BRIEF
Conference management: To plan, promote and manage the first International Marketing Symposium for Horse Sport Ireland
WHERE
Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone
WHY
As part of an international marketing drive, Horse Sport Ireland aimed to provide individuals in the equestrian industry with information and expert advice on how better to market themselves, their horse and their events
WHO
300 equestrian industry professionals from around Ireland and a panel in of industry experts
WHAT WE DID
Grooveyard and HSI came together to plan, promote, and implement an event that was not only a first for HSI but a first of its kind for Ireland’s thriving equestrian sector. Grooveyard chose the 4 star Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone, as the conference venue because of its central location, ample parking and excellent conference and meeting facilities.
Grooveyard were responsible for the set up and management of an online registration platform which included custom designed e-invites which were distributed to Horse Sport Ireland’s carefully prepared database. Strategically scheduled mail blasts, followed carefully prepared and targeted press releases to gain maximum traction from publicity and maximise ticket sales. Our in-house design team also produced a slick 12 page conference programme and branded event signage.
On arrival guests were registered before being ushered to the Atrium by our uniformed Brand Ambassadors. Grooveyard managed the AV production for the conference which included a custom designed, branded stage back drop, and professional grade sound and visual. A live video feed during both panel discussions ensured that all 300 attendees could see and hear all speakers without interruption. The video recording was later distributed to HSI members who were unable to attend on the day.
SERVICES DELIVERED
CONFERENCE MANAGEMENT
VENUE SELECTION & MANAGEMENT
RSVP MANAGEMENT
DESIGN
LIVE EVENT MANAGEMENT
REGISTRATION & EVENT STAFF
AV SERVICES
RESULTS
This inaugural event was an unprecedented success for the HSI. The hashtag #HSIMarketing
trended on twitter above the 6 Nations Rugby Match on the same day- a huge boost for the
HSI and a great credit to the popularity and success of the event.
It gained media coverage in both Irish and International print outlets such as;
The Irish Field – ‘HSI hosting International Marketing Symposium’
The Gait Post – ‘HSI International Symposium – A Sell-Out Event’
The Irish Times – ‘Shane Sweetman Rounds Off and Excellent Week for the Irish’
HorseTalk.co.nz – ‘Worldwide demand for Irish Horse Continues Apace’