DPD Anniversary Employee Experience
BRIEF
To mark its 40th anniversary, DPD Ireland asked Grooveyard to create a memorable anniversary event for up to 500 guests.
With DPD’s headquarters based in Athlone and the company having strong roots in the local area, it was important that the anniversary event remained close to home. The challenge was to transform the Running Arena at the Technological University of the Shannon into an impressive gala dinner venue worthy of such a significant milestone.
WHERE
Technicological University of the Shannon, Athlone
WHY
The event was designed to celebrate the people behind DPD’s success and recognise the contribution every employee has made to the company’s 40-year journey.
More than an anniversary dinner, it was an opportunity to bring colleagues together, reflect on the company’s history and create a shared moment of celebration — followed by a very good party.
WHO
500 invited DPD employees, stakeholders and invited guests.
what we did
Grooveyard transformed the university’s indoor running arena, which had never previously hosted an evening event, into a fully immersive gala setting. The significant on-site build included full draping, lighting, staging, décor and temporary kitchen facilities.
Guests arrived via a red-carpet entrance framed by a bespoke DPD anniversary arch, setting the tone from the outset. Inside, a specially created heritage display brought the company’s 40-year story to life, while bespoke photography moments encouraged guests to capture and share their experience.
A relaxed drinks reception with live music was followed by a three-course dinner, speeches and anniversary video content. After dinner, a live band brought guests onto the dance floor and the arena became a vibrant party space.
services
delivered
// EVENT CONCEPT CREATION AND MANAGEMENT
// DESIGN AND BRANDING
// COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT
// STAGE DESIGN & AV PRODUCTION
// FULL EVENT MANAGEMENT
// ENTERTAINMENT BOOKING AND MANAGEMENT
// BAR AND CATERING MANAGEMENT
// SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT
// EVENT STAFFING
// LOGISTICS & OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT
results
The result was a highly personal anniversary event that combined DPD’s heritage, local roots and strong employee culture within a completely transformed venue.
500 guests
1 amazing night
Date:
September 29, 2026
