metroConnections Nominated For ISES Minnesota Star Awards
The International Special Events Society (ISES) announced their nominees for the 2012 Star Awards. Among the list was metroConnections, Inc. for Event Design & Decor (Budget $25,000 and over) and Best Corporate Event for the Syngenta Capital Markets & Demonstration Days.
In August 2011, Syngenta – a global agribusiness leader – partnered with metroConnections, Inc. to create a unique platform to showcase its new technologies and vision for the future to their shareholders, customers and employees.
According to Pete Gnoza, Senior Sales Manager, metroConnections, Syngenta sought to avoid a traditional conference setting. “Through a unique event experience, guests were invited to learn about, build confidence in, and be inspired by this leading agricultural company at one of its rural research facilities.”
Several divisions of metroConnections worked with Syngenta to transform a rural research site into a multi-purpose, multi-building compound featuring a Dome City built from the ground-up in a farm field. When guests first arrived by motorcoach, they entered what appeared to be an unassuming and rather plain machine shed, referred to as the Plenary Building. However, as they stepped inside, the glowing ambience was anything but the feel of a working tool shed. No longer were tractors and tools the décor of choice. Instead, 16-foot white velvet drapes, wall-to-wall flooring, and specialty lighting set the scene for their breakfast reception. Within the same square building, the presentation stage was “revealed” as they entered the circular general session area. A custom-built stage set and sophisticated audio visual elements created a powerful general session.
As attendees walked from the Plenary Building to the field, they encountered six field marker signs featuring the Syngenta story. The Dome City was comprised of eight dome tents built in the working farm field. Each dome was crop-specific and boasted unique exterior branding including a custom vinyl appliqué and a custom-built sign. Further, each dome offered visitors an education regarding a particular crop through literature, images, plants and props. Guests were invited to touch, taste, see and experience the presentation. Additionally, guests visited two crop plots featuring live samples of the company’s product offerings. An office tent was also erected at the outskirts of the field to ensure the planning committee was as close to the action as possible.
“Throughout the complexity and magnitude of the planning, set-up and delivery of this three-day event, metroConnections demonstrated their flexibility in meeting our needs,” said Raj Iragavarapu, Head of Stewardship & PLM, Syngenta.
From branded signs to structural components, many custom-built elements were required to erect the Dome City and re-stage two existing buildings. These custom elements were all created in-house using the ample space of metroConnections’ 35,000 square foot event and production center. The purpose of these elements was to create a memorable impression in a unique setting.
The ISES Minnesota Star Awards began in 2004 as a way to provide event professionals in Minnesota with an opportunity to gain recognition for the events they create, plan, manage, and execute each year. Anyone who has produced events (or components of events) within the state of Minnesota or that works in Minnesota, but produces events in other locations is eligible to enter.
Recognized since 2006 by Special Events Magazine as a Top 25 DMC worldwide, metroConnections provides complete conference, event and transportation services for meeting and event planners nationwide. Since 1984, metroConnections has utilized its expertise and resources to specialize in the design and implementation of themed events, activities, transportation, tours and conference program logistics and meetings. The company is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. For information on planning conferences, events, productions, transportation logistics or group/companion tours, contact metroConnections at 612-333-8687 or visit www.metroconnections.com.
ABOUT ISES
The International Special Events Society is comprised of over 5,600 professionals associated among 41 chapters in 37 countries around the world who work in the special events industry as event planners, caterers, decorators, florists, destination management companies, rental and production companies, tent suppliers, audio-visual technicians, party and convention coordinators, hotel and convention managers, entertainers and much more. ISES provides education and networking to its members to promote professionalism in the special events industry.
