2021 hasn’t begun in the usual way, but despite the many challenges we are facing, there are so many fantastic people creating initiatives, running with new ideas and filling their year with firsts. This member feature article is themed around beginnings, and it showcases new collaborations and campaigns, new ideas and historic firsts! Thank you to all the members who shared their inspiring work with us as we kick off a new year.
New initiatives from the 2Heads team including ‘un-whitepapers’ aimed at clients and the industry
It is all about positive vibes at 2Heads as we begin the new year with a series of initiatives to kickstart the team and commence the 2021 client journey in style.
Utilising a year’s worth of client labs and data gathering, the 2Headers have created a series of interactive ‘un-whitepapers’ aimed at clients and the industry as a whole.
Part 1 – The Change curve breaks down 2020 in line with the psychology of change assimilation and pinpoints where the industry is on the curve and how to make the most of what is to come. Part 2 – Ahead of the Curve distils those insights into top tips for designing hybrid events before concluding with a session on future mapping.
With an emphasis on getting ahead of the curve, 2Heads are also running a series of online meeting experiences called Catalyst, hosted on their immersive platform EventHive VX, and featuring live streams from Futurity Expert Jordan Waid and Jamil Qureshi, the well-known success psychologist.
Take a sneak peek at the Change Curve livestream presentation from the Catalyst experience above.
Bladonmore inspire investors in a virtual meeting
Bladonmore worked with existing client Landsec, one of the UK’s largest listed real estate companies, to develop and produce its first virtual Capital Markets Day in November 2020.
Its usual plans for a face-to-face, strategic update with a large gathering of investors was not possible due to Covid-19. And such an update was particularly key last year due to the arrival of new CEO, Mark Allan, in recent months.
Fortunately, we have worked with Landsec for several years and were already helping spokespeople with coaching and narrative structuring for the event. That knowledge helped us shape the running order and develop a live virtual event with extremely high production values to reflect the look and feel of Landsec’s buildings and brand.
The event was staged in its London headquarters, where we created a mini-broadcast studio using a large LED screen as the centrepiece and backdrop of the set. We produced a range of creative digital content including films, animation and other presentation material to share on the screen.
Landsec’s Capital Markets Day was broadcast out to a wide group of investors with a high level of engagement. Key strategic messages were brought to life and the screen set-up allowed our production team to seamlessly switch between podium presentations, film interludes and live and interactive panel Q&A.
In essence, the Capital Markets Day ended up being produced like a live TV show and the Landsec investors and executive team recognised the professional output accordingly.
New beginnings, initiatives and historic firsts with Karma
As we enter 2021, no-one could have predicted the past year and the impact it has had on us all.
Despite this 2021 definitely has new beginnings for all of us. “Hands, Face, Space“ has taught us much for a way forward, as has Lockdown, Test & Trace and Zoom. Since the pandemic began Karma has had quite a few new beginnings, initiatives and some historic firsts. We’ve produced live streams from Christie’s, helped with NHS Superstars, VE Day celebrations and Remembrance Day features for BBC, produced the “Messiah” video for the Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Choral Society (with a tweet from HRH Queen Elizabeth II) and helped Jamie Cullum create a world record. Perhaps the most important and new initiative which began at the end of 2020 and is continuing into 2021 is our work with the charity Help Musicians which supports the UK’s musicians, who have all but lost every opportunity and their lives have been impacted most severely. Karma were able to produce various videos to support the charity and the musicians. The compilation appeal video “One Voice” highlights this well and is a reflection of how new beginnings and initiatives are a part of all of our lives now.
XSEM launch new thought leadership initiative
January 2021 means the beginning our new Thought Leadership Initiative. We know how great our team are but we want you to hear how incredibly talented they are too! In 2021, we’ve challenged the team to get creative and informative. We want to hear what their years’ of experience has taught them and what undeniably incredible insights they can share with us. We’ll be sharing one thought leadership piece per month so keep your eyes peeled! First up, our newly promoted Senior Project Manager, Emma Barker who has completed her first virtual event project recently.
Two creative events agencies merge to become the new TFI Lodestar
We’re starting the year with the boldest and most optimistic of new beginnings – the complete unification of our formerly separate companies and a relaunch of our agency as one powerful new entity: TFI Lodestar.
We had planned to do this a year ago, but then, like most agencies, our focus shifted to survival. But 2020 turned out to be a better year than we could have expected in March – we learned quickly, adapted our offer, and built new capabilities – so we’re thrilled to be able to bounce into the new year with a new look and a real sense of excitement about the future.
Gavin Buxton Knight mentors film students at the beginning of their careers
I mentor Film & Tv Students at Bath Spa University who are at the beginning of their careers, and have done this for a few years now. This year, of all years, it’s going to be incredibly hard for students & graduates to get their first job in our industry or the broadcast sector, so I thought I’d share the link to promote this idea. Bath Spa may not be local or relevant to most members, but I would still urge people with experience (& even companies) to consider mentoring & get involved with students at your nearest University. It can be rewarding & creative experience both ways.
Find out more about mentoring students at Bath Spa University here: https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/business/work-with-our-students-and-graduates/support-our-students/mentoring-programme/
Thank you to all our wonderful members who kicked of the year by contributing their work to this month’s member feature article!
Photo credit: Danielle MaccInes