International Investment Summit
Two kings, a Prime Minister, the global media, and most of world’s investment capital – International Investment Summit was one to remember.
When the incoming UK government vowed to hold an investment summit within their first 100 days – our team got the chance to deliver a once in a lifetime experience.
Royalty, world leaders, industrial titans, musical icons, and a clear signal to the world that ‘Britain is open for business – it was history and culture combined.
Three separate events across three iconic London venues – a pre-event reception evening at Lancaster House, a summit, with panel sessions, speeches, and meetings at London Guildhall, and a special showcase and royal audience in St Paul’s Cathedral.
Our job? Make it all happen - end-to-end delivery including venue sourcing, speaker management, creative design, production, logistics, and security.
A clear identity
Visual touchpoints would ensure the ‘growth’ message was repeated across the entire journey – across the giant LED stage backdrop screens; as an anamorphic installation that revealed itself as delegates walked by; in 10ft-high letters that formed the gateway to the Guildhall networking area. Press photo opportunities would carry an unmistakable International Investment Summit identity.
Security like a drum
Given the nature of the audience, security was a priority. Road closures would lock down a one-kilometre radius around the Guildhall and St Paul’s, with strict accreditation restricting access to the site.
Working with City of London Police, MET Police and City of London Corporation, we individually vetted all crew. Police presence and dog searches, and full search and screening of guests and crew operated alongside close protection teams accompanying 11 of our VVIPs, including Royal and Specialist Protection.
Showtime
On stage at the London Guildhall, Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh introduced Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who welcomed guests before taking part in a panel discussion with former Apple CEO Eric Shmidt and GSK CEO Dame Emma Walmsley.
The Summit hosted a full day’s programme of sessions and meetings with Ministers and local leaders, Gareth Southgate joined a Creative Assets panel, before guests were escorted by a ceremonial military guard to a star-studded St Paul’s Cathedral event – with dinner prepared by three-star Michelin chef Clare Smyth - and an audience with King Charles.
Alongside a special showcase of UK creativity and innovation – including the Olympic gold-winning lotus racing bike and Margot Robbie’s “Perfect Day” costume from the Barbie film – we introduced another king…
The opening bars of Tiny Dancer drew guests towards an intimate stage in the Cathedral crypt, where Elton John - the original king of pop - treated us all to a spellbinding performance.
Success
The message was growth, and the Summit delivered loud and clear. Record investments of £63bn were announced, promising to create 38,000 across industries from transport and energy to technology and sustainability.
“I think you can feel the buzz in the room,” Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told the Guardian. “It is incredibly exciting.”
The event marked the UK government’s first 100 days in office, and under the glare of the word’s media, we relished the intense the pressure to deliver a seamless experience for all.
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