how exhibitions can be designed for long-term impact. ASCO marked the launch of a modular, reusable toolkit engineered for durability and reuse across hundreds of global congresses over three years.

Innovative materials replaced traditional high-carbon, single-use builds, while simplified production methods reduced material volume, waste, and logistics impact. Digital-first, personalised, content journeys eliminated printed collateral, reducing waste. Crucially, this sustainability-led approach enhanced creativity rather than limiting it, enabling an immersive environment that supported 360° storytelling and engagement with science.

A dedicated sustainability zone made this approach visible, inviting delegates to explore how the booth was designed and built, and creating learning and legacy.

The impact was significant. 18,000+ delegates engaged (over 40% of ASCO attendees) demonstrating that industry-leading sustainability, creativity, and scale can be delivered responsibly without compromising performance.

Evolve Events

Evolve Events set out to change how the events industry thinks about travel by starting with a simple truth: for many events, travel accounts for most emissions (78%). Rather than treating this as unavoidable, the team chose to redesign the journey itself.

Beginning in 2023, Evolve committed to travelling to major European industry events by train instead of flying, promoting sustainable travel through content created. What started as a practical experiment quickly became a catalyst for wider change. Shared rail journeys turned travel time into event time, creating space for connection, conversation and content that reached far beyond the train carriage.

This approach culminated in Go Sustainable, the first fully flight-free international MICE study trip, where UK event professionals travelled from London to Switzerland entirely by rail. The programme delivered significant carbon reductions alongside a clear shift in attitudes, with participants leaving confident to apply what they had experienced in their own work.

Since then, Evolve's rail-led model has been adopted across conferences, study trips and destination programmes in the UK and Europe. By making sustainable travel desirable and workable, Evolve Events has helped move the industry from intention to action.

Goose Live Events

At Goose, we believe unforgettable experiences shouldn’t come at the planet’s expense. Sustainability isn’t an add on for us - it guides our decisions, processes, and long term ambitions. In 2025, we made major strides that set stronger standards for responsible practice across the events industry.

A key milestone was publishing our first Sustainability Report, offering transparent insight into our progress, commitments, and net zero roadmap. It reflects both ambition and accountability, showing a structured, measurable approach to climate responsibility.
We also secured approval of our greenhouse gas reduction targets from SBTi Services, confirming that our climate strategy aligns with global best practice and contributes meaningfully to limiting global warming.

To broaden our benchmarking, we applied for EcoVadis certification, with results due in February. This globally recognised assessment will highlight strengths and opportunities across environmental, social, and ethical performance.

We are also now measuring the carbon footprint of every event. By consistently capturing emissions data, we help clients make more informed choices and ensure sustainability is embedded in every project, strengthening our shared responsibility for a positive future.

Sledge

As a proudly employee owned and purpose-led agency, sustainability is woven throughout our business model, and we doubled down on our impact model in 2025 with the launch of a new value proposition – Experiences that Impact People. Not the Planet – refreshed mission, brand design, and Employee Value Proposition (EVP).

Today our USP lies in placing purpose alongside profits and helping brands become a powerful force for good, so that their projects are not only memorable and remarkable, but sustainable.

We achieve this in a number of ways, including via our Sustainability Management System (SMS), which guides Sledge’s day-to-day operations, IMPACT Tool, a measurement tool that is applied to every project, and charity framework, which is centered around using our expertise to add the most value.

For us, sustainability is about all three ESGs, and we address them in their entirety across projects, pro bono work, and agency operations.

We’re of the view that small changes can equate to big impact, and our goal is to guide both green and non-green clients to take incremental steps over time, so they can reduce their impact and give back not in isolation, but on an ongoing basis.

Busy Bees Talent Exchange Programme by Clearwater Events

Clearwater Events delivered end-to-end event management for a complex, multi-day employee programme, translating strategic objectives into a seamless, inclusive, and sustainable experience. From initial planning through on-site delivery, our team managed logistics, supplier coordination, delegate communications, and live operations with precision and care.

Accessibility and inclusion were embedded from the outset, ensuring venues, transport, and programming supported all participants without compromise. Sustainability was approached thoughtfully, with responsible supplier choices and reduced environmental impact integrated naturally into delivery rather than treated as an add-on.

On site, Clearwater Events provided a calm, highly visible operational presence, anticipating challenges and resolving them discreetly to maintain a smooth delegate experience. Feedback consistently reflected the clarity, organisation, and professionalism of delivery, with attendees able to focus fully on the purpose of the programme.

This project reflects Clearwater Events’ commitment to white-glove service, attention to detail, and human-centred event design — delivering complex programmes that feel effortless, inclusive, and genuinely considered.

OutSystemsOne, by emc3

OutSystems ONE was created to meet a defining moment for enterprise technology - where organisations must modernise faster, adopt AI responsibly and deliver at scale with confidence.

The event goes beyond the traditional formats to create a shared space for customers, partners, developers and prospects to learn, connect and move forward together. In 2025, the programme expanded across a flagship global event in Lisbon and a World Tour stop in Miami, reinforcing ONE as both a destination and a growing ecosystem.

Lisbon became OutSystems’ largest global gathering to date, bringing the community together for deep technical learning, real-world use cases and hands-on application. The agenda prioritised usefulness over spectacle, with practitioner-led sessions designed to leave attendees with practical knowledge and clear next steps.

Momentum from Lisbon directly shaped the evolution of Miami, which was significantly upscaled ahead of delivery and successfully adapted to last-minute disruption without compromising experience quality.
Designed with accessibility, wellbeing and sustainability embedded throughout, OutSystems ONE demonstrates how events can create lasting value - building communities, embedding learning and creating momentum long after the doors close.

Aldgate in Winter Festival, by The Intrepid Collective

The Intrepid Collective supported their client Aldgate Connect BID to evolve Aldgate in Winter Festival into a multi-week community festival designed to create lasting social, cultural and placemaking impact across the neighbourhood. The programme brought together residents, schools, artists, businesses and visitors to celebrate Aldgate through creativity, participation and shared experiences.

At the heart of the Festival was a commitment to inclusion and co-creation. Local primary schools took part in artist-led lantern workshops, giving young people the opportunity to shape the public realm and see their artwork displayed across the area. Thousands of people engaged with free activities, performances and installations, widening access to culture and encouraging exploration of Aldgate’s streets and spaces.

The Festival strengthened local connections. Volunteers and community performers played a central role in delivery, building pride and collaboration between organisations and individuals. A multi-week Lantern Trail and live events activated routes and public spaces, inviting people to walk, linger and discover the area in new ways.

More than a winter event, Aldgate in Winter Festival helped reinforce Aldgate’s identity as a welcoming, creative and connected destination.

Netflix's Funhouse @ Anime 2025 by 2Heads

At Anime Expo 2025, Netflix transformed its presence from a booth into the Netflix Funhouse, a fully immersive, multisensory experience that invited fans to step inside their favourite anime worlds.

Across four days, 4,437 fans journeyed through themed zones including the adrenaline-pumping Devil May Cry tunnel, the kinetic Sakamoto Days mirror maze, and the playful Squid Game foam pit. Interactive spaces, meet & greets with creators, and exclusive merchandise encouraged extended engagement, repeat visits, and deep emotional connection.

The Funhouse was designed for both spectacle and shareability. Fans captured over 1,200 foam pit photos, while thousands more images and videos from across the activation circulated on social media. Over 5,000 exclusive giveaways extended Netflix’s presence beyond the show floor. Creator appearances including Lilypichu, Khleo Thomas, and a surprise visit from Rico Nasty sparked real-time social chatter, while KTLA live coverage and influencer content amplified reach further.

By blending narrative, interactivity, and social-forward design, the Netflix Anime Funhouse didn’t just engage attendees it immersed them, empowered them to share, and turned fans into advocates, reinforcing Netflix as a genuine and exciting home for anime.

The Lost Dimensions, by Bearded Kitten

The Lost Dimensions was Beavertown’s 2025 Halloween pop-up experience, designed to place the brand at the centre of Halloween culture through immersive storytelling and live performance.

Running from 28 October to 2 November at Kachette in Shoreditch, the experience transformed the venue into a fully built, six-room journey. Each space featured its own theme, performers, lighting and soundscape, guiding guests through a connected narrative that encouraged participation and self-expression.

Guests moved through worlds ranging from a cemetery crypt and goth rave to a dystopian kebab shack and game show finale, with food, drink and interaction embedded into the experience itself.

Alongside the ticketed journey, a publicly accessible branded bar operated across the full event period, featuring DJ programming, extended opening hours and branded retail, broadening reach beyond ticketholders.

The experience sold out, welcoming 716 ticketed guests and a further 682 bar visitors. Social content generated more than 1.4 million views, supported by out-of-home media and national editorial coverage.

Ranked #4 in Campaign’s Top Ten Live Experiences of 2025, The Lost Dimensions demonstrated how ambitious creative direction and live experience drives cultural relevance and audience demand.

Philips at HIMSS 2025, by Blondefish

Philips wanted to make complex, invisible healthcare data challenges feel instantly human and impossible to ignore on a busy trade show floor. For HIMSS 2025 in Las Vegas, Blondefish created an immersive live theatre experience that transformed the Philips stand into a storytelling space, bringing connected care to life rather than explaining it.

In a fast-paced 10-minute show, live actors and onscreen characters came together to tell the story of Scott, a cardiac arrest patient whose world shifts in seconds from everyday life to an emergency requiring urgent clinical decisions. The audience followed his journey from hospital to home, experiencing the pressure clinicians face and seeing how integrated data and connected workflows can support faster, more informed care at critical moments.

With a show-stopping LED backdrop, clever perspective, rapid costume changes and moments of humour, the performance delivered theatre-quality production rarely seen at healthcare events. The result was an engaging, memorable experience that stopped visitors in their tracks, drew crowds onto the stand, and sparked deeper conversations about Philips’ healthcare technologies.

VMO2, by build the bandwagon

We challenge assumptions, dig deep and design experiences that invite audiences to step inside a story - emotionally, physically and intellectually - and come out changed. This mindset came to life when partnering with Virgin Media O2 (VMO2).

VMO2 didn't need just another comms campaign- the complex challenge required honesty, understanding, clarity and trust. We saw the opportunity in utilising an unused trailer to produce a sustainable, exciting and effective experience built around a simple but powerful narrative arc: Listen. Educate. Excite.

Every interaction was intentional, designed to maintain attention, spark curiosity and drive understanding - all within a carefully timed experience to maximise participation/message retention.

The experience reached thousands of employees on tour. The impact was immediate and measurable. Qualitative feedback consistently referenced feeling “heard”, “clear” and “reconnected”.

“The impact has been unbelievable. In 25 plus years of doing this stuff, I’ve never seen anything in the experiential space that has made such a measurable difference” VMO2

We didn’t just project a message. Combining storytelling, design innovation, interactivity and technology within a mobile, sustainable format created an immersive, human and impactful experience.

Instacart 'Party like it's 1999', by Cheerful Twentyfirst

For Instacart’s summer campaign finale, we produced a live concert with Third Eye Blind that immersed people into ‘99 nostalgia. By focusing on era-authentic production and credible fan engagement, we turned a promotional campaign into a cultural event.

Uber Eats Trick or Treat, by Realise

Uber Eats’ “Trick or Treats” Halloween activation delivered a bold, immersive brand moment outside King’s Cross Station in October 2025. Designed and executed by Realise, the experience brought Uber Eats’ wider “When You’ve Done Enough” campaign to life, celebrating the idea that in a world constantly telling people to do more, everyone deserves permission to pause and do nothing, with Uber Eats making that moment effortless.

The activation subverted traditional Halloween tropes by challenging passersby to confront fear through stillness. Participants entered a giant illuminated Uber Eats delivery bag and attempted to stand completely motionless for 60 seconds in total darkness, as atmospheric sound, theatrical lighting and sensory effects unfolded around them. In line with the campaign message, restraint became the reward.

Successful participants unlocked Uber Eats vouchers and the chance to win a year of free groceries, while those who lost their nerve received playful trick-themed giveaways. A night-vision fright cam captured authentic reactions, generating highly shareable social content.

Positioned in a high-footfall commuter location, the activation delivered strong queues, high-dwell time and visibility, reinforcing Uber Eats’ playful brand personality.

This award is proudly sponsored by Silent Conference & Silent Disco King

Chameleon Live

We believe technical production is defined by precision, resilience and performance under pressure. In 2025, we delivered a 50% increase in live events with the same workforce, while achieving our strongest client outcomes, safety performance and delivery quality to date. Teams managed simultaneous events, challenging logistics and compressed build schedules. Our standards were recognised through gold-level SafeContractor accreditation and exceptional client feedback.

A defining moment involved delivering multiple complex projects over 2–5 July, including two London Pride parade floats alongside a major brand activation at the British GP. Each required bespoke scenic, lighting, audio and power solutions, delivered in parallel with overlapping build and delivery windows. Success relied on meticulous planning, disciplined systems and deep trust across crews.

In May we also rose to the creative and technical challenge for a fashion brand to transform a third return to the same venue into an entirely new brand experience, working within constraint to deliver entirely original content, audio, lighting, video and scenic elements.

Across the year, 100% of surveyed clients confirmed objectives were met or exceeded, contributing to a world-class NPS of 89.

Clownfish Events

In 2025, Clownfish Events showed that technical excellence doesn’t come from heroics. It comes from people, systems, and trust. The tech team delivered flawless production across 100+ events at some of London’s most demanding venues, without a single critical failure.

That consistency isn’t luck. Clownfish hasn’t lost a single technician to another AV company in 16 years, protecting institutional knowledge that most of the industry struggles to retain. While many production companies rely heavily on freelancers, 80% of Clownfish’s tech team is full-time, supported by two warehouses full of premium equipment that’s owned, maintained, and tested internally. Across conferences, festivals, multi-day cultural programmes, and immersive brand environments, the team delivered ambitious projects without compromising reliability.

Investment in people underpins everything. All technicians receive monthly performance coaching, rehearse fault scenarios, and train in calm decision-making under pressure. That’s why Clownfish confidently offers the UK’s first money-back guarantee on AV production.

With 63% of AV revenue from repeat clients, Clownfish sets a benchmark for sustainable technical excellence in live events.

Goho

In 2025, Goho’s technical production team delivered technically complex events with exceptional precision, creativity, and confidence, consistently exceeding client expectations. Operating as a small, agile agency, the team proved that technical excellence is driven by expertise, planning, and calm execution under pressure.

A standout project was I AM PHENOM Munich, Phenom’s flagship European conference, delivered for 360 attendees at Infinity Munich. Goho managed the full technical build, including stage design, lighting, sound, screens, and live show calling, creating a seamless experience across keynotes, breakout sessions, and evening entertainment.

Goho also executed a technically demanding Private Party at Sugar Studios for 260 guests, combining a moving Thames boat reception with a high-production studio takeover. The team managed complex lighting, audio, staging, and custom installations, ensuring smooth transitions from dinner to late-night entertainment.

Across 56 events in 2025, Goho’s technical production team demonstrated precision, adaptability, and creative problem-solving, delivering production standards typically expected of much larger agencies and cementing their place as a leading Technical Production Team of the Year.

Live Group

A city becomes the stage.

For AVEVA IGNITE 2025, Live Group’s technical production team transformed The Hague into a fully immersive, live-show environment, delivering a city-wide experience for more than 1,700 employees and partners across a series of unique and unconventional spaces.

IGNITE unfolded across historic buildings, public locations and evening venues, each demanding bespoke technical solutions. Live Group delivered flawless AV across plenary sessions, breakouts, awards and nightlife events, maintaining absolute reliability despite late content changes and compressed rehearsal schedules.

At the heart of the event was a striking plenary stage design featuring large-scale projection mapping, cascading screens and a custom-built raising hood that dramatically revealed speakers and performers, synchronised with lighting, visuals and original live music. Beyond the main venue, integrated lighting, projection and digital content extended AVEVA’s presence across the city, creating one cohesive branded environment from arrival to departure.

IGNITE 2025 was delivered by a small, highly skilled team of technicians and creatives whose calm expertise, attention to detail and shared commitment turned a complex, multi-venue brief into one seamless, unforgettable experience.

Stagestruck

For more than four decades, Stagestruck has been the driving force behind ambitious and technically demanding live experiences. What began as a specialist technical services company has grown into a fully integrated production agency powerhouse, trusted by global brands to deliver events where precision, creativity, and innovation must work in perfect harmony. Our longevity in the industry isn’t just a testament to experience it reflects our commitment to evolving at pace with technology, audience expectations, and the ever‑changing needs of our clients.

What truly defines Stagestruck is our mindset. We interrogate every brief, exploring every possible approach before making recommendations. Our focus is always on impact: how to land a message, elevate a story, and create an experience that resonates long after the event ends. We don’t adopt technology because it’s new or fashionable, we adopt it because it enhances engagement and emotional connection. Every innovation is evaluated through a single lens: does this help deliver the client’s message in the most powerful way?

We see ourselves not just as suppliers, but as strategic partners and technical mentors.