International Conference, Retail, New Delhi 2011

The brief for the 2011 event requested a full-service solution for the management of this landmark bi-annual conference. 

The main objective of this event was to bring together the top 150 retail managers from across the UK, gain a clearer understanding of their operating processes, improve loyalty and build upon the existing relationships via a balanced business and leisure programme.

The Solution

Following the success of the previous conferences to Dubai, Boston, Barbados and Mauritius we knew the client wanted nothing short of the best therefore we identified the Oberoi in New Delhi as the perfect solution. With New Delhi being an up and coming destination to the meetings and incentives market and the Oberoi group renowned for their high level of service and deluxe hotels we were confident this was a winning combination.

Given the six-day duration of the conference, keeping the delegates engaged was paramount. We managed this through a carefully crafted schedule of business and leisure activities, from plenty of workshops and networking opportunities to leisure pursuits such as sightseeing, shopping, golf and a day trip to Agra.

A dedicated website with built-in delegate registration acted as a central point of call for all enquiries, whether itinerary, destination, workshops or visa related. The quality and real-time availability of the information was a hit with all delegates – and not least with our client, who could now focus on the strategic event objectives and sponsor management. 

The Challenge

Changes to the visa process at the Indian consulate coincided with the time our group was due to submit their applications therefore W&O had to provide assistance to most delegates. Furthermore, 35% of all delegates extended their stay in the pursuit of a family holiday. W&O was able to provide these requested tailor-made leisure itineraries in-house – another much valued service! 

The Highlights

The key highlight, not without its challenges, was the day trip to the Taj Mahal in Agra.

On the day of the trip, low clouds threatened our return journey and we set the wheels in motion to find an ad-hoc hotel for the group but luckily, the chartered plane managed to take off on time.

Another highlight of the trip was the Bollywood Show after the gala dinner which got everybody up dancing and clicking away digital camera shots. Better still, our group were not just mere spectators, but they embraced the Bollywood evening, with many opting for the traditional Indian Sari as their evening wear. 

The Feedback

Through the W&O delegate software, a post event survey was sent to all attendees and the score revealed an incredible 4.98 out of 5 based on replies from over 75%!

The challenge is on for us to raise the bar further for their 2013 conference!