Mopdog had the pleasure of assisting in the planning and management of an International Client Advisory Board meeting. This unique, yearly opportunity to “Collaborate. Inspire. Innovate” pulls together senior decision-makers and stakeholders in the human capital management and information systems fields, from some of the most respected multinational corporations in the world. Our client, EPI-USE uses raw feedback from the advisory group to develop business-critical software and professional services to better meet the needs of customers and stay relevant in the market.

Setting the stage for a VIP event.
To plan an event of this size, Mopdog had to start early! We held strategy meetings with EPI-USE early in the year to begin outlining the details of the event and timeline for when to complete each deliverable.

It took hard work organizing such a dynamic event, which culminated with my hands-on attention for four days of on-site management in Scottsdale, Arizona. Once on the ground, I focused on tactical support to help manage the agenda—and all other aspects of communication—to ensure a seamless event. I also executed the staging for different gatherings and oversaw the preparation of guest speakers, which included run-throughs of audio-visual components and timing of presentations.

Every moment builds your brand.
For guests, the stage was set for CAB when they received the initial save-the-date email, opened the invitation and registered online—all of which Mopdog crafted to start the experience off right. The pre-event communication helped spark interest and grew the attendee list to double from 2013. Once onsite, it was important to EPI-USE that their clients were “treated” throughout the event. Over the next four days, between unpacking and positioning several pieces of collateral, I organized a VIP check-in, a welcome reception, cocktail hour, elegant dinner and wine session.

Before my departure to Arizona, my team organized, delicately packaged and shipped 80 boxes filled with printed materials and collateral (name badges, table cards, menus, attendee lists, event itinerary). Tucked away inside many of these shipped packages were various customized giveaways. These gifts accompanied welcome messages and fond farewell cards from the client to guests. The tokens (EPI-USE inscribed pens, journals, wooden boxes, tote bags, champagne glasses, all-weather jackets) were each a statement of how highly EPI-USE regards and appreciates the CAB attendees.

Guests toast to giving campaign.
Not all the unique items gifted to the CAB attendees were branded with the EPI-USE name. Some of the items were meant to reinforce the company’s message about environmental and social responsibility. For instance, tasty treats were organic and all natural. A wool, gray portfolio sleeve—designed to store conference material and mobile devices—was an eco-friendly product. Another memento was a handwritten “Thank You” card on recycled, POOPOOPAPER™.

Still, these tokens of appreciation were part of a greater message EPI-USE was determined to make about a new venture, “Beyond Corporate Purpose.” Rather than simply donating a percentage of revenue or profits to charities, this initiative focuses on the preservation of elephants and rhinos, as well as economically uplifting impoverished, rural people in South Africa. Our Mopdog designers created many beautiful and powerful banners with images and messages about this mission—differentiating EPI-USE from the conventional philanthropic activities of for-profit businesses.