ChallengesThe business programme content needed to be very focused, but the opportunity forthe worldwide company leaders to network was just as important.The challenge for TPS was to create and facilitate a dynamic learning and networkingenvironment in Shanghai. TPS managed all arrival and departure logistics. Particularly challenging was the pick-up and access to, the two Alcoa corporatejets that landed at the Shanghai Pu Dong international airport.Many of the delegates were American, so they wanted to watch the Superbowl game,scheduled during the conference.The challenge here was to create the feeling of watching football on a Sunday afternoon in your living room – in a five-star hotel at 7am. Hotdogs, popcorn
and beer were served in armchairs in front of a big screen.
ExecutionThe event was held over a very short period. Most delegates went immediately from a longhaul flight into a welcome reception. The programme was designed keeping in mind the delegates’ short stay.Each venue was chosen to be within 3km of the hotel and scheduled at times to misspeak-hour traffic.The Global Leadership Awards were held at the Children’s Palace, with entertainment by the Children’s Choir. Guest speakers included Ram Charan, co-author, Execution,Hong Liang, senior economist at Goldman Sachs, and Wing Thye Woo, senior fellow,
the Brookings Institute.
Verdict“The Alcoa group was pleased with their overall Shanghai experience,” says DanielleJorgensen, event producer at Turning Point Solutions. “The live feed of the Superbowl and the prompt transfers were especially appreciated.”Charles Calthrop
