BP Consumer Retail & Fuels Marketing

Lime Blue Solutions had successfully event managed a conference for Fuels Marketing in Budapest for 200 people and were consequently invited to pitch against two other agencies for the contract to event manage two separate and yet identical European Stars Awards Programmes. Three different event concepts were produced along with communication materials and suggested venues and activities.

Both events had to be run within the same month on specified dates and had to follow an identical format. Finding the availability at the venues we wanted to ideally place the event proved challenging but eventually we were able to secure the right space. As the "winners" were coming from a cross section of the community and from different countries with potential language barriers we needed to ensure the programme that was put together would be suitable and enjoyable for everybody and that translators were available.

The Home Counties of Buckinghamshire and Berkshire were selected as the preferred destination for this event with an overall theme of "High Society" to ensure that the winners felt that they were particularly special.

The Compleat Angler at Marlow was chosen for the residential element, chef demonstration and afternoon tea and welcome dinner of the programme.

The second day began with a very pleasant boat trip along the Thames (accompanied by a jazz trio) to Cliveden House for a tour of this famous house and lunch in the beautiful French Dining Room.

Guests were then given the choice of free time for shopping in Windsor or a tour of the Castle before returning to the Compleat Angler to get ready for the Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony that was held at Great Fosters Hotel in Egham.

Our in-house design agency Symbius, created the European Stars High Society logo and all communication materials for the event, some examples of which can be seen below. The "winners" were originally sent a letter in a "scroll" format advising them of their nomination for an award and asking them (Lord or Lady.....) to attend the awards programme.

Lime Blue Solutions managed the response registrations via email, fax and letter as not all of the "winners" had access to the internet or email. Transfers were organised for each delegate and on arrival guests received welcome packs with details of the itinerary, history of the venues and an invitation to the gala dinner (all of which were translated into specific languages) along with several gifts including Star Umbrellas, Harrods Tea sets and star chocolates.

That afternoon after a walking tour of Marlow and a chef's demonstration guests were asked to put on feather boas or hats and have their photos taken – for Symbius to be able to create the European Stars Booklet that would be available to them all at the Gala Dinner the next night. Full theming was provided at the Gala Dinner along with a fabulous performance by the "Diamond Divas". A living statue, creative balloon artist, photographer, awards and framed photos of each of the winners plus the awards presentation were also provided along with transfers for both the stars and the Leadership team who were also attending.

Lime Blue managed the logistics of the entire programme even arranged for guests to become "Laird or Lady" of their own piece of land during the lunch at Cliveden! Once all the stars had left, hand written postcards were sent to each delegate along with a copy of the photos from the event.

"Working with Lime Blue is a real delight. No matter how hard the challenge, they make everything seem entirely effortless and nothing is ever too much trouble. Their particular combination of creative thinking alongside a highly professional attention to detail ensures every event has the wow factor and creates huge impact. I'm still not entirely sure how they do it, but they never fail to exceed my expectations"