Behind the Scenes of a Week-Long Conference Packed with Experiences
When people think of conferences, they often picture long days of presentations and breakout sessions. But a truly successful conference is about so much more – it’s about creating an experience that delegates remember long after they’ve returned home. At In Any Event, we recently managed a week-long international conference in Bristol, and we’re still buzzing from everything we managed to pack in.
A Week of Precision Planning
Hosting over 600 delegates from over 20 countries, 25 sponsors, and a packed programme of sessions with over 200 speakers, this event was a huge undertaking that required nearly 3 years of preparation. From the venue search to set up at the Delta Marriott Bristol, to the exhibition stands, sponsor activations, delegate management, and a user friendly event app hosting all abstracts and digital posters, every detail was carefully thought through.
But it wasn’t just about what happened inside the conference rooms. We wanted delegates to experience the best of the West Country too – because great events are about connecting people not only with each other, but with their surroundings.
Tours Showcasing the Region
Over the course of the week, delegates were given the chance to explore:
- Bath: A walking tour of the beautiful Georgian city, a trip to the Roman Baths, and a luxurious afternoon tea at The Bird Bath Hotel. The mix of history, culture, and indulgence was a big hit.
- Cheddar: The dramatic gorge and caves offered a spectacular backdrop for the day, topped off with the chance to pick up authentic Somerset cheeses. A real taste of the region that we’re so proud of!
- Bristol: We took delegates on a street art and Banksy walking tour and another group taking in the city’s skyline from the water on a boat trip around the historic harbour. Delegates got to see Bristol from multiple perspectives.
These tours added depth to the conference, transforming it turning it into a cultural experience as well as a learning opportunity.
Evenings to Remember
Of course, no conference is complete without the social programme. Delegates enjoyed networking receptions, sponsor dinners, and most memorably, a Gala Dinner to close the week. With live music, glitter balls, and incredible food, it was the perfect way for everyone to relax and celebrate after a packed agenda.
What It Takes to Deliver these Events
Pulling off a week-long event like this takes more than just logistics. It’s about vision, creativity, and anticipating needs before they arise. From managing accommodation and delegate transport, to sourcing sustainable branded merchandise, designing awards, and making sure the menus were exciting and inclusive, no stone was left unturned.
The result was an international conference that ran seamlessly, showcased the best of the South West, and left every delegate with memories to take home.
And if you need a team to help you manage a corporate event – however large or small, you know where to find us. Call us on 01275 266000 or email us on events@inanyevent-uk.com.