Leading Global Hotel Group

The Ask

The client was staging a three day get together for 900 General Managers in UAE with a mission to empower their colleagues to excel in a complex ever-changing global landscape. The challenge was how to deliver that mission in an impactful and engaging way for 900 participants, so every participant had a personal experience.

Pearlworks (in association with Street Wisdom) proposed delivering an Immersive Keynote on the second day of the programme to stimulate creative thinking, both individually and in groups, and to help participants navigate complexity & change through a unique and engaging experience.

Our Creative Response

The experience began with an engaging, funny and thought - provoking keynote (45 mins) from Pearlworks and Street Wisdom Founder David Pearl, drawing on his experience designing and leading high-stakes meetings around the world. The keynote included tips and techniques to develop our experience skills and perceptions, particularly in finding the amazing opportunities hiding in plain sight. 

David then set up the Walkshop that was delivered with a combination of live facilitation and specially pre-recorded audio-guide which took place in the grounds/surrounding areas of the conference venue.

Participants were split into sub- groups led by the client’s facilitators (briefed and trained by David during a pre-event session). Participants then used their (previously downloaded) audio-guide to immerse themselves into the Walkshop itself (60mins) around the hotel and surrounding grounds. Providing a unique experience for each participant.

The audio-guide was pre-recorded by David to ensure the client’s language and intention was embedded into the experience. Participants were guided back to their sub- group meeting points for The Sharing (15 minutes). This was in small groups facilitated by the client’s sub- group leaders before heading back to the plenary space inside.

The Immersive Keynote ended with David facilitating a big group sharing back in the plenary with participants sharing what insight they discovered and how that might answer their question. Participants were encouraged to reflect on other people’s insight, whether it resonated for them and to help others make creative connections from the insight. David then landed the learnings and what that meant for the client – its colleagues and the wider business.

Participants were given a link to download the Street Wisdom handbook “Wanderful’ written by founder David Pearl.

The Results

Participants gave an overwhelmingly positive response with many participants gaining deep insight and all participants feeling like they had discovered a new tool to help them navigate short and long- term challenges. Participants enjoyed being out in the ‘real world’ exploring the space where their customers are.

Some of the results participants shared:

• Discovered ways to navigate complexity and change

• Better connection with consumers and the ‘real world’ 

• Boosted connection to colleagues

• A useful creative tool to help find fresh answers to difficult questions

• Improved wellbeing