How we quadrupled ticket revenue and reduced costs for the WiHTL & DiR inclusion summit 2024
Client
WiHTL & DiR
Location
Indigo O2, London
When
November 2024
Attendees
700+
exhibitors
18+
SPEAKERS
20+
About the event
At McDonnell Marketing, we specialise in providing expert event consultancy, strategy, and delivery to help our clients achieve outstanding results. When WiHTL and Diversity in Retail (DiR) approached us to deliver their Inclusion Summit 2024, they needed experts who could step in and manage this flagship event seamlessly. As a small business running multiple events coordinated by their Programmes Delivery Teams, they required dedicated event management and marketing expertise to execute this large-scale event.
The WiHTL & DiR Inclusion Summit 2024, themed “Measuring the Business Impact of Inclusion,” took place on Tuesday, 5th November at the Indigo at The O₂ in London. Bringing together over 700 leaders from the Hospitality, Travel, Leisure, and Retail sectors, this event showcased the transformative potential of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) through inspiring content, networking opportunities, and impactful discussions.
Results That Speak for Themselves
The WiHTL & DiR Inclusion Summit 2024 was a resounding success, achieving and surpassing all key objectives:
Attendees from leading brands in Hospitality, Travel, Leisure, and Retail.
Exhibitors showcasing innovative solutions.
Speakers delivering thought-provoking presentations and panels.
Quadrupled ticket revenue through strategic pricing.
Achieved significant cost savings across AV, event tech, f&b, and merchandise through supplier partnerships and sponsorships.
Excellent feedback from attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors for the event’s organisation, content, and overall experience.
Established strong relationships with the venue and all suppliers, ensuring seamless delivery and laying the groundwork for future collaborations.
Our role: more than event delivery
McDonnell Marketing provided end-to-end support, combining strategic guidance, expert project management, and hands-on execution to ensure every aspect of the event was delivered to the highest standard. Here’s how we made it happen:
1. Strategic Advisory & Planning
- Partnered closely with the Founder & Chair and the Head of Marketing to shape the event’s vision and set ambitious goals.
- Designed and implemented a new ticket pricing strategy, which quadrupled ticket revenue and achieved the target of 700 attendees.
- Leveraged attendee feedback from the 2023 event to identify areas for improvement and enhance the overall experience.
#InclusionSummit24
2. Event Management & Execution
- Venue Sourcing & Supplier Management: Secured and managed contracts whilst building strong relationships with the venue and suppliers. Negotiated cost-saving agreements across catering, AV, decor, and f&b, delivering outstanding value for the client.
- Sponsor & Exhibitor Management: Onboarded and managed 18 exhibitors and sponsors, ensuring all benefits and deliverables were maximised.
- Speaker Sourcing: Coordinated an impressive lineup of over 20 speakers, including high-profile keynote guests.
- Created a detailed project plan to keep the event on track, sharing regular updates with stakeholders and addressing any challenges proactively.
3. Team Coordination
- Directed the WiHTL team, assigning clear roles and responsibilities to streamline collaboration.
- Introduced a clear communications plan with regular updates in the lead-up to the event, ensuring alignment and progress across all areas.
What they had to say
“Natalie was key to the success of our Inclusion Summit and inaugural Inclusion Awards, flawlessly coordinating an event for over 1,000 attendees.
Her expertise in managing a large-scale venue and delivering both events in a single day showcased her exceptional organisation and professionalism.“
Michael Sweeney – Digital Marketing & Content Manager
WiHTL & DiR and inclusion in
“I would like to say thank you for all you have done for us. The Summit and Gala have been a monumental and extraordinary success. The feedback from all corners has been excellent and you have played a major role in all of this. Thank you.”
Tea Colaianni – Founder & Chair
Why They Chose us
WiHTL and DiR selected McDonnell Marketing because of our ability to provide:
- Expertise: Comprehensive event management and marketing experience tailored to meet the needs of a high-profile summit.
- Strategic Guidance: A clear vision for achieving ambitious goals and delivering exceptional value.
- End-to-End Support: From planning and supplier management to marketing and execution, we handled every detail with precision and care.
We Offer More Value
At McDonnell Marketing, we don’t just deliver events—we partner with our clients to create exceptional experiences. For the WiHTL & DiR Inclusion Summit 2024, we acted as:
- Advisors: Providing strategic insights to help shape and elevate the event.
- Consultants: Sharing best practices and innovative ideas to optimise processes.
- Event Delivery Experts: Managing every detail to ensure flawless execution and tangible results.
Our Way of Working
- Collaborative Approach: Building strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and venues creates a foundation for seamless delivery.
- Flexibility: Tailoring our approach to each client’s unique needs ensures we deliver maximum value.
- Strategic Focus: Regular communication, clear plans, and proactive problem-solving are key to achieving exceptional outcomes.
By combining strategic expertise with hands-on execution, McDonnell Marketing helped WiHTL & DiR deliver a best-in-class event that not only showcased the business impact of inclusion but also set a new benchmark for success in the EDI space.
If you’re looking for expert guidance on creating impactful, results-driven events, let’s start the conversation today.