Creating a Special Feeling Through Connection and Intentional Design

Case Study

Overview

Destination
Adare, Ireland
Operation Year
2023
Event Type
Annual Meeting
Event Size
200

Event Objective

To foster interaction that builds deep connection

Client Profile

Financial services company comprised of over 200 independent firms that specialize in design and planning for high-net-worth and corporate clients.

  • 51-200 employees
  • 159 associated members
  • Private

Creating a Special Feeling Through Connection and Intentional Design

In a storybook setting in Adare, Ireland, this financial services organization sought deeper connection among attendees. Ascent Performance Group transformed limited on-site activity options into a highly engaging, team-driven experience—designed to foster interaction, strengthen relationships, and create shared, meaningful moments.

The Challenge

We found ourselves in a fairytale destination, characterized by its beauty and excellent service. However, it lacked a range of engaging and accessible activities. We were challenged to develop an active showcase of the destination while keeping our client’s top priority—interaction—at the forefront.

The Solution

We found ourselves in a fairytale destination, characterized by its beauty and excellent service. However, it lacked a range of engaging and accessible activities. We were challenged to develop an active showcase of the destination while keeping our client’s top priority—interaction—at the forefront.

Transforming a destination and travel logistics into shared, meaningful moments necessitates a thorough understanding of our client’s story.

The Approach

Team development and engagement formed the foundation of our approach. We began early to secure buy-in from key figures and to structure our teams, using their involvement to build anticipation and foster a sense of spirit.

We worked tirelessly to fine-tune the timing to balance competition and spectating among participants. We knew interaction would happen both on the field and during private side conversations and moments of laughter.

We built a LOT of flexibility into the competition, from the tournament structure and activity assignments to how we communicated. While we created a highly detailed model of the event, participants were intentionally not informed until the morning of the games. We developed simple, clear materials and hosted a high-energy kickoff.

We thoughtfully created opportunities to increase engagement. We maintained high energy levels by including lunchtime scoring updates, team rally calls, and strategically placed food and beverage stations.

Each on-site provider, new to this type of event, was meticulously coordinated to ensure flawless execution, with efforts focused on integrating their independent contributions.

The Team

Our advantage lies in our core repeat team. Although attendee composition may change over the years, our core team dedicated to this client maintains long-standing relationships with each participant and possesses an in-depth understanding of their individual stories.

We are also familiar with the client’s partners and the dynamics of these relationships. This intangible asset enabled us to meticulously assign each participant to the appropriate team, focusing on introducing new connections, disrupting established cliques, aligning activities with personal preferences and comfort levels, and carefully considering the flow of each individual’s day.

Our comprehensive knowledge of the client’s most valuable asset—their people—allowed us to grasp both the overarching and detailed aspects of the Gaelic Games experience – in the end, creating a special feeling.

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