CASE STUDY:  Conference Program

International Commodities Conference, 2002, Chicago

Challenge: Welcome guests from 65 countries and communicate a unified, compelling call to action. Nothing is too big for Mary O’Connor and Co.

Held in the U.S. only every 15 years, this conference involves three different organizations from across globe and a host committee. The aim was to educate 1,500 attendees – 80 percent international – in the value of investing in the commodities of the seed industry and motivate them to take action now.

Mary O’Connor and Co. was asked to support and manage registration, logistics, food and beverage, tradeshow, print, hospitality, spouse programs, VIP board events, hotel and all miscellaneous vendors. Demographics were primarily wealthy investors and senior leaders of seed trade businesses, all with annual incomes exceeding $500K. Particular challenges we faced head-on included offering the registration website in three languages, accepting currencies from more than 65 countries, navigating post-9/11 state department policies, and badge planning that considered cultural differences.

We produced 28 different pieces of collateral in multiple languages and managed the graphic integration of the key conference elements of the destination (Chicago), industry (seeds) and patriotism (flag layout) in a modern, multicolored design. The conference theme was also represented through our integration of donated floral, landscaping and trees, which MOC and Co. procured. Working with multiple sponsors, we supervised decorating the venue with landscapes of natural seed product. The dinner was focused on the glamorous and intriguing history of Chicago. Specialty lamps procured from Atlanta, custom linens and roses flowing at each table punctuated the ambiance. The result –countless compliments about the very lush, elegant and inviting ambience and the gracious, seamless, elegant and successful event overall!