We are the new era of live events

Results

In an extremely fast turnaround time of less than three months, delivered ahead of time and on budget, the Identity and Pure Imagination “one team” approach pulled all the stops out to create a first for Netflix in Europe. Viva Las Vengeance launched at Westfield Shepherds Bush in August 2021 to rave reviews, receiving over 20,000 guests through the tour’s initial 16-week duration.  

Every single element of the brief and its delivery has been designed to exacting standards, with client sign-off at the highest levels to ensure full alignment to the franchise’s intellectual property, which includes a significant merchandising operation. The exceptional quality and inventiveness of our approach to the look and feel has seen key elements of the Identity design exported back to the US West and East Coast tours, with the Identity-developed brand guidelines also shaping US delivery.

“I just wanted to say thank-you for all the hard work and dedication to getting this incredible experience not only open on-time, but even ahead of time! It was a herculean task and every person and company involved not only rose to the challenge but certainly exceeded my expectations.” – Joshua Wexler, Chief Executive of Fun, Pure Imagination Studios
 

“Everyone should be incredibly proud of what was accomplished in such a short amount of time. We are really pleased with how everything looks. What I’ve seen is nothing short of fantastic. Thanks to all who have made this possible.” – Carrie Wisely, Experiences Manager, Netflix

The experience of in-person attendees was given detailed consideration. With a very short window for the physical build, Identity worked proactively with the client and venue, and undertook the build overnight, to make sure the production overlay would be ready in time. Attendees enjoyed the opening ministerial keynote speech in the Illuminate Level 5 room, followed by breakouts in Wonderlab and Illuminate Level 4 – all installed and managed by Identity. We then turned the meeting rooms around overnight to a hollow square format with push to talk microphones to allow for the ministerial meetings on day two.

To ensure all aspects of the physical and virtual event would run smoothly, we provided an expert team ready to deal with all event and attendee needs as soon as they arose. In total, Identity provided full technical production across the event, including a hybrid solution, branding and wayfinding across the site, assisting with accreditation and badging, COVID management planning and people movement.

Budget was a crucial factor in this delivery. Identity worked very closely with the client team to ensure the event met the production requirements needed for a hybrid event whilst also creatively delivering a beautiful event in keeping with its setting in the new Science Museum meeting spaces. Identity also worked hard to retain the London skyline view for the attendees, ensuring a memorable experience for those taking part, and meeting a key client desire.

“The Future Tech Forum was a complex event in a complex venue, involving a mixture of in-person and virtual attendance from very high-profile delegates. Throughout the planning and delivery of the forum, Identity were collaborative, flexible to our needs and solution-focussed, and ultimately helped us to deliver a very successful event.” – DCMS Head of Delivery, Future Tech Forum

Deliverables

Identity was GREAT’s production partner for this significant and unique event, working closely with GREAT in their partnership with the British Fashion Council, to ensure all elements of delivery would underpin the event in its objectives to bring together an exclusive audience to showcase a sustainable fashion show during COP26 and spark conversations about climate; and the creation of an impressive in-person experience for the distinguished guests at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Identity provided technical production, graphics, design and build, logistics (transport, install, dismantle) and installation/technical staffing. As a production partner for the whole COP26 conference, Identity was able to ensure a seamless and holistic fit with the wider objectives and look and feel of COP26, and to ensure against any bottlenecks or supply chain restrictions. Identity also creatively utilised local supplier networks, helping to support the local economy and contribute to the ongoing development of the local supply chain.

Results

The event was very successful in showcasing the UK’s commitment to climate action through fashion innovation. It was recognised as a ‘huge opportunity’ among participants, with attendance from a wide range of major brands and key VIP speakers, and a video message from the UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, saying that it was “brilliant to see these British fashion brands innovating and leading the industry towards a greener future”. The event – and its key messages and photo images – was covered positively by a wide range of national, international and trade press.

“We are pleased to be able to showcase our work and methods as part of the COP26 conference. The fashion sector has a huge opportunity to be contributing to healthier less extractive systems.” – Phoebe English

“Burberry is thrilled to contribute to the GREAT showcase, which demonstrates how impactful collective action can be. It is essential for the fashion industry to use its influence by investing in more sustainable solutions and we sincerely hope that other businesses feel inspired to take action and make a positive change.” – Pam Batty, VP Corporate Responsibility, Burberry

Results

Identity’s delivery of COP26 was a showcase in best practice in sustainability with innovative event solutions to deliver a carbon-neutral conference, demonstrated under significant media scrutiny.

We considered sustainability comprehensively, managing all operations, including those of hundreds of contributors, to secure ISO 20121 sustainable event accreditation for COP26.

We built social value into sustainability considerations, incorporating the local supply chain into event solutions, for a lasting legacy of social and economic value for the region.

The successful delivery of this important event enhanced Glasgow’s reputation as a progressive, global city, inspiring attendees to tackle climate change and protect the planet for future generations, together galvanised and united in Glasgow, a major contender for the title of Europe’s greenest city.

“I would like to take this opportunity to profoundly thank you for your excellent cooperation and enormous support during the preparation and throughout the conference. This conference has been particularly challenging in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. We would like to extend to you our appreciation for the support of the Identity team and their extraordinary efficiency, flexibility and friendly manner.” – Laura López, Director Conference Affairs Services, UN

“The sheer scale and complexity of COP26 should not be underestimated – Identity took on this challenge with enthusiasm and commitment.

Demonstrating utmost professionalism; incredible patience and flexibility as the challenges of COVID evolved and engaging positively and constructively with a complex network of stakeholders, Identity played an invaluable role in the safe, sustainable and successful delivery of COP26 – the largest international summit the UK has ever hosted.

We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback about the quality of the production incl. the numerous temporary structures; the creative look and feel and the innovative development of the first COP digital platform enhancing participant experience and providing contingency.

The Identity team has set a high bar for future host countries.” – UK Government COP26 Event Team (United Nations Climate Change Conference)

Agile and cost-effective delivery
Demonstrating optimum value for money was critical. Identity consistently identified cost efficiencies and added value; transparent financial reporting allowed the FCDO to track project spend; in-depth management information supported high-level reporting and event planning.

Despite an extremely short timeline, Identity delivered beyond the original specifications with several additional pieces, including host broadcast and production at Newquay airport; production overlay of a back-up venue; an increase in virtual participation requirements; facilitating a visit from the Y7 post-event; and infrastructure for Test and Trace sites.
Our creative team’s innovative approach included designing a highly bespoke table for the leaders’ meeting table to superbly meet delegate needs and achieve optimum value for money. Identity’s recommendation to turn around rooms from conference to press briefing setup also reduced costs, by minimising the requirement for temporary structures. When the US delegation requested a press conference facility for the President of the United States with only four hours’ notice, Identity repurposed and deployed equipment and backdrops to facilitate this short-notice request cost-effectively. Identity’s flexible and agile approach also enabled a late-notice change in security arrangements, delivering a 15,000 sqm remote vehicle search facility, fully operational within a matter of days. A separate, dedicated event management team ensured all vehicles were searched and sealed in advance of arrival at each venue.

A sustainable summit
Our approach enabled cost-effective and sustainable solutions to ensure circular design and reduce wastage without compromising quality or design across all event environments, including Carbis Bay restaurant; the family photo on the beach; pre-summit meetings at Tregenna Castle Hotel; major press conferences positioned to capture the stunning view of St Ives Bay; a hybrid media centre in Falmouth; support at Cornwall Airport Newquay for incoming delegations and media; and infrastructure for the busy helicopter landing site at Tregenna Castle Hotel for leaders’ arrivals. Under the joint efforts of our client, delegates and Identity, we are proud that the G7 Leaders’ Summit achieved ISO 20121 accreditation.

A global event with local impact
The G7 Leaders’ Summit was already a positive boost to the local economy, one which Identity sought to support and build on. We collaborated with the small business sector to utilise the local supply chain wherever possible, with local suppliers and event staff, which in turn drove cost savings and reduced the environmental impact of the summit. We sought to create skill and aspiration growth in the local area and employed Falmouth University students to work onsite; partnered with iSight to support local people with sight loss; collaborated with Speakers for Schools and Cornwall Careers Hub on a Virtual Insight Day to inspire local students to consider a career in the industry; and provided mentors to support people affected by COVID-19.

Delivering safely
As the UK’s first major hybrid event since the pandemic, instilling confidence in welfare and safety was paramount. Identity deployed deep knowledge of event safety in a wide range of complex environments to implement a rigorous approach to health and safety, our dedicated health and safety adviser and Covid-19 lead working closely with the government, NHS and Public Health England to maintain a standard of excellence fit for the global stage.

“I wanted to thank you and your team for their fantastic work in planning and producing the G7 Summit. The professionalism, creativity and positive attitude of the Identity team across the many Summit venues was truly commendable and I was impressed with how the production team proved themselves nimble at reacting to change and excellent at designing creative solutions to the challenges that arose.” – Boris Johnson, MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom