Company: Cisco Systems, Inc., San Jose, CA
Company Description: Cisco is the worldwide technology leader that securely connects everything to make anything possible. Our purpose is to power an inclusive future for all by helping our customers reimagine their applications, power hybrid work, secure their enterprise, transform their infrastructure, and meet their sustainability goals.
Nomination Category: Event Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Corporate & Community - Incentive Event
 Nomination Title: Club Cisco Gala Celebration
- Which will you submit for this nomination, an essay of up to 525 words describing the event - its genesis, goals, development, and results - OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length describing the same? CHOOSE ONE:
Written essay of up to 525 words
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video:
- If you are providing a written essay of up to 525 words about your nominated event, place it in this space. Make sure that you address the genesis, goals, development, and results of the event, and mention that date(s) on which the event was produced:
Total 525 words used.
Club Cisco is a sales recognition event that celebrates the top 1% of Cisco’s 20,000 worldwide sellers. Each seller and a guest receive a trip to the Four Seasons Hualalai where they are given VIP treatment.
Each year at Club Cisco, Cisco hosts a final night gala against the magnificent natural surroundings of the resort property. A high-end plated dinner with elaborate décor is staged on the resort’s golf course followed by entertainment in a fully built-out events pavilion featuring lounge seating, open bars and dessert stations. In recent years, the event has been at risk of delay or partial cancellation due to inclement weather, risking a disappointing ending to an otherwise incredible event.
To protect the guest experience against unpredictable weather at the December 2023 gala, the Cisco event team, in conjunction with their event management company (Maritz) and Hawaiian ground supplier (MC&A), designed an upscale outdoor event structure that enveloped the entire event space and shielded guests from unexpected rainfall. The latest in projection technology transformed the tented enclosure into an immersive sensory experience that mixed breathtaking Hawaiian visuals with the natural sounds of the Big Island.
The set-up included:
- A 100’ x 140’ fully enclosable “super tent” with 14,000 square feet of event space built on the golf course to protect 58 farm tables, four dessert stations and bars plus a 24’ x 36’ stage while still leaving ample space for guests to mingle and dance.
- An eight-post truss with backlighting for the band, and a 16-projector blend with all media servers and short lenses covering the entire ceiling created the opportunity for vibrant video mapping against the tent canvas.
- 200+ staff onsite to make sure the event ran flawlessly.
During the six-month design phase leading up to the event, the team developed a “journey through the sights and sounds of the island” theme. It took elaborate and thorough production, incorporating captivating visuals and sound design, to execute the theme and align with the evening’s show flow. Six uniquely mapped scenes were projected on the overhead surface of the tent canvas and timed to the food and beverage service, as well as the opening act and headline entertainment.
First, guests entered the event space under sunny Hawaiian sky visuals that showcased powerful waterfalls and spectacular cliffs creating an atmosphere of awe and wonder. Then images transitioned to serene scenes accompanied by soothing ocean and rustling palm leaf sounds during dinner. As the evening’s entertainment ramped up, the sights and sounds ushered guests through a Hawaiian sunset with show opener, Iam Tongi, playing acoustically as the visuals progressed to a starry night motif and the headliner, One Republic, took the stage. One Republic’s performance peaked just as the tent’s visuals lit up a night sky and in unison with the band’s final strains, the sky visuals became completely star-lit with the Club Cisco logo emblazoned overhead.
Guests were mesmerized by the sights, sounds and immersive experience while dining and celebrating, making this a most memorable final night. With guests recording a 4.9 out of a 5-point scale on event experience survey results, this one-of-a-kind event was considered an overwhelming success.
- Optionally, list the appropriate creative and production credits for the nominated event, such as the following: Advertising Agency/City: Client: Art Director: Cinematographer: Creative Director: Designer: Director: Illustrator/City: Music Producer/City: Photographer/City: Printer/City: Producer: Production Company/City: Programmer: Writer: Web Development Firm/City:
Event management company: Maritz, Fenton, MO
Production company: MC&A, Honolulu, HI
Hotel: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Kailua-Kona, HI
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