Client:
Buildbase
Event:
Buildbase Conference 2021
Overview:
Buildbase’s annual two-day conference takes place in January. Main Stage Sessions for Branch Managers and Supplier Sessions run concurrently. The rest of the event involves small groups of delegates meeting with suppliers in small breakout rooms or via expo stands.
In 2021, for the first time, Buildbase went virtual. We transformed their live conference and awards evening into a virtual event. We extended the event by an extra day to allow time for suppliers to make appointments with all delegates, supporting a greater return on investment.
Each supplier’s exhibition stand was available for 90 days post-event, giving wider reach and enabling the event to be rolled-out to Buildbase employees.
The new era of events:
Timeframe:
We had just seven weeks from sign-off to going live – including the Christmas break in the middle! The workload was divided and conquered by our expert project managers, helped by the wider XSEM team.
Journey:
This new concept needed to gain acceptance from internal stakeholders and suppliers. We helped Buildbase navigate through their first virtual event.
A detailed selling document was developed for Buildbase to use in their conversations with suppliers. We held briefing sessions, sent out specification packs and held group team calls. We supported Buildbase every step of the way to ensure this event was a success for them, and the suppliers.
The experience:
Main Stage:
The Main Stage presentations were pre-recorded in a professional studio. A live Q&A was built-in to the event with nine members of the Buildbase SLT.
Presentations were subsequently made available to all Buildbase colleagues.
Sessions:
Through the group appointments function, every supplier had a minimum of 10 minutes with each group of Branch Managers for the first time.
We even included some fun sessions: Day 1 challenged teams to create, perform and record a homemade hit using makeshift instruments. On Day 2, it was virtual bingo involving musical hits and clips.
1369
Appointments between Suppliers & Colleagues Scheduled over 3 days
562
Attendees over the Live Days
67
Supplier Exhibitors
116
Questions submitted during the Main Stage Sessions
2051
Poll Question Responses
66%
Delegates attending their first virtual conference
95%
Would be interested in participating in future virtual conferences following this experience
95%
Suppliers who say they went away with actions to follow up with Branch and Sales Teams
8.02
Attendees over the live days
Average rating, out of 10 where 10 is excellent, for the virtual conference experience
1
Winner of our virtual bingo game
“From the challenge of the timeline we imposed to the changes made along the way, the XSEM team responded impeccably ensuring we met the timeframe and delivered our virtual conference in the most professional way possible.”
Lyndon Johnson, Commercial Director, Buildbase
Adding commercial value for our clients
“Taking this event virtual, we were able to delivered so much more for our client. The reach of the event was increased by over 300% and we provided the suppliers with valuable analytics that will help shape their future proposition. The commercial viability of the product is second to none.”
Michael Gwilliam, Commercial Director, XSEM