How we delivered the inclusion in Awards, achieved triple the target and created a blueprint for future success
Client
WiHTL & DiR
Location
Indigo O2, London
When
November 2024
Attendees
450
About the event
At McDonnell Marketing, we specialise in delivering expert event consultancy, strategy, and management to help our clients achieve exceptional results.
When we were approached to deliver the inaugural inclusion in Awards 2024, our mission was to bring their vision to life and create a blueprint for scaling future events. Launching this flagship awards event required meticulous planning, flawless execution, and strategic oversight to establish its place as a standout occasion in the sector.
The inclusion in Awards 2024 took place on Tuesday, 5th November at the spectacular Indigo at the O2 in London. This prestigious event celebrated excellence in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across the hospitality, travel, leisure, and retail industry, attracting 450 attendees, triple the original target of 150 and with a robust waitlist demonstrating overwhelming industry interest. The evening featured a celebration of achievements, networking opportunities, and fantastic entertainment, all designed to recognise organisations, teams, and individuals demonstrating exceptional commitment to EDI.
Results That Speak for Themselves
The inclusion in Awards 2024 was an extraordinary success, surpassing expectations:
Attracted 450 attendees through an effective promotion and ticketing strategy.
Successfully launched the inaugural awards, laying the groundwork for the 2025 event and beyond.
Delivered a standout experience, for guests sponsors and award winners.
Received outstanding feedback, and solidifying the event as a must-attend occasion in the industry.
Our role: more than event delivery
McDonnell Marketing provided comprehensive support, delivering strategic guidance, meticulous planning, and hands-on management to create a flawless experience. Here’s how we made it happen:
Strategic Advisory & Planning
- Collaborated with the client to craft a vision for their event, defining their core values and goals.
- Developed a scalable event plan and strategy that established a strong foundation for future events.
- Designed an effective promotion and ticketing strategy that drove attendance and engagement.
- Introduced elements to enhance the guest experience and support the event’s objectives.
Event Management & Execution
- Host and Speaker Management: Sourced, booked, and managed the event host aligned with the same values of the event’s theme of inclusion and diversity.
- Guest Experience: Delivered a premium experience, for all guests, sponsors, and award winners on the night.
- Supplier and Venue Management: Coordinated all suppliers, including AV, décor, catering, and technical teams, while negotiating to maximise the client’s budget.
- Oversaw every detail of the event, from designing the flow of the awards ceremony to ensuring smooth on-site operations.
- Created a detailed project timeline, keeping all stakeholders informed and addressing any challenges proactively to maintain progress.
Team Coordination
- Directed the event team, assigning clear responsibilities to streamline collaboration and ensure seamless execution.
- Established a robust communications plan to ensure alignment between McDonnell Marketing, the client, and all suppliers throughout the planning process.
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
We were chosen because of our ability to provide:
- Expertise: Proven experience in creating high-impact events that align with client goals and values.
- Strategic Vision: Forward-thinking plans that not only deliver results for the current event but also establish a foundation for future growth.
- Comprehensive Support: From conceptualisation to execution, we managed every detail with precision and care.
We Offer More Value
At McDonnell Marketing, we partner with our clients to deliver events that leave a lasting impact. For the inclusion in Awards 2024, we acted as:
- Advisors: Shaping the event’s strategy and setting it up for scalable success.
- Consultants: Sharing innovative ideas to elevate the guest experience and optimise event processes.
- Event Delivery Experts: Managing every element to ensure a seamless and exceptional outcome.
Our Way of Working
- Collaborative Approach: Building strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and partners for smooth delivery.
- Flexibility: Adapting to the unique needs of each event to maximise results.
- Strategic Focus: Combining clear planning, regular communication, and proactive problem-solving to achieve outstanding outcomes.
By combining strategic vision with expert delivery, McDonnell Marketing helped launch the inclusion in Awards 2024 with resounding success, setting the stage for future growth and firmly establishing its place as a flagship industry event.