How Planit helped with the launch of Zebox’s brand new hub - Here in Manchester!
A few months back, our team was tasked with planning the launch party of one of the most exciting additions to Manchester’s thriving business scene in recent years!
Zebox is a dynamic business incubator 🚀, specialising in operational efficiency, workflow automation and decarbonisation 🌍. With their global footprint spanning numerous ‘Hubs’, their next destination was none other than our home, Manchester, conveniently located right around the corner🚪.
Development of Zebox’s brief
As with any event, when Zebox originally tasked us with delivering the launch event of their new location, the brief looked very different to how the event was eventually delivered. Upon our initial meeting with Zebox, this was the brief we were presented with…
“To find an event agency capable of proposing an inaugural concept that embodies the dimensions of innovation, sustainability, and internationality of ZEBOX.
The inauguration of the new ZEBOX UK hub should reflect the values and mission of ZEBOX while providing a memorable experience to guests, with a focus on digital animations.”
It was clear to see what Zebox was trying to achieve, and receiving this got the team's cogs turning! Following a number of meetings , brainstorming sessions 💡🌪️, research of past Zebox Hub launches and development of the original brief, we successfully prepared a thorough and updated version of the brief 📋 with clear-cut objectives for Zebox’s upcoming event 🎯.
We created 3 key pillars, which we set-out to ensure were the focus of attention at every touchpoint; doing this meant that Zebox’s core values were maintained throughout every element of the event.
The 3 pillars consisted of Co-Innovation, as this is a core value that Zebox stands for - providing opportunities for exciting start-up companies to flourish and collaborate; Sustainability, tapping in Zebox’s core value or focus was source local; and finally A Modern Manchester, as the Manchester Zebox hub is the centre of their UK and global operations. We wanted to capture the modern essence that Manchester has gained in the last few decades moving away from gimmicks to that of an exciting and innovative city.
The event consisted of various presentations, a panel, a networking session and an inaugural gesture to celebrate the launch of their UK Hub. So we wanted to ensure that the inaugural gesture was exciting, memorable and would leave all invitees impressed 😮, this was paired with us guaranteeing top-notch audio visual; and only the highest quality of local catering, which could be enjoyed by all attendees.
We curated with the award-winning North-West based catering company, Cheeky Chilli 🌶️🏆 (a Planit supplier), a menu with sourcing local & inclusivity in mind.
Guests arrived to a non-alcoholic spritz, a Seedlip Garden 108 & Elderflower Tonic
We had a 30 minute arrival and registration period, so we created a simple grab and go mezze cup with local produce; these were displayed on a centre table in clear view for when guests arrived
For the main event, we chose 3 different bowl food options which were free flowing a 1-hour serving
We had expert serving staff to Zebox’s launch 🚀👨🍳.
For our inaugural gesture proposal, we loved the idea of making the room feel “alive" 🌱, and basing our proposal of Zebox’s desire to focus on digital animation in their brief, we transformed the room with the use of projection mapping 🎥✨.
Working with Alice from Have Fun Good Luck & Mak3r films, we created a series of projection mapping designs, which were transformed into various scenes, each with different energy that would unfold in stages, ensuring that the room's atmosphere evolved as the evening went on 🚀
When designing the stage set, we visualised a simple but effective LED solution that would allow for integration with our projection mapping.
Creating that immersive experience even more 🖥️🌠.
Our approach to delivery
As with any event, we encountered a series of challenges, during this entire proposal, Zebox’s office was yet to be built… This limited our access to engage in early site-visits, meaning once the proposal was signed off, we had a 4 week turnaround time. Just before the sign-off of the event, the budget was cut by one third, it was confirmed we couldn’t use ovens, which proved to be another challenge for the event team, but nothing we couldn’t overcome.
We transformed the office into an open-plan space, with a combination of theatre style seating for the presentations and inaugural gesture, and poseur tables dotted around the room. Only thing we couldn’t control, due to our esteemed guests, was that our event time was pulled forward the week before, into the daylight hours!
Working with Cheeky Chilli, ensured a cold first offering and ensured our approach towards catering suited the event criteria perfectly of easy to eat,
Utilising the Planit run-of-show & event delivery templates throughout the evening, ensured the entire evening went as planned.
From the first kick-off meeting, to the site-visits, to the inaugural gesture, we kept the original 3 pillars set out by our team in every aspect of the planning and delivery. The feedback was a resounding success.
At Planit, we're committed to delivering exceptional event experiences that leave a lasting impression. Contact us today to find out how we can help make your next event a success.